HomeGoods Giveaway!

Run over to Bella Casa for an awesome giveaway.  A $100 gift card to HomeGoods!  There's not one in the city where I live, but I've discovered a couple that aren't too far away--and would be worth the trip!

Motivate Me Monday

I surrender!  I only worked out two days last week.  So I'm conceding for now.  My goal this week is to not go to Goodwill or any yard sales.  Which is easy till Saturday morning.  Then I'm like a druggie looking for a fix.  Wish me luck.

YOUR goal this week is to link up with Lauren for Motivate Me Monday.  Come on, people.  Don't just comment here--show some linky love!

Looky What I Got!

It was definitely cold this weekend, but there were still brave souls holding yard sales.  And if they're willing to brave the cold, I am, too!  Here are just a few of the things I brought home.

This pretty lamp for $2.  Right now it's sitting on a table in the living room.  I threw out 2 struggling live (I use the term loosely) plants and replaced them with this.  Oh, the books were a quarter each.  I was going to rip the covers off like I saw on someone's blog--but can't find where I saw it!  Aaarrgghh!  I hate when that happens!  The urn was $2.99 at GW and needs a pumpkin to complete it!

 

 Here's the table underneath all the loot.  It was $20 and is solid wood.  I love round tables!

 The big print was $1.  The little ones are oil and were free.  We got there as the people were packing up and they gave us a bunch of stuff.  Didn't get pics of it all.  I'm thinking these will make great chalkboards.

 

Tall candleholder for $1.  I had thought I'd paint it black, but apparently that's become my color of choice and Darrell says we have enough already!

 

Majority of the 70+ movies we bought for $15.  I know tapes are on the way out, but as long as the VCR holds out, we'll use it.

 

 And I found these at the Dollar Tree this morning!  I've yet to jump on the vinyl lettering bandwagon, but I've seen some awesome ideas that I'd like to try.  Can't really justify $30 or so at Hobby Lobby or even Walmart, but these I can waste attempt!

 

 

Help!

See my to-do list over there on the sidebar?  I actually finished one of my tasks!  Yea for me!!  Now, does anyone know how to cross it off?  I worked too hard to just delete it!  Thanks!  (Too many exclamation points?  I think I'm addicted to them! Whoops, there's another one!)

Wordless Wednesday

It's Bubba's Birthday!

Our little man Grant is 2 today!  This little guy is a big sweetheart.  He smiles with his whole face and there's nothing like getting a grin from him.  Happy birthday, Bubba!  Enjoy your boots!!

These pictures attest to just what a miracle Grant is.  To read his whole story, go HERE and HERE.

Color, color, on the walls??

Okay, folks, I need your help again.  I've narrowed the wall color down to these two.  Should I go with the safe dark khaki (aka Mountain Trail) color below?

Or this soft green (aka Patina)? 

The true green color doesn't really come through.  Any suggestions on how to get a better picture?  I'm leaning toward the green, even though I turn green thinking about all that color on the walls....

Motivate Me Monday

Here we are once again!  It's Monday and for the first time in weeks, it's not raining or overcast.  The sun is actually shining!!  I was starting to believe I'd been transported to the northwest.

I'm linking up with Lauren for Motivate Me Monday again and hope you will, too.  I've gotta admit here I'm not doing too well with my goals.  I think I've been trying for a month now to establish a weekly exercise routine and it just ain't happening.  Last week I only worked out once.  It's so much more fun to do this:

So this week I'm gonna try one more time.  At least four days a week for at least 15 minutes.  I've already done 30 minutes on the treadmill this morning.  One down...

So Far...

Thanks to all of you who gave me much needed feedback about my bedroom.  I look at so many options and second guess myself, then don't know which way to turn.  Here's what I've decided so far:



The wicker chair is going.  I put it on craigslist a little while ago.  It never got sat in much anyway.  More of a second closet, if you know what I mean.  It wound up getting clothes draped over the arms till you could hardly see it!  I'd rather have a fireplace anyway!

 Like these?  Oh, I do.  Especially the one with the shelves.  I don't care that they don't give out much warmth.  I'm all about the ambiance!







