The Monkeys Have Been Set Free ....

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween !!  We had a weekend full of fun festivities.  And, yes, we decided to "rock" the Snooki/The Situation look (from MTV's Jersey Shore).  Yo!  Actually, it was fun to wear a wig that is my natural hair color (almost makes me miss being a dark, dark brunette).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9-K751Jbw_WWNxj_fgltzUrRVMHGPzFFv9ZtMM1ysg6KZjBWnJRToIqTovjquJIIJlZHLAhyphenhyphen7oZALoVaZzpKm2OPCaJTjipoo-Sa7EXD7_tw2r8bvQF7lxlRMLO6kvFuzJi-tt3NIQ/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9-K751Jbw_WWNxj_fgltzUrRVMHGPzFFv9ZtMM1ysg6KZjBWnJRToIqTovjquJIIJlZHLAhyphenhyphen7oZALoVaZzpKm2OPCaJTjipoo-Sa7EXD7_tw2r8bvQF7lxlRMLO6kvFuzJi-tt3NIQ/s400/IMG_0558.JPG" width="337" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Annn-eeee-way ... so, recently, I decided it was time to free the monkeys from our mudroom so that they could go back into their natural habitat (lol).  </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>BEFORE:</strong>  I really did love the red monkey wallpaper that was in there for about 4 years, but, honestly, it always made the room appear a bit dark, and it really limited me in my decorative accessories.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtT3xBLB6SylffcG5P8i-bzIe3Mdymj8gH9hwNrwb43kbRdn4CcPXWTuWrf7UaybKnA8jzO6UKEYukV2h6Gz8DETGTvASt86aKqmYPAqzCiYSj2IhFoFqowLxnz8kp7xjPL7F3Njkqg/s1600/050%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtT3xBLB6SylffcG5P8i-bzIe3Mdymj8gH9hwNrwb43kbRdn4CcPXWTuWrf7UaybKnA8jzO6UKEYukV2h6Gz8DETGTvASt86aKqmYPAqzCiYSj2IhFoFqowLxnz8kp7xjPL7F3Njkqg/s400/050%5B1%5D.JPG" width="262" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I was greatly inspired by incredibly talented Kim at <a href="http://www.twiceremembered.blogspot.com/">The Twice Remembered Cottage</a> ... she added beadboard to her dining room (fabulous), and I knew that this was the look I wanted in our mudroom.   And, as many of you know I've been on a lighten and brighten kick lately, so you shouldn't be surprised that I "attacked" this room and turned it into this:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPegHwZTVYx6SW1qjYc4NAQ0mLJULGCKj1g3jC_RzwxaYPJ3toNrdCkYXfsVJo1XJqZHxFHuA4Cu0refDPb6mccVUXgJ-F18MkHd-4eboT3kB0D7h33T44JEwzBwGARo2G65f8toMDaA/s1600/mudoverall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPegHwZTVYx6SW1qjYc4NAQ0mLJULGCKj1g3jC_RzwxaYPJ3toNrdCkYXfsVJo1XJqZHxFHuA4Cu0refDPb6mccVUXgJ-F18MkHd-4eboT3kB0D7h33T44JEwzBwGARo2G65f8toMDaA/s400/mudoverall.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We (meaning our neighbor) added beadboard and 4" wide pine molding (both chair and base) to mimick more of a "farmhouse" look.  I then painted  the walls SW Antique White.  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>BEFORE:  </strong>Monkey and palms ev.er.ree.where!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2anXxvWeTVYGyNwlQUWgKe2iZsVGyUxeErnAjvSCbqs0FPTSZJkFzpjsLfc6oC8BCYLU9JFb1MTtqUb3MddI5zG-9AIoZ6cxs5R8PeMSnJhS19bWr1CgioC-Om-MocQQdbUOL3jNCcg/s1600/068%5B2%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2anXxvWeTVYGyNwlQUWgKe2iZsVGyUxeErnAjvSCbqs0FPTSZJkFzpjsLfc6oC8BCYLU9JFb1MTtqUb3MddI5zG-9AIoZ6cxs5R8PeMSnJhS19bWr1CgioC-Om-MocQQdbUOL3jNCcg/s400/068%5B2%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>AFTER:</strong>  Yay(!), lighter and brighter:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyz88djakmAjnG3bXpQpMrrRvrar8Ql7WVXwzzlb_jh0oI3_7dR4TpYtVKC_X1HGFVm3LbWkwbmlSQr81mfYPFbY4XPNDuEaPlPAm4RNn-jS4drLG_PqvRx9wSHa5YxxaNfJyncVhMDw/s1600/mudoverall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyz88djakmAjnG3bXpQpMrrRvrar8Ql7WVXwzzlb_jh0oI3_7dR4TpYtVKC_X1HGFVm3LbWkwbmlSQr81mfYPFbY4XPNDuEaPlPAm4RNn-jS4drLG_PqvRx9wSHa5YxxaNfJyncVhMDw/s400/mudoverall2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In keeping with the farmhouse feel I was going for, our friend removed the basic door casings and added the wider 4" pine molding ... love it:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTZQuMBF9_O-fp97xndyU0j76fiosndb_Ao1QA7SEEtr8poasWH5xxVjSL5gWMds6lcIbMAm6QH5yRMCdi4CT-S_xBG1c9VRKgNpXnlGZATg7F0XEDDK-Dw5LhcW-1qc1AJTykseSSg/s400/door.jpg" width="266" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I found this fun vintage sign at Michaels and placed a plain black frame around it.  I am waiting on a few oversized, metal wall laundry pins from Ballard's to go on this wall, too.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQNET_ZnHcka2yOrLpwItZX5GYEMTZxxHeCMIiaIpxtP-WrUoeXDfLduLQA3GR5_dOCQgq3ohFH9QMhTjX24mf6onJIpjZ4RNlFIOO46jbNPaqKsUGKIYKgJQRinuDdKhcPTgVcJEXQ/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQNET_ZnHcka2yOrLpwItZX5GYEMTZxxHeCMIiaIpxtP-WrUoeXDfLduLQA3GR5_dOCQgq3ohFH9QMhTjX24mf6onJIpjZ4RNlFIOO46jbNPaqKsUGKIYKgJQRinuDdKhcPTgVcJEXQ/s320/sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The area beside my washer/dryer remains my little grand central station, as far as calendar, invites, etc., goes.  