Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Thrifty Thursday #145, Plus a Tablescape!


Hi! It's Thrifty Thursday! I am your host, Leigh. Thank you so much for stopping by and additional thanks to those who also participate in Thrifty Thursday! I am most delighted to have you join in..for it's YOU who makes it a "show and tell party".

(You can click on any pictures for a closer view)

*Thrifty Thursday takes place each Thursday and is hosted here at Tales from Bloggeritaville, but the party is a progressive one, visit the links to see all the Thrifty Thursday links to see the thrifty treasures participating bloggers have to share.

*Don't forget to copy and paste the Thrifty Thursday logo button to your computer so you can add it to your side bar and your Thrifty Thursday post. That way visitors will know that your are participating in Thrifty Thursday.


*Thrifty Thursday*

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My friend, Sweet Melissa gave me some window sashes and frames recently. She also gave me some shutters. I tell you what, its all in who you know. Melissa works for a company that installs new windows and doors. Her company usually tosses the old, but she will call me when she notices something good. Anyway, I have been working on a photography project using the window pane. I am not finished, but wanted to give you a sneak peek of one for today...


I was inspired by Z Gallery.
Which is also where I got my tableware for today's......
Tablescape Thursday

Now, onto to Tablescape Thursday, which is hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.



I'm still feeling the blues....



Feeling the blues, not feeling blue.
You can't BE blue when eating from those pretty little dishes, or I can't anyway!
I invite you to stop by my food blog, PLATES & PLACES for Foodie Friday.
Thanks to all of you for stopping by and participating in today's Thrifty Thursday. Please use Mr. Linky below to link up your blog.

I encourage you all to spread the love and visit the other thrifty Thursday participants, for that's what half the fun is. Aside from seeing a cool treasure it's making friends!



And speaking of friends.....
You can always visit me on FACEBOOK,
I love me some friends: be they new friends or old friends!


With Warmest Regards,
XOXO
LIVE*LOVE*LAUGH
LEIGH
Thrifty Participants:

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Thrifty Thursday #144, Plus a Tablescape!


Hi! It's Thrifty Thursday! I am your host, Leigh. Thank you so much for stopping by and additional thanks to those who also participate in Thrifty Thursday! I am most delighted to have you join in..for it's YOU who makes it a "show and tell party".

(You can click on any pictures for a closer view)

*Thrifty Thursday takes place each Thursday and is hosted here at Tales from Bloggeritaville, but the party is a progressive one, visit the links to see all the Thrifty Thursday links to see the thrifty treasures participating bloggers have to share.

*Don't forget to copy and paste the Thrifty Thursday logo button to your computer so you can add it to your side bar and your Thrifty Thursday post. That way visitors will know that your are participating in Thrifty Thursday.


Before I discuss my Thrifty Thursday this week, I wanted to thank you all for your most kind sincere words, comments and understanding to my post last week, regarding my classmate Julie.
There are no words that can better express what Julie meant to people, but I know that she will and does continue to touch and inspire even now.  Thank you for your friendship and comfort and encouragement.
It means so very much!

*Thrifty Thursday*

I have been very busy, working away paining, painting, painting. I wanted a new fresh look in my bedroom. The old look had become......eww. I wanted something new. 

I enlisted the help of Big Daddy, who I honestly could not have done it without his help.


The only thing sexier than a man who does dishes is one who takes a day off of work to help his wife paint. Big points were scored, which I am certain he will cash in sometime soon on a hot wing and beer night with the guys. Which is fine by me!
Please note the hat Big Daddy is wearing. It bears his nickname!
It was a gift from my dear blogging friend, Keetha.

Anyway, back to the room painting.
I selected a paint by Behr called Celtic Green, which in all actuality is more of a robin's egg blue when its on the wall. I love it. But what I love more, Behr paint. "Behr" in mind,  I am and was not paid to endorse Behr (although if the Behr company wants to send a check our way, I wouldn't complain).
If you recall the way my bedroom did look,  the paint I had on the wall was a dark baby poo yellow. It was horrible. I had actually used some left over paint the first time and hated it, but it stayed, becasue I don't enjoy painting.

So this go around,  I was going with a much, much lighter paint. I was certain it would take a primer plus an additional 2-3 coats to cover.
Much to my surprise and delight I was wrong.
Behr has a primer in it's paint.
And it only took ONE.COAT.OF.PAINT.
I purchased 2 gallons for my bedroom that is about and I only used one gallon. So, I did add an additional coat, though it wasn't necessary.
All these years I have primed and painted and painted, needlessly.
Behr=Fabulous!

