Friday, July 12, 2013

Thrifty Fashion From Goodwill

 

coach bag

 

A couple of weeks ago, Savvy and I went into Goodwill to browse around.  Look at what I found!  A Coach bag!  It’s different shades of purple patches made of leather and suede, a perfect accessory for winter fashion!

 

coach bag

 

Here’s the back side.  I love the chain strap woven with the black leather.

 

Coach bag

 

A little Coach bling!

 

Coach bag

 

Complete with serial number!!  After I showed Savvy my find, she decided to do a little digging of her own and found this Vera Bradley bag!

 

Vera Bradley bag

 

It’s in nearly perfect condition!

 

Vera Bradley bag

 

Total price for the Coach and Vera Bradley bag….$5.98!  You can’t beat that!  Have you found any recent fashion deals?

 

Sharing with:

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll thru Life

Open House @ No Minimalist Here

Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

The Scoop Link Party @ The Farmhouse Porch
Tuesdays at Our Home @ Our Home Away From Home
Show Me What Ya Got @ Not JUST A Housewife

Project Inspired @ Artsy Chicks Rule

Be Inspired Friday @ Common Ground

Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Fabulously Creative Party @ Jennifer Rizzo

Tweak it Tuesday @ Cozy Little House

Tips, Tutorials, & Tidbits @ StoneGable

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Share Your Creativity @ It's Overflowing

Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper

The Sunday Showcase Party @ By Stephanie Lynn

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Celebrating the 4th!


4th of July Beverage Station
 
I hope everyone had a safe and Happy 4th of July!  Our barbeque went well!  The rain left us alone this year.  Since I got sick a few days earlier, everything was done last minute.  Some things were just left undone because I didn’t feel up to doing everything!  I even sent the kids to the store for supplies and we didn’t actually purchase the fireworks until the 4th but everything worked out in the end!
 
4th of july beverage station
 
After sharing some beverage stations last week, I wanted to show you what I came up!  I pulled out all the vintage tablecloths I could find that were red, white and blue and used them for a more vintage look!
 
4th of July Beverage Station
 
I purchased the drink dispenser awhile back at Goodwill.  I knew as soon as I saw it that I would be using for the 4th!  The little stool was a recent find from the barn cleaning!  Based on family memories, its about 60 years old!  It was the perfect height and color!
 
4th of July beverage station
 
Another stool from the barn!   There were quite a few stools!  I guess since it was a diary farm they came in handy!  The tub will hold the 2 liter drinks on ice! 
 
4th of july beverage station
 
The coke crates were in my fil’s barn!  We dug ‘em out and washed ‘em up!
 

4th of July dessert station
 
This is where the desserts will go!  Another stool was used to add height and additional serving area.
 
4th of july table
 
I used the new tablecloth from Dirt Cheap on this eight foot long table!  Price for this long, long tablecloth…..$1!   I love a good deal!   The centerpiece I made is surrounded by some garland from the Dollar Tree.
 
church pew seating for 4th of july
 
For seating, I used this old church pew that I purchased at an auction a couple of weeks ago.  It will eventually be headed to our booth.
 
4th of july table
 
See my baker’s rack?  I got it at the auction, too!  I switched out the sewing machine table that was previously here.  I love that it gives me more serving surface and that it doesn’t block the view!
 
4th of July table
 
The table on the back porch was livened up a little too!
 
4th of july
 
Even the plants have some patriotic touches!   Thanks for stopping by!
 
Sharing with:
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove
Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters
Open House @ No Minimalist Here
Let’s Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper
Grace at Home @ Imparting Grace
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll thru Life
 

Sunday, July 7, 2013

My First Sign

 

la cuisine sign

 

Hello, everyone!  Today I wanted to share with you my very first sign!  I love all the great signs that are being made around blog land and wanted to try it!  I recently saw a rustic sign at Destrehan Plantation that said “la cuisine” which in French, means the kitchen.