We had the black granite (that once sat on our kitchen island) cut down and placed here instead:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEKKSma0uBGQEC9uz_aiDBKXo-c4sXsrxbhygj1fZJAJHgdeM5y202CNk4eG6TFC8ABvQMYAi_u9g9FmOEFiyevd2_-HdzjjCE7D8LLu4FlihmmPt2aL6Z7CiAoveXywZjv3GAQW96A/s1600/desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEKKSma0uBGQEC9uz_aiDBKXo-c4sXsrxbhygj1fZJAJHgdeM5y202CNk4eG6TFC8ABvQMYAi_u9g9FmOEFiyevd2_-HdzjjCE7D8LLu4FlihmmPt2aL6Z7CiAoveXywZjv3GAQW96A/s400/desk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1Jwr9cKaUvOPHwGYfo-kcMETcmL6IghfY_mZVTSCGKJVb9bW32hRGd368GwiGeNyzzmHO_PmbxUUDwE1llxhbUovthK-tpFr9QMyTIuBjDGHhtozxJ5XXiixQwFwS8E4E3SwE8tG_w/s1600/desk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1Jwr9cKaUvOPHwGYfo-kcMETcmL6IghfY_mZVTSCGKJVb9bW32hRGd368GwiGeNyzzmHO_PmbxUUDwE1llxhbUovthK-tpFr9QMyTIuBjDGHhtozxJ5XXiixQwFwS8E4E3SwE8tG_w/s400/desk2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Above the cabinets, I placed a few fall pretties:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw65UG0TXHLSOSIyqUQTpgp0rbqU6kuNabh9Rj01mcMRPUu0XxnpNo7SIzGs7opX7udrCDML0qrlMtO_kDf7k8-_BfEfFCSDK4tN5CQbfjMu5AmnSYVBnLZ35fl_3Hqbj05p5gbGH0hQ/s1600/soffit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw65UG0TXHLSOSIyqUQTpgp0rbqU6kuNabh9Rj01mcMRPUu0XxnpNo7SIzGs7opX7udrCDML0qrlMtO_kDf7k8-_BfEfFCSDK4tN5CQbfjMu5AmnSYVBnLZ35fl_3Hqbj05p5gbGH0hQ/s400/soffit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the wall by the door leading to the garage, I placed this fun chalkboard (from Home Goods) that has cute little knobs ... love how rustic it is.  And, of course, I couldn't wait to break out my chalk paint markers:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo7xI79LC5d8IqRW4Jie-uoHquJPomFjmZm6YrFM7kxPcYgQIeqpGcekagEy9sHETGRUhTA3lw1OUnw2VgeqX0jg3WWZxCUHg3u5GRXXYQoPTh38aFVgoNJSAhF7FaEi4RvmvQupH9A/s1600/mud2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo7xI79LC5d8IqRW4Jie-uoHquJPomFjmZm6YrFM7kxPcYgQIeqpGcekagEy9sHETGRUhTA3lw1OUnw2VgeqX0jg3WWZxCUHg3u5GRXXYQoPTh38aFVgoNJSAhF7FaEi4RvmvQupH9A/s400/mud2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the wall opposite the washer/dryer, I added a coat rack (from Lowes), a picture ledge from Home Goods (that I painted white), along with some fun black picture frames!  Actually, I found the frames as part of a boxed set at Belk's (50% off ... score)!  They are super lightweight, and you simply hang them on the wall with Command Post Strips (that were also included):</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW2S3PCOVLjZ5o6pdXp6d8NjmOcoZ-oZG0s_KdewHYHRjnhWQMm36dh8tSplKw1SS7FXsna7JV-iHwqT-AhjuBQmuiLUoIG5w5bFqHzbNmwBOZ1yUHVqiV_kHegn7rK0hkl14Ot5MUw/s1600/mud3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW2S3PCOVLjZ5o6pdXp6d8NjmOcoZ-oZG0s_KdewHYHRjnhWQMm36dh8tSplKw1SS7FXsna7JV-iHwqT-AhjuBQmuiLUoIG5w5bFqHzbNmwBOZ1yUHVqiV_kHegn7rK0hkl14Ot5MUw/s400/mud3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I opted to place a few frames on the picture ledge since I love the layered look:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS61mGBlfEDRvgOpkikAzZgqGuWDNuplGvBZF4aR5SIzSU7C_dkG-IFuw2dlvCZYacKXmOn2Jxe6MIbCvHQRZgFEWphDVLnvVh1iYyijHUlO7jQ4lQgEWSMQ5tHm5hGHbmazBfa80-KA/s1600/pictureledge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS61mGBlfEDRvgOpkikAzZgqGuWDNuplGvBZF4aR5SIzSU7C_dkG-IFuw2dlvCZYacKXmOn2Jxe6MIbCvHQRZgFEWphDVLnvVh1iYyijHUlO7jQ4lQgEWSMQ5tHm5hGHbmazBfa80-KA/s320/pictureledge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A coupla "Fall" pillows sit on the black bench below, which also serves as perfect storage for stinky shoes (lol):</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SBUnBBPkKWYgWV3Ybk1A8_IlKny8mRM3u1VPvpeSwseaeMmYwqp2rco_ATO88Ij6Y4S40XeeN0ZGL9Mlw_ILzpYMQNnD1fK-4TLP81bxjdZXIe3ieZ-C91orPGaTdTjvpxfaSVblCw/s1600/pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SBUnBBPkKWYgWV3Ybk1A8_IlKny8mRM3u1VPvpeSwseaeMmYwqp2rco_ATO88Ij6Y4S40XeeN0ZGL9Mlw_ILzpYMQNnD1fK-4TLP81bxjdZXIe3ieZ-C91orPGaTdTjvpxfaSVblCw/s320/pillows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, lastly, no mudroom is complete without a clothes bin embellished with a little chalkboard (which I couldn't help but to add a goofy title to ... yes, I'm a doof), along with some ca-ute Spiderman pj's hanging out:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKbRJVLI7XRDEbUQvZc8KmIOZiwvs12II7MHQpPapQYh904dKjjWSp_ShUWe6A9jEqwzWKmqrplWQbIkJkisofk83kcZ-m3fJE1yvaGpcAy8Ov00LCzz-FbphSgmdGi65qtdZr3-ylw/s1600/mud1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKbRJVLI7XRDEbUQvZc8KmIOZiwvs12II7MHQpPapQYh904dKjjWSp_ShUWe6A9jEqwzWKmqrplWQbIkJkisofk83kcZ-m3fJE1yvaGpcAy8Ov00LCzz-FbphSgmdGi65qtdZr3-ylw/s400/mud1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're still tweaking this room.  I really am enjoying the change!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm joining a few fun gatherings ... please stop by and visit the following amazing bloggers and their great parties:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/before-and-after-party-private-pantry.html">Thrifty Decor Chick</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-first-party.html">Savvy Southern Style/Before and After Party</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/11/master-bedroom-bliss.html">Shabby Chic Cottage/Transformation Thursdays</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com/2010/11/friday-vignettes-friday.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Color Outside the Lines/Vignettes Friday</span></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com/2010/11/inspiration-friday-party-no-11-and.html">Southern in my Heart/Inspiration Friday</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/11/sns-55-brings-you-stickstwigsbranches.html">Funky Junk/Saturday Night Special</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/11/sunday-showcase-party-w-three-scoops-of.html">Under the Table and Dreaming/Sunday Showcase</a></span></div>

The Monkeys Have Been Set Free ....

