Honey Bend Vintage

Make note~

2010-01-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

New Year~ New Ideas~ New Aspirations~New Blog~
http://www.luciwallis.blogspot.com/

Quite a log time~

2010-01-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

It has been such a long time since I blogged that I could not even figure out how to sign on. After about 20 minutes here I am. Life has been busy! Someone in college should have smacked me hard when I chose to major in retail marketing. This has been the wildest Christmas I have ever had in my 17 year career! But like every year it's over and now just to get through inventory. I am rested and back to normal.
I have been going back and forth about this blog. Up until now I was going to just forget about it. But just like retail I love it and cannot walk away from it. You might not see me back right away, I have to redo this blog. Even thought the name is quite special to me I might change the look and the name. I wonder if anyone even reads this or not? Who knows who cares it is a great creative outlet! So for now I have to get my creative juices flowing~

Tons and Tons

2009-10-29T06:18:00.000-07:00

I started with a couple and that turned to hundreds and now there sitting in boxes~ I used to sell these little pretties on my past website. I have them in white, yellow, blue, pink, and yellow. I have several around the house, but sad to say the rest in boxes. I need to pull these beauties out and do something with them. Any ideas?

Learning Something New

2009-10-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

My husband bought a scanner, printer, copier thingy. Is thingy even a word, that's what I think of that little contraption. It took me forever to figure out the scanner. Don't you know I went a wee bit overboard scanning " back in the day pictures"~

I loved that dress, but oh so short!

My Dad made this baby doll bed and check out my little Bengal cheer leading outfit~ And no I was never a cheerleader. Remember from my last post, no grace~

I was happy as can be with my ketchup bottle!

By far the best Christmas to this day. My Dad made that sweet table and my grandmother painted it. Don't you know I still have it~

All For the Porch

2009-10-15T07:24:00.001-07:00

I was off Tuesday and had my whole day mapped out. Well usually when you do that things don't go your way. And on this particular Tuesday nothing went as planned. And to understand the story you have to get to know me a little better. My middle name is not "GRACE" and that is a good thing, because I really have zilch! That's right I am a klutz of sorts. The times I have fallen down steps cannot even be counted. The boots I showed in my previous post and I commented how I got them broke in. Well that was thanks to my spill down our steps leading to the sidewalk. There are a few and let me tell you it was a fall. Bruises up and down my leg, however my boots were instantly broke in! The list goes on and on. Fast forward to Tuesday. Griff and I were getting ready to walk to school. Well wouldn't you know Cooper (a beauty of a Golden but no brains) got loose. It was 755a and the bell rings at 805a so G and I headed out to play Cooper's little chase game. Thank goodness he did not follow us to the schoolyard, that is bad and has already happened once. So I dropped G off and wouldn't you know Coop was there sitting on the porch waiting for me to let him in.

I should have stopped there. I proceeded to shower and get ready for errands. When I headed out I had to stop for gas. I put the pump on the automatic flow thingy and ran in to get a Diet Pepsi. Here is a valuable lesson don't do that! I forgot about it and drove off and yanked that hose right out of the tank, it was still hanging out of my tank. Thank goodness someone did it last week and it could be fixed.

I was on my way and headed to Hobby Lobby and Michael's to get more decorations for the porch. I was excited to get home and put my visual thoughts into motion. I proceeded with putting the burlap garland up and adding fall leaves around the door. I was using my old rickety chair as a step stool. (Note to self always use a ladder) Well don't you know I lost balance and went flying down with the chair. Smacked my head and elbows on the porch, it was not pretty.
Somehow I pulled myself up and headed to the phone to call my husband. I was then approached by my six year old who informed me I should have used a bigger chair or ladder. Thanks sweetie I will remember that next time. To make a long story short my husband and I headed to the ER. And let me tell you that is always a fun experience. Since my husband is a police officer we play the I arrested that person and that person game. That usually entertains for about 15 minutes and the people watching keeps me going till we get called. After xrays and waiting I have one elbow with a hairline fracture and tendon problem. Just a normal day in the life of Grace oops I mean Bristol! And if you drive by my house it's half decorated!!

P.S.~ Notice how we have a routine at the emergency room, well we go a lot~~

Progress

2009-10-08T18:08:00.001-07:00

I don't know if you all work like I do but it is in stages. I build a little on things each day. I love this Harvest banner I created out of burlap and twine. I usually decorate the front porch in Halloween but with work being crazy; I wanted something that could make it through until Christmas. So I went with a Harvest theme for the front porch. I keep adding a little to it every day and hopefully by next week it will be done. Everything on 125 Grant St. is a work in progress. I decided to go with the classic orange pumpkin this year~ I even added my newest boots on the porch for their color. They were a birthday present from sweet husband. I have been working really hard to get them broken in and I think I have been successful~

Swoon~

2009-10-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

I was blogging for a quick second and came across the most delightful blog http://www.toriejayne.blogspot.com/. While I was visitng I ran across this wonderful designer that I am just swooning over. http://www.janconstantine.com/ Off to get my creative juices flowing it may even be a two post day~

P.S ~ Can some sweet girl please tell me to hide your link in a blogger post!

