Let there be Stripes!

If you read my little ole blog semi-regularly, you might remember me doing a post on stripes a little while back. I have been envisioning some stripes in my hallway for sometime, then I finally got around to making it happen.

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I love the way the stripes added such depth to this entryway.

before

Now my hall is much smaller than her entryway, so I decided to do more muted, wider stripes. First I painted the whole hall one color. I chose Panda White by SW. I already had the color because I had painted my kitchen that color and decided against it. Don't ya love when that happens?


I then measured the wall from top to bottom and I decided on 13 inch stripes so that gave me 8 stripes. The top and bottom stripes came out a little bigger because the measurement was not exact. I measured and taped it off. This was the longest part of the process! It made it longer when my little angel would tear off the tape when he went by on it on the way to his room. That did not make for a happy momma!

After it was taped, I used this foam roller to paint the contrasting color every other stripe. I used a shade darker than the base color, Wool Skein by SW. I had this color from the Living Room. I wished I had bought the wider foam roller for faster painting. So, if you decide to do this, then get the bigger one.

After two coats of paint and cutting in on the edges, ta-da! Here is the finished product and a very excited girl! I took the tape off while it was still wet because I couldn't wait to see it. At least I have one in the house who appreciates my crazy decorating whims.

The stripes are just what this hallway needed. It had been calling out for some character since we moved in. I am going to do a gallery wall here using old windows in different colors. Stay tuned for that upcoming project.

After
I feel like the hall became twice as long. Love it!

Next up, a DIY light fixture to replace the old brass ceiling light up there. I did not get a picture of it. More to come...

Decorating with Antlers

Cooler weather has put me in the mood to do some fall decorating. I love using natural elements that could take me all the way to Christmas and maybe even through winter. I would like to include some antlers this year for something different, but problem is, I don't have any yet. I am on the hunt and finding some inspriration while I wait...
I love the birch candles with the antlers here.

Even pretty in the bedroom. The antlers can be bleached or spray painted for this look.

Simple and pretty with the pumpkins. I never thought I would call antlers pretty!

This antler chandelier is so cool and I love the way it is mixed into this cottage style porch.

Great collection of antlers hanging on the wall.

I just adore this idea for a towel rack outside.

All pictures found on pinterest

Now, I'm off to look for some antlers...

Will you be using any antlers in your fall decorating? I would love to hear your ideas.

A Granny Glider and the First Day of School

I was having a great day yesterday and this weather has just put me in the best mood! I saw this old granny glider outside of a store I like to visit, so I quickly turned the van around to go see how much it was. I was getting back in the van after looking at the great price, when my little man begged to go in (they have dogs in there he likes to pet). So after chatting with the owner and sitting on it awhile enjoying the breeze, the "old gal" ended up in my van.

I have wanted one for years, so I am just giddy seeing her on my back patio. She is in need of a little makeover though, but she is in great shape structurally and glides really smoothly. She has been with the same owner all of her life. It is cool to think of all the chats over glasses of tea and coffee while sitting here. That adds so much character in my opinion!

I searched for inspiration trying to decide what color to paint it and came up with some great options...


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I fell in LOVE with this idea! I have never thought of having a glider inside, but I think it looks so cool and out of the ordinary.





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If it stays outside, then I think this green would look good. I really like this coffee table too with the plants.

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This red is so pretty too and my back door is red, so it would tie in nicely. I adore these pillows and the quilt on it too. The pillows are a must and I can't wait to add some.

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This aqua color is so pretty and I love the two-toned look, but think I might tire of this look.

I would love to hear your opinions on the color, and do you think put it INSIDE or OUT???

Can't you just picture it with two big pots of mums on either side?

On another note, I am so behind on blogging. My big kids started school last month and they are doing great! Bryce is now in 4th grade, and everyone is telling me how much older he looks in this picture. I'll have to agree!

Makenna started 1st grade and is now going to all day school. I sure miss her, but she is loving it, making friends, and really excelling in her reading and schoolwork. You go girl!

Here is how "Little Man" dressed for the first day. He wore his p.j's and rainboots to walk the kids in and Bryce said that he was SO embarrased. I figure let him wear his pjs while he can, right?


We celebrated surviving the first day with Root Beer floats, or maybe this was the second day... I think this will be a good year!