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween !!  We had a weekend full of fun festivities.  And, yes, we decided to "rock" the Snooki/The S...

Read more »

Dining Room, Take 2 ...

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Wednesday ... we're halfway through the week!  It's getting quite chilly here and, unfortunately, 'tis the season for getting sick.  My poor kiddo has strep.  Not to worry though ... a little bit of Keflex and a lot of TLC, and he'll be good as new!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, I've slowly been attempting to transform our dining room from dark and cozy to light and somewhat shabby chic (I think)!  This lighten and brighten kick I'm on has attacked almost every room in our poor house!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>BEFORE:</strong> The walls</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> were painted RL Metallic Paint/Lush Brown ... area rug in red/black and traditional hutch buffet:  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWceee31SQcFd29HjErjALDgo-cFLPpgXJ3PVjuQAS1p7SaqOukxog6Mh6v7cUaayiaOpqVumV6E8ZhY5ddSDvDysX30xjFS3E2l08IHZCVIjJjF65zCZ-jXJxebizX1MeaB2uFrcptg/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWceee31SQcFd29HjErjALDgo-cFLPpgXJ3PVjuQAS1p7SaqOukxog6Mh6v7cUaayiaOpqVumV6E8ZhY5ddSDvDysX30xjFS3E2l08IHZCVIjJjF65zCZ-jXJxebizX1MeaB2uFrcptg/s400/030.JPG" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>NOW:</strong>  Yes, this is the same room, I promise!  (Please go easy on me.)  The walls are now BM Manchester Tan ... smaller sisal rug ... hutch buffet replaced by antique sideboard and one *ha-uge* mirror, and I slipcovered the side chairs in cotton duck slipcovers:</span> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaJsl6i6tFP4ak1EqYwiccbE7qJGVgGi7fPPhEc2pl8JH91CrAi2TnMoMQU74DLg4PZ9sqAS-_mGa5J91TWnyQNeHRMmbAc_5pL_8BIkClRjpViDcBIvXygI-bR3CjCZTsFhMH0mGhA/s1600/diningoverall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaJsl6i6tFP4ak1EqYwiccbE7qJGVgGi7fPPhEc2pl8JH91CrAi2TnMoMQU74DLg4PZ9sqAS-_mGa5J91TWnyQNeHRMmbAc_5pL_8BIkClRjpViDcBIvXygI-bR3CjCZTsFhMH0mGhA/s400/diningoverall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>BEFORE:</strong>  Window treatments done in gold and red that just seemed to get lost against the dark wall color:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8gM-ax7JHhx7BCMDeBpcGZe5hv1Hd5Yc4DrqqMQ2QdmbzoJ9K7SCWzHfPeqP9ml_2XUM8nsFj3bHgt7LTAb2rRS5RjIz65J77xgF60e9OtSGAX3NWXMmv9typRyh0orKstN-UX2Xkw/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8gM-ax7JHhx7BCMDeBpcGZe5hv1Hd5Yc4DrqqMQ2QdmbzoJ9K7SCWzHfPeqP9ml_2XUM8nsFj3bHgt7LTAb2rRS5RjIz65J77xgF60e9OtSGAX3NWXMmv9typRyh0orKstN-UX2Xkw/s400/041.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>NOW:</strong> A new "mis-treatment" done in a gold satin *swirly* material.  I raised the height of the panels to compliment the high ceilings and added a few tassels for fun.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupCKgiJPbngHRAdJKM1zPHmA5QPCdcGp-z2nViFToWjQI6isNSfImTyFpUq8bcVNsnwX36StqVWtWfAeomCFJnuQ8RBZ64ioZqoUaRFOkMBbMfnDqW7hde4kyrcceL4STDXcd9jkPUw/s1600/window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupCKgiJPbngHRAdJKM1zPHmA5QPCdcGp-z2nViFToWjQI6isNSfImTyFpUq8bcVNsnwX36StqVWtWfAeomCFJnuQ8RBZ64ioZqoUaRFOkMBbMfnDqW7hde4kyrcceL4STDXcd9jkPUw/s400/window.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This bench used to sit at the foot of our bed.  I placed it in the window and added a fun grain sack pillow from Tuesday Morning:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVOXuGMDfWMkf7HC5cokm4VGW-8BHn1FAZBLb8zPVvsO3WP87EjSFQIa18IdGuemMZGdV8oHFGMD10Cbcp7oo1-BKskydyA3HrBGFWaSUGTmvdtzd6mOiqMx5JyawI6HxrB9uJVj94A/s1600/dbench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVOXuGMDfWMkf7HC5cokm4VGW-8BHn1FAZBLb8zPVvsO3WP87EjSFQIa18IdGuemMZGdV8oHFGMD10Cbcp7oo1-BKskydyA3HrBGFWaSUGTmvdtzd6mOiqMx5JyawI6HxrB9uJVj94A/s400/dbench.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">On the other side of the room, I decided to make my first attempt at a plate collection.  And</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, of course, I had to steal PB's idea of adding the twine and pictures:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmcXHtlKA2MOxM3OO2dsqAgtFqY5lVEdq4xRW1RoC-6SKhj8rxl3bLl_MomkA-EkswuSlaSXGDINkq4AUPWjPy8QEKNzVFMUpx4otECkfAGuWuWLU7CxI0eK2rWxY43aOyHdRdb3xug/s1600/platewall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmcXHtlKA2MOxM3OO2dsqAgtFqY5lVEdq4xRW1RoC-6SKhj8rxl3bLl_MomkA-EkswuSlaSXGDINkq4AUPWjPy8QEKNzVFMUpx4otECkfAGuWuWLU7CxI0eK2rWxY43aOyHdRdb3xug/s400/platewall.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf5byOSfyqGQK28h9UvlrY6fM0FZxDyg9W4VVf5lB70BUjgSJHdr_CzclgUm0P_0h320U0wlDF1mzVCgqlzXAvMqUk-xbJSeEtcnFntiIHcGsY-Q45EXwLxPDtgjTUlhuGoleeoJqsQ/s1600/diningplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf5byOSfyqGQK28h9UvlrY6fM0FZxDyg9W4VVf5lB70BUjgSJHdr_CzclgUm0P_0h320U0wlDF1mzVCgqlzXAvMqUk-xbJSeEtcnFntiIHcGsY-Q45EXwLxPDtgjTUlhuGoleeoJqsQ/s400/diningplate.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I found this beautiful sideboard and mirror at my favorite antique store.  I *really* want to paint the sideboard cream and glaze it, leaving the top its natural color.  Okay, all of you painting experts ... whaddaya think?  Paint it or leave it?