Marking My Calendar

2009-10-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

I think I am marking my calendar to go. One of the instructors is Kaari Meng, oh how I love French General and her style~ I have always longed to go to Silver Bella. But way back in college I made the decision to major in Fashion Merchandising. It was fun and an easier major. Just lets say I was never a book worm more of a party worm! So I figure working weekends, holidays and nights is my payback for my crazy days. Don't get me wrong I am a General Manager at a large retail store and I do love it. It however keeps me away from fun things like Silver Bella( do you think they could reschedule our sale that weekend.

So perusing Mary Engelbreit's site I saw this and how excited am I. This totally works out for me. Every spring we head to my Dad's hometown in Illinois and only an hour from St. Louis.
So I think I am making plans to head off there! Is there anyone else out there that is thinking of going???

Decisions.. Decisions

2009-10-03T05:43:00.001-07:00

Since there is a chill in the air, I can get down to Halloween decorating. Decisions, Decisions.... Debating whether to carry over the black and white pumpkins from last year. Such a fun and quick project. All you need is spray paint, markers and vintage paper. For some reason though I am just loving the classic orange pumpkin this year.
Then we have to decide on the costume. Last year we compromised and had two one for school and one for trick or treating. He got his transformer and we got to come up with a home grown costume. When I was growing up we either used items in the house or my Mom would create one. The little boy is cute as a button in his cowboy creation.

And the most important is the front porch. This picture is from two years ago. I have lots of plans for her this fall. The first thing on my list is the front door. Can I tell you how much I dislike both the storm and front door. I want to remove the storm door and paint my door red

a dark red. and then paint No. 125. So give me advice do you have a better color choice. Right now I have the paint samples taped to the door and they are all red. I am going to remove my wicker chairs and add rocking chairs or a bench. I think I am going to fill that porch with Mums and orange pumpkins.

Next up the mantle, this was last year! I think I am going to go with white , black and pops of orange.

I hope your fall decorating is going well, don't you love this time of year~

Thoughts

2009-09-30T01:16:00.000-07:00

I felt as if I was in high school again this weekend~ My son had his school festival and it being his first year in school I wanted to give as much as I could. We sold the raffle tickets, donated all the needed items, worked the festival and donated something to the silent auction. I felt good until I went to the actually festival. Wow to my surprise it is like a whole new world and where do I fit in. It was like I was a freshman in high school again so many cliches and lines drawn in the sand. There was every group right there, just like in high school. And at that moment I had that feeling of insecurity! It has always been hard for me to make friends quickly. I am very quiet in surroundings I am not comfortable with. I have been mistaken for a snob on so many levels because of it. Little did they know how insecure I felt, what to say and what not to stay....just easier to stay quiet. When I am at work or in my element I am a chatty Cathy and in new settings a misfit!
I guess in a way I have felt insecure in my blogging and that causes me to stop and start. Afraid to move ahead..... fear no one will read my blog....fear that I will be standing on the sideline. The other day I actually asked my husband well how do you become friends with someone... sad huh.
So I look at all these blogs and the closeness of some of you sweet girls. Can someone tell me how do you get there, how do you fit in so well.
Not knowing the answer it leads me to this, get out there girl. You enjoy blogging, put more effort into it. My Mom always said you "the more you put into something the more you get".
Buy until I get there can anyone give me a clue?
Now the festival and the Mothers there, a whole other story I am going to have to tell on another day~

Bristol

Dear Besties~

2009-09-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

Dearest Besties,
I put my wonderful birthday present in the most perfect place today; it was like it was always supposed to be there. From the perch on my couch , I saw so many things in that vintage cabinet that reminded me of my friends and sorority sisters of 20 years. The beautiful lines and detail reminded me of Jennifer, the strength of the cabinet reminded me of Les. The oh so fun and vibrant paint job reminded me so much of Debbie. It was at that moment , I was so thankful that you three were back in my life again. I don't want to go in to detail but in the past years I had distanced and basically cut myself off from you sweet girls. You can be rest assured that will never happen again.

