MelanieElissa...A glimpse in my life.

Slowly but surely...

2012-01-16T16:58:00.000-06:00

I think I have finally decided on Miss Henslee's bedding.

I love that with this one there are so many colors

that you can coordinate with. Her room is a work in

progress, but with the bedding being chosen now maybe

I can get it done!!

Lets hope!

A little late...Merry Christmas

2011-12-29T20:36:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm alive. It has been two weeks since I have had the chance

to sit down and blog. The holidays have been somewhat

of a blur, but such a wonderful time!!

At our last doctors appt we decided to find

out the sex of our little one.

And as you can see below...IT's A GIRL!!

We are so excited. We decided since Christmas was

only 11 days away, we would wait and surprise

our parents on Christmas day!

To say the least everyone was so thrilled and happy!

I am so ready to meet her!!

Miss Henslee Evans

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!

Miss Finlee

2011-12-14T20:05:00.000-06:00

Hello all. Boy has it been a crazy week. And to

think Christmas is just right around the corner. I am just about

finished with our Christmas list. Thank goodness. I say every

year that I am going to do better the next year, but do I??

Umm...no.

But its the thought that counts..right??

Hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Vintage Christmas = L.O.V.E

2011-11-27T19:01:00.002-06:00

{via flickr}

This year I may just venture out of my husbands

safe zone....and go

with a WHITE Christmas tree.

I have always loved vintage ornaments...

and have collected them as long as I can remember.

There is just something about a white tree

covered in vintage ornaments...I just melt...

Christopher Radko has recreated several different

styles of the Shiny Brite ornaments, in my travels I

found a 12 pack of them on sale for $9. I was

so thrilled to add to my collection.

So, we shall see if I have a white tree or a live one

like my husband prefers...I really wanna white one.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T17:01:00.001-06:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

We are so blessed and have so much to be thankful for!!!

Not my favorite....

2011-11-21T20:54:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I was sent a Bounce Dryer Bar. I was so excited. I had

seen these on t.v. but once I seen the price at the store..call me

cheap..thrifty..whatever you may but this chick was not

paying that. So needless to say I was excited when

I got one in the mail to do a review on.

Alright, here goes.

I get it out of the package and it smells sooo good!!

I'm beyond thrilled that I won't have to remember to put the

dryer sheet in. For the first few loads it smelt very good,

not to strong, just right. After about 8 loads, it did not smell that much.

I thought this bar is brand new..and it's already lost its smell??

But I kept using it. I washed a load of my work clothes, which consist of

black, gray dress pants and tops. Well it came time to get them out of the

dryer, my black pants and cardigan had

white marks all over them. I tried rubbing it together to get it out...NO LUCK.

I had to rewash the entire load.

So...my opinion..stick with your dryer sheets!

If you have tried them, I hope you had better luck than me.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T09:16:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all the veterans who have made sacrifices

so we can be the land of the free and home of the brave.

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!

2011-11-05T12:35:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for the big game tonight???

We are!! Its gonna be a nail biter!

My new favorite show.

2011-10-25T21:08:00.000-05:00

Annual Girls Trip

2011-10-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was our annual girls weekend to

the Smokies. I am just now getting the pics off my camera.

We had a wonderful time. Thought I would share a

pic of Miss Finlee.

Hi my name is...

2011-10-10T18:14:00.002-05:00

Melanie, and I am addicted!!

Before and After..Finally!!

2011-09-25T09:03:00.000-05:00

Hello Y'all!

I have had this dining room set for I think the past three years.

And for the past three years, I have been trying to get it painted.

I was ready to just grab a paint brush and head out, but my husband

being the picky perfectionist was not gonna have the brush marks.

Ok, I'm fine with that. But does that mean you will paint it?

Yes honey, I will paint it.

{Insert squeals here, cause I really did not want to do it! I was afraid I would mess it up!}

As you can see, she's a 70's funky wood color. I had thought about black but our cabinets are a dark cherry and I didn't want

any more dark. So white she is.

I am in love with it!!

I couldn't make up my mind if I wanted a nice even finish

or scuff it up. The more I thought about it, ahh what the heck,

I told my husband to hand me some sand paper and I went

to town scuffing it up!!

My final product!!

Thrifty Treasures

2011-09-11T20:21:00.000-05:00

Afternoon Y'all.

Thought I would share two of my recent yard sale finds.

Banana Republic leather handbag in

wonderful condition...$7.50.

Its a little smaller that what I'm used to carrying,

but it will be lighter

on the shoulder!

Vintage fan...$6.00...and she works!!

I have a love for vintage fans!! I have several that are displayed

in our kitchen.

Hope you all have had a fabulous weekend!

Thanks for stopping by, be sure and head over to Rhoda's

and check out every ones treasures!!

9/11/11

2011-09-11T13:19:00.002-05:00

We will never forget...

Fall is in the air!!

2011-09-07T21:21:00.000-05:00

Hey Y'all!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day!! It was a nice quiet

weekend around here. Also a little cooler.

With the cooler weather in the air, I couldn't help but break out the

fall decor. I have been ready for a change.

Do you have your fall decor out yet?

One Week and Counting!!!

2011-08-27T20:49:00.000-05:00

I am ready for the TIDE to ROLL!!!!

Next Saturday...Game on!!!

Just a Glimpse

2011-08-15T07:05:00.000-05:00

This is just a peek of our mantel. I have been playing around with

it. I'm wanting something different that I have not done before.

Here she is so far....

Thrifty Treasures

2011-08-14T18:00:00.001-05:00

Afternoon Y'all!!

It has been a gorgeous weekend here, cooler

weather and a nice breeze.

Last weekend my husband and I along with two of

our best friends headed to Kentucky to the

longest yard sale. We went last year and had an absolute

blast! So we went again this year.

I had found a few chicken coops but the

problem was...the price.

Any where from $40 to $75. I just did not want to

invest that much in one.

Somewhere in Kentucky we stopped and I spotted this.

I somewhat hesitated to ask..but I stuck with my #1 rule...

A.L.W.A.Y.S ask!!

If not you'll beat yourself up about it.

