the Cottage bed & side table

This is another one of those projects that's been sitting in the garage waiting to be completed, but it was so worth it!

Last year, I missed out on a gorgeous vintage bed frame while I looked around a shop "thinking about it".  You know the rest of the story.

 When this one popped up, I didn't waste any time grabbing it!
Unfortunately, in my haste and in the pressure of a nearby lurker, I missed some pretty key things about this piece.

The top curve of moulding on both the footboard and headboard were both coming off.
(and there's the little side table waiting in the wings!)

And worst, a big chunk of moulding was missing from the footboard!

Yikes! 

It does not pay to not inspect pieces carefully before you buy!
You can tell from this photo just how rough this piece was.

Fortunately, my dad is really great with repairs on this kind of thing, so we were able to fix it and it looks good as new.

(in an awesome, updated, vintage kind of way ;)  )

This was painted in Annie Sloan's Pure White, and distressed on the edges and details.

I love this bed.  So pretty and classic.
Even though it was in such a rough state to start with, I am so happy it had the matching side rails.

The little night stand was something I found much later, but though it might be a good pairing with this bed.

I love little surprises like this.
Makes me wonder who needed to do their math calculations on the underside of the drawer....?
 Maybe a college student? A math savante?  ;)
I left this little hidden bit of history on it- I love character and history on pieces- as long as it's not detracting.

Same features as the bed- I just stained the top in dark walnut to give it a richer look.

I will be taking both of these with me to The Farmhouse Show this week at the Turner Tabernacle.

Opening night is Wednesday May 2 - the pre buy event.  This is the only time you pay to get in, and it's open from 6-8 pm.

The rest of the show runs Thursday May 3, through Saturday May 5.

You can see the details of the show
(address, times, etc) on my
Where to Find Me Page or by clicking here.
It's going to be fabulous!
I will be working at the show most of the day Thursday, May 3.

I've never been to this one, but from what I hear, stuff goes fast, but is replenished daily.

Lots of other goodies will be coming with me as well, and I'm getting excited for it!

I have another project to show you tomorrow!

Sharing with:
Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays
Metamorphosis Monday
Tuesday's Treasures
Overflowing with Creativity
POWW
White Wednesday

Wow Us Wednesday
Furniture Feature Friday
Feathered Nest Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday

Guest post at Simply Klassic Home- for newbies!

Good morning!  

Today I am guest posting as a mentor at Simply Klassic Home!

It's a post I wrote last year, and it was one of my reader's favorites.  

I hope you will visit Kristin, and the BBC series- mine is the final one in her month long list of guests, and  whether you're a new or experienced blogger, there is some great stuff!
You can see the rest of the series by clicking on her side bar- introductions to new blogs and the mentors who have been offering advice all month long.

Thanks Kristin for letting me be a part of this!!

Simply Klassic Home also has a link party that runs during the weekend, make sure you add it to your list.  :)

40th birthday- an aqua birthday bash

So here it is.
The beginning of a new decade, a new stretch of life.
It sounds like I'm being so philosophical and serious, but really, nothing could be further from the truth!

I am 40.  And that's it.
I don't have any real bucket list goals that have suddenly sprung out of my head.
No desires to complete a marathon.

Mostly, I just want to be happy and surround myself with the people who make me happy.
So that's how we celebrated!
Today is my birthday, but we invited over several friends over the weekend and had a fun party.
The inspiration for the theme was these yummy and fun drinks!

I pinned the recipe to my Pinterest board awhile back because they are in my favorite color.
Not only are these a pretty shade of aqua, but they are DELICIOUS!!!
OH. MY. WORD.
Even my husband who is not into sweet cocktails, really thought this was superb.

Low Country Lemonade
Here's the recipe:
(it served 15 people, with just enough to start things off, not a lot of refills...but we had wine with dinner, so that was ok)

15 lemons
3 c. water
simple syrup (1 1/2 c. sugar, 2 cups water- heated, stirred until sugar dissolves)
 2 oz of peach Schnapps for every 6 oz of lemonade
Blue Curacao, just for the color.  Add in a little at a time until you reach desired tone. We used about 2-3 Tablespoons.

We opted for a simple evening in, and had food brought in from my favorite local restaurant, Wild Pear.  I've worked with them before for our 20th reunion, and they do a fantastic job!