There has never been one single day that I did not think of you and longed to be in that wonderful circle of friendship. I don't want to dwell on the past, but look towards the future! How lucky I am that I have gotten to spend time with the two sweetest girls of my friend Jenn. I look forward to getting to know Les's boys as well. And Debbie, Sassy can always call our house home~

Spending my 40th birthday with you three was wonderful. Everyday that I look at that beautiful cabinet I will think of each of you. I used to think 40 would be so horrible to face; but honestly it is like I have come full circle. You all know me like a book and I cherish that! I am so blessed to call you friends, besties, sisters. Whatever the term, it is not going anywhere.

Jenn was given the task of picking my present out and if she only knew how much it meant. It was a wonderful gift to receive! I am so lucky to call you friends and look forward to the memories we will make. It makes me kind of wonder who had that cabinet in the past and what story they had to tell. I can tell you when it gets passed through my family ,it will have such a beautiful story to tell~

All my love,
Bristol

P.S~ Check back tomorrow for the reveal of my sweet birthday present~

Kindergarten

2009-09-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

That little boy up there is my five going on six kindergartner. I always wished for a rambunctious little boy..... be careful what you wish for. That is exactly what I received. He's a little social butterfly like his Dad, talks a mile a minute. I honestly leave a room with him talking and come back to him still talking. His favorite catch phrase is "Let me tell you something". But all in all he is my sweet little boy.
He had such a successful time in preschool I thought kindergarten no problem. Well I was sadly mistaken. His class has an apple tree on the wall and if you break a rule your apple comes down. We have been in school for a little over a month and Griffin's apple has been taken down 5 times. Last week Grif had his first visit to the principals office. Did not phase him in the least!
Grif's teacher says he is a popular boy in class, but talks and interrupts class. That I said is his problem he wants to socialize all day. Let me tell you ladies it is going to be a long 13 years at this rate. We do know one thing at least he will be surrounded by lots of friends in the process~

~I Lied~

2009-09-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

~ I don't know what it is about Fall that really gets me recharged. Isn't spring the season that is supposed to do that? Well for me it is the day there is a chill in the air~ My mind starts thinking about pumpkins, Halloween, mums, chili, backyard fires, college football.......
And the thought the that I am going to be 40 in a exactly 4 days, yikes I said it! The other day
at work I told one of my sweet 18 year old employees how old I would be. " I did not know you were so old" was the answer I was not looking for. "You look so young" was the answer, good save!

~ So I had this vision I would stop blogging and get really involved in my house , work and family and not miss blogging in the least. Well I did everyday I visited my favorites. So here I go again..... hopefully it will stick this time.

~Off to plan Fall decorations......can hardly wait to share!

Bristol

So long... for Now

2009-08-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in about a month! I think I am going to close the little blog. I have so much going on with work, family and house it leaves me no time for this. So bye for now. It has been a pleasure getting to know so many wonderful ladies.

Bristol

Where does the time go

2009-07-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy here on Grant St. Working on the little boys room, cannot tell you how much I dislike painting. Hope to have pictures up soon of his baseball room~

And can I tell how much I dislike the fact that a couple of my favorite magazines are out of print. I am so hard up I peruse the Pottery Barn catalog for inspiration. I just received the fall catalog in the mail and they have added Vintage Style as one of their decorating categories. Some cute things and ideas check it out........

Love the graphics in this room.
Cute little take on some burlap roast bags~

I love this bar it look like a work bench of my Dad's. Makes me think of an idea~

I love love this idea of the photos clipped to twine. I have this on my to do list for today. I am going to try in my living room and bedroom.

Where do you find your inspiration??

Doghouse~

2009-07-09T18:44:00.001-07:00

I have a thing for totebags, maybe because I ruin them so quickly. My most favorite is this little lovely from http://ballarddesigns.com/ . Because I bought one for my Mom at Christmas, I think I have the right to use it. What you say, why don't you buy your own. Well because I am cheap that's right I said it. Just ask my husband it was just until recently I let him purchase a large screen TV. I do really get it honestly from my Dad. When I was in the 8th grade I swear we had cable installed on our black and white television. Okay back to the topic!

This cutie is on sale for 13.99 so I am off to purchase. The sad thing is I will think about it for another 30 minutes, so wait before you look. The two things I never scrimp on are hotel rooms and shoes. Those are just two things I cannot lower the bar on. That always reminds me of Bridgit Fonda in It could happen to you~ One thing she could not scrimp on is Miracle Whip(cute movie) So now you ask why the title.....

Well like I said I purchased one of these large totes in green with brown initals for my Mom. I always borrow it on trips. Well this time I put too much in it and what do you know the strap popped off~

When I called to tell her she was not happy. So everytime I call she reminds me, you know we take that tote to Mackinac Island with all the wine and such(because you have to have the right tote for wine!!) Today she flat out told me you better have another tote when you come up here in August. So needless to say I will be in the doghouse if I don't. So my question is what to have embroidered on it. Last time I did her initials and this time I want something different. So help me out which do you like the best
1. the lake
2. cottage
3. Up North (that what we always say when we are heading to the cottage
4. Let me know if you have something better.