This chicken coop...$20!

It needs a little work but I was so excited when I seen it!

It has been pressure washed and now it's ready for

some polyurethane and casters. I am thinking of using the bottom as the top and having a piece of glass cut for it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Be sure and head on over to Rhoda's to see some wonderful treasures!!

Thrifty Treasures..She's D.O.N.E!!!!

2011-07-31T17:55:00.003-05:00

Afternoon Y'all!!

It has been a nice weekend here. A few summer showers and

lots of sunshine!!

A month or so ago we met up with some of our besties and

hit some yard sales. We were having a fun morning, like always,

never any dull moments when were all together.

I wasn't looking for anything! I know, hard to believe.

We headed down some roads that I had never been down

before. Much less did I know how to get home.

And there she sat along with some chairs.

I N.E.V.E.R seen her!

Matt saw them, and as they say

the rest is history. Well here she sits all pretty with her

new coat of paint.

My wonderful husband has spent the past two weekends

working on her!!

I was wanting a turquoise color, but

my husband had plenty of car paint, so

bright red and white she is!

I couldn't be happier!!

She turned out sooo good!

Thanks for stopping by.

Be sure and head over to Rhoda's and check out everyone's treasures!!

A paint brush and a fresh coat of nail polish.

2011-07-25T22:05:00.000-05:00

Hello All!!

Sorry for the disappearance.

This past weekend we have been busy little bees around the house. From pressure washing the porch and house to one of my gliders getting painted. Well I guess I can't take credit for that, Brandon handled the bigger tasks, while I painted the kitchen and made my new curtain for the window and panels for the doors. Whew was I ever so glad to see Monday come. Just so I could get some "rest", at work.

Not the best pic, by this time I was pooped!!

My cell was the closest to me so cell phone is was.

The color is "Sea Salt" by Sherwin Williams.

It looks lighter here. But I

am really liking it. I had two khaki tap top panels

that had been in the linen closet for over a year.

I cut the tabs off and stitched the fabric on to the top.

..easy peasy..

After all was said and done,

I needed a manicure for my paint filled

nails and a ice pack for my poor swollen knee.

Oh my, I would have never thought to do that!!!

2011-07-12T21:36:00.000-05:00

I am sooo in LOVE with this room!!

Look..there is a vintage glider in the living room!

OH. MY!!

I would have never thought to do that!

You know my love of vintage gliders!!

Everything in this room is so calming

and beachy!!

4th of July

2011-07-03T21:47:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all a safe and happy

4th of July!!!

Kenny Chesney = Awesome Music

2011-07-02T22:00:00.000-05:00

I love his new song. Thought I would share!!

Happy 1st Birthday Miss Finlee!!

2011-06-26T21:52:00.001-05:00

Just a few of her birthday pictures!

Someone is Turning One in a Few Days!!!

2011-06-19T22:50:00.000-05:00

Thrifty Treasures

2011-06-12T19:06:00.000-05:00

Afternoon Y'all!!

A few weeks ago on my way home I decided I would
stop by our local Mission Center. In my browsing one
of the ladies was putting out merchandise. In her
cart was this chandelier that looked as if it hung in
a grease pit of a restaurant. But I was in love with all the glass.
And for $2.98 I had to bring her home, grease and all.

It's amazing what a little Dawn and scrubbing will do.
She cleaned right up. I then took it apart and spray painted
her "Almond", satin finish. I am so tickled at how
she turned out!!

{Please excuse the once dusty ceiling. After hanging the light,
the ceiling was dusted and the paint was touched up. It's amazing
what you "see" in a picture that you normally don't.}

Be sure and head over to Rhoda's.
There are some wonderful finds over there!!

Hanging Baskets

2011-06-12T18:33:00.001-05:00

One thing I love about summertime is all

the colorful flowers!! This year in my hanging baskets out

front I decided to add sweet potato vines in with the impatients.

They are about to take over my baskets. But they

sure look good!

{Sorry for the blurry pic, my good camera is at moms..used my cell}

...camera sign...

2011-06-02T06:38:00.002-05:00

I ran across this the other day and just had to share.

I thought it was too cute! I have seen a lot of these "keep calm" signs but not

one that us "camera happy" people would like!!

Curtains or No Curtains???

2011-06-01T21:34:00.001-05:00

Since we have redone our once screened

in porch to now a open porch, I have been

wanting to add some curtains.

And seeing these pictures is making me want

them up as of y.e.s.t.e.r.d.a.y!!

I am leaning towards white...I think..

The white is just so clean and crisp.

Until you see these. Full of fun and color.

Umm...decisions..decisions??

Ready for a Pool Party?

2011-05-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

I am.

I walk out of the office for lunch and it is sooo

nice and humid, not really nice that its humid,

but when your poolside who cares about humidity.

I don't.

Wouldn't be nice if we had a pool

at work we could enjoy during lunch...

Umm we would all be u.s.e.l.e.s.s!!!

With poolside in mind comes bright fingernail colors

for summer!! The brighter the better for me!

"Poolside" by China Glaze

Love it, Love it..Love it!!!

"Pink Voltage" China Glaze

This one is an all time fav of mine!

"Flip Flop Fantasy"

What are your summer favorites??

Little Miss Finlee

2011-05-15T09:20:00.000-05:00

You bring sooo much joy and happiness to our lives!!

I could just eat her up!

This girl LOVES to be outside. And loves to be "rolling", whether it be

in a stroller or wagon.

She's sooo CUTE in her little hat!! Just look at that face! Ahh...I love this little girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2011-05-14T08:58:00.000-05:00

To the best sister a girl could ask for!!

Growing up I would have gave her to the first person who come along,

just to get her out of my room and toy box.

Now..I don't know what I would do with out her!!

I am BLESSED with a best friend and most of all a sister!!

Happy Birthday Amanda!!

I LOVE YOU!!!

House of Fifty

2011-05-03T19:59:00.002-05:00

I am in love with this new magazine! Some of you

may have heard of it, some may not, but I just had

to share.

It has some really neat tips..decorating ideas.