I am going to try putting the bed in the corner.  It would go in the corner between the large dresser and where the bed sits now.  If it doesn't work out, at least I won't wonder anymore.  The best part will be if it does work, I can hang a chandelier in that corner above the headboard.  We have a lovely one that my inlaws bought in Murano, Italy.  I've been looking for a home for it for years.



The black framed pictures above the bed are going to get a makeover.  They just don't fit.  I always knew that, but I love the contents of the frames, so I lived with them.  You've heard that every room should have a touch of black?  Yeah, that was my excuse.  I'm not sure what will happen with them or when, but it will be done.  Suggestions??

The other photos will be weeded out and the remaining ones will be grouped together.  We have family photos lining the stairs and hall, so that's probably enough.  I may move a lot of them to that area. 


I've narrowed the wall color down to either a dark khaki or green.  I'm afraid of painting all four walls green.  People say "it's only paint".  If you don't like it, you can paint over it.  But paint is expensive and painting is not one of my favorite pastimes.  I only want to do it once.  Actually I don't even want to do it once!


And, while I don't see an armoire in my future (why, oh why didn't I buy that $35 one on craigslist last week!), maybe a flat screen mounted on the wall?  We'll see.  Sorry, but we've got to have a TV in the bedroom.  We're die-hard MASH fans and watch every night.  And Saturday mornings are made for laying in bed snuggling and watching old westerns.  One of the perks of being empty nesters!



Thanks again, everyone.  Feel free to continue to throw your two cents my way!

Okay, I don't know why the spacing is wonky on this post.  I've tried over and over to fix it with no luck.  Sorry.

It's Commitment Time for Me AND You

I am committing myself to getting my bedroom painted before Thanksgiving!  There, I said it.  Now it's official and I have to do it.  I'm going to bare all to you in a few pics--oh, stop, get your minds out of the gutter--you know what I mean.  In other words, here are the befores:

The view from the door.  There is not an unbroken wall in this room, adding to the problem of how to arrange the furniture.  In some of the photos you can see the lovely cabbage rose border left from the previous owners.  Yeah, that'll be the first thing to go!

Another view from the door.  This door leads to a private deck where our hot tub is.  It's a nine-light door and the sun comes up that direction, so we need the window part covered.

 

View from beside the deck door.

 

Same spot, slightly different direction.

 

Other side of the room.

 

In front of the long dresser.  Please ignore the ugly shower curtain liner in the bathroom.  I have a lovely shower curtain--really I do--we're just too lazy to close it.  Oh, and the beautiful beach towel hanging on the door is mine from my last dip in the hot tub.  AND you'll be happy to know the toilet paper has been replenished on the roll.  Just keeping it real here.

 

From in front of the closet doors.

 

 

Taking pics of your rooms makes some things glaringly obvious.  I have way too much stuff on the walls.  This room is larger than it appears and not nearly as crowded as these photos make it seem.

 

Here is the bedding I've already purchased.  These are two of the throw pillows.

 

Here's the rest.  I'm not good at matching patterns, etc, so I always buy the sets.  This one appealed to me because it's reversible.

 

Now for your part in all this!  I reeealllyy want to rearrange the furniture.  Any suggestions?  I'm also not so crazy about the wicker chair anymore and would like to replace it.  Something else I'd like to add if I can figure out how, is a fireplace--either one of those electric ones or ventless gas.

I pinky promise not to wear my heart on my sleeve, so don't hold back on the comments.  I've been dissatisfied with this room for a while, so just about anything you suggest will be considered.  

Thanks bunches!!

Elias is 6!

Happy birthday, Elias!!  I love you!

My oldest grandson turns six years old today!  Wow!  Hard to believe.  Elias is the funniest kid.  You may have read some of the things I've posted about him here and here.

Elias is the only grandchild I've actually been in the room with as they were born.  I think I prefer the waiting room!  Eli's dad was  in the army and overseas, so I was elected to drive Holly to the hospital.  Poor Holly.  After what happened with her first child's delivery, she wasn't taking any chances.  We made several (read 4 or 5) false alarm trips to the hospital.  Maybe we could call them dry runs!  Now you have to understand--being military meant using the army hospital on post.  Which meant either driving her car or jumping through a bunch of hoops to take mine--stopping at the visitor's center to sign in and get a pass, having the car inspected for bombs, etc.  Just your routine stuff.