There can be only 8 letters~

P.S. Wait a while before you check that 13.99 tote out! I ordered mine, they are an extra 10% off!!

Glamping.........

2009-07-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Back from vacation, finally! We had an adventure flying home with emergency landings and such. A missed connection in Atlanta to cause a vacation extension by a day and did I say I do not like flying. We did have loads of fun, sorry to say not a lot of pictures to follow. I was bad this time at clicking the Fuji on this vacation. I do recommend St. Maarten it was wonderful! I do have some great finds through hours of reading on the plane. First up is the book Julie and Julia by Julie Powell. I'm sure if there are some "self proclaimed foodies" out there, you know the movie is coming out in early fall. It is a great memoir of Julie who decides to cook through Julia Child's book in a year. If you don't mind a few choice words it is excellent!

My next find I think was in a People magazine. It really makes me want to plan my next vacation. The funny thing is I am not that much of a camper, but this looks wonderful. Glamping whoever thought of that was a genius. There are more ideas at www.goglamping.com. These pictures below are from the wonderful www.pawsup.com resort. They also have luxury cabins to stay in. The resort is in Montana and a little pricey. I am off to research other glamping alternatives. Until then my husband is putting the tent up in the backyard for some summer fun.

I could so be kickin' back here with a glass of wine.......

P.S. Can someone please tell me how to link to a website. I had it down on typepad but for the life of me cannot figure out on blogger

Did someone say movie night....

2009-06-18T05:59:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am almost packed and ready to go on the Caribbean cruise with my Husband's family. I have been anxious for the past couple days with regards to flying. It is not my most favorite thing to do. So my mind wonders to the things that make me relax. How fun would an outdoor movie night be. I would love to try this out a the family cottage this year, the kids would love it. I guess there is no way for the cow to be included. We could start with dinner outside and then on to a double feature. It would surely be a Disney classic double feature, Freaky Friday and Herbie the Love Bug. Did I ever mention to you that my son G loves old Disney Movies we have a ton on DVD, such a cute kid~ Happy weekend to you!

Picture from Country Living

Picture from Country Home

Quick note and then back to packing~

2009-06-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

So I have a mind that goes in fifty million directions a day. So many things I want to accomplish and not enough time, oh never enough time. That little nasty word CAREER gets in the way,there's no way around it. So I have been thinking lately how to fit in everything I love~ I thought for the past week about just throwing the blogging thing out the window. I have not been putting a lot into it for some time. But just like my mind goes a new idea popped up and it got me to thinking. I love the whole blogging thing and the sweet girls I have met along the way! I have always just stumbled around trying to find the best little area of blogging I fit into. And you know what who cares what group or class I fall into. I am just gonna do what I love and go from there. One of my most favorite people in the world told me "You need to do what you love to be happy in life". So I am getting on that road to do what I love. It is a dream of mine to have weekend sales with a farm/country atmosphere. It may take a year to get there but that's the road I am headed on. So to get there I am going to change the look of the blog and officially close down http://www.honeybendvintage.com/ . So the images up top will be a focal point of the new blog. The one thing that will surely stay the same is that picture of that little farm house and the name Honey Bend. We will tell you the story when the new blog look pops up in a couple months. I think through trial and error Honey Bend Vintage has ended up right where it needs to be~

Interruption

2009-06-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

We interrupt this blog for vacation to the CARIBBEAN. Headed out for our family vacation very soon. The laundry, packing, planning is underway. I will be taking a blogging break for a few weeks! See you soon........

liVinG tHe ViNtAgE lIfE

2009-06-01T17:22:00.001-07:00

So on Grant St we have been living vintage, that's right for about 9 days to be exact. When I say that we just did not hit the mother load at the neighborhood estate sale. Our air conditioning broke Memorial Day weekend. And let me tell you it was hot and muggy here that Saturday. We finally got someone to come out after the @#$* down the street did not show up. That's a whole different story and he's lucky the carton of eggs did not come out(now really I 'm classier then that, wink*wink) Anyhoo repairman 2 came out Monday, guess what the motor was blown. And guess why, sweet hubby of mine was not cleaning the filters enough. I do still love him. So the motor was ordered and move forward to Sat the 30, it arrived. But guess what we needed a new power pack(what ever that is). It was supposed to be here today. Guess what they forgot to unload it off the truck. Bye Bye power pack, it will be here on Tuesday. I think I freaked the repairman out when I told him I kicked my husband's arse. When he finally realized I was joking he could not stop laughing. It is never a dull moment here on Grant St. Through it all we had a super fun weekend with a graduation party at the house and a trip to the amusement park!! So keep your fingers crossed for the AC to be crankin' Tuesday. Keep them crossed real tight for my husband's sake, it's going to be hot tomorrow. And I still really do love him , even after our bill hit 4 digits!