I promise you won't be disappointed!!

Oh, and did I mention its FREE??

I know, you just don't hear of that
now'a days!! But "House of Fifty" is!!

Hop on over to their website and sign right up!

You'll be glad you did!!

Blessed..

2011-05-02T17:33:00.000-05:00

I think the picture above says it all!

A few More Easter Pics

2011-04-25T18:31:00.000-05:00

Kitchen Walls 'O Kitchen Walls....

2011-04-18T22:30:00.000-05:00

I want so desperately to paint you..I have you all dreamed

out in my mind. So pretty and calming.

Pretty gray blue walls..white china cabinet..table and chairs..

a funky print for drapes and chairs..

~~~~~~~~~

I know the pic above is a bedroom but I want my kitchen

to be in the family of the blue gray color. The kitchen does not

get alot of light. So, I am hoping to lightn' this sucker up a

bit with some lighter paint..funky curtains.

~~~~~~~~

Brandon has on his agenda to get the china cabinet, table and chairs

painted this week...fingers crossed!!! Or need I say

I have it on his agenda to get it DONE!!

Bowfish later...PAINT..NOW!

White with a

little distressing. I think??

So..with me being off Monday, I just may paint..I just need to get

my tail to Sherwin Williams and get the color

I have in my head.....into a can!!

Wish me luck!!

Before, During...and How Cute is That??

2011-04-07T23:38:00.001-05:00

Before

I have had this light fixture hanging in the shop for over 2 years. I had seen this idea

on Country Living and thought...ahh...thats what I can do with it.

So, I was going to paint it black and do hot pink flowers.

During

But, I had no black spray paint on hand. What?? I always have black spray paint on hand. Well

there happens to be this man called my "husband" whom took my last can! How dare him do that to me. So being that I was NOT going to wally world, I just used what I had on hand. It was between red and a funky blue-turquoise color, I love the blue color, just not for this.

So I opted for red.

After

In the thrift store I picked up 5 different frosted shades and hot glued them to the fixture, and

added my flowers. Now to find me 3 more light fixtures. I want

one more to be red to balance out the front of the deck.

And two yellow ones for the sides.

So...yard sales here we come!!

Simple and So Cute

2011-03-28T21:44:00.000-05:00

How CUTE is this??

Not to mention it would be so easy to make!!

I had to share.

I Have an Addiction...

2011-03-18T06:59:00.001-05:00

I have a LOVE of vintage pottery.

Anytime we take a "road trip" I am on

the hunt for a piece of pottery. I have

waayyy toooo many pieces, but I just "need"

ONE more.

I think it all started with my Grandmothers pink

"Brush" pot (3rd shelf, 1st on left).

The sad thing is...this is not all of it,

I have more.

Oops, I just let the cat out of the bag ha?

Oh well..

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Eye Candy

2011-03-16T20:47:00.000-05:00

While browsing thru Coastal Living, I found a few pics

I had to share.

I love the pops of yellow and turquoise!

Two words...

peaceful & quite.

I am in LOVE with everything in this kitchen!!

Talk about my DREAM kitchen...this is it!!

Here again, those pops of color..love em'!!

That Time of Year..Again

2011-03-08T12:57:00.000-06:00

Don't forget this weekend it's time to roll those clocks forward one hour.

It's a love hate relationship for me.

I love the fact of "longer" daylight, but the adjustment from that one hour..gets.me.every.time!!

But, to look on the bright side of things..

SPRING

is right around the corner!!!

Warm Weather..Summer...Flowers

2011-02-27T20:56:00.000-06:00

Summer can not get here fast enough. My flower beds are needing

a little color!

Necklaces & Flowers

2011-02-16T22:19:00.000-06:00

Hello All!!

Hope everyone has had a good week so far.

Ours here...e.x.h.a.u.s.t.i.n.g..and it's only Wednesday.

But hey..it's all good!!

This past Saturday I woke up in a full fledged cleaning mode.

And when I say clean I don't mean my everyday chores...

mopping, dusting, laundry, etc.

I mean CLEANING!!

I took everything out of my closet and organized from

spaghetti strap to quarter sleeve according to color. Boxed up

some winter clothes and donated some to the

Mission Center!

After about 2 and a half hours, closet was done.

Even down to my shoes. It is so nice to be soo neat and organized.

It was then on to my necklaces. I am the worlds worst after a

long day at work to take them off and put them in one of my

vintage flower pots in the living room. I have got to do better.

I guess there are days that the laziness just gets the best of me.

Well I finally got the majority of my necklaces and scarfs

hung on my ladder, made

by one of my besties granddad!

So sweet!

Also have my flowers that I made on there also.

I made several of these for Christmas gifts!

I have enjoyed wearing these and have gotten several

compliments on them.

My plans this week is to get a tutorial together to show you

how I make the one above and one other style.

Until then have a fabulous and blessed rest of the week!!

HaPpY VaLeNTiNeS DaY!!!

2011-02-14T07:09:00.001-06:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

Is That Sunshine I See???

2011-02-07T22:01:00.000-06:00

We have had some CrAzY weather this winter!

In the 60's one day and the 20's the next!

I am so ready for SUMMER!!! I am soo not a winter person.

I love my flip flops and sundresses!!

This past Sunday was GORGEOUS!!!

Brandon and I spent the day shopping and just enjoying each

others company! Here lately we have just seen

each other in passing. He has been over loaded at work, which is a

good thing don't get me wrong but I miss my "B".

Sunday's weather was awesome!!

The weather was a plus to our "date" day!!

On our way home we stopped by his hunting club to

pick up the four wheeler and his tree stands.

I opted to stay at the truck, I wasn't feeling up to riding up the mountain.

So while he was gone I took a few pics.

This place is absolutely beautiful!!

I would love to have this land along with my

Gone With the Wind house on top of the hill!!

A girl can dream hah?

Neat "Cord" Storage

2011-01-30T19:24:00.000-06:00

In browsing around Country Living, I found a "how to" on making

a cord keeper. How neat is this. Brandon and I could

use one of these.

