A Beachy Touch to this French Cottage

I was reading through blogs yesterday and I found the coolest thing here. It was posted by Layla at The Lettered Cottage and I instantly fell in love. I really, really liked it a lot and was inspired to try to make one too. (Hope you don't mind Layla, it really wasn't my intent to shamelessly copy you. I just loved it sooo much :) Anyway, here is my finished sailboat. I liked the classic look of the ticking fabric and since I had some red ticking fabric left over from the making of my sofa pillows, I decided to use it instead of the blue that Layla had. I'm happy with how it turned out and it now sits proudly on my mantle. Thank you for the inspiration Layla!

Have a blessed day everyone!

xo,

Kathleen

Fun With an Old Door!

Yes, I know, it's been awhile. So sorry! Let's just say between end of year field trips, meetings and other end of school year activities, we've been a little preoccupied around here! As I'm sure you've noticed, I had to put my little project on hold too. Anyway, that's neither here nor there. Summer vacation is here and I'm thrilled!! I did get a chance to work on a little project and wanted to share it.

About a year ago, I found this fabulous old chimney cupboard door. It came right out of an old local house and I got it at a yard sale that the family was having. I loved it although I wasn't quite sure what I would do with it. I knew something would come to me though, so I bought it. Then, recently I had a fun idea for it. I would paint it and turn it into a cool chalkboard. Yes!! Everyone needs a cool kitchen chalkboard and I'm kind of a chalkboard nut anyway. So here is the before picture...

And the after!

I love it! I'm finding that I put everything on it and use it more than my calendar. Wow! What did I do before I had this?

Have a great day everyone!!

xo,

Kathleen

Sunday Reflections

The scripture says, "No one who believes in Him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him. For, "every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved."

Romans 10:11-13

Fabulous French Style ~~ Fabulous Low Cost!!

Who says fun, French style has to be expensive? Certainly not the case here!

Okay, so I'm sure a lot of you have heard of The Christmas Tree Shoppes. If not, let me tell you - just think Marshalls, Ross, or TJ Max on steroids. Not kidding!! I have heard of this place mentioned many times on lots of blogs. Problem is, we didn't have one in our area - that is until now. We just got one and the big grand opening was the other day. I stopped in yesterday to see what the fuss was all about.

Well, it was amazing. I found soooo many things that I would have loved to take home with me. Right in the door, I found a big wall fountain. For the amazing price of $14.99 - yes -can you believe it?

Then as I wandered around, I came across these fabulous dishes. The salad plates and bowls were .69 cents! And these aren't flimsy dishes. These are heavy, thick china dishes. The dinner plates were a little more - $1.00 - but hey, I was able to buy service for 10 for about $23.00 plus tax. That's cheaper than the $60-$80 price tag I've seen on a boxed set of service for 4. Anyway, we were in the market for new dishes and this was a great bargain so I went for it. And...see the amazing flatware in the photo? The ones with the handles that look like mother of pearl. .99 cents at Target - not kidding.

Oh, and did I mention that the bowls have fleur-de-lis inside too?

So cute.

Anyway, I thought I'd share a bargain alert in case anyone is looking for some cute French dishes! And maybe a patio fountain? Very peaceful sound while relaxing on the patio!

Enjoy your day.

xo,

Kathleen

Sunday Reflections

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her toungue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her...

Proverbs 31:25-28

I wish you all a very blessed Mother's Day! You are special and the work you do is very much appreciated! Have a wonderful day!

xo,

Kathleen

Lavender and Cute Storage

I have to apologize - I have been such a bad, bad blogger! I know I promised to let you in on my big plans last week, but as the saying goes, "Life is what happens when you're busy making plans." Last week was a little busy around here. I won't go on and on with all the details but long story short, one of the kids got sick and then shared it with all of the rest and then we had fun with "pink eye." I decided it would be best to put all plans on hold for a bit until everyone is better. I'm not going to keep you hanging for too long though, I promise! Besides, I'm too excited to wait - but will have to give it a couple more days.

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you a couple of super cute picnic baskets I found while out with my mom a couple of weeks ago at the Salvation Army store. I have decided to use them in our front entry foyer to hold hats, gloves etc... I made a few lavender sachets to put in there with them to keep everything fresh and sweet smelling. Plus, lavender is a great bug repellent. It'll keep those pesky moths that always seem to fly in the door on summer evenings away from the wool hats and scarves!

Enjoy your day everyone!

xo,

Kathleen

Sunday Reflections

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and His compassion is over all that He has made.

Psalm 145:8-9