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_h-cl7l292MlgEZp8r62jDPKIelwkD8EFHYmCnSmgq6-XlFaoE6FlzA8I5xfwrRLI0u2-5X27MajobFnR5L_wII1DbLXEQZIUO962zWzH6bJfWPEZeMzOrKJbMknHEu0Q6AHX4U2XA/s1600/sideboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_h-cl7l292MlgEZp8r62jDPKIelwkD8EFHYmCnSmgq6-XlFaoE6FlzA8I5xfwrRLI0u2-5X27MajobFnR5L_wII1DbLXEQZIUO962zWzH6bJfWPEZeMzOrKJbMknHEu0Q6AHX4U2XA/s400/sideboard.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love the detailed edges on the mirror:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdy-u2b-_zKweyX8Yf9MA801nzGHRAuhFY-hUFRPz4u7gPKl7U3R9pSMH07XSkkra3KDrpM7vpb7nAhnSsswfH3newZxtUgpoqLJybSzyR7-k5dR6fTBAlqV9Dfa2wZh31JFA18NW3Kg/s1600/mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdy-u2b-_zKweyX8Yf9MA801nzGHRAuhFY-hUFRPz4u7gPKl7U3R9pSMH07XSkkra3KDrpM7vpb7nAhnSsswfH3newZxtUgpoqLJybSzyR7-k5dR6fTBAlqV9Dfa2wZh31JFA18NW3Kg/s400/mirror.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The tea service was also purchased from the same antique store:</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCjaZ-lVqRbIh1qBtfsYmXw4aFdAdyGy6fh90imC_pMjgQ1-N7RGQDYvijug5NAb8WSosikLGUxMMp-5wncyehkG2ARX4IMlO_fMgyDutezD7p6kHyLFKM_-WGYUGHScJn3LSVaDoug/s1600/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCjaZ-lVqRbIh1qBtfsYmXw4aFdAdyGy6fh90imC_pMjgQ1-N7RGQDYvijug5NAb8WSosikLGUxMMp-5wncyehkG2ARX4IMlO_fMgyDutezD7p6kHyLFKM_-WGYUGHScJn3LSVaDoug/s400/tea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I found the floating shelves flanking the mirror/sideboard at Lowes and asked our friend to add small, simple molding to them to dress them up *just* a tad:  And, while I love the clean look of them, I may end up adding small corbels underneath as I'm just *waiting* for the shelves to all to come crashing down!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_mg_AWlXUa1_E1qolw-hSYC08EkYbJSg7avcH3OjYo55-SwwBjLxHIGxFHwf3bMFE0-UiCnMDdZZSrv1Zgfx1qG8V3dDA7PBxCJlIyUYB7RfCWV6S637iBnW18J33Xeqcr1hWPBsxg/s1600/shelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_mg_AWlXUa1_E1qolw-hSYC08EkYbJSg7avcH3OjYo55-SwwBjLxHIGxFHwf3bMFE0-UiCnMDdZZSrv1Zgfx1qG8V3dDA7PBxCJlIyUYB7RfCWV6S637iBnW18J33Xeqcr1hWPBsxg/s400/shelves.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMvn8gwWfKJMfjUCRGvVYAblFdQsRd9fsWFtalhRIft7Sm1BbrbTlxmm1Sbgu0ArNBGtrJ77tzyA73_q28m_E0EoSFDPvokSa4BPDBNp95XZgkdXRWNpkl60Pr1sBtE4UqkRif-VCkw/s1600/shelfclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMvn8gwWfKJMfjUCRGvVYAblFdQsRd9fsWFtalhRIft7Sm1BbrbTlxmm1Sbgu0ArNBGtrJ77tzyA73_q28m_E0EoSFDPvokSa4BPDBNp95XZgkdXRWNpkl60Pr1sBtE4UqkRif-VCkw/s400/shelfclose.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I also found the *perty* silver vase and candlesticks as well and love it on the table, mixed with the burlap runner:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfnBzTSh4PPfp4BgbeSnRyAKBd5qFXymW3g0vdr75X6rXBG-AirgkkbQDJqXHahA5sRjH1urffPiAAYWPv9wQSlk8Y0T5aAxhyfrxaRmWh2k7mLGJqkI4aNQ5XK_DyKmQP9N6zyip0w/s1600/center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfnBzTSh4PPfp4BgbeSnRyAKBd5qFXymW3g0vdr75X6rXBG-AirgkkbQDJqXHahA5sRjH1urffPiAAYWPv9wQSlk8Y0T5aAxhyfrxaRmWh2k7mLGJqkI4aNQ5XK_DyKmQP9N6zyip0w/s400/center.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPl37Zs9XVektJHXozLuGkohSpqnMseeKKqIFMNgQkqarkOeMs0iwcopc_Enn0V_T8WCoXlBLdSQnIl6VTvaws2mX52U8ftnD-Csff6eEH3xKps7lySOaoQgPRB78k7du-jVwuakymg/s1600/center1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPl37Zs9XVektJHXozLuGkohSpqnMseeKKqIFMNgQkqarkOeMs0iwcopc_Enn0V_T8WCoXlBLdSQnIl6VTvaws2mX52U8ftnD-Csff6eEH3xKps7lySOaoQgPRB78k7du-jVwuakymg/s400/center1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not done in here yet (imagine that), as I'd love to replace my existing chairs (which are on their last legs ... no pun intended, lol) with french country chairs, along with adding crystal magnetized charms and beaded chain to our chandie.  So, stay tuned ...</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEhIdiBu6PjhOTIjDHbCBDkp3hIA9-lGmPldBzLU0RO6nDh5MqYse38y6y8lL4TxGcUCc-UZXmQ62L3wqGGvVzkerqyAOfOo1wEBNP9PiRCDuvQph7U9wT8LFvDUmdgfrgvhVdwHljg/s1600/dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEhIdiBu6PjhOTIjDHbCBDkp3hIA9-lGmPldBzLU0RO6nDh5MqYse38y6y8lL4TxGcUCc-UZXmQ62L3wqGGvVzkerqyAOfOo1wEBNP9PiRCDuvQph7U9wT8LFvDUmdgfrgvhVdwHljg/s400/dining.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm off to join some fun parties!  Come on over and visit these wonderful blogs as there are so many inspiring and creative sights to see:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/10/long-awaited-bleeding-brain-cake.html">The Shabby Chic Cottage</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com/2010/10/friday-vignette-friday-week-12.html">Color Outside the Lines</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2010/10/show-and-tell-friday_21.html">My Romantic Home</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2010/10/feathered-nest-friday-no-5-tea-party.html">French Country Cottage</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com/2010/10/inspiration-friday-party-no-9.html">Southern in My Heart</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/10/sns-53-brings-you-shutters.html">Funky Junk Interiors</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/10/fireplace-for-my-dream-library-welcome.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BetweenNapsOnThePorch+%28BETWEEN+NAPS+ON+THE+PORCH%29">BNOTP for Metamorphosis Monday</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks so much for stopping by,</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></a><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><br /></div>