Cord keeper

Recharge your portable electronics — cell phone, iPod, BlackBerry, PDA — without getting your wires crossed. By repurposing a low-tech shoebox, you can organize and safeguard your high-tech accessories.

STEP 1 Empty a clean, sturdy shoebox. Measure and cut wallpaper or decorative fabric to its dimensions, wrapping the top and bottom pieces separately. Secure the material with spray adhesive.

STEP 2 On one long side of the box, measure and mark placement for four evenly spaced eyelet holes. Make the first hole about 3 inches in from the box's edge. Cut eyelet holes with an X-Acto knife. Repeat on the other long side, aligning holes so the wires cross through the box.

STEP 3 Purchase an extra-large eyelet kit from a hardware store, and fit the pieces using the manufacturer's directions as a guide. Feed the wires through both sets of holes and close the lid; recharge your gadgets.

SAFETY TIP

Keep electrical devices such as plugs and power strips outside the shoebox, to avoid risk of heating up or fire. For more safety tips, visit esfi.org.

Our Usual Saturday Evening

2011-01-22T22:27:00.000-06:00

My "Butterbean", how could you not just wanna

kiss those little cheeks. Ahh, I love this little girl!!

Those big blue eyes.

I fixed a crock pot of Santa Fe soup, rotel cheese dip

and some cupcakes. Needless to say we were stuffed!!

My wonderful sis and her little girl!

April & Finlee.

Our Saturday...laid back and enjoying it with "family", thats what we

call our little group. We are so thankful to have each other and to

be as close as we are!!

HGTV..Cash and Cari

2011-01-18T21:47:00.000-06:00

Have you seen the new show on HGTV called Cash and Cari?

I love that show. She has my absolute dream job!!

Estate sales..her own store..

{Pic & info via HGTV}

Inheriting her mother’s passion for antiques and collectibles, Cari Cucksey, host of HGTV’s Cash & Cari, began buying, selling and trading when she was only 12 years old. Today, with more than 10 years of experience as a professional estate liquidator, she is still on the lookout for hidden treasure as she travels far and wide in search of anything she can flip and restore.

Based near Detroit, Cari owns and operates RePurpose Estate Services, one of the most prominent businesses of its kind in Michigan. Along with her professional team, Cari sets up estate sales right on her clients’ premises and, unearthing everything of value, is committed to making as much money for them as possible.

"You never know what you’re going to find," Cari says. "Whether it’s memorabilia, collectibles, hidden treasure or just junk — everything was once worth something to somebody, and it can be again."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just thought I would share...

I think you will like it!

Monday's @ 9PM!!

Snow. Snow. Snow.

2011-01-13T22:28:00.001-06:00

GO AWAY!!

You were so pretty and fun for the first

few days. Your welcome is wore out now, please find a

new home!

This is our thoughts on "snow".

Thank you for allowing me to take your picture many many times, but you can now go home.

Green grass, oh pretty green grass where art thou?

Can you tell I'm tired of the "white stuff"?

My hats off to you guys who live in this all winter long.

I just couldn't do it!

I NEED GREEN!!

It's 10:38 p.m....

2011-01-09T22:41:00.000-06:00

and this is the view out our front door!! No flash!

Ready for Spring to Arrive

2011-01-02T22:53:00.000-06:00

Not that I don't LOVE Christmas time but you know after a while we all

get a little tired of Christmas decor. Or at least I do. By the time New Years Day rolled around

I was "a changin" things.

I am ready for some hot summer days.

I think I may have to wait just a little bit though.

I had found the wooden signs in my father in laws stash of neat old stuff.

He had a pile of these.

Not sure where they came from but I knew I had to have them.

I hot glued them to the back of the white frame. So far so good, they are still sticking!!

Hope everyone had a fabulous New Years.

We sure did.

White Christmas

2010-12-26T00:20:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone has had a fabulous Christmas!!

We have had a very BLESSED one!! We have soooo

many things to be thankful for.

These pics were taken today on the way

to my Aunt and Uncles house.

I thought I would share!!

We were so excited to wake up to a WHITE Christmas!!

O' Christmas Tree

2010-12-19T22:40:00.000-06:00

Simple.

Old Fashion.

Red. Gold. Green.

I LOVE...

Christmas.

A crackling fire.

My first baby ornament.

Our first Christmas ornament.

My Grandmothers ornaments.

The smell of a Christmas tree.

My first ornament from Finlee.

The time spent with family & friends.

Everything about Christmas!!

From our house to yours...

We wish you a VERY Merry Christmas, and a

Wonderful & Happy New Year!!

LIttle Miss "Butterbean"

2010-12-15T12:56:00.000-06:00

Here are a few of Miss Finlee's Christmas pics!

Oh, is she a joy!! I love her to pieces!!

Revised Mantel

2010-12-12T22:29:00.000-06:00

Let me try this again.

I stared at it and I stared it. It just did not make me happy.

I pondered on it over a week.

It was missing something, and in the mean time I was just uggg,

did not even want to look at that mantel.

We were on the outs with each other.

That is until Saturday. Saturday is normally my day to get cleaning, laundry, etc. done around the house.

In my cleaning I found the red wooden beads....and thats when it hit me.

Ahh, they could be her scarf. But I need more.

Yea, yea the whole less is more just didn't work.

So here is the "revised edition!"

Okay, I think I'm done this time.

Thrifty.Simple.Mantel

2010-12-08T21:40:00.000-06:00

This year I thought about opting for SIMPLE. There

is usually Christmas decor everywhere you look but I

wanted the less is more look this year. And by george, I have stuck with it....

so far.

My mantel is as simple as it gets.

I found the deer this summer at the thrift store for

$4.88!!

I was SOOO excited when I spotted her!

The frame was the one I was debating on using for my front door

display but decided it was too big and heavy. It was

a yard sale find $5.00! Just a little white spray paint and we were good!

The two white deer and Christmas tree were a Goodwill find

for $5.00! I draped some very old glass garland on the tree

{also a thrift store find, $1.88!}.

A close up of her! She needs a name. So I will quit calling her "her".

Everything on my mantel is a thrifted item, besides the windows,

"roadside treasure" a few years ago!!