We kept the table decor simple but pretty- I used my white napkins and tied turquoise ribbon around them.

Just some tissue poufs and tulips in my favorite color.  We also added in some Lindor white chocolate truffles for munching on during the evening.

Because our dining room opens up into the living room, we were able to stretch 3 tables end to end and create one big seating area.  I like everyone to be together and get in on all the conversations!

This really is not the most attractive shot, and it's totally staged-  the blowing out of the candle had to be redone. ;)
It's the best shot of the amazing chocolate torte though!
Like pure fudge!!!!!

And yes, my fun ring.
I bought the shirt to match the theme, spotted the flower ring and couldn't resist.

I do love some bubbly, so the aqua label seemed like a fun choice for the dessert.

It was such a fun evening, and we had a blast.

 Jon is so good to me.  He planned the whole evening, and even helped make the tissue poufs on the table.
Yeah, I know you're jealous.  ;)
You have to know that he HATES to match.  But he was very excited about dressing the part of the theme, and said it was the one time he didn't mind being the matching couple.

The story behind the Barbie convertible is that when my brother in law turned 50, we gave him a "convertible with hot chick included".

They re-gifted the convertible, in Denise fashion!

The car used to be pink, but they white washed it, added glass knobs to the doors, and a vanity plate!
Too funny.  The Mr. in the car has his hair shaved like Jon, and they added in a little one to be Hannah.
Bella even got in the scene!!

The "D-Mobile" is a crack up too, since Jon works for AT&T.

Well done!

I'm planning to spend today going to Zumba (my favorite workout)
and having lunch with my girlfriends.
A family party in the evening.

For me, 40 is just a number.  I like where life is taking me, and the confidence I feel at this stage of life.
I look forward to what's ahead!

the Anna vanity

Despite having a super busy week last week, I was able to complete the transformation of a vintage desk into a vanity!  I guess someone could still use it as a desk if they wanted to, but this is so pretty, wouldn't you want to have some fun with this?

A lady that I've been in Bible study with for a few years now got wind of what I do, and emailed me to see if I'd be interested in a few pieces she was letting go of.  Yes!!

I really wish I had a before photo to show you, but the battery on my camera was completely dead at pre- paint time.

I've been learning a lot from Annie Sloan's painting techniques, thanks to her book,
"Creating the French Look".

Pure White, with Paris Gray accents.

I also bought glass knobs for some of the handles, and used farmhouse pulls as well.

Last week when I was out getting some stuff, I found a roll of vintage scented drawer liners!  

The smell is so sweet and light.  It reminds me of the book I used to read to Hannah, "Pat the Bunny".  We loved the page with the baby powder scent.  :)

I already put this in my space at Aunt Bee's House on Sunday.  There are several other fun accessories to go with the vanity:

a vintage pink jewelry box
(that cute little baby photo on the right is Jon's dad!)

I've picked up a few of these over the past year, and this one, by far, is my favorite!!  Pale pink exterior, gold details, working lock (but no key) pink velvet interior with automated workings.  You open the lid, and the bottom drawer opens as well!

Gold vanity mirror:

a vintage shaving mug:

The mirror was also intended for the vanity, but as I began to set it up in my room, the set ended up in the middle, so I couldn't hang the mirror with it.  This has beautiful details, enhanced with Pure White chalk paint.

I used the same technique on this mirror, as I did here- only using Pure White. It ended up having enough gray undertones, I didn't feel it was necessary to add any more gray to it.

Thanks for letting me show you my latest project!

Happy Birthday to my friend, Val!  :) Have a great day celebrating~

Enjoy your Tuesday, Friends!

Sharing with:
Tuesday's Treasures
White Wednesday
Furniture Feature Friday
POWW
Be Inspired
Cowgirl Up
Feathered Nest Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Today's Thrifty Treasures

Pink Postcard house tour at A Sort of Fairytale!

Hello friends! I hope you had a fun weekend-we sure did!

Please be sure and stop by my friend Stacey's blog- she is doing a blogger home tour series right now, and today she is featuring ours!

I've never posted a house tour on here before, so this is a first!  :)

Stacey's blog is full of vintage-licous goodness. (I think I just made up a new word there!)

I adore her style, and have always thought we'd be great shopping buddies. 