As for my thrifty, my husband wanted to move his old desk into our bedroom to act as a TV cabinet.
 I balked at first, then I heard him out and agreed.
We do share the room afterall. I guess he can have say in one thing.
No, not the most pretty thing in the room, but it does serve it's purpose.
For now.


I have this weird small closet behind the door in my bedroom. I have often wondered why someone would build such a narrow closet. I decided to make it work for me. I took some of those command strip hooks and adhered them to the door, now...its holding my necklaces....


The necklaces were housed in a jewelry cabinet, but I outgrew it.
The command hooks work great. I have it piled on and they have held up well.


You know I love to hike. Most times I walk home with some twirly or mossy stick, like some child.
My husband rolls his eyes when I tell him I am keeping it.
I put my sticks in a large Chinese rice bucket.


The drapes came from Walmart. Yeah, The W. Big Daddy actually hung them a bit to high because I wanted them to graze the floor, but after the work he did....I was not about to complain. Its close enough.
My friend Carey suggested i buy the hooks and then they will hang lower.
Im lucky to have such great friends with good ideas.
I'll be doing that.
The aqua drapes were $13 a panel, clearance.
Yeah-yah!
I hung some cheaper white sheers in between.


Big Daddy suggested that I hang the sheet music wreath I made, between the windows, Above the cedar cabinet my grandfather built....


My precious Aunt Gloria recently was getting rid of some home decor items and asked if I was interested in any.
She has great style and her house is beautifully decorated.
Of course I accepted.
For example....
I chose this Chinese Screen.
I don't have anything in my home with an Asian theme, aside from my rice buckets, but it was so pretty I took it.

The original side was bamboo and flowers....


Pretty, But that didn't work  in my home. It didn't match the style of the room, so I flipped it over and used the back of the screen as a temporary headboard...


I am planning to make a tufted headboard at some point, but until that happens it will do.
I thought it sort of mocked the tufting design.


When I complete the tufting project I will use the screen in another place in my home.

I love changing things up, keeps it interesting!

Speaking of my bed, it was indeed a deal! For Christmas this year Big Daddy and I gave each other a bed.  3/5 of our shitsu dogs sleep with us. We can't resist these little faces..


You know what its called when these puppies are piled up on the bed?

A big ol pile of shih's.

Yeah, I'm not scheduled for the comedy circuit just yet.

Anyway, 3 dogs-albeit small was to much for our queen size.

Therefore we had outgrown the queen bed. Rather I had. Big Daddy and the 3 dogs were perfectly comfortable and commandeered the bed, leaving me a wee slice of the edge. For years. Finally me and my back had enough and I insisted on the upgrade.

We shopped around and did some research, and decided to go with a memory foam matress.
We purchased on Cyber Monday from and got it for $530.00!!!
It was such a great deal we added in 600 thread count sateen sheets and 600 TC Down Alternative Bedding, as well as the platform bed frame, all this for less than a thousand dollars ($916.00). Less than what a mattress and box spring would typically cost. We have had our mattress for a month now......Big Daddy and I are in LOVE......with our mattress! The only complaint, we don't want to get out of bed! It is unbelievably comfortable. We ordered the medium firmness and it is perfect for us!

I still have more I want to share of our bedroom makeover, but I am still in the process of making over.
I am going to invite my friend over to help with the staging.
As soon as it is complete, I will share more.
A warning.....when doing a room makeover, it opens a can or worms.
I also had to redo the master bath to match.....here is small look...

I used some chippy old aqua shutters for some privacy, but still add in light and charm.
I am open to ideas and suggestions of where to put what.


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Tablescape Thursday

Now, onto to Tablescape Thursday, which is hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.



I also participate in Tablescape Thursday on Thursdays in addition to Thrifty Thursday.  The host of that fun carnival is the Hostess with the Mostess...Susan of Between Naps on the Backporch. That's no lie or exaggeration, each week I visit Susan's porch and just long to be a guest at any of her tablescapes...especially those held on the porch.

Because I am on the robins egg blue today, I thought I would go with the same shade of dishes....


A quick tablescape for a quick meal between painting!

I invite you to stop by my food blog, PLATES & PLACES for Foodie Friday. Today I am sharing a great recipe for Crock Pot Angel Chicken. It was approved by all my picky eaters! And who doesn't love a fix it and forget about it meal??

Thanks to all of you for stopping by and participating in today's Thrifty Thursday. Please use Mr. Linky below to link up your blog.

