Soup Tureens on the Table

 

 

Lately, I seems that everywhere I turn, there’s a soup tureen.  I wanted some to display on top of my kitchen cabinets but only had one!  Within the last 3 weeks, I came across four and purchased three!  One was just a little too expensive for me plus it was a little too off white.

 

 

They ranged in price from 3 to 10 dollars each.  For this table, the place setting came first and while trying to think of a centerpiece, I decided to use the tureens!

 

 

White placemats ($ Tree), green wicker chargers (GW), white dinner plates (Pier One), green salad plates (JCP) were topped with a black floral salad plate (GW).

 

 

The black handled flatware was a Christmas gift from Savvy.  I think she purchased it from Amazon.

 

 

Pink napkins bring out the flowers of the plates.  The silver napkins were a Trash to Treasure find many years ago.

 

 

To add a little more silver to the table, I climbed up the ladder and dug these silver plated candlesticks that were in an upper cabinet.  I purchased them years ago off eBay and have never used them.  They were not quite what I expected when I ordered them.  Yes, I did take a moment to clean them!

 

 

The glassware is made by Mikasa in The Ritz pattern.

 

 

Please overlook the fan on the floor in the background!  I painted this room yesterday and used the fan to speed up the drying process in between coats!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Sharing with:

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours

Let’s Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll thru Life

Sleeping Porches

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:8

 

Pinterest: Source Unknown

 

I remember when I was quite young, visiting a cabin in the woods with my mom.  The cabin was nothing fancy but I was enthralled by the “bedroom!”  It was on the porch!

 

Pinterest: Image, Source Unknown

 

This was in the 70’s and a young couple lived there so I thought it was just a hippy thing but it was SOooo cool!

 

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

 

As I grew up, I realized it wasn’t a hippy thing!  People have been doing this for like….forever!  The above picture is from a restored historic site that represents life in the 1930’s.

 

HGTV: Design Happens

 

Miller Architects, PC

 

Down here in Louisiana, if you sleep outside without being screened in, you’ll probably be carried away by mosquitoes!

 

Mexico Dream Pad

 

If you didn’t have a screen in porch or if you lived before screen was invented, you would use mosquito netting!  Almost all the historic homes in our area, have netting attached to the tester beds.

 

Pinterest: Image Unknown Source

 

In the summer months, beds would be moved to the porch to take advantage of the cooler night temperatures.  Heck, why not just moved the whole family out there, especially if you have a fantastic view like this!

 

The Devine Home

 

To see more great sleeping porches, visit this Pinterest page!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

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
Project Inspired @ Artsy Chicks Rule

Be Inspired Friday @ Common Ground

Fabulously Creative Party @ Jennifer Rizzo

Tweak it Tuesday @ Cozy Little House

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

   

12 Signs of a Healthy Faith-Life

Source

 

How fit is your faith? Do you need a spiritual check-up?

 

 

Your faith is based on a relationship with God, not religious obligations and rituals. You follow Christ because you want to, not because you have to. Your relationship with Jesus flows naturally out of love. It is not forced or driven by guilt. (1 John 4:7-18; Hebrews 10:19-22.)

 

If you sense something might be wrong in your spiritual life, perhaps it's time to examine your Christian walk. Here are 12 signs of a healthy faith-life.

 

Your sense of security and significance is centered on God and who you are in Christ, not on others or your accomplishments. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6; Ephesians 6:6-7.) 