Would love to hear what you think?

Do you have a mantel that you decorate?

Hope you enjoyed.

Check back in a few for my Christmas tree!!!

She's in FULL Bloom!!

2010-12-01T21:44:00.000-06:00

Not Your Traditional Christmas Wreath

2010-11-28T20:55:00.000-06:00

Ahh...my Christmas wreath. Was going to look something like

this or thats what I had envisioned.

That is until Mom and I went to Hobby Lobby last week.

All of there Christmas was half off and thats when it hit me.

Instead of doing a funky ribbon on a plain wreath, I want hot pink and

bright green.

Soooo...

I took a large grapevine wreath and

spray painted it white. Added a few more twigs from my crape myrtle

tree to make it a little more full.

You know when you start a project you never seem to have

on hand all of your supplies? Or at least I don't.

I could have sworn I had some floral wire, but it was no where to

be found. So I used what I had....and that was sandwich bag ties.

Hey don't laugh..it worked!!

My finished project!! I am soo HaPpY with the way it turned out!!

One hour later and a total expense of twenty dollars!!

Christmas Wreath Idea

2010-11-23T22:21:00.000-06:00

This is such a cute idea but using your Christmas cards you receive

instead of photographs. Or a mix of both.

~Update~

I have started on my Christmas wreath. I found a frame, but I

just haven't made my mind up if I want to incorporate it in

with the wreath or not. My wreath this year is gonna be a "wild" one.

For me that is. It's a little out of the norm.

But hey its gonna be sooo cute.

I will post a pic hopefully this weekend, if all goes as planned!!

Pinecone Tree

2010-11-16T08:43:00.008-06:00

I wanted to share this with you all.

I have bought all my supplies to make one for my kitchen table.

As soon as it is complete I will share my finished product.

I just hope it turns our as pretty as this one.

Create a pinecone tree on a cone-shaped foam base. Anchor the base in a container, then wire the cones onto 2" wooden floral picks. Insert picks downward into the foam, starting at the bottom with the largest cones and working to the top with the smaller ones. Conceal the foam by tucking sheet moss among the pinecones.

Front Door Christmas Idea

2010-11-15T08:51:00.002-06:00

This one is simple, I really like it.

I think I would like to try this one on my front door but

maybe with a bright red frame and some funky Christmas ribbon.

{I will post a pic when I get it up!!}

41 days and counting...

2010-11-14T20:43:00.000-06:00

Till Christmas. It seems as if this year has FLOWN by. I could have sworn we just opened the pool last week. Oh my, where does the time go?

Okay, so just how many of you have started putting up your Christmas decor? Me, not yet. The hubs would have a melt down. I can hear him now, "It's not even Thanksgiving yet!!" So, I guess I will wait till then.

I have been scouring my holiday magazines and a few internet sites for new (to me) and different ideas for Christmas decor this year.

I ran across this one at Country Living. I have a dresser mirror similar to this one. And

I have often wondered.."What can I do with this thing?"

Now I know.

The simplicity of the magnolia leaves and cream candles...umm...LOVELY!!

I am really liking this one.

How cute and so easy.

2010-11-08T20:56:00.000-06:00

Browsing around on Country Living,

and I found a cute and easy idea!

Using iron on letters and a

lamp shade.

Who would have thought?

Certainly not me.

I just had to share!!

A Yardsale Find

2010-10-31T22:03:00.000-05:00

This weekend me and two of my besties headed out Saturday morning

and let me tell you it was a little cold!!

But that did not stop us. We hit a few estate sales and several

yard sales. This is my exciting find!! It is an old mixing bowl.

Not sure of its age..but I liked it. I really loved the price...$1.00!!

She now resides on our kitchen table as part of my fall decor!

Fall pics of "Butterbean"

2010-10-24T21:39:00.000-05:00

My sis ask if I would take some fall pics of her adorable little family. Of course, I would
love to! We had an absolute blast!!
Finlee was so fascinated with the bright yellow leaves.

She already had the place picked out and some ideas of what she wanted.
Here are a just a few of many many pics!

So here we go!!

Finlee & Mr. Foxx

Ahh...I love this one!!

See..I can sit up all by myself..for a few seconds that is.

My sis and her adorable family.

She was having fun. Can't you tell.

Ahh..I could just eat her up!

Definitely her mothers attitude!!

Look at those eyes!

Believe it or not she didn't try to put it in her mouth.

But those little hands are ALWAYS in her mouth.

I told you..bossy just like her mother. Ha ha.

My little "Butterbean"

We had fun and she was soo good the entire time!

My little "Butterbean"

2010-10-20T21:11:00.000-05:00

My precious little niece, Finlee.

Paper Flowers..

2010-10-13T22:33:00.000-05:00

I ran across this on Country Living and I had to share!

Your in the thrift store and you see old patterns and

wonder, what could I use them for?? (besides the pattern itself., of course.)

After seeing this now we have a use for them.

Look how cute these are, not to mention

how easy they are to make!!

Sewing Pattern Flowers

An elementary school craft takes on a sophisticated edge when fashioned from the tissue-thin paper of old sewing patterns.

Step 1: For each flower, cut six 7-inch squares from the pattern. Stack and fold them accordion-style six times, forming a one-by seven-inch rectangle. Snip off the corners of the rectangle with scissors.

Step 2: Tightly twist a wire floral stem around the center of the rectangle.

Step 3: Fan out the paper, then pull apart each layer, creating the blossom.

{Country Living}

I Sooo Want to GO!!!

2010-10-06T22:32:00.000-05:00

If I have not said it before, I'll say it now...I LOVE Country Living!!

I always look forward to getting the newest edition of Country Living.

They have so many good and creative ideas.

They never disappoint!

So knowing that, I am seriously thinking about making a girls trip

to Atlanta!! Oh the fun we would have!

The ideas we would get, and the treasures we

might end up with!

I would hate not to go..knowing they are this close to home.

And the line up for vendors and events looks too

inviting! We might just have to go!!