Picture found on flickr @ eYe_image

Away for awhile~

2009-05-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

We are busy busy here on Grant St. from graduation, parties, sports and that yucky old work~

Tons to get done and not enough time, so I will be taking a break from blogging. I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, bye for now~

Picture from Country Living

You called my chairs what~

2009-05-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

I know that our husbands totally don't get the whole vintage thing, right? Mine rarely says anything he plays along so well with all my finds. But this time he just did not get it. My parents friends the McCall's gave me these wonderful metal retro chairs. The McCall's are wonderful people and they were so kind to give me four of them from there. My brother carted them back from our family cottage in Michigan, My sweet husband was so bothered that I had brought more "furniture" into our house. They sat in our driveway for a week or two and he finally had enough. His exact words were " are you gonna let those hillybilly chairs sit there any longer. My response was hillbilly chairs, do you know what a great find those are and they were free! I added them to the front porch and love them. I need to run out and mix the chairs up after looking at the pics, but you get the idea. He still does not get it! But I can bet he will be sitting on one this weekend, kickin' back and relaxin' on the front porch~

P.S. Instead of sitting out on the deck with a fire and the ball game blaring last night, we sat on the front porch~ And it's still driving him crazy. "Bristol I have to sand these chairs down and paint them they look bad. As much as I love your stuff the neigbors don't get it:) But they are super comfortable and they rocked Griffin to sleep"

Mail Call and Some Not so Fresh Flowers

2009-05-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

Since I did not have time this week to get fresh flowers I threw these together. So easy and it took me all of 15 minutes. I folded my tea dyed coffee filters in an accordian fold and secured with a wire in the middle. When secure pull out each layer of the fold. I attached a bamboo skewer for the stem. Not so fresh, but oh so pretty~I saw this great idea in Midwest Living to use old mailboxes for storage. I always struggle for a place to put mail and I thought this would do the trick. Not having an old mailbox I went 5 minutes down the road for a black mailbox at Lowes. It worked perfect and will do the job until I find a nice old chippy one~

A Derby Hat

2009-04-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

If you don't know, I live in Kentucky. Friday starts the big celebration of the derby, with the Oaks and Saturday is the Derby. It is so wrong but I am working all weekend! My Mom is headed off to a Derby party and needed a hat to attend. Last year I held a derby hat swap on my old blog. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed creating a lovely hat, knowing this my Mom called on me to create a hat. While this vintage wool felt hat is out of season I chose to use it. I have been wanting to use coffee filters for a project for so long and this was the perfect opportunity. I dyed coffee filters with tea bags and starting working. I added ribbon, a vintage horse ribbon and a poker chip from the Kentucky Club. I hope she enjoys it~

The Name Game Winner

2009-04-28T07:05:00.001-07:00

So G and I read all the wonderful comments yesterday. Thanks for leaving them! So we came up with a winner........ The lovely Maija from http://maigirlz.typepad.com

"Can you imagine being born Maija Neibergs?? Try saying that! It's pronounced My-ah Ny-burgs. People would get all confused when I even spelled it out. When I was in elementary school and junior hign we changed the spelling to MYA thinking it would be easy to pronounce- no. I got Mia, Myra, Myna and even Mary. In middle school the boys used to say "mya mya pants on fire" Finally I went back to the ethnic spelling since no one gets it right anyhow! Now when I say my name Mya Lepore (say it out loud now) people think my name is Myla. It never ends! But I do embrace the uniqueness of my name!"

The Name Game

2009-04-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

I loved a post that Kasey did over at http://lolabboutique.com/ she wrote a wonderful post of how her kids names came to be. It got me to thinking about my wonderful unique name BRISTOL. How so many times I am asked as to where my parents came up with that name. I always wish I had some wonderful story to tell. When I end up telling it I think well that is a great story. To answer the first question often asked. Your parents must have been hippies to come up with a name like that in 1969? Uh, no so far from it! So I have two brothers 7 and 9 years older than me. There names were easy. My dad told my Mom some fabricated story that all men in his family had to have the initials JDW. So my brothers got two strong common names John and James(Jay). My Mom always longed for a girl. When she became pregnant for the last time she thought for sure she would have another wild boy. So she picked out one girls name, Lucinda. Thank god for the cousin who took the family name first when her child was born. So after that no other girls name was chosen, not one. So, on September 2oth the stars aligned and a girl was born. We had a problem there was no name. So here you go this is our wonderful story behind my name. My Mom's friend said Sandy's friend in California has a neat name. So right there in a flat second it was decided. Bristol would be my name and then enters Lucinda again as my middle name. So I have hated and loved my name throughout my life. I have to spell it 20 times a day but it's my name and I love it. So what's the story behind your name. Send me a comment with a your story. My son Griffin and I will pick out the best story

and the winner will receive two vintage horse ribbons. Pass on the news of the giveaway, the more the merrier! Leave a post before Monday at Midnight.