1. Your faith in God is strengthened as you walk through life's troubles, trials and painful experiences, not weakened or destroyed. (1 Peter 4:12-13; James 1:2-4.)
2. Your service to others flows out of genuine love and concern for them, not from compulsion or a need to be recognized. You offer your service as a joy and a pleasure and not an obligation or a heavy burden. (Ephesians 6:6-7; Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 12:10.)
3. You value and respect the unique differences and individual gifts of your brothers and sisters in Christ, rather than expecting conformity to one Christian standard. You appreciate and celebrate others' gifts. (Romans 14; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31.)
4. You are able to give and receive trust and allow others to see you—and themselves—in a state of vulnerability and imperfection. You allow yourself and others the freedom to make mistakes. (1 Peter 3:8; Ephesians 4:2; Romans 14.)
5. You can relate to real, everyday people with a non-judgmental, non-legalistic attitude. (Romans 14; Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37.)
6. You thrive in an atmosphere of learning, where free thinking is encouraged. Questions and doubts are normal. (1 Peter 2:1-3; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; Luke 2:41-47.)
7. You prefer balance over black and white extremes in your approach to the Bible, its teachings and the Christian life. (Ecclesiastes 7:18; Romans 14.)
8. You do not feel threatened or defensive when others hold to a different opinion or perspective. You can agree to disagree, even with other Christians. (Titus 3:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-25; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17.)
9. You are not afraid of emotional expressions from yourself and others. Emotions are not bad, they just are. (Joel 2:12-13; Psalm 47:1; Psalm 98:4; 2 Corinthians 9:12-15.)
10. You have the ability to relax and have fun. You can laugh at yourself and at life. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4; 8:15; Proverbs 17:22; Nehemiah 8:10)

I hope that you enjoyed this post and that it will bring you closer to the Lord.

 

Have a blessed week!

 

To read more on the subject, click here.

Summer Table

 

 

I was going to start off by saying that I wanted to show off my new seafood plates from World Market when I realized that this is the first time that I’ve used any of the anything on this table, except for the vase!

 

 

The rattan chargers and the blue plates are both from GW.  My favorite here is the salad plates! I saw them online at World Market and they were marked down 1/2 half and since I was making a trip to the city, I dropped in the store.  They had 5 left with one having a chip but there was no sale sign.  I went to a sales clerk who scanned them and they WERE half off, and I had a coupon!  I love the bright red with the sea coral engraved in the white! 

 

 

That’s why I chose to use the PB coral in the centerpiece.

 

 

The red flatware is from JCP.

 

 

The vintage goblets were from a yard sale.  The napkins are from PB.

 

 

Two lobster, or for us Louisiana natives, crawfish plates and two crab plates!

 

 

Here’s an update on the breakfast are.  I ordered another blue button pillow from PB.  Now the pillows are balanced.  Next are the cushions.  I’m not liking the loose fit, I think I’m going to try some thicker fitter cushions.  What to do you think?

 

Sharing with:

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours

Let’s Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll thru Life

Ballard Inspired Sea grass Chandelier Shades

 

While updating the kitchen, I decided to add some shades to the chandelier above the breakfast area.  I love the sea grass shades from Ballard but just could not even contemplating spending 20 bucks apiece on them!  I mean, that’s more that what I made for the chandelier! 

 

Anyway, last year’s sea grass shade that I made turned out so great, I decided to use the same technique for these.  To see that post and the DYI instructions, click here.

 

 

Instead of spending $100, I spent less that $5!  The shades were purchased on clearance at Lowes for 35 cents each and the 2 placemats I used were less than a dollar at a yard sale!

 

 

I just love saving money, don’t you?  To see more of the updated breakfast area, click here.

 

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
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

What is Faith?

 

By definition, faith is belief with strong conviction; firm belief in something for which there may be not tangible proof; complete trust in or devotion to.  Faith is the opposite of doubt.

 

Faith is possibly the single most important element of the Christian life.  Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossibly to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (NIV)

 

The Bible gives this description of faith in Hebrew 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  (NIV)

 

Scripture explains that the source of faith is God:  “For is is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

 

Just because a person is good does not mean that they are going to Heaven.  Grace is God’s unmerited favor, demonstrated most fully in the sacrifice of Christ.  In short, the only way to heaven is through Jesus, “the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)

We can’t work our way to heaven or claim to be without sin (1 John 1:8).  Instead, we must humbly submit to God, turn from our wrong behavior, and turn to Christ for salvation.

 

Have a blessed week!

 

For additional info, visit:

 

Focus on the Family

 

Vintage Barq’s Chalkboard

 

 

I made a decision earlier this year to decorate our home using things that held special meaning to us.  It didn’t matter if it was in style or not, even though it’s an added bonus if it is!  This vintage chalkboard sign that we purchased from the auction is just such a special piece! 