 

unfinished cabinet

 

I am Very, very slowly working on this cabinet that was rescued from the dump!  While it’s being setting in the foyer waiting for me to finish it, I’ve been trying to find something to put on top of it.  It’s kind of short for the 10 feet ceilings and as you come down the stairs you can see the top clearly.  It was driving me crazy because I knew if I found something to go on top, it would lengthen the height, making it appear taller!  Finally, I said I’m ripping out the top trim!  So I did and I like it better!  I’ll show you the final results whenever I finish it!  Now, I’m left with a pretty piece that would make a fantastic sign!

 

la cuisine sign

 

I removed the little flat piece to give me more working room.  I filled in the grooves with wood putty and after it dried, I sanded it down good and gave it two coats of white paint.  After determining the size letters that I needed, I printed them out, using regular copy paper.  I purchased carbon paper from Office Depot to trace the letters onto the board.  It was only about $5 a pack and it will last forever! 

Using a couple of small paint brushes, I painted in the letters.  After it was completely dry, I lightly sanded across the letters giving them a worn look.  To tone down the brightness, I used a little dark wax.

 

la cuisine - the kitchen in French sign

 

And here it is, over the doorway in the kitchen!  I LOVE how it turned out!  The most difficult part was determining the size letters I needed.  After that, it was easy!

 

Have you made any signs?  If so, what method do you use?

 

Sharing with:

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll thru Life

Open House @ No Minimalist Here

Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

The Scoop Link Party @ The Farmhouse Porch
Tuesdays at Our Home @ Our Home Away From Home
Show Me What Ya Got @ Not JUST A Housewife

Project Inspired @ Artsy Chicks Rule

Be Inspired Friday @ Common Ground

Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Fabulously Creative Party @ Jennifer Rizzo

Tweak it Tuesday @ Cozy Little House

Tips, Tutorials, & Tidbits @ StoneGable

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Share Your Creativity @ It's Overflowing

Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper

The Sunday Showcase Party @ By Stephanie Lynn

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Beverage Stations

 

 

Hello, everyone!  Remember last week I showed you some dessert table inspiration?  Now, I’m going to share some beverage stations!  The metal cart that Hunter refinished for me last year is still holding up find but it’s a little small for the crowd that we’re expecting on the 4th.  To see more about the cart, click here.  Check out these inspiring tables!

 

Source

 

I love all the galvanized tubs with the red bandannas!

 

Source

 

Even the sugar is displayed in a pretty hobnail dish!

 

Source

I really like the signs on this one!  I have used jars as drink dispensers before.   I have an old pickle jar that I’ve used before with a ladle.  To see that post, click here.  Even though I do like the signs, I do have the chalkboard tags that I made.  Click here to see that post.

 

 

I love the idea of using a larger piece like this little hutch.  There’s extra room to add in a few patriotic decorations!

 

Source

 

Now this is an awesome wagon!  You can serve plenty of drinks from this!

 

Source

 

If all else fails, I’ll just back one of Hunter’s old trucks to the back yard and serve them from here!

 

Source

Just kidding!  Thanks for stopping by!  I hope everyone has a safe 4th of July!

 

Sharing with:

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters

Open House @ No Minimalist Here

Let’s Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper

Grace at Home @ Imparting Grace

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll thru Life

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Coastal Art!


coastal decor
 
You may remember my pledge to decorate our home in a Louisiana coastal style….at least for the summer, them it may go to a Louisiana French Country style!  I don’t know, maybe!  Anyway, I then shared the pelican painting, then the DIY oyster mirror.  Well that left the side wall empty!
 
crab art
 
I searched around for some coastal art but everything I wanted was just too expensive!  I decided to look at posters.  I have used Zazzle quite a bit in the past for invitations and business cards so I decided to try out some art.  I chose this crab…
 
oyster art
 
and a larger oyster print.  The oyster print is really what started it all!  I’ve seen several that I just loved and thought it would tie in well with the oyster mirror.
 
coastal art
 
Hunter made the frames for me after he cut the mats using the mat cutter that I found at Goodwill.  You can read about that here.  It took me awhile to decide what color to go with.  I finally decided to go with a blue.  I lightly painted, allowing some of the wood to show though.
 
coastal art
 
After it dried, I applied a coat of clear wax followed up with a dark wax.  I finally discovered that applying a clear coat before the dark allows you to work the wax better.  Duh?!  It took me long enough!
 
coastal decor
 
I finally found a vintage clock!  It joined the BHG reproduction clock!
 
coastal decor
 
Now, here’s my question for you!  I also found a narrow but long Audubon print of sea gulls that would fit perfectly above the oyster mirror BUT do you think that will be just a little too much?  Let me know what you think!
 