~Almost Time~

2009-04-24T06:47:00.001-07:00

I always dread this time of year. My Mom is getting ready to head to our family cottage in Michigan. She leaves the first week of May and does not head back until October. I see her one week of that time when we make the annual trip up north. Oh how I wish I could spend more time up there. My grandparents purchased this cottage and their best friends lived across the street. My Mom grew up with their kids and it continued on to the next generation. Our cottage sits on the cove of the river and the lake is across the street, it is just perfect. I love this place~

Sweet Finds

2009-04-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Two fashion finds I am in love with at this moment in time. The sandals I found at Target for 17.99. I purchased them in gold, blue, black and tortiose. Oh yes when I find a good thing I buy several. And to tell you a little secret I bought two black because well I wear black everyday. That way Iwill have a new fresh pair to take on vacay. These little puppies are as comfortable as a flat sandal can be. I actually wore them to work today with a pair black slacks. I did a huge floor move and I was not happy by the end of the day but I still looked down and said I love these sandals!

My other new find is Henry. Brown Bags. I got together with some college friends and when my friend Jenn walked in with this bag I went ballistic. The canvas, quality and color is out of this world. The monogramming is wonderful. http://www.henrybrownbags.com/. They are located in Lexington, Kentucky. All of their product is made right in the heart of horse country.

A Brand New Day

2009-04-16T06:27:00.001-07:00

Since I started blogging I have not been one to get to personal. But I have been wanting to post about this for a couple days, so here we go. For me it is a Brand New Day. I have been in a rut for the past couple years since my Dad died. I was eating whatever I wanted, I stopped taking the medication that controls my insulin, and not working out. I have been making excuses for it and just shopping in the larger womens' section. So one can only shop at Lane Bryant for so long. You really have to be creative there to find my style. Not that it is a nice shop, I'm just sayin'. I have not tipped the scales too bad, I venture to say I am in a larger 14 or 16. Wander why there are never any pictures of me posted on the ol' blog, because not to happy with the appearance lately. I have been talking about dieting, but never had the right frame of mind. So for whatever reason I woke up the other day and said that's it, I am doing it. For one reason we are headed here in 10 weeks. My in-laws are taking the whole family on a Caribbean cruise and Lane Bryant is not going with us this time! The lovelies below are. I have been coveting this tunic and top from Sis Boom http://sisboom.com/. If you have not stopped by Jennifer Paganelli's site please do she is so talented, her fabric and products are beautiful and she is a all around sweet person!

So I headed back over here. I have struggled with my weight since my mid 20's. Not finding out until my 30's that it was mostly caused from and insulin problem. Anyhoo, I went to Weight Watchers at one time and had the most success there. The thing that was holding me back was the meetings. I found a couple days ago you could do the program online, today I started back on my insulin medication. And as soon as I finish typing this I am going to go walk.

It was so important to post this challenge and get on with it. So bare with me as the shop may open later and you may see more weight loss posts~

Bristol

Inspiration

2009-04-10T18:46:00.001-07:00

Where do yo get your inspiration? I got the inspiration to make these pedestals from the most talented Holly at http://hollydoodledesigns.com. The pedestals she made are so gorgeous, go check them out. I decided to do my own spin on them~ I used sheet music and an old attendance certificate of my Grandads. They are so easy to assemble. All you need are paper mache boxes, candle sticks, wood bases and some acrylic paint. Simply use a glue gun to attach the already painted wood pieces to the paper mache lid. When securely attached start your embellishing. They are not intended for food use, but add a punch to my buffet table in the dining room

I have two other super talented ladies that have inspired me to create two fun projects, check back next week for the finished projects.

~Next~

2009-04-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Next project please~ So I have a few things to finish in the bedroom, all those little finishing touches. I will post pictures of the finished project in the next couple weeks. So now on to the next project my craft area and opening up http://honeybendvintage.com/ . I am going to open back up on the 15th with just a few categories (Vintage horse show ribbons, a few vintage finds and some unique supplies. So to get there I need to get my space in the basement cleaned up and organized. Hopefully by Sunday I will have some vintage pretties on the site.