I think it was about 2:30am when I got the call that it was time.  My reaction was probably a lot like the townspeople when the little boy cried wolf.  Though if I'd been thinking, I would have realized she was three days overdue.  So I head over to pick Holly and Melody up.  Then back to my house to leave Melody with Grandpa.  Holly stayed in the car while I took Melody inside and made a pallet for her on the living room floor.  I decided to get a book in case things took a while.  Oh, and I might want a snack and something to drink.  So I filled a water bottle and grabbed a cereal bar.  Better use the bathroom while I'm here.

Finally make it back to the car.  Holly is unusually quiet.  We drive the 20 or so minutes to the hospital, me chattering all the way, her hanging onto the "oh crap" strap above the passenger door.  We get to the ER and they send her back to Labor and Delivery.  The woman is quite slow in getting her admitted and Holly tells me she has to use the bathroom.  The dumb army nurse won't let her use the bathroom right behind the desk "because she hasn't been admitted yet".  So we head back down the hall to the ER bathroom.   I wait outside the stall.  She tells me she can't stand up from the toilet.  I tell her we really don't want to have to fish the baby out of the toilet and short of crawling under the door (which I'd really rather not do), I can't get in there with her.  She is finally able to reach the latch and open the door.  I squat in front of the toilet with my back to her and she puts her hands on my shoulders and stands up with me as I stand.  Back to L&D.

They get her settled in a room and check to see her progress.  I'm sure my face drained of all color when the nurse said Holly was dilated to 8.   They couldn't give her anything because she was too far along.  To Holly, a labor pain and a paper cut register about the same on her pain scale.  I was pretty sure I didn't want to be anywhere near for the next couple of hours!

She did really well considering.  Elias was born about an hour and 15 minutes later.  It probably wouldn't have taken that long if he had gotten turned the right way.  There were five women in the room (including Holly and myself) and one male nurse.  The man was the only one who said anything to Holly about screaming.  He actually told her it couldn't hurt that badly.  I told Holly afterward that she was nicer than me.  I would have motioned him closer, grabbed his "family jewels", twisted and said "now that can't hurt that badly".  Okay, maybe I wouldn't have--but I sure would have wanted to!

And THEN they asked me to cut the cord!  Anybody know why oh why I wore a sweater?  Can I get a chair?  Maybe a fan?  Smelling salts?

 

 

Faucet Giveaway

Kate at Centsational Girl is hosting a wonderful giveaway!  Need a new kitchen or bathroom faucet?  Visit her blog to enter.  But hurry!  It ends tonight!!

Today is my brother's birthday.  I wish I could see him and hug him, tell him happy birthday.  Unfortunately, I don't know how to contact him.  He lives in the same town I do, which isn't that big, unless you WANT to run into someone.  My brother chooses to distance himself from the family for some reason.  And that makes me sad.  I've only seen him twice in the past 15 years.  The first time was not long after we moved back here.  He walked into the office where I was working--not to see me.  As far as I know, he didn't even know we were living here again.  The second time I saw him was at our aunt's memorial service.  That was over ten years ago.

It hasn't always been like this.  Pete is about a year and a half older than me.  When I was two and he was 3 1/2, we went to live with aunts (sisters of our mother).  Pete lived a couple of houses down from me, but we were together every day because our aunts worked and our grandmother babysat us.  From stories I've heard, we were inseparable.  When Pete was 5 or 6, the uncle raising him was sent by the Army to Germany.  Pete went, too.  When they returned after four years, they bought the house next door.  Our relationship had changed, of course.  He was 9 and not crazy about having a little sister.  All I knew was my big brother was back.

After a couple of years, the Army once again moved my uncle.  This time to Virginia.  When they returned to our little military town, Pete and I were in our early teens.  Definitely a new and not so great relationship now.  I remember him being pretty mean to me and even hitting me when he got mad.  Once we were both in high school, he virtually ignored me.  He played football and was popular.  I wasn't.  It was hard to pass him in the halls and have him walk right past without a word or look.