Dining Room, Take 2 ...

Happy Wednesday ... we're halfway through the week!  It's getting quite chilly here and, unfortunately, 'tis the season for gett...

Read more »

Lighten and Brighten

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope you all are enjoying the day.  It's absolutely gorgeous here ... I have *no* business being indoors, let alone playing on the computer!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I'm taking you into our sitting room today.  Some of you may remember that it used to look like this:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb1l5N_ZEQtDy3LGQ9U2iFUdyNiELGkXqJgjALDwW8vpnaBDMKkB-bTUUlrIbHTfw40-4uEgAIBoRVMFc4BG2VfeQw_i86L5hbIGyJRAnDtG9PKOXnq963C7NNf_3ejIBA0tnuclKEg/s1600/office2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb1l5N_ZEQtDy3LGQ9U2iFUdyNiELGkXqJgjALDwW8vpnaBDMKkB-bTUUlrIbHTfw40-4uEgAIBoRVMFc4BG2VfeQw_i86L5hbIGyJRAnDtG9PKOXnq963C7NNf_3ejIBA0tnuclKEg/s400/office2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a yummy metallic chocolate brown (Ralph Lauren Metallic paint in Lush Brown), which I absolutely loved.  However, because the furniture in there is dark, the room began to close in on me. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>After:</strong>  I painted the walls BM Manchester Tan, switched out the furniture, the rug and window treatments.  </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqg6FhJdvctQ17vUKYtWc1r_guN9das00S3qs3eUGAq90ndUkCiILVX8n8qwGxoTfDEWnsUn5XucGUyhBQGaQmBVsWGjNRRz3sYTtF90sWk_qQyEVxDR8GOMIrilKAEwHqGaH8vwr8w/s1600/overallofc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqg6FhJdvctQ17vUKYtWc1r_guN9das00S3qs3eUGAq90ndUkCiILVX8n8qwGxoTfDEWnsUn5XucGUyhBQGaQmBVsWGjNRRz3sYTtF90sWk_qQyEVxDR8GOMIrilKAEwHqGaH8vwr8w/s400/overallofc.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The chairs and ottoman are from the great room (which also has a new look). I've ordered natural colored slipcovers for the chairs ... hope they work.  And, a smaller jute rug replaced the larger, darker one we had.  I like having more of the wood floor exposed:</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I found this silver tray at a local *ha-uge* antique store called B&B:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Fb8EIfQ3HyrSkcxiOskSLx-8dEuJhZpq7xPVprzdXorgzn5PzEII1GC9DSmVsfV8u6XUhCUStLoUpueztHM-vg3yuL-FhJN2IXKDpF-yINgrHpFB3m5Dz9bdn8m19Kro7ndC2llX6Q/s1600/tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Fb8EIfQ3HyrSkcxiOskSLx-8dEuJhZpq7xPVprzdXorgzn5PzEII1GC9DSmVsfV8u6XUhCUStLoUpueztHM-vg3yuL-FhJN2IXKDpF-yINgrHpFB3m5Dz9bdn8m19Kro7ndC2llX6Q/s400/tray.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've moved things around in the bookcase and have added a few Fall touches there, as well.  Love the vintage Tequila bottle (also found at B&B):</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIHBttKwes6s7bapDn451R7UqmJzb_udmKneTnO2TMGOwulKPGrT-oP-H1Ym2mJW9jLenblq6IVUWxg20eTztcmCDl4drEOkWwtr-9VS5GzJQJaJJpQ_SlXMZnzs-xwKomRVWR5AvWw/s1600/glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIHBttKwes6s7bapDn451R7UqmJzb_udmKneTnO2TMGOwulKPGrT-oP-H1Ym2mJW9jLenblq6IVUWxg20eTztcmCDl4drEOkWwtr-9VS5GzJQJaJJpQ_SlXMZnzs-xwKomRVWR5AvWw/s400/glasses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A baby white pumpkin is perched on a nest of shredded paper which all sit on top of cute bowl I just bought at a friend's awesome gift shop called <em>Crazee Birds</em>:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisv1-CX7xam2xrxRlZC0wuR4yoNDxYCjfQ4gwgaRL-h48Y60aEckZBsK5NmuYDpsRWMHsL8lfcTIqBGKSRoo-IsiZEDqwlMrTbyKPHXZJkICyc-GS6s6KZMv3Nn6fE2Ah71AKXw-4ckA/s1600/officepumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisv1-CX7xam2xrxRlZC0wuR4yoNDxYCjfQ4gwgaRL-h48Y60aEckZBsK5NmuYDpsRWMHsL8lfcTIqBGKSRoo-IsiZEDqwlMrTbyKPHXZJkICyc-GS6s6KZMv3Nn6fE2Ah71AKXw-4ckA/s400/officepumpkin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fun textured pitchers (and, yes ... a-NOTHER bird plate).  