~Almost There~

2009-04-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

I still have loose ends to tie up in my bedroom. Still looking for some vintage artwork to hang on the walls. We decided on bamboo blinds to go behind the drapes. With them not up yet it is hard to see how cute these drapes are. When I am 100% done I will share some more pictures. I need to purchase the quilt that matches the shams to finish the bed off. But so far I am liking the new look. It is difficult to see but the wallpaper looks like fabric linen on the walls~

This and That

2009-04-03T07:41:00.001-07:00

I had ideas of posting pictures of my almost complete bedroom. My lovely camera is not cooperating so I hope to have them up Sunday. I thought I would show you a couple things I am dreaming about. I have been dreaming of this chair and sofa from IKEA. I would love to do white. But in my house it would be destroyed in 5 minutes flat. I would be sure to spill a glass of wine on it, Grace is not my middle name! My hats off to all the girls who can keep those creams and whites stain free. Now how to convince my husband on the great bargain that lies ahead~

And this sweet pillow I just purchased from Katie's Etsy Shop. Pop on over to her blog http://www.saseaboutique.blogspot.com/. for the link. Check back on Sunday for the reveal of my bedroom. I finished everything on my list!! I put painting the floors on hold. I am off to search for a large area rug, wish me luck!!

A quick project

2009-03-29T04:59:00.000-07:00

I can never seem to figure blogger out, so this is my second try at this post. I treid to delete a picture and I deleted the whole thing and comments from two great girls. So here we go again.

I had great plans this weekend to finish many projects. Well as life goes nothing went as planned. After the usual cleaning of the house I had a few moments to complete a quick project. I grabbed a couple Ball jars, web juting , ribbon and lace. I loved how they turned out~ Did you have any quick projects this weekend?

To Do List

2009-03-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

I love how Jenn at the Cottage Nest has a to do list on her sidebar and how she has completed everything on her list. I am going to borrow that great idea to keep me on task. I have so many projects brewing in my home, but they are never fully completed. So first up is my bedroom. I am waiting on the wallpaper to arrive. Since we are waiting let's move on to another project, my craft space (what a mess!) I hope to complete that by Saturday~
Here is to "To Do Lists" and getting them done~

Pictures from Country Living~

~Cherry Blossom Tree~

2009-03-21T07:38:00.001-07:00

I love the start of spring it means renewel and starting anew. The first signs are when my cherry blossom tree in the front yard starts to bloom. I brought some in this week to enjoy. I love the simplicity of the branches and some added pantina~ Enjoy your spring weekend~

2009-03-17T19:16:00.001-07:00

~A sweet boy and his faithful dog, it warms my heart~

Griffin and Coop age 5

Monogram Style

2009-03-15T17:44:00.001-07:00

One of the hot trends this season are monograms or initials. What I want to know is when did they ever go out of style? I am 39 and have been wearing or decorating with Monograms or initials most of my life. I remember my favorite wool sweaters with my initials on the chest. I had them in many colors and they were a great companion for my wide whales and weejuns. I guess they have always been in style for me, I have been a prep from my earliest days. I loved the signet ring I got for my 21st birthday. One of my wedding presents was an etched monogram pitcher, it stills sits in my kitchen. So for me it is a classic and a staple in my home always~

Don't you love this tray from from http://monogrammarket.com/

This pillow would look great on my couch, you can find this lovely at http://monogrammarket.com/ I have so many of these, morgan and company has a great selection .http://morgan-company.com/

I love this picture I found on Flickr. Brings back such great memories

I love this linen from http://bellalino.com/ but my pocket book does not~ A little secret you can take a duvet or pillowcases to an embroidery shop and have it done for less the price. Check around your local area. We have a cute shop in my community that I always turn to~

Honey Bend Vintage

2009-03-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

This little cherry place is opening back up soon http://honeybendvintage.com/. I have debated back and forth if I should open it back up. I have missed the little shop, so she will reopen on April 15th if not before. We carry vintage horse show ribbons, vintage finds, ephemera, unique craft supplies. I will keep you posted on our status~

The story of a bench

2009-03-09T07:10:00.001-07:00

A few posts ago I wrote about a bench I purchased at Ikea. I was going to sand and stain, but after living with it for a while I knew that was not going to work. I decided to cover it. Not being a great seamstress I enlisted my Mother's help. We ended up only sewing the cording and the panels the rest attached by a handy staple gun. The picture is not great, having problems with my camera. All in all it stayed right in my budget.
Bench- $59
Fabric- $12 (Found in the remnant section)
Crest- $0 - Snatched from my front yard(it is a garden flag)
Total- $71

The Quiet Before the Storm

2009-03-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

It is Sunday morning and the house is quiet, to a point of annoying. Husband is at work, teenage son sleeping, animal snoozing and one 5 year old still at his MiMi's. My husband and I both worked this weekend(the perils of a cop and a retail manager) so G went to stay with MiMi.