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A Beach Vacation, Some New Finds and a Step Ladder Makeover

We enjoyed a week at the beach last month to getaway from the "everyday life". It always does wonders for my soul. Bryce and his dad did some fishing off the pier. They caught some and threw them back. They enjoyed it, but it sounds pretty cruel to me. I guess it is a guy thang...

I love to get pictures on the beach just before sunset. I think this is my favorite time of day there.

With the help of our friends and their kids, my kids helped to create this life size sand octupus. They were pretty proud of it. It took a lot of time and a few do overs but they kept building. It was so good just to get to hang out with my peeps without all the distractions of home and regular life. I can't wait to go back! The sand and surf is calling my name already...

I wanted to share a few finds from this summer too. I found this canvas subway style sign at T.J. Max and I just love this saying.
It is hanging in my foyer right when you come in the front door. I still haven't changed that wall color though. I'll get to that eventually...
I found this old fan on the way back from the beach. I love the patina and color. It is just perfect in my sunroom. It doesn't work, but hubby said the cord just needed to be changed because it has a cut in it. Hopefully that will work, but it still is pretty anyway.
I also found this Pepsi crate for a bargain. I love the color on this one too!
I spray painted this old step ladder a color called "Bright Idea" and it is so much more fun now than it was white. I also painted and distressed that shutter behind it. My sunroom seems to be taking a blue and yellow turn and I am loving it. This is the last day of summer for us, so we are headed to the pool for one last day of fun in the sun!

Another Potato Sack Lamp Makeover

I bought these potato sacks at the Country Living Fair last year. I love the other lampshade I made using one of these potato sacks (you can check out that post here), so I decided to make another one. This time I used the burlap and blue one that says "Grow with P & E Seed Potatoes.

I forgot to take a before picture, but I found this lamp at a garage sale for $6 including the drum shade. The lamp was pink and I spray painted it a color called "Bright Idea." I then laid the shade out on the potato sack and cut it to size adding about 2 inches to fold under at the top and bottom. I used spray adhesive to glue the sack to the shade then I hot glued the edges around on the inside of the shade.

The lamp sits in my sunroom on top of the metal table I also got at the Country Living Fair (you can read about that makeover here). Everyone asks me what P & E stands for. I have no idea, I just love using repurposed items. It adds character to a home, saves money, and is better for the environment.

Hope you are enjoying your 4th of July weekend!

I am linking up to:

Our June in Pictures

I have been a little behind on my blogging lately, so I am just doing some snippets of what we have been up to in June. The month started out with my hubby having knee surgery. We have enjoyed having him home, but have been sticking close by until he can get out and do more.

We worked on an old lady's yard because her view was covered by brush and trees. She lives across the street. Here is the BEFORE.

Here it is AFTER! This is after many hours of work and sweat thanks to a big group of guys at our church. She is so happy with the result and her new view!

Hubby celebrated his birthday and the kids helped me make him a cake.

We brought him his meal and his cake to him on the couch. Happy Birthday Honey!

Makenna and her cousins sold some lemonade on a few hot days!

I had a birthday and turned 35. We celebrated at my mom's house and I chose Key Lime Pie...my favorite!Me and my favorite hubby :) This was his first time out since his surgery.

Got to celebrate again with my sister and my mom at my favorite mexican restaurant. It is a new one close to our house and it has outside seating, another favorite of mine! I only sit out there when hubs is not with me. He doesn't do "hot" while he eats.

Got to celebrate again with my friends, Amy and Amber, at a yummy bistro and got to eat outside again. I have great friends! I don't usually have this many birthday celebrations, but I loved it!

We had a few summer storms which prompted Makenna to move to Bryce's bed one night. I had to get a picture when I saw this. She usually comes to get in our bed. The picture looks like it is daylight, but it's really dark. They do love each other even though it doesn't seem like it some days!

Grandma Patty came to visit from New York. Bryce talked her into buying him the biggest nerf water gun ever.


The kids loved having her here!

Had a girly slumber party with cousins complete with "Shirley Temples" (Sprite, grenadine, and cherries). I loved that fancy drink as a kid!

Bryce went to a basketball camp and worked on his "skills". He is really improving!

We had lots of lazy days at the pool...

Silly boys sporting their highwater shorts!

Lots of pretend food was prepared for us.

Oh, and I finally found a living room rug at Home Goods on Clearance. I love it!

My first choice was a sisal/sea grass rug but this one is softer and more family friendly so I went with this one after taking a family vote. I am so enjoying these schedule free summer days. Can't wait to see what July has in store! Happy Summer!

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