I also lightened some of my books up by wrapping them in painter's paper (from Lowes):</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8StGaa6bXuA_-nb6wcNezcIf2v9Z2Xsf0_jaDWaxTXLdqRrmqRywgefGVJkT3cNWnzc5oK8C7Hjz1XSWGw-vnnlFZUmk4t7W10bKTByMTJwmaY5GCJCiZbgeJVuTFzTIE83KjHeQmw/s1600/bookcase2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8StGaa6bXuA_-nb6wcNezcIf2v9Z2Xsf0_jaDWaxTXLdqRrmqRywgefGVJkT3cNWnzc5oK8C7Hjz1XSWGw-vnnlFZUmk4t7W10bKTByMTJwmaY5GCJCiZbgeJVuTFzTIE83KjHeQmw/s400/bookcase2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This fancy mirror once *lived* in the dining room, but has since moved here:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq_q4VqisJh0VH1r23zxbHYu3MXncIh_TDkNwreU5TiOdV-cImSIiS8zA4ao7018fiu4FNdB8HbdNBGn-iA55xPxlzO2OzbgfURP1swOYiKfDVFyM_6EBlLWsQupy6qz45lTm6cot6w/s1600/mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq_q4VqisJh0VH1r23zxbHYu3MXncIh_TDkNwreU5TiOdV-cImSIiS8zA4ao7018fiu4FNdB8HbdNBGn-iA55xPxlzO2OzbgfURP1swOYiKfDVFyM_6EBlLWsQupy6qz45lTm6cot6w/s400/mirror.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And, a fun find from Home Goods:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtNsFpgu7giKSJFNNE1qEYmjuL5wCpSiiES2G-CscXYN4yLqJP-yBMVC4WylfKp2WkSthoiV2JccDVRmXJkmI4y4yGP3cnv4Zimcv5t_K6tN6Uxh0-5-bBgaJVrW_AZurbF-BzWkTHw/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtNsFpgu7giKSJFNNE1qEYmjuL5wCpSiiES2G-CscXYN4yLqJP-yBMVC4WylfKp2WkSthoiV2JccDVRmXJkmI4y4yGP3cnv4Zimcv5t_K6tN6Uxh0-5-bBgaJVrW_AZurbF-BzWkTHw/s400/clock.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're really enjoying the new look in our sitting room, especially in the afternoons when the sun pours in through the windows.   </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qstYUsXIjvUWKNKDxYbuyLF7oc0i_YuYeeeheuZvrzRYc6UICPrHOPlcRvIN-4IuJfTN8UhC4Cu1X1dzCokGvbslCbKlViA5lsNobULtX_cE-JBfoDkJqwg9E9jItNxAQciwoZMgmg/s1600/ofcoverall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qstYUsXIjvUWKNKDxYbuyLF7oc0i_YuYeeeheuZvrzRYc6UICPrHOPlcRvIN-4IuJfTN8UhC4Cu1X1dzCokGvbslCbKlViA5lsNobULtX_cE-JBfoDkJqwg9E9jItNxAQciwoZMgmg/s400/ofcoverall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, I hope you have a wonderful day!  I'm off to finish up the dining room:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTztjxfhC3GPuIfhObbYKCaqYy-J48VEc-XdmUcwYTFTJT34028B-2JpnZvdgbYC9VbZRCnNDLJ1435pkM5OWFcWFcTR4So8eD3zecX-BU4_EDhisfOHz7-IZTgYHy6-0NW4jcRL-g3w/s1600/platenew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTztjxfhC3GPuIfhObbYKCaqYy-J48VEc-XdmUcwYTFTJT34028B-2JpnZvdgbYC9VbZRCnNDLJ1435pkM5OWFcWFcTR4So8eD3zecX-BU4_EDhisfOHz7-IZTgYHy6-0NW4jcRL-g3w/s400/platenew.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm linking up to:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/10/rats-infestation-across-blogland.html">BNOTP for Metamorphosis Monday</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2010/10/welcome-to-another-weeks-episode-of.html">Make it for Monday</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://itssoverycheri.com/2010/10/10/10-10-2010-its-so-very-creative/">It's So Very Creative</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/10/transformation-thursday-oops-edition.html">Transformation Thursdays</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com/2010/10/inspiration-friday-party-no-8.html">Inspiration Friday</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/10/sat-nite-special-52-brings-you-picture.html">FJI for Saturday Nite Special</a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by,</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></a>