Peace and quiet was good the first day, not so much liking it now. So when my husband and I arrive home from work at 6 the house should be buzzing again. It makes me so thankful to have such a wonderful family~

{ I Want }

2009-02-24T18:08:00.001-08:00

A few of these~

A blue beauty like this~

A memory from my childhood, like this~

And a red barn like this~

pictures from flickr

Porch Time

2009-02-19T14:45:00.000-08:00

Spring is on it's way and that means the front porch needs a seasonal spruce up. I love to dress her up for all to see. This year I plan on making her a little more on the cozy side. A cozy place to read a magazine or doze for a few.

Grant St. porch last year This is a favorite photo from Country Home, so cozy~

This is one of my most favorite porch snapshots from Country Home. I dream one day it will be mine~

{I Love}

2009-02-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

~I love P.O.S.H {http://poshchicago.com/} don't you~
pictures from the P.O.S.H website

~Thoughts~

2009-02-11T07:13:00.000-08:00

Do you bite off more than you can chew, I do~ My brain goes a hundred miles a minute. So many things I want to accomplish and just not enough time to get it done. I read and look at so many wonderful blogs and shops and dream of doing that full time. But reality sets in it is to hard. Full time (consuming) career and home take most of my time and they should. I keep fighting in my head about the little on line shop http://www.honeybendvintage.com/ to open it back up or not to. I have so many vintage horse ribbons sitting in my basement, boxes I say. I debate about selling them all or not. Oh there are the ones I will keep that are my favorites. But what to do with the other 300 I have, no kidding! Do I sell them on ebay, do I wait for my favorite antique show and set up shop one Sunday. Anyone interested in a lot of 30-50 ribbons???

~To Do~

2009-02-09T06:17:00.000-08:00

As I sit here on the computer making my plans for day, Ikea and the Ballard outlet keep popping in my head. Cleaning and working out are on my list, but I have a window from 12- 3 when G goes to preschool. It takes me 45 minutes to get there, 30 if I speed. I have two things on my list so an hour should be plenty of time to shop. These sweet topiaries have been on my mind from Ballard Designs for so long. I really want them for my kitchen table. How lucky would I be if I find them at the outlet!

The next item on my list is this "Little Plain Jane" bench from Ikea at 69.99. I forgo the search for new chairs for my dining table. So I thought how fun a dining bench would be. We have one at the family cottage, my Dad made it. I so miss being able to go to him for all my woodworking needs. I love when all the cousins pile on the bench for dinner it warms my heart~ I thought with a little stain and some added detail, it could work. And it doesn't break the bank. I will let you know how it turns out!

Projects and a good buy

2009-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

I would love a new table and chairs, but it is not in the budget this year to purchase a new one. I sanded the top of the table and stained it with a great black. I wanted and aged look and that is what I got. The other day I decided to add some web jutting to the base of the table. I used upholstery tacks to secure it. This little addition cost me a total of 11.50. Web jutting is so inexpensive and if you like a french country look, it works perfect for a variety of projects. I love how it matches my red jute area rug. I am still working on it and adding some detail but I liked how it turned out. I am on the search for some chairs to replace the ones that came with the table. Here is a rough picture, I will add a better one when the project is complete.

I love when I find a good buy. I have been on the search for two topiaries to put on my mantel. I found these $50 topiaries on clearance for $18 dollars at Home Goods. They were just what I was looking for and it did not break the bank.

New Inspiration

2009-01-22T07:00:00.001-08:00

I am a fan of the color red, I have it in most rooms of my house. A lot of the blogs are visit are beautifully done in the pastels of our color wheel. I tried that in some areas of my home but I must say I was missing the color red. This past week my Mother and I stripped the layers of wall paper off my bedroom walls. It is one of the last rooms in this old house to be redone. The original owner loved wall paper to a point of frustration to me. Most of the rooms had to be wall papered again due to the damage. I am not a big fan. But unless I want to have all the walls torn out right now and have dry wall put up, I must make it work! Last year I was convinced to finish the room in pastel colors. This book revived my love for red and has given me a lot of inspiration to start new projects around the house and to continue this blog. If you have not purchased this book, you need to real quick. Thanks Kaari Meng for inspiring me!

Over here

2009-01-17T07:20:00.001-08:00

I am over here now. It is time for a change! I officially closed down http://www.honeybendvintage.com/ I just don't have the time to put into it now. It takes a lot of work and that was taking me away from my time at home. I was neglecting the poor house on Grant St. and that is where I have shifted gears. I will never say never to opening the website but for now I am just focused on family and home. This blog will be about our cozy and happy home~