A Little Before & After

2010-10-03T22:34:00.000-05:00

You know how sometimes you arrange something and your are okay with it, but just doesn't make you scream to the roof top that you looovvve it?

You too hah?

Well...my fall "mantle #1" just did not make me 100% happy. So I tweaked it a little.

Before

Added a fall color planter and a little greenery and pumpkins.

A few old books.

After aka "Mantel #2"

I just wasn't feeling the gold and black frame. So, I gave her a little face lift. It is more

of a summer color but it is the pop I was missing.

A little paint = happiness!

Fall is Here!!

2010-10-03T22:06:00.000-05:00

That means its time for Pansies and Mums!!

Thrifty Treasures

2010-09-26T19:49:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!!

I sure have enjoyed the cooler weather we have had

here in the south. If only it would say for a little while.

We hit a few yardsales this weekend and did rather good.

Like I needed another fan but..

number one..she runs and is very quite, and

number two..she was FREE!! {Thanks Burdett!}

With a little elbow grease and a sos pad, good as new!

I squeeled with delight when I spotted this at my grandfathers.

My granddad had this clock my entire

life and I had not ever seen it till the other night.

I was so happy to see that she worked when I plugged it up!

Not to mention Dr. Pepper is my all time favorite drink.

It is soo HEAVY, and has a

place in the back for lights. I hope to hang it in my kitchen once

I get it repainted.

Well there are my treasures for the week!

Money spent...$0.00.

A new for me!!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Be sure and head over to Rhoda's.

Have a great and blessed week!!

ROLL TIDE!

Black Diamond Anyone?

2010-09-20T22:48:00.000-05:00

{China Glaze- Black Diamond}

Hello, my name is Melanie and I am addicted

to fingernail polish. There, I said it!

I don't even want to admit how many bottles

I own. Lets just say its tooo many!

But hey, I like to try new colors.

This one is going to be a fall fav of mine. It is more of a dark

shimery gray. It looks really good on.

Breaking Dawn...Complete.

2010-09-14T07:27:00.001-05:00

Oh my stars..

I never thought I would get wrapped up in this series.

But boy was I wrong. A friend of mine has raved about

these books. I was hooked after I seen the first movie.

I then decided I have to read the books.

I am so glad I did. There are sooo full of detail.

I started and finished Breaking Dawn..today.

All 756 pages. I could NOT put it down!

My husband said "That book must be good, you have not

moved from that recliner since you got home".

I just cut him a look and continued to read.

Oh my stars..I could start in reading them all again!

If you have not read them, I highly recommend you do!!

You won't go wrong!

My Color of the Week...

2010-09-13T07:13:00.002-05:00

Or at least that what my husband says.

Why you ask?

I love nail polish! All the different colors you have to pick from. I just

can't make my mind up so I change out.

I have always been a OPI and China Glaze girl, but

Rimmel is giving them a run for their money.

So I say. I love their polish!!

This is my new fall color...Red Stiletto.

I was wanting a red that was not too dark,

too red. Too red?? Yes, to me there is such colors

that are too red.

This one...perfect!

{I was not paid for this post..just wanted to tell you how awesome their polish is!}

Thrifty Treasures

2010-09-12T18:58:00.000-05:00

Afternoon everyone!!

Thanks for stopping by.

I hope you all have had a fabulous weekend,

it has been a gorgeous one here!

Two of my wonderful friends and I headed

out early Saturday morning to hit some yard sales.

We only found a few things, but we sure did have fun!

I found this Brighton jewelry holder along with several Easter

decorations, that I would have taken a pic of by I have

already placed them in the Easter decorations bin.

All for $5.00.

I was not happy with the current lamp I had on the

mantel. It was a little more for summer.

I ran across this one at Dirt Cheap for $6!

And the shade..Goodwill...$2!!

I like my new lamp!!

Cute fall handbag, like I needed another one..but for $1, I

just couldn't pass it up!!

Be sure and head over to Rhoda's and check out \

every ones treasures!!

Have a great and blessed week!!

Wacky Yet Wonderful Wednesday

2010-09-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

{2 month pic}

My day has been a crazy one to say the

least, but once I hold this little stinker, its all good!

Aahh...I could just eat her up!

I love this little girl!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!

2010-09-04T06:35:00.000-05:00

What time is it?????

Time for the TIDE to ROLL!!

I am sooo ready!

We play San Jose St. @ 6pm!!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!

Thrifty Treasures

2010-08-29T18:32:00.003-05:00

Afternoon everyone!

It has been a quite, rainy and a good nap kinda day!

I am joining Thrifty Treasures over at Rhoda's and Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays over at Linda's.

So be sure and head over their way.

A local church was having a rummage sell and I found the

three pumpkins and the sign...all for $1.00!!

The lamp is a Dirt Cheap find for $3.00.

One huge mercury glass candle holder...$6.00..from Dirt Cheap.

One of my exciting finds..a Lucky Brand 100% leather handbag for $15....it was also

a Dirt Cheap find. I have got to stay OUT of that store. But I

will admit, I am addicted. There are sooo many bargains to

be found. It just takes a little patience and time to look thru

the mess.

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure and head over
to Rhoda's and Linda's

and check out every ones finds!!

Thrifty Treasures..Fall

2010-08-22T22:10:00.001-05:00

Afternoon Y'all!

It has been a nice and hot one here, but nothing a little dip in the pool can't fix.

Yard sales here..have dwindled to almost...nothing.

I did not even try this weekend. But I did find some really good finds this week at Dirt Cheap.

My sis called and told me they had gotten in a shipment of fall decor.

So where did I go Friday after work?

Yes..you guessed it..Dirt Cheap.

The two brown pumpkins..$1.50 each..

tall stack of sticks, as my husband calls it..$2.50.

The orange pumpkin was a Hobby Lobby score last season for $1.00!

The black and gold frame is a antique store find last

year for a whopping $4.00. I took the picture and

spray painted it with chalkboard paint.

So in finding my new fall decor, I just had to get it out and use it.

That and I am tired of the summer look, even though it is still in the

high 90's here.

So here she is..all decked out for fall.

