Pinspiration

My latest Pinspiration was to create a sconce out of vintage shutters. I have limited table top room on my end tables, so a lamp has always been cumbersome. I am too attached to these amazing vintage end tables to get new ones, so I needed to come up with a new way to get light. Of course I was inspired or had a "pinspiration" from Pinterest. I saw this new paneled shutter turned sconce and just had to make my own with my own vintage twist.

Then I got the find of a century. A salvage yard, where the guy who runs it is as obsessed with antique shutters as I am. He had these amazing Slate blue shutters that came down from a house in 1938 and have been sitting in a barn since then. I scooped them up, cleaned them off and got to work. I found the perfect expandable sconce and put it all together. 

Now I am selling them for $250 each or $450/pair. I can take requests of colors, styles of shutters and sconce styles. Go to my Etsy shop Shutter Aglow to check them out! 

Pinterest Projects

Like I have said before, I am too busy pinning to write. Lately I have been too busy actually creating my Pins. Such a sense of accomplishment to find something you love on Pinterest, then create it. Recently I pinned a breakfast nook and got it in my head to create one. I scoured Craigslist for weeks looking for just he right Nook. Then I found it. Hideous, dirty and in desperate need of a face lift. However it was solid wood and only $175! It included the table and two chairs. Major score.

I ordered outdoor fabric to reupholster the cushions. The kind of fabric that you can pour a glass of red wine on and it rolls right off. I plan on putting this to test time and time again. I got a great deal at www.fashionfabrics.com for $6.75/yard. Can't beat that. We then painted, distressed and varnished the wood benches. I ordered a couple throw pillows from The Lacey Placey Etsy Shop. I also painted the chairs in "almost ebony" with a "witch hazel" distressed bottom. I have a feeling my kids will enjoy many cozy meals at this table for years to come. All for under $250.

Pinterest Inspiration

Craigslist purchase - Before Picture. Yuck!

Distressing Phase. The color is Metropolitan by Benjamin Moore.

Almost finished!

Ready for cozy time! Our next project is swapping out the table top for a barn door or distressed wood planks.
Another Pinterest inspiration....

My next Pinterest project...tune in for pictures. 

Sassy Babies Giveaway!

Love this beautiful bag from Sassy Babies! Go on to their Facebook to enter their giveaway! I did and I have my fingers and toes crossed (:

Sassy Babies Giveaway!

Where Did My Baby Go?

It has been forever since I last posted. We have had a whirlwind summer of vacations and fun.

However, today I was jolted back to reality. I had Ella's Pre-K orientation. The program is full day. We have known since she was a baby that we wanted her to go to this school. It is so loving, nurturing and we know she is going to thrive...

...But at the orientation Ella was inconsolable. Crying, nervous and clingy. SO unlike her. I had a lump in my throat the whole time. If anyone had spoken to me in those moments I would have burst into tears. Luckily, no one dared.

We made it through the hour somehow. I squeezed her and told her how proud I was of her. I asked her what she wanted me to pack her for lunch for her first day. Salami and Cheese with Mayo was her answer. She was back. Happy, holding my hand and skipping as if the tortuous hour had not even occurred. Meanwhile, I felt shell shocked and anxiety ridden. I sought solace at a friend's house, who fed me and gave me headache meds. Thank god for girlfriends. The day got better and we tried to make everything about the next day special. Lunch is packed, projects completed and surprise first day of school gift was given.

Shiny new locket for my Ella. 

Picture of Mommy and Daddy for my big girl. 

We got her her a locket with a picture of Mommy and Daddy in it. She opened the locket tonight at dinner and was so excited.

I know there will be moments she will miss us and feel like she needs a hug. Hopefully those moments will be few and far between. If they do happen, she can squeeze her locket and think of us. YES...to answer your question, I am crying. When did this happen? Where did my baby go?