Lighten and Brighten

Hope you all are enjoying the day.  It's absolutely gorgeous here ... I have *no* business being indoors, let alone playing on the compu...

Read more »

Fall Buffet

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Tuesday! It's almost *chilly* here today, which I love!  Since finishing my <a href="http://adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-fall-family-tree.html">Fall tree</a> that I shared with you yesterday, I've been tweaking my Fall buffet that sits in our great room.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the view of it from the foyer (feel free to click on any pic to make them larger):</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC_QJ9CpUK-9wuXmIOl0pNe6hoDdvTxLSaohUFyUnexltmPz8NVAWH3s_3CS6ijGC6NMJZV19C19UZI3J6S3tY7hq-Jp6A378KG3zVHR-LC7LjCdLtC1sBg7jZNmOIInUewPIFdHwHg/s1600/overallbuffet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC_QJ9CpUK-9wuXmIOl0pNe6hoDdvTxLSaohUFyUnexltmPz8NVAWH3s_3CS6ijGC6NMJZV19C19UZI3J6S3tY7hq-Jp6A378KG3zVHR-LC7LjCdLtC1sBg7jZNmOIInUewPIFdHwHg/s400/overallbuffet2.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little closer:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5f-9IVTmV3yj79qY6AuNDXZPmLx52YzFRIyyKZe0R-kkEGXgqCbqjKt3pKgjfHNtjSJWm-pY1QvB3cCggRptdN-BvMYJmshyphenhyphenmTUDDsvxlIPGmcU57Lly72Kkvx8SGrEljl6TuLQY93g/s1600/buffetclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5f-9IVTmV3yj79qY6AuNDXZPmLx52YzFRIyyKZe0R-kkEGXgqCbqjKt3pKgjfHNtjSJWm-pY1QvB3cCggRptdN-BvMYJmshyphenhyphenmTUDDsvxlIPGmcU57Lly72Kkvx8SGrEljl6TuLQY93g/s400/buffetclose.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A cream pedastal bowl sits in the center filled with pumpkins,  pinecones, leaves, a starfish and a baby pumpkin tucked on top of a little nest:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6gxxePk1_utgCGJuAstCRi37wNNVbKaqbOA8oMBOYX8pT9r3zh_0NGMg5SIQNOkBN8qR0fRLvYRVPxDOSeecAyV_JRP0m9Lx6Wb0yBy-S2B64QByUJfqWGlab4rnMsws9NdbMTecVg/s1600/bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6gxxePk1_utgCGJuAstCRi37wNNVbKaqbOA8oMBOYX8pT9r3zh_0NGMg5SIQNOkBN8qR0fRLvYRVPxDOSeecAyV_JRP0m9Lx6Wb0yBy-S2B64QByUJfqWGlab4rnMsws9NdbMTecVg/s320/bowl.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A vase from Willow House holds sprigs of little leaves, flowers, pumpkins and feathers:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNDqP7XgK4bgBROYL2ozsM80BsOfKwX6xArf_uvZkHwSG6Hrrp5HIKhG9BawBjQzFbwdtOIPr_SI82J5LejnVQZnDskxpUgu-ogdd1VIb5Oh8CH1h9jSMRyJ1wzX3TNecYMopB8kyZg/s1600/buffetfloral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNDqP7XgK4bgBROYL2ozsM80BsOfKwX6xArf_uvZkHwSG6Hrrp5HIKhG9BawBjQzFbwdtOIPr_SI82J5LejnVQZnDskxpUgu-ogdd1VIb5Oh8CH1h9jSMRyJ1wzX3TNecYMopB8kyZg/s400/buffetfloral.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A cute bird plate from Home Goods:</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxyCiYmpevinltgvYsk5G_KP7rNV42n1E1eegN4_kziqG4WM8FHVzyavSmEUjn_moyWeozblpeqNcHdGkNpzGkHgw3ZRstzTmsGylEMR7gA_BOX4X3Gt1EQ1vRah5j7koWkXPKhJs9w/s1600/birdplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxyCiYmpevinltgvYsk5G_KP7rNV42n1E1eegN4_kziqG4WM8FHVzyavSmEUjn_moyWeozblpeqNcHdGkNpzGkHgw3ZRstzTmsGylEMR7gA_BOX4X3Gt1EQ1vRah5j7koWkXPKhJs9w/s400/birdplate.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Continuing the touches of the bird theme, I love this rustic birdhouse I found at one of our local gift shops:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7tqk5YgYx_eSom_YjJpl9CcTYpOsd4s29f9sr6M5-veWYaHN2J6wsMMl9hYua7rHEAnhUDuMYoJBMXcDHxKzePMioyr2L5YSN8knfl1lH5JqqsSSX9cmwF71NyezLKOi04XHwb0gAg/s1600/birdhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7tqk5YgYx_eSom_YjJpl9CcTYpOsd4s29f9sr6M5-veWYaHN2J6wsMMl9hYua7rHEAnhUDuMYoJBMXcDHxKzePMioyr2L5YSN8knfl1lH5JqqsSSX9cmwF71NyezLKOi04XHwb0gAg/s400/birdhouse.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This pumpkin sits on top of a vase I wasn't using.  At the base of the pumpkin sits a round wild *spray* that is supposed to be used at the base of a candle.  Oops:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPOLWa0pNo8CXDeAAVA2UWaS02pTInrP2uWQgW1x9QlU50c4EZ2mCJslzG4rMDRyyhetbYkIB6mQZ-rDFNIWu-LbnzIcv5UYP1WZmcgQulBMyXOcKM0IDCSIsG0KGrT18QPhmraYp3g/s1600/pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPOLWa0pNo8CXDeAAVA2UWaS02pTInrP2uWQgW1x9QlU50c4EZ2mCJslzG4rMDRyyhetbYkIB6mQZ-rDFNIWu-LbnzIcv5UYP1WZmcgQulBMyXOcKM0IDCSIsG0KGrT18QPhmraYp3g/s400/pumpkin.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, there ya' have it!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think I may crash <a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2010/10/33rd-table-top-tuesday-master-bedroom.html">Marty's Table Top Tuesday</a> party, Rhoda at <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/fall-in-the-foyer/comment-page-1/#comment-57108">Southern Hospitality</a>, <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2010/10/feathered-nest-friday-no-3.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a>, <a href="http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com/2010/10/friday-vignette-fridays.html">Color Outside the Lines for Vignette Fridays</a> and <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2010/10/show-and-tell-friday.html">Show and Tell Friday</a>.  Come on over and join the fun!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by,</span><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMy7hOAYN0ihYdu1qA74CWf9mg1PVahFMtT_ZSg8fv0RGv9BniJj2wCBGyJ00gLlPJSxYQV3w_6DTodJYh8K0-UiQb5J9xTfdz1i-5OKYGB0U1Ru4ZKic3Ghn3iGJkyJqX0qBVZtuCuQ/s1600/overallbuffet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>

Fall Buffet

Happy Tuesday! It's almost *chilly* here today, which I love!  Since finishing my Fall tree that I shared with you yesterday, I've ...

Read more »