 

 

Did you know that the Barq’s Brothers Bottling Company was founded in 1890 in the French Quarter in New Orleans, right here in our great state of Louisiana?  I think it also looks perfect with the platter that I found at this years Trash to Treasure Sale.

 

 

The platter is decorated with some great seafood, which Louisiana is also known for!

 

 

I’m debating if I should spruce it up with a coat of chalkboard paint and possibly add a small frame around it.  What do 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
Project Inspired @ Artsy Chicks Rule

Be Inspired Friday @ Common Ground

Fabulously Creative Party @ Jennifer Rizzo

Tweak it Tuesday @ Cozy Little House

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

Setting a Table with Purple Dinnerware

 

 

This is my first tablescape on the new breakfast table since this area was redecorated.  Instead of using a tablecloth, I took advantage of the white finish.

 

 

The centerpiece was the last thing to go on this table and I did walk around trying to find something to use!  I wanted something with a little yellow and went to grab these flower branches and decided to use the container they were being stored in. 

 

 

The place setting started with wicker chargers, vintage Homer Laughlin white chargers, purple dinner plates, floral soup bowls and vintage yellow napkins.  All pieces are from Goodwill, yard sales, and auctions.

 

 

Amethyst glasses are from Old Time Pottery.

 

 

Some votive cups with a little bling were also from Goodwill.

 

 

The flatware is made by Reed & Barton.  You can see the napkins bring out the yellow centers of the purple flowers on the bowls.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Sharing with:

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours

Let’s Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll thru Life

Updated Breakfast Banquette Area

 

I’m back!  I’ve been busy tinkering around the house and didn’t get any post up last week!  I’ve been painting up a storm!  I am so in love with the new color in my kitchen!  I told my husband that and he says, “Good, maybe you’ll want to cook a little more!” I told him, “Naw, I’m just happy looking at it!”  Ha!  I got him on that one!

Here is the before…

 

 

and here it is now…..

 

 

Goodbye goldish taupe color, hello gray!  It is so much brighter!  The new paint color is Gris by Sherwin Williams.  I saw this color in a pretty bathroom over at Thistlewood Farms and decided to purchase a sample to try in here!  At first, I thought it was too gray, almost like battleship gray BUT as the day went on, the light changed and the color changed!  At times, it looks more gray and sometimes it looks more blue!

 

 

I put together a little wall vignette of plates on the wall.  Didn’t I make that sound so easy?  Well, it wasn’t!  I debated for days, weeks even, on what plates to use and how to arrange them!  I love that little pop of orange there!  I see lots of orange pumpkins and mums in my future!

 

 

After I took the valances down, there seemed to be a lot of empty space above the window.  I used the “E A T” artwork that I made to fill in the space.  It also got a new coat of white paint. 

 

 

I also changed out the smaller table that I had here before for the slightly larger one that was on the screened porch.  This table seats four comfortably and I have two extensions if I need them.  I painted the top white to brighten up the area a little more.  The new pillows are from Pottery Barn.  The blue buttoned one was not meant for this area but I love it here and now have to order 2 more!

 

I still have a few more things to do to the kitchen before I give you the grand tour but it’s coming together quick and I’ve found some great deals as well!

 

Have you done any updating lately?

To see the DIY Ballard inspired sea grass chandelier shades, click here.

 

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
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
September Before and After @ Thrifty Décor Chick
 

Sunday Scripture - Proverbs 3:3



 

More Booth Ideas

 

A couple of weeks ago, I shared some booth ideas from 4 Sister & Etc.  Today, I have a few more to share with you! 

 

I plan on the putting a mantel in my booth closer to Fall to not only sell but to use as a prop.

 

 

I really like how this dealer used the chicken wire to extend her walls up!  It not only adds definition to her space but also gives more display space for pictures and such!

 

 

Here’s a close up of a pretty little vanity!

 

 

This dealer used a trio of window frames!  I love the “valances” that were added!

 

 

If you have the space, a set of wood steps provides display area. 

 

 

I’m sure most dealers have thought of or even used shutters but have you thought of a cypress knee?

 

 

Or even a tree!

 

 

A bedframe is another great idea!  Have any of these ideas sparked an idea for you?

 

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