All in all, I don't think I have over $35 in the entire mantel decor.

Be sure and head over to Rhoda's and check out some other great

Thrifty Treasures!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a

great and blessed week.

A pillow sham, thread and beads....

2010-08-18T22:24:00.000-05:00

What do you get when you put beads....pillow sham....thread...and a tee shirt together?

CUTENESS!!

I have seen these all over Etsy and I am in love.

So I thought I would try my hand at it.

I found two pink linen pillow shams and tee shirt at Dirt Cheap.

I kinda felt guilty for cutting a perfectly good pillow shams

but heavens, what else is a girl to do for a cute shirt. So..I cut away!!

On about the third flower from the outside, I stitched a half inch in all the way around

the petal due to the weight of the linen fabric. I would stitch and then hold up the shirt to see

where the weight of the fabric might need an additional stitch to hold it in place.

I then took the rest of the petals and stitched them on using seed beads.

I love it!!

I think it turned out sooo cute.

Yes...I will be making me some more of these.

My finished product!!

Pillow shams...$1.50
Tee Shirt...$2.00
A total of $3.50!!
Not bad for a very cute shirt!!

Longest Yardsale..HWY 127

2010-08-14T17:21:00.000-05:00

ROAD TRIP!!

That is exactly what we did last Thursday.

And when I say road trip if was a full fledge one by all means.

Everything was packed and ready to go.

No idea where we would lay our heads at night but that was the least of our worries

We knew we were headed to Kentucky for the Longest Yard sale.

We talked about going last year and decided it was a must, we had to go.

We were on a mission to find some bargains.

Around 5 hours and a ton of laughter later...We made it to Bluegrass Country!

I told them before we do this again I will have to invest in me some Depends.

I have not laughed so hard in all my days.

I thought I was going to wet my shorts more than once.

Oh..the stories and the fun of just being together.

Kentucky country is absolutely beautiful.

Its all rolling hills..horses..tobacco fields and barns.

None of us had ever been.

So it was fun to experience it all together.

Tobacco Barn

One town felt as if we had stepped back in time several years.

The houses were oh so "Gone With the Wind" style.

Needless to say, I was in LOVE.

Everywhere you looked was old barns and silos.

We wished we would have counted them all.

There had to be well over 100.

Everywhere you looked they were having "Barn Sales".

I was so excited.

I have seen them all over blog land but to actually get to

attend one..ahh I was in heaven.

I wish I would have taken my camera inside but I was so excited I practically ran in.

Camera...who needs one when you attending a barn sale..ha.

A lot of the barns had quilt squares.

I was in love.

You know my love of quilts.

One of many many tobacco fields.

The guys wanted to stop and get a few stalks but didn't

want to risk the chance of jail time. Ha ha.

Some where in Kentucky.

Wolf Creek Dam in Kentucky.

Late Friday afternoon we made it in to Tennessee.

Finally..Some shade.

It was HOTT!!

We were thankful for the shaded lots.

Wondering what we came home with?

I bought around 40 cute outfits for my little niecelette, McCoy planter, old wooden

thread spools. Not much. Brandon found a bow he had been

wanting for bow fishing.

Late Saturday we pull in the drive..pooped and ready for our bed!

We traveled a total of 850 miles.

It sure was fun.

Even after having to travel 45 minutes west from our destination city

just to find somewhere to sleep. Danville has around 8-10 hotels and guess what..they were BOOKED!!

We were told they had been booked for months. Are you for real?

Booked? for months? for a yard sale?

Oh heavens, what have we gotten ourselves into?

So we headed west.

Around midnight Thursday we finally find a place that has a vacancy.

Praise the Lord.

I was getting prepared to sleep in the truck. (I had my pillow so I was good.)

So you can imagine my relief when we finally got to lay our heads down.

But thats part of a road trip.

NO PLANS..Just wing it!

And that folks is what we did!

Inspiration in White

2010-08-11T21:52:00.000-05:00

I was browsing at one of my favorite sites...Coastal Living...and found

these wonderful inspirational pictures and I had to share.

I am in love with them all!!

This glider is yummeee.

Hopefully mine will look that good soon.

Just look at that light fixture!

Ahh..the view.

{Coastal Living}

I am in love with the stove and the fridge.

This is my dream kitchen..just add a

little aqua to the walls and a farm sink and we are set!!

Tennessee Valley Railroad

2010-08-04T08:00:00.009-05:00

Not sure how I missed posting this months ago.

I guess thats what happens when you don't hit the little orange publish button hah?

A few months ago we decided to go ride the train!

I know, were not little kids but hey we had to try it.

I guess you can say we've marked that one off of our list. Haha.

We were excited.

We opted to ride the 55 minute one.

It was a three mile ride into the woods.

We arrived at the train restoration shop and was given a tour.

The train yard.

Many many years ago, trains did not have reverse therefore they had turntables. I thought when they told us that we were going to get to see a turntable in action I had no idea what we would see. They disconnect the engine and pull forward on to the turntable, they power the turntable motor on and away she goes. It completely turns her around they then connect her back up and away they go.

Turntable in action.

I fell in love with this one. It looks like it should have been in the movie Cars.

This is the steam engine that runs in the summer on the long trips.

This was the view looking out the window.

This was the view as we crossed the river.

When you looked you seen no part of the tracks, just water!!

It was a little scary.

All in all we had fun.

Road Trip...

2010-08-03T08:42:00.002-05:00

{pic from reknid-flicker}

I think we just might....

An Awesome Giveaway...Have you entered your name???

2010-08-02T22:22:00.000-05:00

Have you stopped by Jones Design Company lately?

She is having an awesome giveaway!!

Look at all what is included..I am so excited!

Be sure and head over to get your name in the pot!!

I did!

Thrifty Treasures

2010-08-01T21:13:00.002-05:00

Afternoon y'all!!

Hope everyone has had a fabulous weekend!

It sure has been a HOT one here!

We hit a few yard sales this weekend.

A few yard sales in I spotted a very old cabinet with skinny little drawers.

April and I looked and it seemed to be some form of printing letters.