I encourage you all to spread the love and visit the other thrifty Thursday participants, for that's what half the fun is. Aside from seeing a cool treasure it's making friends!



And speaking of friends.....
You can always visit me on FACEBOOK,
I love me some friends: be they new friends or old friends!


With Warmest Regards,
XOXO
LIVE*LOVE*LAUGH
LEIGH
Thrifty Participants:

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Thrifty Thursday: Can you hear me now, Lord? (Updated)

Dear Friends,

Today I just couldn't get myself inspired about my Thrifty Thursday post this week. I've had much on my mind....much of it prayers. It seems the past several days I have had a open long distance chat line with the Lord Himself. I have to ask your forgiveness because I know that so many of you work to post early for T. I am so appreciative of that. Today, being one of my heaviest traffic days, I thought it would serve better to ask you...my friends....to pray for a friend of mine. I don't mean to make TT about my needs and request, but today...time is urgent. And quite honestly I dont know a specific prayer of request. I guess I am just asking for a prayer for the family and a prayer of peace for Julie.

I promise next week I will return to our originally scheduled Thrifty Thursday post.

I am linking up to this blog post written by another friend of Julie's. His words and his song so more aptly express her condition and what she means to so many people.


And MY friend reading this...thank you for saying a prayer for Julie. And thank you for being a friend to me.

Life is Wonderful....just like Keb Mo says.

LIVE*LOVE*LAUGH
Leigh

UPDATE:

Today the angels sing.  Julie who fought so valiantly for the last 17 months against stage 4 colon and liver cancer went Home to the arms of her Lord. I feel so honored to have witnessed the remarkable strength, determination, hope, joy and faith in God by Julie and Tim. Their faith in each other was remarkable and their devotion to one another and their family, so genuine. When the Lord calls ou...r loved ones home; He leaves a gift of memories in exchange. I know Julie left so many with wonderful memories and laughter. Memories of love and friendship are treasures that we carry with us always. Today Heaven gained an angel. I know God has plans far greater than for us to understand. And I know Julie is at peace. Thank you my friends, for your prayers. Please continue to pray for peace and comfort for Tim and their 2 young children. To God be the glory.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Thrifty Thursday #142, Plus a Tablescape

Hi! It's Thrifty Thursday! I am your host, Leigh. Thank you so much for stopping by and additional thanks to those who also participate in Thrifty Thursday! I am most delighted to have you join in..for it's YOU who makes it a "show and tell party".

(You can click on any pictures for a closer view)

*Thrifty Thursday takes place each Thursday and is hosted here at Tales from Bloggeritaville, but the party is a progressive one, visit the links to see all the Thrifty Thursday links to see the thrifty treasures participating bloggers have to share.

*Don't forget to copy and paste the Thrifty Thursday logo button to your computer so you can add it to your side bar and your Thrifty Thursday post. That way visitors will know that your are participating in Thrifty Thursday.













I love a good sale! I came across a great estate sale and came home with these finds....
I got this gorgeous large buffet style antique mirror with beveled glass for just $8.00.




















See the detailing? I think I will dry brush some white paint across it to highlight the relief.


















I LOVED this original artwork. So much I bought it.


It came with a story. The lady selling it had lots of stories with things she sold. I love that. This was something she purchased on a trip to Buenos Aires with a boyfriend.
The boyfriend is now history.
The artwork reminds her of him.
And I have a piece of gorgeous original framed artwork with authenticity plaque for $5.00!
The artwork is called Buenos Aires Tango by Pablo Paez.



























I also picked up this "Bless this House" glass vase with light for a buck.


I plan to use it in my Christmas display next year. Unless I come up with a place to put it between now and then. One buck. Yes.
I also found Sister Sledge some more brand name clothing. She was happy about that. What a great sale!
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Tablescape Thursday
Now, onto to Tablescape Thursday, which is hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.

I also participate in Tablescape Thursday on Thursdays in addition to Thrifty Thursday.  The host of that fun carnival is the Hostess with the Mostess...Susan of Between Naps on the Backporch. That's no lie or exaggeration, each week I visit Susan's porch and just long to be a guest at any of her tablescapes...especially those held on the porch.

Its cold outside, even here in the south! WE went from temps in the 60-lower 70's to 30's! I am ready for a warm beach somewhere. So, today for tablescape I am doing a flashback. This makes me think of picnics on the beach. Dining with a view. And what a view it is!

