;)

Please stop by and say hello~ you can also view the previous homes on her tour!

Thanks for featuring me today, Stacey and your kind words!!

*blush*

shelf for the master bathroom

This is another one of those long awaited items I finally ticked off of my to do list!

The wall above our tub has had a few things going on over the last four years, but nothing permanent.

Finally, I put up a shelf like I've been wanting!

The pictures from Monday show a different shelf.
By the time I was done painting it and distressing it, I just knew it didn't feel right.

Fortunately, I had this one that was previously in the family room, and needed a new home.

It fits the space great!

I added in some bath essentials, and kept it relatively simple.

The only element missing now is a mirror above the shelf.  I'd like to find a vintage etched one that is sort of horizontal in shape- nothing too tall or large.

I was also able to shop a few items from my space! :)

I loved this little faded blue dish from the time I got it.

...and the basket that now holds these:

I'm having so much fun getting some things done around the house!

The little vanity that I'm working on is coming along beautifully.  I started on the chair last night and a pretty, fancy mirror I picked up.

More soon!

I also was able to invest in a new camera, (happy birthday to meeee!) and am having a blast playing with it.
Here's some shots that I am loving...

I picked up this vintage shaving mug the other day, and it's a keeper.  I have another super cool one that I will be selling soon, more pics later...
This one looks like something you'd see in Rachel Ashwell's decor!

my beautiful man, sleeping.  Love this.

Anyway, I am super excited about the possibilities this will offer, and improving my skills!
Maybe someday I will be as talented as this girl!
;)
Have a great Thursday Friends!

painting, planting, playing

We had a very busy and fun weekend!

Friday afternoon I got my May issue of Country Living, and between that and the special spring issue of Country Home that I picked up, I was feeling quite inspired!

There are a couple spots around downstairs that I've been wanting to freshen up, so I took some time away from projects just to play.

Some swapping:

before

after

We started the first apothecary jar holding all of our corks from parties and special get togethers.  I wasn't loving where the other jars were, so I decided to add some more up here and fill those up too!
Wonder how long that will take....

Painting:

I am working on a redo of this cute desk.  I'm actually hoping to make it more like a vanity.  The shelf is something I've had on the back burner for a long time.  It's for our master bath, and I can't wait to get it up!!

I brought it in to work on last night while Amazing Race was on.

Adding color:

The vintage books have been in here for a bit, but it needed something else, so I added in the silver bowls and pink roses.  It feels like the touch it was lacking.

Adding life:

I'd like to do a little more with the mantel, but it's fine for now.  Some new ideas are sprouting, but in the meantime, I am loving the cypress that we added in the galvanized buckets flanking the fireplace.

This urn seems to be the kiss of death for every plant I put in it.  I'm hoping these cute flowering succulents won't succumb to an untimely death.

My dad is really talented with wood working, so last week I took a project to him that I knew was beyond me.  I picked up a gorgeous antique bed a few months ago (!) and it needed some repairs.  

We he got it fixed!

before:

after:

and now it's finish up and paint time!  I think this will be just gorgeous when it's completed.  Hoping by the end of the week!  Here's the headboard so far:

Probably my favorite project of the weekend was a wall treatment above our piano and trophies.

I added some vintage ledger paper and an old frame.  I think it's the backdrop it needed!
It was so fascinating to read these as they were going up.  It looked like it was from a butcher shop.  Back then, you could get pig's feet for 3 cents each.
Hm.
I added in a little color from our camellia bush that is now in full bloom-

We also did some playing in the back yard with flowers:

We have a lot of work to do now that winter is on it's way out, including staking the droopy camellia! (hence the stake...)
The gate is something I picked up from an estate sale last summer for $5.  It's from an old ghost town in Eastern Oregon.
I've also been itching to dress up our tiny retaining wall along the side of our house...

The purple rock cress will eventually grow and spill over the sides.  Our bleeding heart is also so beautiful right now!  I always think the pink heart shape flowers look more like little lockets.

So there you have it- the weekend in a very large nutshell!  ;)

Softball games were included in the weekend mix, but I didn't get any great shots.
How about you?
did you get to enjoy some sunshine and fun projects?

P.S. I just got a call that the Napoleon dresser sold!
yahoo!
(guess I better get crackin on that vanity....)