After graduation, I married and moved away.  I had children of my own.  When I'd come home to visit, I'd see Pete sometimes.  But our relationship was strained.  Now here we are all these years later, and we don't talk or see each other.  I can't tell you how that feels.  To know my brother is only a few miles away and deliberately chooses to stay away.  He didn't even contact me when Shana died.

Pete is the only person I feel truly understands my childhood, because he lived it, too.  When we were young, I felt like he was the one person in the world I could count on.  I knew he loved me when I felt no one else did.  Then things changed as we grew up.  And here we are as adults.  Both still with that lonely child inside.  We could so easily help each other--if he only knew.  And if I knew where he is.

Happy Birthday, Pete.  I love you.

Motivate Me Monday

Welcome to Monday!  Hope you'll join with Lauren at Long Winded Lauren for some encouragement and accountability.  Don't just leave a comment.  Grab the button, commit yourself to a new goal by posting on your blog, then report back next week.  Come on, folks, it's--as they say--easy peasy lemon squeezy!

My goal since we started this has been the same.  To build an exercise program I can stick with--working out at least 15 minutes a day for at least four days a week.  I accomplished my goal last week, but I honestly can't say it's become a habit.  Proof is that I'm sitting here at the computer rather than walking on the treadmill, or any other physical activity.  So, I guess I'll try one more week.

So, what are y'all gonna work on this week?  Leave me a comment, cuz you know I love me some comments, but make a goal of your own and link back to Lauren so we will know and can bug you about it!

Ramblings.....

Disclaimer:  Lots of stuff running through my mind this morning, so this post may be a little disjointed.

Wordless Wednesday photos are HARD!  I'm full of words and it's difficult for me not to comment.  The picture yesterday is of Fontana Lake in NC.  We visited there last fall and were astonished to see how low the water was.  I'm hoping it's higher after all the rain this year.  Look at the picture again.  While it is beautiful, it's also quite disturbing.  The water should be up to the tree line.

Most of you know we lost our oldest daughter in April 2006.  Shana is buried in a local cemetery; it's one of the oldest areas in our little town and is quite lovely.  The people who work there have always been very respectful and caring.  Unfortunately, the cemetery is now under new management and as the head of the board of directors said "there's a new sheriff in town".  This man has decided to enforce regulations that have been overlooked since the cemetery began.  We found this out the hard way when a friend went by last Friday and discovered items missing from Shana's grave.  Apparently, the "powers that be" arbitrarily decided to remove any objects left in or on the ground.  Without any word to us, beloved and specially chosen mementos were taken and thrown away.  My friend dug through a pile of trash and was able to find two of five items--one broken beyond repair.  We have written letters to the editor of our local paper, but they refuse to print them stating it's a dispute between a business and individual.  In an effort to keep others from experiencing what we went through, we have put the word out on Facebook.  If you'd like to search our cause and hopefully join us, look for Keep Greenwood Cemetery Family Friendly.  Thanks.

On a happier note, I'm joining Gina at The Shabby Chic Cottage to complete ten projects in ten days.  I don't think I'm going to get that much done, especially since it's raining and I can't do the painting I'd planned for today.  And we're going to visit grandchildren this weekend!  But here are a complete of little things I've finished, as well as something I've been thinking of doing for a while.  Posting a picture here will commit me!

First, I started small.  Got this urn at a yard sale for a quarter.  Add a styrofoam ball covered in moss and voila!  Instant impact!

Doing the above inspired me to rework the area above my china cabinet.  Not very good pics, but the best I could do.  I was anxious to get them on here!  The white platter was free (thanks, Lauren) and the plate in front of it was fifty cents at a yard sale.  The two pitchers were gifts.  The little crock was a yard sale find, as were the pears.  The cookie jar is a McCoy and belonged to my husband's great aunt.  The candlestick you can barely see was a yard sale buy at .50 and is from Southern Living!

Do you remember this ugly breadbox I teased my daughter with?  I gave her the one I already had (unpainted) and kept this one for myself.  A little paint and a new knob from Hobby Lobby go a long way.  I figure I've got $5 in this.

Here's the footstool I got last Saturday at a yard sale.  The sweet lady wanted to give it to me--amazing what a little conversation can do--but Darrell gave her $2. 