I asked if he would be interested in selling me a

few and he made the offer of the whole drawer for $10.

I gladly accepted.

Talk about a HEAVY drawer, I thought I

would simply bend down and pick it up.

WRONG.

I didn't even budge the drawer.

I am not sure what I am going to do with them,

but I just had to have them!

I found these silver plated forks

and spoons at the GW for 45cents a piece.

Doesn't hurt to have some extras!

Be sure and head over to Rhoda's, Apron Thrift Girl and Debbiedoos check out every ones finds!!

Have a great and blessed week!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Tranquility..

2010-07-29T22:36:00.000-05:00

I found the following pics at Coastal Living..one of my fav sites by the way.

I thought I would share these.

Not really a fan of white walls but this, I like.

The color of the cabinets are to die for..not literally but you know what I mean.

And that ceiling...love.

I would like to have had a greenish tile instead of gray.

Ahh..I neeed one.

I am in love with this porch, and how about that view??

I could live on that porch..for real..I'm not kiddin'.

How cute are these bunk beds?

Shh...Shes sleeping..

2010-07-21T22:21:00.000-05:00

Thrifty Treasures

2010-07-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

Afternoon Y'all!!

Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend.

Its that time again..Thrifty Treasures.

I found this $5.00 clock at the local

Salvation Army this past fall with the intentions of painting it, I think.

I can't make up my mind.

I hung it on the wall this weekend hoping it will help me decide.

I like it just as it is, but I can also can imagine its cuteness painted.

So help a sister out..what would you do?

Paint or leave it be?

Be sure and head over to Rhoda's and check out everyones finds!!

Have a great and blessed week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Umm...Well?

2010-07-16T07:33:00.001-05:00

{Jade is the New Black}

I have wanted to try it all summer..I think I just might.

Update..

I did it..fingers and toes. I was unsure at first but it is growing on me.

A Conversation with Finlee.

2010-07-05T23:37:00.001-05:00

She cracks me up with all of her facial expressions.

She is too precious..I love her more than life itself!

I am sooo blessed to have her in my life..and her mom too (my sis).

Oh heavens, Aunt MaeMae (me) has me...again.

This is the Aunt MaeMae "what are you talking about" look?

Okay, I gotcha...I follow..I think.

Okay Aunt MaeMae...are you serious, I'm not so sure?

{This is my fav}

Ahh..yes, I understand. Why didn't you just say so.

I could eat her up, literally..just eat her up with love and kisses!!

Happy Fourth!!

2010-07-04T22:33:00.001-05:00

This weekend has been such a fun one.

It seems like we have had something going everyday, all hours of the day.

The guys decide to build the boards for a game called "cornhole".

Never heard of it until last month.

Well the guys head to the shop to built and

paint and I on the other hand head in the house to make the "bean bags".

Oh about an hour later we have all parts needed to play.

Let me tell you..this is addictive! We loved playing!!

The Guys

Jessica & April

Uncle Brandon & Finlee

Miss Finlee

She attended the festivities and was an absolute joy!!

Hope everyone had a fabulous Fourth of July!!

We sure did.

Fun with Friends

2010-07-03T22:32:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone!

Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend!!

We have had an eventful and fun one.

We spent Saturday afternoon at Dustin's dads sliding down the waterslide and riding the zip line.

Well, I said we, but actually the guys did.

Us girls sat back and watched.

Everyone had an absolute blast!

This was the steapest hill, but it made a mean waterslide!

I mean look how little the guys look in the pond from where I was standing!

The guys..B was headed down until I made them all look and smile.

I am so excited...Look whats coming in September!!

2010-07-03T01:10:00.000-05:00

~~~~~~~~~

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven

~~~~~~~~~

I LOVE me some Nicholas Sparks!!

I can't wait until this one comes out!!

She's Here!!!

2010-06-26T09:04:00.001-05:00

She has arrived!!

Finlee Noelle

7lbs 12oz 21" long

12:31am

June 26, 2010

And a cutie pootie I might add!!

Mom (my sis) and baby are doing great.

Summer Scent

2010-06-23T08:45:00.001-05:00

I am in LOVE with this scent!

It smells like summer, that is if you could bottle it.

Beautiful Skies

2010-06-21T08:35:00.002-05:00

This past week had some beautiful skies.

Thought I would share.

Thrifty Treasures

2010-06-20T20:32:00.001-05:00

Afternoon!

Hope everyone has had a great one.

Its been a rather quite weekend here but that will not be the case

next weekend..my little niece will make her debut entrance!!

We all are sooo excited and ready for her to get here!

On to my thrifty treasures.

I found the silver bird at the local thrift

store for 1.98 and the small vase for 99 cents.

I fell in love with this when I spotted it and so

surprised that it still had the original instructions with it...

.98 cent investment.

I have an addiction..for vintage quilts.

There I admitted it.

But I am not going to admit just how many I actually own.

Theres nothing like a cool evening and

wrapping up with a super soft ole' quilt!

I spotted this one at the thrift store and my heart just raced,

I checked her over and much to my surprise no holes.

I was estatic!

Even more so with a price of $6.98!!

Be sure and head over to Rhoda's to see everyones treasures.

Thanks bunches for stopping by!!

Thrifty Treasures

2010-06-13T22:32:00.000-05:00

Afternoon!!

Boy has it been a HOT one here.

It would not be so bad if it were not for the humidity.

I guess thats just our summers here in the good ole South!

I have a few treasures to share this week..

I have a love for flowers and most things vintage,

so it makes since to like vintage gardening books.

I found these two at the thrift store, one for 89 cents and the other for $1.98.

This garden handbook came from the local thrift store for $1.00.

It has a section for flowers, veggies and landscaping.

I have read bits and pieces this week and have learned some tidbits that are very informative.

The shell planter was a exciting find for $1.49.

Vintage egg basket a $2 find!!

It makes a great magazine holder.

This is cute little Petit Ami dress was a exciting find for $2.49.

It will be so darling with my little "niecelettes" initials monogrammed on it.

Well, thats all folks.

Thanks for stopping by, be sure and head over to Rhoda's and check out everyones finds!!