My Fall Family Tree

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My poor husband ... he's such a great sport when it comes to supporting my decorating <strike>obsession</strike> hobby.  He'll make countless trips up into the *sauna-like* attic for me when it's time to decorate for the holidays.  HowEVER ... he wasn't quite prepared to pull a Christmas tree down ... in Sept-EMBER!  lol</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I really wanted to do a *family* Christmas tree again this year ... I'm just putting it up a tad bit earlier.  And, it's not *really* a Christmas tree, per se ... more of a FALL family tree, with rustic, muted ornaments (and, okay, a few sparklies mixed in, too)!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I wrapped it in both burlap and grapevine garland and added lots of bird feathers ... </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhyphenhyphen9-mKk6LNMYAHw9d4r78COttZuk9hxJwA3hVceIuKB5uGWLiftAxHlwapqNUQ9h4Soy83PxTmL66CxQ_1FHQPI4oS0iEjgeiMPNqR4wvMv2gwiC__mbb3BShdLPgvuXrmQAxKlcbg/s1600/overalltree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhyphenhyphen9-mKk6LNMYAHw9d4r78COttZuk9hxJwA3hVceIuKB5uGWLiftAxHlwapqNUQ9h4Soy83PxTmL66CxQ_1FHQPI4oS0iEjgeiMPNqR4wvMv2gwiC__mbb3BShdLPgvuXrmQAxKlcbg/s400/overalltree2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">gold and copper-y ornaments (WalMart), and a picture of one of my older sisters and her family while visiting her husband's family in France ...</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zIro-SNrd0g0v-vkEOgsjMkn-twATYhjAepdowVgcsySBTKAWqhFRz1HMFCMkjANt5Ao7kU0E6zpQf4IkZa78s4BVqMGQeOFvJR1iApG-0HVjRSeiWBBirjkAnc8ZgauSabjPU7LYw/s1600/copperball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zIro-SNrd0g0v-vkEOgsjMkn-twATYhjAepdowVgcsySBTKAWqhFRz1HMFCMkjANt5Ao7kU0E6zpQf4IkZa78s4BVqMGQeOFvJR1iApG-0HVjRSeiWBBirjkAnc8ZgauSabjPU7LYw/s400/copperball.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">a few sprigs that have birds' nests on them (with a little gold birdie perched in one now).  The glittery topped acorn sparkles away in the lights ...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XRUUzvziFQrHBsfru4tfiMiMjbyiDKXjRrpqR8gbqKHGQ_f7KhAg3yi-9vdQ4ub3k5v222LYzBdSoCkyV6XvtA4PaCju-HPZ1ZTbI2de-9wKPI81TsrWpo9SIRYMg5vx8EeHsC_txw/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XRUUzvziFQrHBsfru4tfiMiMjbyiDKXjRrpqR8gbqKHGQ_f7KhAg3yi-9vdQ4ub3k5v222LYzBdSoCkyV6XvtA4PaCju-HPZ1ZTbI2de-9wKPI81TsrWpo9SIRYMg5vx8EeHsC_txw/s400/036.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">gold layered balls (have them in copper and apple green, too).  I found them at Dollar Tree last year ... 2 for $1 ... score!) ...</span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6mau_BvculqUAm8ItnHQW4lAj3dZygvEM2pHU_wlKnuMG8409tCsNnzNx5-ZmKic28V2GmwxcgANDXP75m5bXJjzEQdnufgSZ3wC6yzpVEo5MyJEztaNnLhTdCBFvFPmX2aqYV2BYQ/s1600/goldball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6mau_BvculqUAm8ItnHQW4lAj3dZygvEM2pHU_wlKnuMG8409tCsNnzNx5-ZmKic28V2GmwxcgANDXP75m5bXJjzEQdnufgSZ3wC6yzpVEo5MyJEztaNnLhTdCBFvFPmX2aqYV2BYQ/s400/goldball.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a baby owl, who found another empty nest to rest in (alongside a picture from when my husband and I renewed our vows in Punta Cana for our 15th Anniversary, this past July):</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vYvUSx0iIU3-eJLUSHFYe77wjR4-4TdKtChU273fXTwlugLmk8SROXJaev1cI0bWRlnLpUIyrscYdm40cmgyzc6QJed53ka_RzcbH4gFBX147XZaJC4MYYFm983-0zGirzmVDeUcqw/s1600/owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vYvUSx0iIU3-eJLUSHFYe77wjR4-4TdKtChU273fXTwlugLmk8SROXJaev1cI0bWRlnLpUIyrscYdm40cmgyzc6QJed53ka_RzcbH4gFBX147XZaJC4MYYFm983-0zGirzmVDeUcqw/s400/owl.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pinecones scattered on branches and a burlap *skirt* peeking through (you *know* I love the sparkly leaves) ...</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EaACB5_RvECRVuCWCgOQZNO9O5DkWgkf7ET5gkP1FSAUnDhntQqGQTUz0HTWQKH9-3mf2r2Dk8hvCwRNVfGuPQZ-bXq4z-srpM2RkdtFgT4Ko0we1JLsqlsSF4cDRMeihVh55d8HfA/s1600/leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EaACB5_RvECRVuCWCgOQZNO9O5DkWgkf7ET5gkP1FSAUnDhntQqGQTUz0HTWQKH9-3mf2r2Dk8hvCwRNVfGuPQZ-bXq4z-srpM2RkdtFgT4Ko0we1JLsqlsSF4cDRMeihVh55d8HfA/s400/leaves.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Annnnnd, you'll see branches and more feathers sprouting up from the top, along with bows in pretty colors of browns, golds and creams (gotta add more birch):</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsCh8HQOaonWqXLy9LTviDO4hU-6EE3X8cNoHblj87hMAm4GEivWTrkcKdIgh3lvQKF3K-sJISB3aKEsOkYbjtZ477bA1OdzXFPAXstSvYMU0RTA-AJ0Gpfk7bL2Bu4nCUSFBaERo_w/s1600/topper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsCh8HQOaonWqXLy9LTviDO4hU-6EE3X8cNoHblj87hMAm4GEivWTrkcKdIgh3lvQKF3K-sJISB3aKEsOkYbjtZ477bA1OdzXFPAXstSvYMU0RTA-AJ0Gpfk7bL2Bu4nCUSFBaERo_w/s320/topper.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">But, the most important *embellishments* on our tree are the family pictures and sayings that grace it, reminding us what this season is about .. being thankful for family and friends.  I've included pictures of generations past, and I love having them as part of the tree ... part of the season.  Even though I'm not good about visiting my family in Virginia, they mean so much to me.  I get sentimental putting these pics on the tree, especially as I see members of my family who are no longer with us.  Years gone by ... moments that are now memories.  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">H</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">ere's my younger sister (now 35) surrounded by my late grandfather and other relatives, while she models a lovely purse (*ta-da*) at a family gathering.  She's always been the stylish one!  And, my most treasured picture ... the moment I first held and met my son.  Okay, where are my tissues?</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXgGJRq0mNQP-KqD7OWkR-83iAJnD93Oj8ZsauFGd8lcvvmVz-v94Ztjv2RclpXssTg13MO0iIVs-tOZ8HRLId7JPlDBfEY6BjENdnpILms6u4qK6SUAZ52OPdJSB3_F0pgqAJzYhuA/s1600/liz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXgGJRq0mNQP-KqD7OWkR-83iAJnD93Oj8ZsauFGd8lcvvmVz-v94Ztjv2RclpXssTg13MO0iIVs-tOZ8HRLId7JPlDBfEY6BjENdnpILms6u4qK6SUAZ52OPdJSB3_F0pgqAJzYhuA/s400/liz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for visiting!</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJt6-rIwcjMgDxa3gIpucHVaupQcB6KuC-NYkNrrpIXjmlZ5nJzMM19mgG3nCU3zGA6mAOK7N-TaWW1Z4dgOUFQDtFtk8pqOc4_kdHrJIarOrbC84vb8cA16FqKHZ_FRLuWu9-JHOJw/s1600/nighttree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJt6-rIwcjMgDxa3gIpucHVaupQcB6KuC-NYkNrrpIXjmlZ5nJzMM19mgG3nCU3zGA6mAOK7N-TaWW1Z4dgOUFQDtFtk8pqOc4_kdHrJIarOrbC84vb8cA16FqKHZ_FRLuWu9-JHOJw/s400/nighttree.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm linking up with:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/2010/10/making-world-cuter-monday-oct-4.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making the World Cuter Monday</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/10/welcome-to-90th-metamorphosis-monday-3.html">Metamorphosis Monday</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/2010/10/motivate-me-monday-38.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Motivate Me Monday</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></div>

My Fall Family Tree

My poor husband ... he's such a great sport when it comes to supporting my decorating obsession hobby.  He'll make countless trips ...

Read more »