Sharing with:
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll thru Life
Open House @ No Minimalist Here
Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
The Scoop Link Party @ The Farmhouse Porch
Tuesdays at Our Home @ Our Home Away From Home
Show Me What Ya Got @ Not JUST A Housewife
Project Inspired @ Artsy Chicks Rule
Be Inspired Friday @ Common Ground
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Fabulously Creative Party @ Jennifer Rizzo
Tweak it Tuesday @ Cozy Little House
Tips, Tutorials, & Tidbits @ StoneGable
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Share Your Creativity @ It's Overflowing
Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Dessert Stations

 

dessert table inspiratoin

 

Yes, I know the 4th is next week.  Yes, I know we’re expecting between 35 to 40 people for our annual 4th of July BBQ.  Yes, I know I haven’t planned any!  For goodness sakes, I just mailed the invitations yesterday!  Yes, I am a procrastinator, but I’m trying to get on the ball!  I wanted to set up a separate little area for desserts and have browsed Pinterest for ideas so at least I have a plan, kind of!  I have to tell you, I found some great ones!

 

Source

 

I love, love, love this first one!  Hunter has an old pie safe in the barn that I may get out and clean up to use.  I could use fabric or even scrapbook paper to line the back to give it a festive look.

 

Source

 

Putting food on ice is a necessity here in south Louisiana!  We won’t start our little shindig until about 6pm but it will still be pretty hot!

 

Source

 

I really like the idea of combining some nautical elements since we hold our party in the backyard around the pool.

 

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Party City has went all out on this fabulous table!

 

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I do love the vintage feel on this table!  I know the next one is going off theme here but I just had to share it with you!

 

Source

 

Just a simple bookshelf would work here!  Once again, line the back with some themed paper or fabric and you’re set to go!

 

Do you have any ideas for a dessert station!  If so, I sure would like to hear about them!

 

Sharing with:

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters

Open House @ No Minimalist Here

Let’s Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper

Grace at Home @ Imparting Grace

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll thru Life

Trash or Treasure?


vintage radio
 
Last week Hunter helped his great uncle clean out a storage room on the old dairy barn.  This is a big thrill for him!  I snapped a few pics of his first load including the old Bakelite radio you see above.  Hunter and I both have a love of old radios and fans.
 
vintage fans
 
Like these two here!  The large fan, made by Hunter, works great but the smaller one was not working….yet.  He found quite a few old chicken feeders.  I don’t know what his plans are for those!
 
chicken cage
 
I love the old chicken cage!  They were selling at the local auction last month for about $100 each!  I started to bid and he told me there were several in the barn!  Saved me some money, even though I don’t know what I’m going to do with it!
 
vintage wood planes
 
He opened this butter cookie tin and found two old wood planes!  He plans to keep these for himself!
 
trash or treasure?
 
As I said this is his first load!  I didn’t get any pics of the other loads but he ended up with several old farmhouse tables and quite a few stools!  He also got me an iron base from an old wood stove!  I just know that there has to be something fabulous that I can do with that! Do you have any ideas?
 
Sharing with:
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll thru Life
Open House @ No Minimalist Here
Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
The Scoop Link Party @ The Farmhouse Porch
Tuesdays at Our Home @ Our Home Away From Home
Show Me What Ya Got @ Not JUST A Housewife
Project Inspired @ Artsy Chicks Rule
Be Inspired Friday @ Common Ground
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Fabulously Creative Party @ Jennifer Rizzo
Tweak it Tuesday @ Cozy Little House
Tips, Tutorials, & Tidbits @ StoneGable
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Share Your Creativity @ It's Overflowing
Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper
The Sunday Showcase Party @ By Stephanie Lynn