Isn't this much better?  Spray paint I already had plus about 1/4 yard of burlap ($.75).  I really want to put a monogram on it, but haven't found what I want just yet.

And here's the project I had planned for today.  The sun is coming out, so maybe I'll get to finish it after all.  Keep your fingers crossed.  This is a little chest I purchased probably 10 years ago.  It's been all over the house and is currently hiding in my office and storing extra supplies.  My plan is to (close your eyes, Cam!) paint it out white and attach a wooden applique.

Wish me luck! 
Are you game for ten projects in ten days??

Witch's Broom

When I first saw this post at Imperfectly Beautiful, I knew I had to make one of my own!  I'm not really a crafty person, but this looked doable.  And it was.  I'm really happy with the results.  And the price!

Yard sale broom - $1

Ribbon - $1.99

Fringe - $1

Total - $4

Wordless Wednesday

Warning!! Go To The Bathroom First!

Motivate Me Monday

I'm a little late linking up for Motivate Me Monday.  Sorry bout that.  My poor house was begging to be cleaned and I couldn't avoid it any longer.

My goal for this week is the same as the last two:  workout at least 4 days a week for at least 15 minutes.  I didn't do too good last week.  Tuesday I did some yard work, Wednesday I met a friend for lunch and we walked on the Riverwalk, then Saturday I went to two neighborhood yard sales where we parked and walked.  So I'll say I got 3 days in.

I have worked out today for about 40 minutes.  Did the Start It Up workout from Slim in 6, followed by the stretching workout.  I was trying to avoid the soreness I know comes after, but I can feel it starting up in my shoulders, back, and thighs.  Hot tub time for sure tonight!

What are YOU working on?  Link up with Lauren at Long Winded Lauren for motivation and accountability!

Hey, Can Ya Help a Sistah Out?

Have you ever visited Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick?  If you haven't, you are missing out!  This girl is amazing.  She handles a miter box like I handle the TV remote!  Many is the time I've sat slack jawed at her befores and afters.  Anyway, go to One Project Closer and vote for her!  Then sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and take a while visiting her blog.  I promise you won't be sorry!

Another Giveaway

I am always on the lookout for new blogs--since I only follow about 50!  Stumbled upon this one through The Secret is in the Sauce.  She's hosting a giveaway for an interesting sounding book (another thing I'm always on the lookout for).  Check it out for yourself.

A Beautiful Day for Yard Sales!

Wow! What an awesome day I've had!  My friend Liz and I started about 7 this morning and didn't get home till 1:30 or so!  There were two neighborhood yard sales nearby and we made out (as my hubby would say) like fat rats!  Should have gotten pics of her stuff--maybe next time.

First up is this brand new tote--$4.  Never heard of the brand--Ariat--but love the pockets and organization of this bag!  It'll be great for travel.

How bout this cute little wooden table for $3?

Luurrvvee this little stool!  It's metal and the sweet little lady wasn't sure how old it was.  My can of Heirloom White is begging to be used on it and new fabric will just make this baby smile.  The lady wanted to give it to me, but my husband insisted on giving her $2 for it.

I have several of these lanterns and will add this one to the collection.  Price: $1.75

Had no clue what this was--do you?

Would you have thought it?  $2

$2.50 for the artichoke.  A quarter for the little urn.

Four pair of dress up shoes--$2.  Little stroller--$2.  Noise making ball--$1.

Seriously, can you have too many lamps?  Especially when the price is $1.75!

A Santa to add to my collection--$3

Cute little tin--$2

Cornucopia complete with leaves--75 cents

Liz Claiborne purse--$1

Red Hat poem--$1

Frame--50 cents

Basket--50 cents

Broom (to do this)--$1

Lovely little table(?) stool(?)--lid lifts for storage--$5

Metal plant stand--$4

Silver tray monogrammed w/ a B--had to have it! Teapot, sugar & creamer.  Two candlesticks. Each piece of silver was $1.  The little candleholder was free.

Darrell got a huge fan for the garage for $20.  Plus I got several things I can't show you, because they're Christmas gifts.  All in all, it was a very productive day!  Hope yours was just as good!

Now I'm off to watch the Tennessee Volunteers play Auburn!
GO BIG ORANGE!!