(Taste of Home)
I invite you to stop by my food blog, PLATES & PLACES for Foodie Friday. I will be sharing the beach menu for perfect finger foods/nibblers: Oven fried chicken, shrimp gazpacho and coconut lemon bars.

Thanks to all of you for stopping by and participating in today's Thrifty Thursday. Please use Mr. Linky below to link up your blog.
I encourage you all to spread the love and visit the other thrifty Thursday participants, for that's what half the fun is. Aside from seeing a cool treasure it's making friends!

And speaking of friends.....
You can always visit me on FACEBOOK,
I love me some friends: be they new friends or old friends!

I want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year!
Thank you for being a friend to Tales from Bloggeritaville! It means the world for you to drop by and share your time, your ideas , your comments and your life with me.
It is a gift! And I sincerely read and appreciate every comment.


I wish you happiness, prosperity, and reality for every dream you’ve dared to dream. Don’t stop – keep dreaming!

Remember this little quote, “the difference between possibility and impossibility lies within YOUR determination.”

With Warmest Regards,
XOXO
LIVE*LOVE*LAUGH
LEIGH
Thrifty Participants:

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Thrifty Thursday #141, Plus a Tablescape!

Hi! It's Thrifty Thursday! I am your host, Leigh. Thank you so much for stopping by and additional thanks to those who also participate in Thrifty Thursday! I am most delighted to have you join in..for it's YOU who makes it a "show and tell party". (You can click on any pictures for a closer view) *Thrifty Thursday takes place each Thursday and is hosted here at Tales from Bloggeritaville, but the party is a progressive one, visit the links to see all the Thrifty Thursday links to see the thrifty treasures participating bloggers have to share. *Don't forget to copy and paste the Thrifty Thursday logo button to your computer so you can add it to your side bar and your Thrifty Thursday post. That way visitors will know that your are participating in Thrifty Thursday.





I sure hope your Christmas was a Merry one of many and great blessings!
And I hope that you will carry that Christmas spirit with you every day this year!

And now, Thrifty Thursday...

For today's Thrifty Thursday I was inspired by Pinterest.
Pinterest is soooo addicting!
I absolutley love it because I was already using the concept of saving images that I loved for whatever reason into a folder on my computer, my inspirartion folder. It sure took up alot of harddrive space.
Now...Pinterest is my way of saving those images and being inspired.

I had a small canvas that was formerly white with some lettering.
I was no longer in love with the wording and wanted something new and fresh.
I decied to spray paint the canvas black. Then with a pencil, I freehanded some lyrics to one of my favorite songs....



Who can help but smile when listening to a lil JT?
You know...James Taylor.

After I wrote the words, I just used what I had on hand, I also wanted to use something that would be easy to trace over the lettering without being to thick.
Weapon of choice.....Liquid Paper.


Yeah, that's right.
Then.....
TA DA!


I am in the process of redoing a major wall in my living room gallery style like my hallway.
I plan to incorporate this onto that wall. I will share when I complete that project !
So, please join me back here in Bloggeritaville!

And if you are one of the few that hasn't yet discovered Pinterest, or has yet to join Pinterest and would like to, please leave your email address in either the comment section, or shoot me an email with that information and I will gladly send you a invite!!!

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Tablescape Thursday:
 I went for a little different color combination of purples and amber and green.
What do you think?


I encourage you to visit my friend Susan of Between Naps on the Porch for some great Tablescape Thursday participants.


 I would also like to  invite you to stop by my food blog, PLATES & PLACES, for Foodie Friday!
Thanks to all of you for stopping by and participating in today's Thrifty Thursday. Please use Mr. Linky below to link up your blog.

I know that this week's Thrifty Thursday participants might be on the slim side. I know many folks are still traveling and making the most of the holidays...but for those that are on top of things and ready to post....please! Link up!

I encourage you all to spread the love and visit the other thrifty Thursday participants, for that's what half the fun is. Aside from seeing a cool treasure it's making friends!

And speaking of friends.....
You can always visit me on FACEBOOK,
I love me some friends: be they new friends or old friends!

I want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year!
Thank you for being a friend to Tales from Bloggeritaville! It means the world for you to drop by and share your time, your ideas , your comments and your life with me.
It is a gift! And I sincerely read and appreciate every comment.


I wish you happiness, prosperity, and reality for every dream you’ve dared to dream. Don’t stop – keep dreaming!

Remember this little quote, “the difference between possibility and impossibility lies within YOUR determination.”

With Warmest Regards,
XOXO
LIVE*LOVE*LAUGH
LEIGH
Thrifty Participants: