big city prims

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T12:58:00.001-05:00

I want to wish all of my friends and blog buds a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. I think most of us are happy to see this decade fade into history, what with 9/11, Katrina, the recession, job losses, illness, etc! My prayer for all is that the year that ushers in the next decade is better for all of us! See you in the new year….

Terry

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-22T19:11:00.001-05:00

It’s a Fuzzy Slipper Day!!

2009-12-19T17:15:00.001-05:00

Well, this is one of those days where the phrase “watch our what you wish for…you just might get it!” I wanted a white Christmas for years and years—well, my blog friends, this is the year to make up for all of those warm and dry holidays! Just a tad TOO MUCH (!!) as we are in the midst of a blizzard that is expected to continue into Sunday morning. The winds are now picking up, and we have about a foot on the ground so far. Perfect day to stay inside and enjoy the decorations and lights. I went out earlier to try to clean off my poor little Honda – this is what it looked like only one hour later!

I just LOVE how the snow plow buried me in! LOL.

Pretty! And it smells so clean and cold. I’m about to go out and take a walk – I’m not crazy about the depth of the snow, but I do love this winter weather.

I haven’t been online too much this week – busy with work, and in the middle of the week, had a birthday!! Had a lovely day with friends and mom, and can’t quite believe the years are wracking up! Got this adorable goodie from my girlfriend in Colorado – so cute!

Thanks, Deb!

And some last minute (and final) decorations…

I tried to do the prim garland, but…ehhhh, just didn't like how it turned out. So, I stuffed it along with a sting of tiny white lights into a big glass jar, and I really like it so much better!

Looks toasty warm in the dark.

I had gotten this pretty tin stocking as a gift a few years ago, and i just love it. It always go up at the holidays.

I have been admiring your beautifully decorated homes all month, and I am so inspired by your talent and creativity! This was one of those years where I just didn't have the time or energy to do my usual crafting, baking, etc – long days at work, busy weekends trying to catch up with errands, etc. I guess lots of people have pared down the holidays this year! It seems like Christmas and Hanukah came so quickly – here it is only a few days away.

So just in case I don’t get a chance to post again before Christmas, I hope everyone has a warm and happy holiday, full of family and friends, blessings for the new year, and snow! (oh, wait, got that one now! LOL!) If you are also in the line of the snowstorm, please be careful and stay warm!

Happy Holidays, my friends!

Winter is Here!

2009-12-07T20:53:00.001-05:00

How are my blogbuds? Hope everyone had a good weekend. Here in SE Pennsylvania, we had our first teensy weensy snowfall. Actually, it was delicious. It was cold, the snow (such as it was) was enough to cover the lawns and windshields, and I loved every second of it! I was out doing some errands when it started, but then when I got home, I curled up with a nice cup of hot coffee, a good book, and just enjoyed it! Of course, now it’s all gone, but the cold has remained, and I hope that winter has finally arrived.

I must admit, though, that I already miss the autumn! The trees -- that were so beautiful and lit up in golds and reds only a week ago—are now bare. Oh my, what a fast season! It seems that it arrived slowly and ended quickly!

I’ve been busy with work, but still finishing up some decorating. I don’t know how I could have possibly lost my box of Santas, but then again, I’d need to be crazy to move every box around in my closets – I’d either end up with a concussion or a mess!! I found some time on Sunday to even get to a redo.

In rummaging thru the closets (looking for my Santas), I came across this --

Since I’m not a summery kind of girl, it just wasn’t used because it didn’t fit into anything prim. I redid it with some paint, and now it’s this:

Filled with holiday decorations…

and the big hairy boy checking it out! (sorry for my sock getting in the way!)

Let’s see… what else have I been putting together?

(what a face, huh?!?!?)

Back to business…

I filled one of the goodies I brought back from my trip to Emmaus back in early November with some greens and candles..

Found a small string of tiny colored lights that I added to my mantle. Hard to see in this pic, but it looks sweet in the darkish living room. Here’s a view with darker light --

I did find my prim Santa who is watching things from my living room wall…

Oh – and I picked up this adorable pillow at a small craft barn near my office.

And this little bad boy stays out all winter.

And a favorite prim stocking hanging in the dining room…

And that’s it so far! Just little touches – nothing too big. I just love seeing your beautiful homes on your blogs!! Wow, they are just fabulous!

Well, my dear friends, I guess I better grab some dinner before it gets much later! Thanks for stopping by! I hope you all have a wonderful week!

~Terry

Gettin in the Spirit….

2009-11-30T09:43:00.001-05:00

I hope every one had a lovely Thanksgiving – mine was wonderful as in addition to the holiday, we celebrated my mom’s 97th birthday! She spent the day with me and we hung out, had some good laughs, loved her presents, and she took home lots of leftovers! She’s not the biggest fan of turkey, but since I do Thanksgiving as a 30+ year tradition, we’re superstitious and I do the same thing every year. LOL! I love turkey, so later, I’ll dig in to another turkey dinner. YUM!

So, as I mentioned in my title, I’m trying to get into the spirit. I took it easy on Saturday, but I pulled out some of my decorations… I seem to have lost the box with the good stuff! I decided that it was too warm to feel Christmas-y, so I thought I’d give my imagination a nudge by thinking about my favorite things about this time of year…

I just love when the Christmas lights go up – I drive around at night and just take them all in… this is a home outside of Philly. Pretty, huh?

The Big City is so pretty during the holidays, especially at twilight.

Some years, I run up to New York just to see Manhattan at Christmas. Not sure I’ll have the time this year, tho.

It’s not Christmas without at least one reading on A Christmas Carol, and about 10 viewings of the movie versions! LOL.

Anyway, I thought about what I wanted to do with the apartment this year, and I decided to do the ‘less is more’ concept this year. For one thing, a small space like mine can look too cramped with too much decoration. And. with me not home during the day, the cat can get into things that aren’t good for him!! So, I decided to do a little greenery, some lights in baskets and such…but keeping it simple. These pics didn’t come out good at all (cheap camera!!),but I’ll keep trying!

remember the thrift shop chairs I got at such a great price? They are in my dining room now…

…with a few little goodies on the table.

A wooden bowl filled with greenery and white lights.

Some fresh greens here and there…

And a basket full of greens and colored lights – my favorite! (They look white here…)

And some simple pretties for the mantle.

Well, I’d better get off to work now… hope you all have a wonderful week!

The Sights and Smells of Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T14:47:00.001-05:00

To all my wonderful blogbuds I have met this year, I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with this….

and this……..

and this…..

and this!!!

Whatever your traditions…whomever you are missing this holiday…remember all that we have to be thankful for… and enjoy the holiday!

~Terry

November 22—then and now

2009-11-22T18:18:00.001-05:00

Then: Most of us over a certain age can answer the question, “ where were you 46 years ago today?” The day that changed America. Those of you who are younger, who were born after Nov 22, 1963, may not even realize the America you were born into because of the events of that day.

I was a fifth grader, sitting in class that day. The teacher was called out of class, and came back with a grey pallor to her face. We could see she had been crying, but at that age, we couldn’t quite imagine what horrible thing had happened. All she said was that the president had been shot, and to gather your things and go directly home. I looked at the clock and it was 1:15 EST. When I got home, my mom had our little black and white TV on, and she was sitting on the sofa crying. Except for meals and sleep, my family sat in front of the TV for the next 4 days, from death to burial, as it was called. (My brother’s senior prom was cancelled that night, and five years later, his graduation from college was cancelled because of the assassination of Bobby Kennedy. Those moments of our generation….) How could this happen? In America?

I think my love of history was born that weekend, and I’ve been stuck on that weekend in November ever since. I read every book, watched every documentary, video, and news broadcast (all available today both on the web and for purchase). Like when you rub your tongue over a sore tooth, each time I watch it I feel that same way – that sadness, that ‘what if’ feeling…. those gut wrenching black and white images….the end of American innocence.

This is what we lost.

Idealism. Class. Intelligence. Youth.

What would America look like today had JFK not gone to Dallas? Would we have had the Viet Nam experience? Would we be so cynical, so divided, so angry? Would “the sixties” have happened as they did? Would we have had Nixon, Watergate? We’ll never know.

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Now: Well, I’m on vacation this week, and man, I need it. I had another week of driving all over the place for the flu vaccine clinics. I felt like I was living in my car, and my car looked like I was, too. Today, I finally cleaned it out, good it washed in and out, and it started to look like my little Civic again. Not going anywhere – just want to tinker in the house, (doing Thanksgiving here) and get a start on some modified Christmas shopping.

My girlfriend and I did craft shows and thrifts today – and she went CRAZY!!! She bought, and bought, and then bought some more! I loved watching her have such a good time – she has had a rough year. I bought one thing – a fabulous chair in the thrift. I love this!! At the craft show, I was very careful not to buy what I could make myself, or what I didn’t really get hid over the head with. Anyway, I picked up this dining room chair for $20. Once I clean my DR, I’ll show you how it looks!

Hope you’re having a great weekend! As always, thanks for stopping over to see me! I hope to be back before Thanksgiving, but just in case I don’t – I hope you and yours have a most wonderful holiday.

What a week!!!

2009-11-13T19:19:00.001-05:00

There is another side of the flu epidemic – flu clinics!! Here is southeast PA, the vaccine has arrived and the agency where I work has been contracted to supply the nurses – like, 200 RNs!! As the manager, I have spent the entire week driving all over two huge counties checking in at every site. Very organized, but thousands of kids coming thru each school site in a just a few hours. Very organized, very orderly, very crazy!! I was at 5 different sites just today, driving over 100 miles in the nor’easter – yesterday was the same. I haven’t been able to keep my eyes open after 9p this week – and my legs – OH MY!! Sore!! (ok, so I am an old lady!!)But, the good news is that I was able to get my seasonal flu shot on Monday, and my H1N1 shot on Wednesday – what a relief. I’m lucky that as an RN, I was able to get my H1N1 vaccine – the counties may not be be able to do the adult general population until mid December. So, that’s why I haven’t even been able to check out all of your blogs this week – just exhausted! Even my laundry basket full of folded clean clothes has been sitting in my living room for 4 days. Maybe now I’ll be able to get things back in order, because next week… I start it all over again!!!

I wanted to show you some of the things I got when I went up to Emmaus last weekend. I mentioned some firkins…..

How much do I love this firkin??? What a bargain at $10. Already primmed in mustard. And how about this one….

(before)

and after….

And, let’s see… what else… check these out holders for $10 a piece. Can you believe it??

The textiles were an Aunt Daisy purchase, but the 2 small holders (already primmed!) were at the antique mall down the street from Aunt Daisy’s that was telling you about. The seller is moving to Virginia, so everything in her booth was 50% off. Great timing on my part, eh? Will show you them again once I get my decorating started…. and I’m thinking about what to do with the textiles.

This is what the old furrball does while I’m working my butt off… what a life. LOL.

Good luck to everyone doing craft shows this weekend… we’re having some awful weather here with wind and rain, but there is a flea market down the street tomorrow morning that I just may have to visit!

Hope you’all have a great weekend. I just want to get some rest!

A Double Drool Rag Post!!

2009-11-08T07:58:00.001-05:00

Saturday was a perfect day to take a ride to Emmaus and stop in at Aunt Daisy’s – my favorite shop in the world! I talk about Aunt Daisy’s all of the time, but seeing is the only way to really show you the beauty of this farmhouse-shop. So grab the drool rags, blogbuds!

First of all, it was a perfect November day today. Crisp, sunny, golden day. This is what the shop looks like from outside the barn, where the have sale items.

A lovely small town, in Lehigh County. Is there any wonder why we love the Fall?

Before you get to the shop, there is a small outside structure, which ‘back in the day’ was a smoke house as well as where baked goods were made. Now – prim and early American goodies!!!

Inside…. the most wonderful furniture and accessories…. most of the rooms decorated as they would have looked way back when….

What a perfect bedroom!

I loved both of these items – esp.. the old St Nick!

drooling yet??

Want more??

I love these textiles, and I picked up one or two.

Finally, I went up to the attic where there is MORE!!!

OK, I’ll take one of these, and two of those….

Is this perfection, or what?? So well made, too.

In my next post, I’ll show you what I just had to bring home! And, I stopped at a cute but HUGE ‘antique’ mall where I priced up some very reasonably priced goodies..including a firkin! Gotta keep you coming back, right?"?LOL!

Hope you’re all having a great weekend! I’ll be doing some gardening at my mom’s today – uh oh, I’ll need Ben-Gay after that! LOL. Hope you enjoyed the pics!

Ahh, November!!

2009-11-01T19:42:00.001-05:00

"Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable, the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown
along the street or road by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese.
Both are warnings of chill days ahead, fireside and topcoat weather."
- Hal Borland

November is one of my favorite months. I know it gets dark earlier (the only element of November I’m not too fond of!) but there is something about November I just love. The leaves are now almost off the trees and are crisp underfoot, it’s frosty in the mornings, and there are a few special days coming in November that are special to me.

Most importantly, my mom’s 97th birthday is on Thanksgiving Day—what more can I say? I am so thankful that well into my 50’s, I have a mom who is elderly, yes – but fiercely independent, sharp as a tack, sometimes stubborn, and just plain fun. Anything I can do for her and with her is a true pleasure and honor. She still lives in the house I grew up in, does her own things (mostly, like laundry cooking, etc). I help her with the stuff she can’t do anymore, and she is an inspiration as I get older myself. I am so lucky to live close by and run over whenever she needs anything. I took this pic on Mother’s Day as we walked along the river.

And, as I often mention, I am a Kennedy fanatic, and “the day” comes every November 22. Any of us of a certain age remember exactly where we were and what we were doing on that day 46 years ago. It speaks to the event of the JFK assassination that nearly 1/2 century later, it still feels like a recent event to those of us old enough to remember those awful four days in late November. Our lives changed after that day, and the reverberations still effect us all these decades later.

And, I adopted my long-whiskered fur ball in November just about 4 years ago. I had originally thought to get a kitten right before my other sweet cat died suddenly the day before Halloween. Oh, man, I was shocked and heartbroken when Bad Boy (my other coonie) just walked into the bathroom, laid down, and just died. The vet believes he had a stroke. When I got to visit the breeder about 3 weeks later, she was adopting out Ozzy, who was already an adult cat. We just bonded, and that day, my very large and furry friend came home with me, and he’s owned my heart ever since. I knew she’d place the kittens easily, but an adult cat – well, he had my name written all over him.

So I love November, for all the special days it brings. How about you? Is November just the beginning of the colder months for you, or do you find special moments in it?

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I finally had a chance to do some thrifting yesterday, even though it was pouring rain all day. I had the itch, but, sad to say, not much there! I picked up a few little things I’m worked on, but like a real dufus, I forgot to take the ‘before’ pics. I was trying to do about 10 things at a time, plus watch the Phillies game last night (oh –so –PAINFUL!) but I can show you the end result. I also picked up a really nice piece of wood (probably was a light-weight cutting board, but bigger) and I’m going to try to make a sign from it. I have to start by finding where to get the stencils – so if anyone can help on that score, leave me a comment!

No trick or treaters last night – it was pouring all day, and the ball game was postponed until 9:30 or so. So, the kids couldn’t go out on that weather – and I know they were disappointed. My mom has bowlfuls of candy…gee, wonder who will be eating all of those chocolate bars? (Not me!!!!)

This little wooden box was only 50 cents…

The candle holder is ok, nothing great…

And that was it! Nothing exciting. But – next weekend, I will make another visit to see Judy in Hereford, PA and make a stop at Aunt Daisy’s in Emmaus – so wooowooo—I’ll be bringing home lots of goodies then, I hope.

Well, it’s time for what I hope is a better Phillies game tonite than what we suffered through last night! Ok, we can do it, right?!?!?!

Have a great 1st week of November – and – thanks to several new friends who are following my blog!

BOO! It’s Halloween!

2009-10-31T09:10:00.001-04:00

I Will you be dressing up today? Can’t figure out what costume is just right to trick or treat?

Well, you could be a lumberjack…..

or… you could dress up as a nurse …

Could be devilishly-witchy…. (like the Phillies will be against the Yankees tonite)

Hope your Halloween brings all treats and no tricks!!

Have fun and stay safe!

(these are all from the ‘net, of course. My fur ball is entirely to dignified to dress up!! LOL)

Phillies are rockin tonite! (I hope!)

2009-10-28T19:25:00.001-04:00

We are having a cool rainy evening here in the big city, and how nice it is! I guess about 99.9% of the Philly-ites are patiently waiting for the first game to begin (like in the next hour in NYC, only 107 miles away). Yes, indeed, I think even a sports-dork like me who doesn't really appreciate a golf-ball from a hockey puck has Phillies-fever. Here’s an interesting sign of the times – everyone is worried that ‘if’ we win the series (which of course we will), there will be another crazy parade, and no one knows who will pay for it, cuz the city sure can’t afford it. You go, Phillies!!!

I don’t have too much to share with my blog buds this fine evening. It’s been a very busy few days—another sign of the times –short staffed and more work. So, I was thinking that this time last year I was immersed in crafting goodies for the holidays, and now I don’t have the time to do any of that. I am doing second hand crafting by enjoying all the great stuff the rest of you are doing! You guys are something! So talented!

Hope to have some tweaks and some goodies in my next post. Grabbin some popcorn and off to watch the game!

Goodies in the Mail!

2009-10-23T20:24:00.001-04:00

Isn’t it wonderful to come home to a package outside the front door? I not only had one – I had TWO! (ok, so one was my Ulta makeup.) But the other?? My wonderful goodies that I won from Dale at A Country Shop!!! I have to show them off, because she sent me such nice Autumn things!

This is the collection of goodies—all of it Fall-themed. Wonderful stack boxes, great smelling candles, and…

This perfect candle mat!! Don't you just love these colors?? and the pumpkins??

The little tin has the most delicious smelling candle inside. I’ll burn it on Sunday when I have some friends over. They will love it!

Thank you again, Dale! I love everything!!

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So, here we are at the end of another week. We’re having a cool, rainy, windy night; tomorrow more rain but 70 degrees (boo hiss)—the leaves are just about at their peak of color now, and it is beautiful. My ride home from the office is from a somewhat rural/suburban/big old houses neighborhood, and I just love how it all looks now. And when the nights get cold, I have a four-legged blanket keeping my tootsies warm! What a face,huh?

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Craft shows start next week, but I just don’t know if I want to stuff into a cramped school gym during H1N1 threats, with people coughing and snarfing all over me. I must sound so neurotic! But, I call it cautious. LOL! So, I may just pass this year. Because of shortages of both vaccines, I probably won’t even get the seasonal shot until late November! My doc hasn’t even gotten her stash yet. And H1N1 vaccine – by the time the vaccine is ready, the season will be over!

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Some of you may remember my BFF Stacy who goes to Aunt Daisy’s with me. She finally got her own laptop yesterday, so with her being totally ignorant of anything technical, I was a buddy and went over to her house last night to set her up. She’s trying to learn Facebook, so here we were-- dumb and dumber last nite! I can’t quite get down Facebook, either – so if you see dumb posts on my Facebook page, it’s cuz I’m trying to teach her how to find her friends. LOL.

Have a great Fall weekend, everyone! Hope you have great Fall weather.

Some redos...and Go Phillies!

2009-10-22T09:59:00.001-04:00

Hey Blogbuds!

I’m trying to learn how to use Live Writer (not as easy as I thought, but not too bad) so if this post looks like a mish-mash, forgive me. I had no idea that the Live programs were free downloads!

After a winter weekend, we are back in summer! It’s in the 70’s here (a little tooooo warm for my taste!) but I must admit these are beautiful Fall days. Gives me energy to do stuff in between some long hours at work.

Every October, I look forward to my favorite catalogue from my pals at Circa Home Living, and this year’s catalogue certainly didn’t disappoint! Some really fabulous stuff in here, and I love to just linger over it. I know what my next purchase will be, but I need to wait until I have the money to buy it!!

All I can say is YUM YUM!

We had a little “Night for Nurses’ the other evening that my company sponsored and there were some fabulous vendors there. I saw this little candle holder pumpkin and I just had to have it, especially because it was 1/2 off the regular price!

Speaking of candles, my order of McCall's tart warmers came in and they smell delicious.

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I had some paint left over from the hutch project, and didn’t have the heart to toss it, so I re-painted the other make-do in my dining room. I really love this color!

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

Finally, here in the big city everyone is going wacko because of the Phillies win last night! We’re back in the World Series for the 2nd year in a row!

Go Phillies!

So, that’s my news---- nothing too exciting! I haven’t had the chance to get to a TS in ages. Maybe one day next week….

Have a great rest of the week, friends!

Thank you, Dale!

2009-10-18T15:07:00.006-04:00

How nice to come home and find that I won a give-away from Dale at A Country Shop! I was so excited! Thank you, Dale! Can’t wait to see my new goodies! WooWoo!

I came back from my business trip and drove right into the nor’easter! I know that there is tons of snow in central PA, but here in the big city we’re drenched in a cold, windy rain (and I admit that I love this weather, as long as I am cozy in my living room sipping a hot cup of coffee!) The trip to Harrisburg was beautiful – all of the leaves turning, the sun shining all the way up the PA turnpike. Started to get cloudy on the way back, and we’ve been getting soaked ever since. I actually had to pull out my winter jacket! What’s really weird is that it will back up to 70 by Tuesday. The wind has forced the leaves off the trees, at least the ones that have turned into those great reds, yellows, and golds.

Last nite, some friends and I went to see the Fab Faux again and wow, it was a monsoon. I was glad to get home safe and sound from the concert. A little dangerous driving, between the flooding and the wet leaves. Some weird weather here in the northeast! I actually had to pull out my winter pea coat—in October! By Thursday, we’ll be back up to 70 again!!

I had another re-paint itch and redid my hutch (again). Since I had some Colonial Red left, I repainted my bedroom desk as well.

Still can’t figure out what to do with my aunt’s chair. I can’t find a slipcover – it doesn’t have armrests, so I think no one makes slipcovers for this type of chair. I might just leave it as is – and change out the pillow cases every so often with some homespun or fabric.

So, I have been thinking about my ABC’s of what I love about Fall. It’s taking me a while, so I’ll post them this week. I love reading what you have all done with these!
It’s a cold gloomy Sunday, so I think I am ready for a hot cup of coffee and then a nap! Hope your weekend is a restful one!

A tweaky weekend

2009-10-12T17:07:00.008-04:00

Hi Blogbuds,
We are having a deliciously cool day here in the big city – someone has their fireplace on and it smells delicious! The leaves are falling, yum. I hope it is delicious Fall weather where you are. I saw that some of you had SNOW already!!! OMG! That is so bizarre! It looked like winter out there in Nebraska! And of course our Phillies are freezing out there in Denver where it's cold and icy.

I’m off for a business trip for a few days, but wanted to share a few tweaks from the weekend. Will have lots more to share when I get back on Wed nite! I have a busy week in front of me, but there is always time to read your blogs. You all have such prim-beautiful homes – just drooling all over the place!

And speaking of drool, I was floored when I saw what Grammy and Mr. Red Door did! What a fabulous table! And doesn’t it look fabulous in her DR??

The only thing I really did this weekend was to remove the slipcover from my sofa (how boring!!) Thought the reds and beiges would warm up the room now that we seem to be in cooler weather for real now. And it matches my aunt’s chair, which BTW, my huge Furball has adopted as his own. He loves it, as you can see. Sleeps like a log all curled up on it. And tweaked a few things…

Hope you all have a great week – will post more when I get back from my conference.

I fpund this shelf thingie in the back of my closet, gathering dust. So I primmed it up, and I'm using it as a small end table near the sofa. I just need to find all those wooden drawer pulls I picked up at the TS -- of course I put them away so good that now I can't find them!!

Have a great week, all!

How was your weekend?

2009-10-05T09:18:00.006-04:00

We had a beautiful Fall weekend here in the big city. The a/c is back off after a short and unexpected hot/humid Friday, the windows are open, and the breeze is blowing. Sky blue, just the perfect Fall days. On Saturday, I was up at my alma mater doing some career work with the seniors; helping with resume prep, interviewing, etc. They are obviously coming out of college at the worst possible time for job placement. I almost forgot how much I love being with students – teaching was my calling, but sadly, it just didn’t pay the bills. Without a PhD, I couldn’t get full time, and teaching part time was just too difficult financially (even though I did it for nearly 10 years). It was fun to go back for the day and see my old professor colleagues and my university.

Sunday was craft show day, and the weather was perfect for it. Oh, I just love October! Picked up just a few little things, since I am being oh-so-careful with the cash, but can’t go to a craft show without picking up a few little things, right? I love this pillow, and believe it or not, I only had one sign that I won from Beth last year, so I picked up one of those. It was just great to be outside and enjoy the Fall weather. Of course, I forgot my camera, but the leaves are ever so slowly starting to change and the sun is definitely a ‘fall sun.’ Golden and clear.

This is short as I need to leave for work, but here are a few of the goodies I picked up. Have a great day, all!

tree from my window -- leaves are turning!

posing for you-- what a princess~ LOL

October is a special month!

2009-10-02T19:27:00.004-04:00

A visit to Kindra’s blog reminded me that our two favorite months of the Fall – September and October—also signify health awareness for two very important causes – ovarian cancer (September) and, of course breast cancer, in October.
The fight against breast cancer is very close to me because being a BC survivor, I know the fear we all live with (first-hand, unfortunately). When I found my own lump shortly in 2002, I knew that I was lucky – found early, diagnosed early, treated early. I did not need chemo, but I did need 7 weeks of daily radiation -- blog buds, my poor boob was fried!!! Ewww, it was so sore and so raw after daily treatments. At the end of 7 weeks, I was exhausted, pale, and sore. In that short time of 7 years, radiation has improved and most women have a much easier time of it. But ever since that time, I have spent every October trying to remind women, regardless of age, to be sure to get their yearly mammograms, do routine self-exams, and don’t ignore anything that feels “different.” Get to know your own breasts, what feels right, what doesn’t. And, don’t be afraid to call your doctor if anything feels ‘funny’ – early detection saves lives. Fear delays treatment! For info on how to do self breast exams, go here. It’s easy and it saves lives!
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

But, that being said, I want to mention a very dear friend who is fighting Stage 4 ovarian cancer, September’s awareness. This lovely woman Joanie, lives in New Orleans, is now in year 5 of difficult chemo. She has been through every treatment there is. On top of that, she was displaced by Katrina right in the middle of treatment in 2005, moved to Houston for a few months where she was treated without access to her medical records, moved back to New Orleans where portions of her house were covered with mold, no a/c,no phone, no electricity... and… a BULL walking around her backyard. Through all of these nightmares, she has maintained a strong Catholic faith, works every day, and worries about everyone else. Ovarian is one horrible disease, and as women, we need to do everything we can to at least help researchers find a way to early diagnosis. She is a daily inspiration and if your are inclined to say a prayer, say one for Joanie, who is, in anyone’s definition, touched by something bigger than any of us.
I often think of one of my former students, whose mom (also a nurse) was diagnosed too late with ovarian and died before she could see her daughter graduate college and law school. She is often in my thoughts.

If you read through our little blog land these past few weeks, many are dealing with something difficult in our lives. Sick and aging parents, sickness, kids without work, -- I think sometimes our prim addiction helps us carve out a warm and comfortable place to just ‘be.’ You are in my thoughts and prayers. At this very important month for women, wear your pink ribbon proudly and be empowered!

Bigger than a breadbox...and more tiny tweaks

2009-09-30T22:34:00.003-04:00

Hi Blog Buds!

Here is my ‘bigger than a breadbox’ treat from my mom – a fifty year old wing- back chair. There’s a story behind it. First of all, it belonged to my beloved late aunt, who died over 20 years ago. When she moved from Philly to Florida, she decided to buy new furniture, and gave me the chair and some other goodies (like my bedroom deco desk, her silver, etc). My aunt and I obviously came from the gene pool – she loved to redecorate constantly (today we call it tweaking!) and I adored her. So, I had the chair for a long time, and like a real stooge, I got bored with it and gave it to my mom, ohhhh, about 5 years ago. I happened to open up this month’s CS, and what did I see? A wing-back chair VERY similar to my aunt’s chair – and for $250 dollars. Back I went to my mom’s and told her I WANT IT BACK!!! LOL!!! She wasn’t using it so she had no problem with giving it back to me for the second time!

Of course, it is well over 50 years old, and has become discolored from age, and wear and tear. I will eventually recover it and repaint the legs. But for now, I think it works just fine! it has great bones, as does most furniture made years ago. I should be able to find a slipcover on line, but it will be hard to find one that fits because of the wings. I'm open to any suggestions you may have. I thought the upholstery was removable and I could wash it, but alas, it is tacked.
I did a few other smaller tweaks. I changed the lampshade on my Stiffel lamp and it immediately primmed it up. (So why had I never thought of it before??) It's red checks, but the pattern didn't photograph well.

And I repainted the little redo shelf I had used in my kitchen for my soap. Just a small change by moving it to another room.

And what do you think my coonie was doing while all of this tweaking was going on?? Gee, this should be no surprise!! LOL.

Well, it’s bedtime already… my tweaking and a long work day tired me out! Hope you all have a great rest of the week. Thanks for stopping by to visit!

2009-09-28T07:50:00.006-04:00

This was me yesterday. LOL!

I had an itch to finally learn how to change my background and re-design my blog – gee, if I was bored with it, then I know my fellow-bloggies must be bored with it also. So I read a bunch of articles, and found myself at Daisy Grey's website and realized that she made it really easy to do. So thank you, Daisy, for making blog design so easy!!! I must have sat with this laptop for hours trying to figure it out, but it was fun.

Then I had this idea about my header, so I changed that one, too. I’m nowhere when it comes to HTML, but all of the little tricks that come with all the downloaded programs really helped me to do this today. I was in a bit of a creative mood yesterday, so I really enjoyed playing, surfing, clicking, and hoping I didn’t delete the whole blog!! I have to do the blog for work, too – so I thought I need a counter for it. Can you believe I just learned how to upload a counter?? After all this time? LOL. Do you like it better this way?

We had a wonderful cool, rainy Sunday here in the big city, so I was in tweaky mind-set. Nothing big, just a few things. I had a very busy week, getting home late from work, helping out my mom a few evenings this week, so a quiet rainy weekend was just what the doctor (or nurse, in this case!) ordered. Had a chance to catch up on some reading (Ted Kennedy’s autobiography) and take a nap and just chill. My apt smelled yummy thanks to Debbie at 1803 candles – what delicious candle melts she has. I have controlled my spending urges, except for my melts – and she has wonderful scents and great customer service. What can be better than a good book, a rainy day, and delicious Fall scents in every room? My friends were busy or out of town – so it was a perfect time to just relax.

Nothing better than a comfy nap on a lazy Sunday...

The best candle melts! Yummy scents!

I saw a basket like this in a prim shop for $12. So I decided to make one myself from a basket I had. Much better cost -- Free!

I have something really good coming from my mom’s later this week -- it’s bigger than a breadbox, because it wouldn’t fit in my Honda! Till then, have a great week!

Fall goodies and something for Gina!

2009-09-23T12:25:00.006-04:00

Just a quick post to say hello and show you what our gardener did – you know, apt/city living doesn’t always allow for nice outside Fall gatherings, but we must have a very Fall-loving crew here! I came home to this in front of my door yesterday – nice, eh?

Just a reminder to click here for my redo’s in my little home – all dressed up for Fall. We’re having a mini-heat wave (oh my!!! a/c is back on!) but hopefully won’t last long.

I think they did a cute job on the pumkins!

BTW, has anyone else on Blogger lost their peeps list?? I noticed that no matter what I do, they have disappeared!? Pics and all! I've noticed that some of the blogs I've visited don't have them either. Can't tell if it's me, Google, or what!

This post is really for my blog bud Gina, who has reminded me that my big fat hairball has not been getting his share of blog time, due to my obsession with the new season! So, Gina, and any of my other bloggies who love Coonies, here’s a few shots of Ozzy doing what he always does, which is relax and take it easy. Especially when I work from home, the fat boy just sits near me and naps. What a love! That’s when he’s not eating or slobbering on me!!!)

"uh,oh -- she's back with the camera again!"

"...and she keeps making fun of my big feet!! Like she's petite, yeah, right!"
"I hear the treat bag! Well, I have to perform, I guess. Love those treats."

This is waaaaayyyy too much work!!! It's time for another...... NAP!!!"

Ahhhhh, that's better.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Fall has Arrived!! Yipeeeee!

2009-09-21T14:53:00.007-04:00

Hi Blog Buds,
Happy First Day of Fall! We had a glorious Fall weekend here in SE Pennsylvania! (Everything comes to he who waits, right??) Cool breezy nights, warm (but not hot) days, leaves starting to change. Good weather to get lots done. And I was a busy bee this weekend!
Because I live so close to the river, I am inundated with spiders this time of year (outside, not in!) So I cleaned up my balcony, got rid of a ton of webs, washed the windows. Pulled out more Fall ‘stuff’ – business clothes, especially.
Sunday, I took some new photos for my updated Fall picture trail so click the Philly street to your right and check out some out some new photos of my teeny-tiny prim apt.
I’m at work, so I can’t write a newsy post, but I did want to mark the first day of Fall! Hope everyone is having a great day – thought I’d give you some local natural eye candy to mark Fall arriving. I know so many of you live in more rural areas, so I thought I’d share what the big city looks like adorned in autumnal splendor! There is something very special about the way the sunlight hits the buildings in the city – just love it, and hope you enjoy, too!

There's nothing like a college campus in the Fall, esp an old one like the University of Pennsylvania!
Fairmount Park is the Fall -- delicious!

The Philadelphia Art Museum in the Fall -- where's Rocky??
More Univ of PA -- what a beautiful campus, right in the heart of West Philly. Makes me want to head back to my teaching career. There is nothing like a college campus in the Fall.

New Hope, PA -- not too far from me in Bucks County. Very artsy -- very expensive, but very pretty.

The city at dusk on a Fall night. Perfection!

Thanks for stopping by!

Aunt Daisy's and more....

2009-09-16T21:03:00.021-04:00

Sorry I have been MIA for a few days. Had some problems with Blogger freezing up, and I’ve been trying to play with the camera settings to soften the lighting, but no luck. No matter what I do, or what setting I use, I either have a harsh light or a blur. Oh, well! And, I’ve been getting home from work later than usual, now that the summer is over, and we’re back to the insane Big City traffic again. There are some benefits to living in the Big City, but driving around is not one of them – it took me over an hour to get home last night and I was just beat.

So. I know my bud Linda is just waiting with baited breath to hear about my trip to Aunt Daisy’s. The day was a little less than I had hoped, because we had a major storm here on Friday. Stacy had taken the day off to go, and we did, but she wasn’t feeling well, and I hate driving in the rain. The good news is that we figured out how to get there and back quicker from Philly, so it wasn’t too too bad, but we couldn’t enjoy the ‘beautiful Fall day” I was hoping for. That being said, Aunt Daisy’s is always a treat, regardless of the weather.
I had to be very conservative this time around, but, trust me, I could have had a ‘one of these, one of those’ days. Their shop is just too fabulous, and we spent quite a while just walking around and taking it all in. I did get this, which was very reasonably priced, and what I have been looking for for ages with no luck. And we slobbered over their 2 big adorable dogs who are just like people and greet you at the door.

I also bought this textile, just because I love the warm colors and the texture.

We also stopped in to see Judy Doyle at Cinnamon Sticks (of course!!) – she is such a doll and the shop looks adorable with all of her Halloween goodies out. Bought a few small things, like a new seed bag and a few battery grunge candles.
We had a late lunch and came home because the weather was so bad, but it was sure worth it, and now looking forward to taking another trip up there around the holidays.
I mentioned that I had a wild Labor Day week decluttering and moving around the living room (again!). I think that this time, I found the right combo. The living room is much bigger and roomier this way, and feels much more welcoming. And I mentioned that I had totally decluttered the office/den, and while I don’t use it too much because of my laptop (living room more comfortable) it is finished and I love how it turned out. And I added some fall goodies, so I’m finished the big stuff for a while. It was a huge job.

(The little red sock is a cat toy!)

We are enjoying some great Fall temps here most days, so what a delight to turn off the a/c and open the windows! Rainy again today, but the weekend should be beautiful.
I’ve been enjoying your blogs and all of your great Fall arrangements – I read them all even if I don’t always comment! And, of course, thanks to all of my peeps for joining my blog and checking out what I do with my little apartment!
Have a great day, all! I’m off to work!

Never Forget

2009-09-11T16:36:00.005-04:00

Remember, logo design by David Paranteau
The interpretation:
The black signifies the grief and loss of our nation (The Pentagon, the date, and the WTC towers in place of the number 11 in the date).
The white background represents hope of freedom, peace, and healing.
REMEMBER that freedom is worth preserving and also that it has never been won without loss. We remember our friends, our co-workers, spouses, rescuers, children, business partners, military and government officials, visitors to New York and our nation. We will never forget our fallen heroes.
The flag is our national emblem and represents the highest ideals of individual liberty, justice and equal opportunity for all. These ideals will help our nation cope with this tragedy.

FALL REDO (pt.1)

2009-09-10T16:32:00.013-04:00

Hi Blogbuds~
Before I get to the good stuff, I wanted to let you all know that my biopsies were fine and any and all 'suspicious' cells have been removed! So, I have a new incision to show off (!!) but all is well, Thank God, and I thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers. It was a little scary, and a reminder that we need to always be vigilant.

And then there was....another redo.....

Labor Day, huh? Well, yes indeedy, I certainly 'labored.' In fact, I've been 'off' all week and used the time to declutter-- sure, I would have rather spent the week in the Caribbean or something nice like that, but that will need to wait until I'm back to earning my full salary! Sometimes I need a few days to just do the fall cleaning, declutter all of the junk that accumulates, and get organized. So that's what I did. I repainted my home office (FINALLY!!!) and (I'm embarrassed to say) filled up 2 trash dumpsters with junk, PLUS took 6 boxes to the TS to donate!!! And that doesn't include the furniture and book cartons that I dumped in my mom's garage!!!! So, after, yes, count them...5 days of cleaning, painting, hauling boxes and furniture, redoing and rearranging, I'm done!!! Tomorrow is my trip to see Judy at Cinnamon Stick as well as my long-awaited trip to Aunt Daisy's!!!! So, once I bring home some new goodies, I'll post "part 2" of my rearranged living room as well as my new goodies!!! We are expecting a rainy day here tomorrow, but who cares?? We're off to Hereford!

So, first, after I removed an indescribable amount of junk, I emptied the room and repainted. I used a color this time -- a warm chestnut.

(hmm, need to do something with the electric cords, huh??Not sure what, tho!) Any ideas?

The room is small (as you might remember from past efforts!) -- this is the other side, and under the window. It's FALL!!! I need to get a better pic of this display!!

Here's the dining room display, with the furrball checking it out.

And I did this little pumpkin with some paint and candles. It was an old cutting board that came out of the 'junk' -- except that this had potential!

Isn't it great that Fall has finally arrived (more or less!) and that we can take all of our Fall goodies out of storage? I love this time of year!!!

I'll be back soon with Part 2 (a MUCH roomier living room) and all of my goodies from our trip tomorrow! Like my redo of my bench in front of my sofa!! I like it so much I'm using it as my blog pic!

It's Fall, You All!!!

2009-09-01T20:51:00.029-04:00

I can't believe it! We made it!! I actually can sleep with the windows open and the a/c OFF!!!! Yipeeeee!!! So how do I know it's Fall?? Here's my list:

~ There is a special golden color to the sun that makes the sky seem bluer and everything seem clearer.

~My 'coonie is shedding his summer coat and there are clumps of maine coon fur hanging off him and all over the floor. (coonies shed in clumps of hair)

~ There's a delicious smell in the air of cinnamon, spices, and earth.

~ The early mornings are cool and crisp and clear -- lovely!

~ I have energy to tweak and redecorate.

~I can go to Aunt Daisy'shttp://auntdaisys.com/ Harvest Celebration next week!!!!! If you live anywhere near Emmaus, PA -- don't miss this! Gee, I've been looking forward to this all summer long!

Speaking of tweaking, I did do some major stuff this past weekend. I was glued to the Ted Kennedy funeral all day Saturday, so while I was watching TV, I gt int a major blue paint fit. I also moved my sofa, which changes the living room around (more pics to follow after I vacuum up the hair clumps). So, here's what I did....

Remember my red paint chair (the one I said I would never paint? I lied.) Redid it to a blue, moved it from the bedroom to a corner of the living room.

I love how the old red paint peeps through the blue, don't you?

I'm not sure why I am losing my passion for black, but I even redid my make-do hutch. And -- I moved the book-keep to the top of it and converted it to a bowl holder. Here's the bottom shelves...

moved my sofa and made an sofa table.... with nice fresh yellow daisies in a jar.

SOOOOO, I have lots more to share, but I need to get to a meeting in the city, so I must be off. More tweaks soon!!

Enjoy early Autumn!

What a Day!

2009-08-26T21:28:00.016-04:00

Sorry I've been scarce around Blogland this week -- had to get my biopsy today and just didn't want to mention anything until it was done. I'm ok, but the experience was less than the best -- my surgeon changed hospitals, and while I know lots of people in lots of hospitals here in Big City (including the one I was at today) -- I felt like I was back in the 70's -- not very new, a little too exposed and way too disorganized. I got to the O.R. nearly two hours late because of disorganization in Radiology -- meanwhile, I was getting dehydrated, had a splitting headache...oh well, Thank God it's over and now I just need to hope for a good result with the biopsy. The incision is small and no pain, just a little swollen.

And, as a Kennedy fan and historian (undergrad degree is in American History) I'm very sad about the news of Ted Kennedy -- for those of us in our 50's -- this is the end of an era -- the end of the Kennedy generation. I know that Teddy is with his family now, especially his brothers...I remember so well his pain at the death of Bobby-- those years were so memorable and such a part of our culture - flaws and all.

Ok, on to more pleasant topics! I have a few textures to share -- not too many, but some nice ones, I think. And some tweaks. Now that the boob stuff is over, and HOPEFULLY it will cool off soon, I can get to work on all my projects. I have to wait a few days until everything heals up, of course, but I'll be a tweaking maniac over Labor Day.

So, this will be a short post, but here are some textures for your viewing pleasure!! I'll be back soon-- maybe with some early Fall goodies! And yes, ain't it great that Monday is the first day of SEPTEMBER??? We made it!! (although, my dear blogbuds, it is still 90 degrees here for week 2? week 3? losing count???)

Have a great rest of the week!

News and Views

2009-08-17T07:54:00.008-04:00

Well, blogbuds, all kinds of things happening here in the big city. I'm no football fan, but the Eagles are now officially at the top of my s*** list and will stay there. I almost fell off the chair when I heard that the master of dog torturing, Michael Vick, was signed to play football here. As any animal lover knows, those that torture innocent animals don;t get over this pathological sickness after a few years in jail, and it's a disgrace that the business of football supersedes any moral decisions about who plays it.
So, I"m on a soapbox with this one, and I'm just so embarrassed for my city.

The other thing goin' on is that we are now officially in a heat wave, expecting a full week of mid-90's plus. When the heat and humidity and ozone get trapped in all this cement of a big city, it becomes dangerous, so I hope I can stay in as much as possible. My poor little 96 year old mommy feels like she's under house arrest, but she's gotta stay in the house where it's cool. I do have to get out to make sure she has everything she needs, and of course, go to work, but other than that, I'm in for the duration... except for one thing...

Looks like I need another breast biopsy -- funny little thing showed up in the MRI that needs to be removed -- my doc doesn't think it's worrisome, but the recommendation is a tissue biopsy, so I hope to get that done this week. It's at the same place as the original site, and called a 'complex cyst' -- a little fluid, a little hard stuff. Could be just radiation damage from 7 years ago, but won't know until it's biopsied, so I've been a little worried these past few weeks during all of the ultrasounds, and MRI, etc. So, I'm saying my prayers.

I did do some redos over the weekend -- went out to get my nails done and stopped at the TS. Not much there, but these one crock for 75 cents and this brown bottle for 25 cents. I thought a tea candle in the brown bottle would look nice.

I also got these plates to try my hand at the make-your-own-redware, that has been popping up on a few of your blogs -- not sure who was the genius is who started it, but what a GREAT idea!!! So these plates started like this:

and ended up like this!!! Next time I'll do better with the freehand yellow markings, but what a great idea!!!!

The crock and the brown jar.

I'm still in my blue-phase, so i redid my 3-drawer thingie -- I love how these things look with brown or red underneath.

So that's my news. Wish I had more, but gotta get to work! Hope everyone had a good weekend and stayed cool and healthy. Till next time....have a good week!

Sweat City!!

2009-08-12T20:21:00.012-04:00

Ohhh, Lawdy!! Save me from this miserable heat! The humidity has given me a week-long bad hair day, and the heat....over 90. My usual complaining about the weather! September is right around the corner (yipeeeeee!) so I'm hangin in there, but I just haven't been in the mood to do much. By the time I get home from work, I'm one big sweaty miserable mess, so I thought I'd share some pics from a book I picked up at a flea. Even my favorite TS is closed for vacation. Actually, that's ok, since $$ is tight this month, but this book is drool material! Lookie, lookie!

Some wonderful things in this little old gem of a book!

I love these jugs -- we all collect them....

And, I could just move into this perfect little house tomorrow!

And... I love these rugs. I have one that's not as nice as this one, but my big furrball loves it! Great for a nice stretch -- (those claws, you know....)

In fact, he loves all of my rag rugs, big or small. They are almost as good as sleeping on my legs so the blood stops circulating -- but at least he doesn't use my legs for a good stretch!

And how is this for a room??? So cozy and comfortable. Ahhh, maybe these drool-worthy pics will get me back in the mood to tweak -- so maybe I'll have redos to show you next time! Until then, be careful in the heat, and stay cool!

I made a bowl rack!

2009-08-04T19:35:00.012-04:00

Lookie at what I did!! Remember this shelf? I picked it up about a year ago at a flea, then had it in the bathroom, then moved it to the bedroom, then the kitchen. It's been in just about every room! Then.... during the usual weekend monsoon (wow, this one had a tornado warning with it! and 3 inches of rain that shut down major highways!) I was clicking through my favorite sites, and a light bulb went on. I took this shelf...added two pieces of wood I picked up at the craft shop... painted them.... and.... and....

LOOKIE! A bowl rack!! I am really proud of this one, and so glad to see the heat hasn't totally fried my brain. I was feeling oh-so uncreative in this ridiculous heat and humidity.... and then this idea popped into my head-- and it worked. Goes to show ya... TS goodies can be made over... and made over... and made over! I'll show you the entire dining room after I clean it up!
And the great box I got last week... is now in my bedroom. (also needs a good cleaning)
And... I painted this box that was black and getting lost on my tall bookshelf. I like this mish-mash color. The best thing -- no cost at all! Couldn't get to the TS because of the weather, but as it turns out, I had everything here all along.

Hey everyone who lives in SE Penna! AUNT DAISY'S (http://www.auntdaisys.com/index.cfm)

is having their Fall event on Sept 10th-12th!!! Ewwww, I can't wait!!! This shop is just fabulous and it is a special treat to just walk through it. (Hey Grammy Linda!!! Take note!!!) And it's right down the street (sort of) from Judy Doyle's Cinnamon Stick!! Yippee!!! A double dose!

Well, by dear blogbuds, I'm off to run some errands (before it...rains.) Hope you are staying cool!

Blah, blah, blah....

2009-07-30T12:11:00.012-04:00

That is how this miserable summer is making me feel: BLAH! We just had another flood/torrential downpour/ HUMIDITY -- every afternoon about 4:30, just in time to have to drive home in a humid monsoon. It's really not for me, (and, it's dangerous to drive in) so, I am so glad that tomorrow is the first day of August -- that means one more month, and we start to approach Fall. I just have no energy -- this weather just really sucks the juice out of me. Projects just get added to the list to do later. BLAH!!

On the other hand, I did make it to the TS, and got some very cute goodies. This is my favorite. Storage from the top plus the drawer! Only $5.

And, how about this cute plate (upside down, whoops.) pineapple with a crow. I love it!

And how about this brown bowl for about $1?? I actually use it, since I eat barrels of salad every day. That was all, but not bad for a lunch-break run to a TS. I still haven't had a chance to get to my favorite one -- maybe tomorrow, if it doesn't rain (right!!!) and if it's not too hot. I'm trying to find a bowl rack, but have been unsuccessful for months. So if anyone has one out there, and the price is right.... email me and let's make a deal!

You must be getting sick of seeing my ugly feet, but Ozzie the Wonder Cat apparently loves my tootsies. His head is hanging down, and his little fat legs are up in the air. Yes, he's asleep, the doofus. Then...he got into his usual nap position. Is my boy a love bug, or what??? Especially when he slobbers on my feet, as Maine Coons do when they are in a lovey dovey mood with the person they own!
Then, there is FACEBOOK!! Ok, now that I'm on there, what do I do next? LOL? I have no idea! Anyway, I saw a few of you on the APP page, but I didn't want to be intrusive. So, if you guys want to 'be my friend" just click me! Yet another place to talk decorating and T2T ideas!! Just how long are we supposed to be hooked up to our computers???? Gee, I'm on it most of the day for work, then blog, then checking out new eye candy, then emails, ....yikes. Next thing you know we'll be taking out 'puters to bed with us! (NOT!)

That's it from soggy, humid, and hot Philadelphia. Hope the weather is much better where you are! Have a great weekend!

Roses are Red, Violets are BLUE

2009-07-27T19:57:00.013-04:00

Hi Blogbuds,

I wish I had something exciting to tell you or show you, but alas, we had a HOT, HUMID and stormy weekend, so I was stuck in the house. Now I love TS shopping, but not even that fun activity will get me out in 90+ degrees!! So I had to do some inside tweaking, and save the TS for tomorrow (ewww, I hope I find something good!) I'm loving blue again, so I did some repainting of goodies I already had. Back to tweaking -- remember the wall shelf from a few weeks ago? Great place for my candle melts...
And I redid my living room shelf -- I will repaint this blue when I replenish my paint supply...
which I used up re-doing these 2 bathroom items....

....they were brownish-black -- I like them much better this way!

Hmmmm, what else...oh, I see a few new peeps following my blog, so I wanted to say thank you and welcome!

Hope I'll have some goodies to show you tomorrow -- I'll have some time to dash into a TS during my lunch hour... till then, your redos are turning out great!!!

Yard Sale Goodies

2009-07-19T07:43:00.031-04:00

It's no secret that summer is just not my favorite season~~ aside from the fact that heat and I are not best friends, I have the worst summer allergies! Itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezes galore -- blech! So, all summer I haven't had any allergy problems and didn't I get cocky?? Yesterday, BAM!! My eyes itched so bad they were swollen from me scratching, I went thru a box of Kleenex blowing and blowing -- all because I was out in the country at a huge yard sale! It was so beautiful here -- clear sunny skies, not toooo hot, no humidity -- boy, I so didn't expect to get slammed. Was it worth it? Yes! I got some great stuff -- the whole thing for under $20.

The best find (and the smallest) has to be these 2 'yelloware' bowls for 50 cents a piece. I wish there had been more!

And I found a small jug for a few dollars -- and lickety split, it is a lamp. I keep lamp adapters in a stash here, just in case I get lucky.

I moved some of my jug lamps around to bring the larger one into my bedroom, and the smaller one in my living room where the big one had been. There was a larger one at the yard sale also, but it was priced pre-recession, so I had to leave that one and get the smaller one, but, that's ok-- it works. BTW, for those looking for lamp adapters, you can find them at Lowes in the electrical dept. Email me for more info -- I've become quite the expert with wiring these make-do lamps.

I found a great double-slit box which I repainted in blue, and now it stores my favorite rainy-day reading material.

Speaking of reading material, FINALLY I found 2 of these classics.... how long have I been looking for these out-of-print Time-Life Country Home series? I was doing the happy dance after I grabbed these up!!

When I got home, there was a RAOK sitting at my front door from my girlfriend in Colorado. She is just too cute and I so appreciated it. Thanks, Deb!

My other girlfriend is flying off to London with her DH and kids as we speak -- how fabulous!

And for the Big Hairy FurBall fan club -- look at my sweetie taking a real nap -- he didn't even move when I snapped the camera. And when he woke up ... right to the kitchen. LOL.

These 2 cuties below aren't mine, but I fell in love with this picture and just had to share. Look at the face on the little one! Pure love!

Well, I'm off to help my mom today -- I promised to mow her lawn ( I need the exercise) but I bet the allergies will really drive me crazy today. Have a great day and a great week!

Inspiration...

2009-07-15T21:32:00.012-04:00

Blog buds, I just caught up with my blogland buds' posts, and yikes, you are all so inspiring!!

First of all, I think I need to take a trip to Ohio to figure out how Janine gets those great TS finds -- and EVERY DAY!!! If I find 2 or 3 things a month, I consider myself lucky, and here she is finding everything I'm looking for (unsuccessfully, I might add!) And she takes the time to redo them to prim perfection!!

Rondell has converted me back to BLUE -- and she is so right. It adds some variety to the black themes.

And then there is Lisa who also finds such great stuff, and does such a great redo on everything. Amazingly creative. Check out her new kitchen-doings! Fantastic!

And Char -- well, what can you say -- she is more than a crafter, she is a master carpenter!!! And explains it all so well.

And, then there is Grammy Linda, who has a home to die for! So perfectly put together, and so perfectly photographed!!! Oh my..... !! LOL!! (yes, Grammy, I checked the bottom of the spindle chair and you are right -- it is from Gardner!!! And I love it!)

And...and...and... well, ALL of you are such an inspiration, so let me thank you all for making my nightly trip to blogland so much fun and energizing! Sometimes after a rough day at work (which is like every day now) it is so relaxing to just see what you are all doing with your decorating, redos, and gardens. It shuts down the stress from work, and turns on the creativity so thank you!

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

Let me show you a few little things I did this weekend. I must admit that the fabulous weather has prevented me from finishing projects, but I managed to get a few little things done on Sunday.

I have been going on and on about the spindle chair -- if I had to pick a TS favorite, this would be it. I just love it.

And somewhere (a blog? APP? can't keep track...) I saw a great idea for an old cheese grater. I was so happy with this idea, because it takes the glare down to a nice soft glow. This candle is always on in my living room, so I loved how it toned it down as the light peeks through the holes.

And, I cleaned up my "pantry shelf."

And, of course. I simply must give Gina her kittie-fix. And take a look at where he is napping as I write this post!! That blob happens to be my left leg! What a love bug!

Finally, imitation is the greatest form of flattery...so thank you all for providing me with so many ideas to imitate! Until next time, enjoy the great weather (here on the east coast, we're back to heat and humidity tomorrow. BOO HOO!)

Ain't Paint Great?

2009-07-08T09:15:00.025-04:00

And I didn't even know I could be a poet! LOL. I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. I had some browser issues, so I'm just getting to post because I was having blog picture problems.

The weather here was really nice for a change, so I had a chance to do some fleaing and TS'ing. Wow, I think I got close to jackpot. And, I had some time to do some repainting (thus my post's title) after being oh-so-inspired by browsing thru a ton of website pics. Sometimes I like to just sit with my feet up, put on a movie, and visit (or revisit) all of the sites that I have bookmarked, and then find some new ones. There have been some pretty great homes and rooms that really had me lost in fantasy land.

I realized that I was getting inspired by color -- yes!-- not just the blacks we all love, but some of the barn reds and blues. So here's what I did this weekend.

The first little makeover was an old bookcase I had hidden in my den (aka junk room) that I had painted black a while ago. I redid it a barn red, and hung it in the dining room rather than sit it on the floor. Moved some things in the DR around, and I really like it!

Then, I took a shelf I had in the DR and repainted it blue, and hung it on a wall in my bathroom.
I can't take the credit for the great idea of storing washcloths and towels in it -- I saw it on someones home pictures. Thought it was a great idea and it was easy for me to add the wooden bars across the shelves (hot glue!) I thought it was such a unique way to store hand towels and wash clothes.Then I had an idea for a summer fireplace cover. A piece of wood, painted with checks, and some homespun. Perfect for my small space.

Now, to the flea/TS goodies. Oh, I was doing a happy dance. The best of the best was this fabulous spindle-backed chair which isn't only prim/colonial, but comfortable as well! I always have a problem sitting at my desk -- with my long legs, I'm always bumping my legs into the desk, and can never get comfortable. This chair (for only $4!) is perfect. And I just love the back of the chair -- so different! Big Boy hiding behind it, checking it out.

The back of the chair has some unusual spindles... and it was made in Strurbridge, Mass and labeled "colonial chair." Cool beans.

A sweet wooden wall box that I eventually polished up -- no need to paint this one. The polish removed all of the scratches you see in this pic.

And a small piece of redware... (didn't photograph too well...) even tho what I really was looking for was yelloware...couldn't beat the price -- 25 cents!

So that was my shopping weekend! And I just love what a little paint and imagination can do, especially since I am still on a very tight budget.

I got into an itch to change my blog appearance, but I didn't get too far. I don't know how to use HTML, so I'm stuck using a Google template. Any suggestions?

And if you are in the mood to check out some redo rooms, I posted an update of my slide show. Just click the brown shelf at the top right. I'm so happy that the next one will be for FALL. Yipeee! I can't really complain this week, tho, because we had some gorgeous weather -- all sun, no humidity -- just beautiful. Hope it's great where you are, too! See you soon, and as always, thanks for stopping by my little blog!

The sun has returned to the east coast!! Yea!

2009-06-30T11:47:00.029-04:00

What a week, blogbuds! I'm still reeling over the Farrah/Michael Jackson/Fred Travelina/Ed McMahon/Gale Storm/Billy Mays news -- gosh, all in one week. I guess I'm dating myself, but I do have memories of coming home from elementary school m-a-n-y- years ago, and watching Gale Storm in My Little Margie. I just can't describe the overwhelming feelings with all these tragic passings this week. I was at a business meeting at the Phila airport on Thursday nite, but there was no buzz about the news in the airport -- but, when I left and got into my car and heard the news, I damn near went up on the pavement! Hearing about both Farrah and Michael Jackson at one time was bad, but then there seemed to be one more every day. Very sad to lose all of these pop culture icons all at one time.

But there has been good news in blogland as well, as the cycle of life continues with Linda becoming a grammy at http://behindmyreddoor.blogspot.com/and Lisa's great pics of adorable boys(big and little) at http://primsfromabove.blogspot.com/at ... well , that's the balance we all need to hear and see when the news is so gruesome. So while my post today feels a little trite, I'm thinking that it's time to lighten up a little and think of good prim things!

So, look at this adorable little drawer thingie I picked up last week. I'm keeping it blue (Rondell, you do have influence on me, see?? LOL) I love how it mixes with the setting on the mantle.

Here's a closer pic of it. Just love it!

I really love this tone of blue, and can't imagine why anyone would want to get rid of it!!

Other than this great little find, I haven't had much opportunity to do much around here. Finally, the rain stopped after one month of dreary days. Today the sun is out and the temp is hot, and even I'm not complaining of the heat. Just to see SUN is great. I am off today since I had my post-50 screening colonoscopy early this AM. OMG. In case any of you are gearing up for one -- procedure is a breeze. The prep is torture. 'Nuff said about THAT!! Anyway, I"m thinking that I'll go to the pool today and just chill out from the stress, both personal and news-wise. Yes, Virginia, the sun does shine in Philadelphia!!

And, of course, the BFC (Big Fat Cat) is loving getting back to the window for some sunbathing and fantasy squirrel/bird/bug-chasing. (The squirrels/birds/bugs are real, the chasing isn't ---This boy stays inside!)

Awwww, can't I go out, Ma??? (NO!)
I saw a great post somewhere (don't ask me where -- can't remember whose blog) asking "What Are You Reading? Well, you all know how much I just love my books. This summer, I'm reading all about Lyndon Johnson -- several books. A special treat is a book by Michael Beschloss that I actually downloaded onto my MP3 player, since it is the Johnson tapes from '64-65. Hearing them as they actually happened is so much better than reading about them or reading the transcript. Fabulous. I'm a real JFK fan (the entire family, really) but I think I've read them all -- can't find a new book on JFK or the family. In most cases, tho, I just love to curl up with a 'real' book -- paper, cover, you know -- non-high tech! The old-fashioned way of reading a good book.
What are YOU reading these days?

Hope to pop back for a quick post before the 4th, but just in case I don't -- I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! Enjoy the fireworks!!!

Here's some good news for us Fall/Winter lovers: in just a few weeks, we'll be receiving our FALL edition of Country Sampler!!! Yipeeee! Almost time to bring out the pumpkins!!!

Sleepless in Seattle (I mean PHILADELPHIA!)

2009-06-21T10:06:00.019-04:00

Well, it feels like Seattle here!! In fact, I bet Seattle has less rain than we've had in the last month. Every day. Sometimes all day. Even when it's not raining, it is gloomy, dark, and cloudy. Everyone is trying to keep up spirits, but the lack of sun is making people grumpy and irritable. Plants and flowers are rotting from too much wetness, and trees are actually toppling over because their roots and bark are soaked. Today is the first day of summer (and the longest day of the year) and guess what it is doing?? RAINING. OMG, I just may lose it. Will you visit me in the padded cell?? LOL.

I haven't posted all week because I haven't been up to much. In addition to the gloomy weather, we are all anxious about keeping the business going and looking at a real possibility of being sold to another company. I know everyone is going through tough times, so why share my problems? All I can say is that we are now in a day to day survival mode, and if this isn't a real Depression (at least here on the east coast) I don't know what is. So with all this less than pleasant news, I haven't been in the mood to do much around here, and certainly can't do any shopping. But all is not bleak and miserable. When you can't do the real thing, what is better than doing some fantasy shopping? I'll show you some goodies I found a bit later, but first I wanted to show you a little redo that was stimulated by an hour or so of fantasy shopping.

You might remember this, that actually started out as a breadbox a while ago, then went through a few repaints and redos.

Then, I saw this....

I didn't want to change the color of mine (altho I LOVE this one)... but I thought, "what would happen if...." ---so this is what I did with a little black paint and a few small drawer pulls.

here's another view. Cool, huh?

On to fantasy goodies! I found a wonderful shop up in Connecticut called: www.americanheritageshop.com/. Kathy has posted some really inspiring goodies, esp the furniture, which makes me drool. I especially love these two pieces:

I love the color and aging.

And how much would I love to get one of these? I know sooner or later I'll find one locally.

And this setting below is just so warm and welcoming.

Well, all of these goodies are putting me in the mood to do some tweaking! So I'll will see you next week -- but not before I again congratulate my pal Linda from Behind My Red Door on the birth of her new granddaughter! What wonderful news!

Have a good week everyone, and if your weather is anything like it is here-- stay dry!

creative funk!

2009-06-10T09:13:00.012-04:00

This is just how I feel in the summer. My motivation downshifts into low gear, my creativity is put off until "later" (as in AUTUMN) and I am just all blah! We have had a mixed bag of weather here -- lots of heat, lots of humidity, and lots of RAIN. The combo just does me in. So, my dear blogbuds, I haven't had much to share lately because of my blah-ness! Those blogbuds who feel the same way about the heat understand, right???

I have a few things I did last week when the weather was cooler. I have been avoiding the yard sales (so unlike me!) because I don't want to be tempted to buy things I simply don't need. You may remember that I am on a lesser salary now, so I am being careful. Still buying, but more careful what I buy. I did get up to Bryn Athyn last week and got these wooden canisters that I am trying to make into firkin's (trying being the operative word!) No handles, but getting there...

Also got these wooden bowls -- can never have too many of them and still deciding what to do with them. May paint just one.

And I did redo those picture frames...

And I did repaint the stove board but still need to age it a bit....

Awww, even the cat is laying around waiting for AUTUMN. (soon???just 3 more months.....ARGGGHHH!!!)

So, I must shower and get off to work. Your blogs are just chock full of great ideas and great redos! Love them! See you soon when I get some energy back!

Turning 100...

2009-06-03T07:36:00.011-04:00

Hi Blogbuds,

Today is my official 100th post, and I must say that this has been a wonderful experience for me! Back in December, I was so nervous about starting this 'blog-thing' -- but I was so inspired by so many of you and your wonderful blogs, that I thought that I just must dive in. I am so happy that I decided to do so. You have inspired me with your stories, both personal and decorating-wise, shared your pictures, your families and friends, your ups and downs. Many of you love TS shopping and redos as much as I do, and you are so much better at the redo!!! More inspiration and ideas-- thank you. You are all an amazing group and I am so happy that I have gotten to know so many of you. So here's to the next 100!

Speaking of TS, I got an email yesterday that there is tons of furniture at Bryn Athyn today, so before I make some sales calls, I must run up there! We are expecting thunderstorms (AGAIN) today, so I'm thinking I better go on the way, rather than at the end of the day. Maybe I can pick up some new goodies! Just the thought is making me salivate. LOL.

So, I mentioned last week that I tossed out my old loveseat (still have the black/blue marks to show for it!) I moved my desk down to that space and it opened up the area in my bedroom so it doesn't feel cluttered.

By the way, I've already changed this lamp out to another one, but haven't done a pic yet. So that opened up a corner where I placed my old painter's chair.

I just don't have the heart to repaint it -- it is the original red and the original chippies from someone's years of hard work, so I am leaving it as is.

Oh, and I received my new table cover from one of my favorite places: https://www.circa1820.com/catalog/index.php

Of course, Mr. Hairy Fat Lazy Furrball thought it was the perfect place for a quick nap. By the way, you can see my office/work stuff is sitting along the walk in the dining room. Because of the placement of the cable cords and such, I work at my DR table every day. Haven't figured out a way to disguise the printer, the office phone, etc. If you have any ideas, share them! I"m open to any and all ideas!

I love this color and it is a nice change from the black/beige.

So that's it for today-- I'm off to start my day. I hope yours is great!

Where does the time go?

2009-06-01T17:34:00.010-04:00

Have you ever noticed that your vacation week goes by faster than any other week?? How is that? LOL. I had an odd week -- busy at the beginning, then caught some kind of virus and had the worst chills and joint aches -- bleck. Then felt fine in about 2 days, but took it easy. Sat out on the deck with a good book, relaxed, saw friends. Which reminds me, one of my very dear friends bought a home in Media, PA and I went to see him (finally) while I was off. It's the CUTEST thing!! An old farmhouse -- red shutters, long windows, lots of flowers and land...small rooms... I was drooling. And he loves to do TS trips -- ahhh, what the economy is doing to people! LOL -- I should have opened one and would have made a fortune now!!

I have gotten so much done, but haven't downloaded all my pics yet -- I'm constantly fixing here and there because it's time for a new slide show for sure! So in it's place (and since I have my drool rag nearby!!), I'll show you some eye candy for your pleasure. These are off the Internet -- can we talk fabulous here?? First of all, remember a few weeks ago, Linda from http://behindmyreddoor.blogspot.com/ and I were going on and on about Aunt Daisy's in Emmaus, PA. Here is why..... look at this stuff... perfection.

This is their common room.... and... will ya just look at this hanging desk?? Oh, be still my heart!

and what a great idea for a laundry area -- a dry sink and fabulous goodies.

Then I came across this lovely dining area, not sure where I saw this, but it looks very familiar! I bet this belongs to one of you!

I guess one has to have the perfect house to place all these treasures, so I found that too.

This one works for me....

of course, I wouldn't turn this one down, either...

Hmmm, this is starting to look like Historic Williamsburg....

and then there is:

Mount Vernon!!! I remember my mom and I went there years and years ago (it was SO HOT in Washington in August) -- but I'm thinking I may take a weekend this summer and go back to revisit it. It is truly a lovely place on the Potomac River. George and Martha did it right, that's for sure!

Ok, I must go get a new drool rag now, so I will say bye bye and show off some finished projects (maybe) tomorrow. The only thing I haven't done is put the shelf up over my patio door -- I don't have a 7 foot shelf. That will come soon, maybe this weekend after a trip to Home Depot.

Have a good nite, everyone! (Sorry, Gina, no kittie pics tonite!)

This'n'That

2009-05-27T07:40:00.024-04:00

Hi Blogbuds,

I have been MIA for a few days trying to get some things done. I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. It was nice here, and then all of a sudden the temp dropped to the 50's (yipeee!) so I was able to get in the mood to do some stuff. I hate to be redundant but as you know, I just hate the heat and the weekend was humid on top of it. So, let's see what is new here in the the city of brotherly love....all kinds of news...

Last week, I had a chance to do some TS visits, and picked up a few really good things.

The best was the 3 drawer thingie for $9 at one of my favorite concessions shops. I love the candle sconce for 75 cents, and the picture frames. Haven't worked on those frames yet, because I didn't realize that the backs are really tacked on tightly. So that has turned into a project. I'm not sure how to get those backs off.

Here's the finished sconce... and... the 3 drawer thingie. Here's how I placed it on the wall...Just a nice mix of black and barn red to give it that red/brown-ish color.

One of the great things about a few days off is the opportunity to catch up on some reading and drooling... ( more drooling, esp now that I'm on such a tight budget!)...

So, I had a chance to check out some ideas in these fabulous catalogues... and of course my favorite read...

and then lookie what I found in the TS for 99 cents!

A July 1993 issue! Last issue talked about the changes in 25 years, and they aren't kidding! You wouldn't see a cover filled with Christmas decorations on a summer issue now... and...

remember how they used to show everything in boxed ads? And look at all of the hearts! And everything pink and blue! Yep, country/prim has certainly evolved to a more early American influence and dontcha just love it?? It's fun to go thru the old issues, tho, and see how tastes have changed.

Ya know, I'm no longer a fan of candles because I am so negligent in watching to make sure I blow them out -- but I picked up the most DEE-lichous candle in my trip to Emmaus -- 1803 candles.

This fabulous scent is "Summer Spice" and wow, does it smell fabulous. I'm hooked.

I did get a chance to redo my bedroom and that's why I was SO TIRED yesterday! You may remember that I had an old love seat in my bedroom -- that is what I tossed out. It just has such an 80's shape and ruined the whole effect. Have you ever tried to move out a piece of furniture by yourself?? Yikes, what job. The love seat itself was light, but it was awkward making the turns to the front door, then down the steps to the trash bin. It was a job, but I'm glad it's done. I will show you some 'after' pics tomorrow -- just got up and the bed isn't made. LOL. Moved the desk down a bit... much better.I had a disappointing Weight Watchers meeting last week, so I'm back to really watching my portions. I have gained about 6 pounds since I hit Lifetime in the the fall. Doesn't sound like a lot but it creeps up and that's not good! So, I'm back to being very careful -- no junk-- and trying to walk a little -- never did get the bike, -- too expensive. So , hopefully, the scale will start to go in the other direction over the next few weeks. Everyone says "you don't look like you gained weight' which is probably true, but -- the worst is when you wake up one day and you DO look it and your clothes don't fit. So, I don't want it to get to that point -- ever! It's true when they say that weight maintenance is a lifelong struggle. It's so easy to take a little of this..., a little of that... and the next thing you know... well, I can't let that happen!! That's why I still go to the meeting every week, at least to weight in. Back to point counting.

My sweetie loves the new slipcover and now has in his head that sleeping upside down with his legs up in the air is just tooo cute! His fur is starting to grow back, evidenced by the trail of hair on the rug again... that didn't take long! I think I'm gonna keep it short -- he seems to be so happy that way -- odd for a Maine Coon who is born hairy!

Well, that's my catch-up for today...hope to have some more news to share tomorrow... I'm off the rest of the week, so maybe I can get to these projects if the weather stays yucky. Hope you are all well and have a great day! I've been keeping up with your blogs and most of you have been showing some wonderful stuff!

2009-05-19T07:26:00.006-04:00

Hi Blogbuds,

Not much new here. Busy weekend just helping my mom get some things done. It's hard to plan for outdoor stuff -- one day it's 85 and humid and I'm turning on the a/c, and literally the next day it's 40 and I have to switch to the heat to take the chill out. Yikes. Today is sunny and supposed to be 75. Here's hoping....

Anyway, let's see what I have to share with you today. I'm fighting with my camera. LOL. No matter what I do, and how dark the room is, I just can't get the right lighting and the pictures don't turn out right. And my head must be on crooked, too. There's a tilt to everything. LOL.

I'm going to be around this weekend, so I have two things I'd like to get done. One is to add a long shelf over my patio door window, and the other is to clean out the den a/k/a junk room. In doing so, I would be able to make some tweaks to my bedroom. So I'll be busy and show you the end result afterward.

I did one to show you one or two little tweaks. This cost zero -- old re-painted frame and a download from the internet.

And I finally finished the letter holder and desk.
And... I think this is why people say cats are so relaxing. Just sleep wherever your head happens to fall! So what if you wake up with a stiff neck from sleeping on a shelf?? LOL

On that happy and relaxing note, I'm off to work! Have a great day everyone!

And the winner is....envelope please...

2009-05-17T12:33:00.001-04:00

Brenda from Pine Tree Prims!!!!! You won my 100th post giveaway!! Email me your address and it will be on its way -- ENJOY IT!!!!! Thanks to all who participated!

Some TS goodies

2009-05-14T10:01:00.019-04:00

Hi Blogbuds-- can you believe it is Thursday already? This week really went by fast! I had a chance to do a quick drive by to my favorite TS a few days ago, and I found one or two goodies to share...

I picked this up -- I needed a mirror by the front door to make sure I look presentable (LOL) and when I saw this I grabbed it. Before:

and after:

Perfect. Lets see... what else -- a few bowls that I'm still working on... that's it. It was enough.
I did get to finally redo the thingie on my newly redone desk -- and I can't believe it actually matches, since I smush paint and go. Never really that careful with the colors, not to mention that I was running our of barn-red and had to toss some brown in to give me enough to finish.

I thought I'd like the drawer brown, but I don't, so when I replenish my bard-red later today, I'll do a quick redo on it. I actually might even use it for its purpose -- to keep my mail organized!

Oh, and check this out -- do you remember this oldie? I didn't like the heart soooo....
now don't laugh -- because I am SO NOT an artist!!! --

Did you ever see an "O" like that??? LOL. Now that I"m looking at the photo, I may have to do a quick re- glue since some of the heart is still showing. But you get the idea. And can I show you my new slipcover one more time? I LOVE it. I can't imagine why it took me so long to think of it.

I'm now in the process of updating my slide show now that the living room is done. It's taking a while, as you know, but I hope to get it done soon!

Ok, on to other topics. I have decided that I need to exercise more or I will start gaining weight again. I weighed in last week (and weigh in tonite) and there was no change, in fact a lost a few ounces (big whoop) but, I'm not being as careful with my food choices when I am at the office. Too many Philly soft pretzels around -- they are hard to walk past without taking a few bites. SO -- I am getting a new bike tonite. Wallys' has good prices, and I think I will stick with it. Once I clean out my den AGAIN over Memorial Day weekend, I will store it on the wall in there. Until then... not sure. The landlord doesn't permit anything in the back halls --but I might sneak it in there for just a week or two. I love to bike ride and I need to get this body moving again.

And my poor widdle cat! I hadn't realized that the groomer forgot to put the bell collar back on after he had his buzz cut. He crept up behind me in the kitchen yesterday and I didn't know it....and OUCH -- I walked on his paw. He let out a yelp and ran away from me -- he was mad at me. (Cat lovers know this instinctually. LOL). By the time I got home from work yesterday, he got over it, and the paws are fine. He's back doing his usual activity - SLEEPING -- and he forgot all about it. But I felt awful and will get that collar replaced today.

And finally -- I pick the winner of my 100th post giveaway TOMORROW -- so if you'd like a nice bunch of sweet annie, candles and candles nubs, and some homespun in a cute wooden tray -- you need to email me by tomorrow at 6-ish. Will post winner tomorrow nite.

That's it for me -- have a great day!

I said I'd be good...but...

2009-05-12T11:38:00.008-04:00

...I had to make one more purchase. I had to get a slipcover for my sofa. At the time I got it, which was only a few years ago, the colors and the pattern were country-ish -- but I started not to like it recently -- clashed too much. Plus, I spilled coffee on it (!!) and didn't even notice that I had a stain until it was dry! Not being on the market for a new sofa, I did the next best thing -- went to Wally's and got a black slipcover. It wasn't expensive and I love how it changes the room.

It's a soft ribbed stretch material, black, and fits just right. Ok, no more big purchases until this economy thing passes. It will be GW and TS for me only!

Speaking of purchases, I forgot to show you the sugar cone that I got when I went to see Judy in Hereford. How could I forget this? It's so cute.

And I did make that lamp out of the big blue mason jar. Left Judy's tag on, just because it's so cute!
Oh, and I repainted one of my tables....

This used to be black. I loved that I saw something similar at Aunt Daisy's in this color, so I did a redo. I hope to get to the letter holder tonite after work. Trying to decide what to put in the box below-- any suggestions?

That's it for today! Hope to have some new photos for you tomorrow. Meanwhile, hope everyone is doing well this week. I loved all the Mothers Day posts -- what we do without MOMS??

How was your Mom's Day?

2009-05-11T07:48:00.004-04:00

Hope everyone had a lovely Mom's Day -- I did! My little mama spent the day here -- the sun was shining and it was cool, so we took a walk around the complex -- here is my sweet mama taking a rest by the river:

Not bad for 96, huh?!?!?!?! Of course she didn't want me to take her pic because her hair wasn't done. LOL. We walked slowly to the river and sat and took in the view and the warmth.

My complex looks out on the Delaware River. No boats yesterday, but usually lots of them going up and down the river. Then walked back to watch 2 great movies, Doubt and Frost-Nixon. Made dinner and drove her home about 11. A lovely day, and a lovely mom. I am so grateful I still have my mom to celebrate this important day with. I am very fortunate. She is my best friend, my inspiration, and a real peach!

Just a reminder to sign up for my 100th post drawing --- time is ticking!! I will pick a winner later this week! Send me an email to enter your name!!

What a great day in Hereford, PA!!

2009-05-08T20:27:00.014-04:00

My girlfriend Stacy and I had such a fun day off today -- we both really needed a day away from the usual stress and mess, and this kind of day was just perfect! The sun was shining (finally), it was about 75 degrees, breezy -- just right for a day at some wonderful shops about 2 hours out of Philly (without traffic would have been faster)!

We started out about 11:30 and took what turned out to be the very long way to meet Judy at The Cinnamon Stick (http://thespicecupboard.blogspot.com/). Judy was sweet and emailed me her phone number in case we got lost -- and we did! Finally found it after a few wrong turns calling her and pulled up to what is sure to look familiar to you!How totally cute! Judy met us at the door -- it is so great to meet blogging buds in person! After we went in to see this most amazing old building, I drooled for a while and then went shopping! Here's a few pics of her oh-so-cute shop! Both of these are on the second floor --for some reason, the camera got weird downstairs and I missed a few -- such great stuff for the pantry...

And luscious candles...
In fact, there are scrumptious smelling candles everywhere! Here is Judy and me...

and me with my closest girlfriend...

What a trooper!!! She has been sick all week but insisted on going today -- she had a great time and felt tons better after a day away, too. The Weight Watcher Twins.

After a delightful conversation and some hints from Judy on where to go next, we started for the next shop, which is right next door to Judy's shop.

All of you needle crafters out there would have wet your pants in this one. All kinds of homespun, rug hooking stuff, and wool. Lovely.

Then we went down the road a piece to a store that was another treat. All I could think of as I walked in there was "Linda Rudman would LOVE this store!!!!" It's called Aunt Daisy's and I was so excited that I forgot to take out the camera! Here's the web site-- http://auntdaisys.com/-- you must take a look. All Early American inspired -- and the 'real thing' -- talk about drooling. Every single thing in the store is handmade by crafters -- and what a treat for the eyes (but not the pocketbook, unfortunately, since I could have bought up the store.). I got the feeling that the artisans are Amish -- not only because the work was perfection, but because there is such an Amish influence throughout the area.We spent quite a while there as well, since we were greeted by the sweetest Golden Retriever, who laid down in front of us, turned over and exposed his goodies so we could scratch his tummy for a half an hour. All you could hear was his tail thumping on the floor! And I can't forget his sister -- a Chocolate Lab who is so laid back and so sweet. Both rescued, and both pooches I fell in love with. We chatted with the owners for the longest while -- made new friends. I did buy some textile -- my tablecloth, which I wanted for the longest time. Can't wait to go back in the Fall. A beautiful store in every way. I'll take a droop rag next time.

We passed by an "Antique" Mall -- so we went in. HUGE. My feet were killing me. Reminded me of the concession shop I go to down here, but most of the goodies were overpriced. But a fun look at some very unique things.

Then stopped for dinner and came home! Here is my stash from the day (not that I should have spent so much, but hell, I work like a dog, and I needed this! (OK, so I'm rationalizing, but I'll be good from now on.)

Oh, how I love this tablecloth! And isn't the herb bag from Judy's shop adorable? And the candle...and the huge blue Mason jar which will be a lamp by tomorrow....

Got some battery candles and some tapers...and that was our day!!! Thank you so much for your hospitality, Judy -- we will see you again soon!!! Your shop is wonderful!!

Can I borrow Noah's Ark?

2009-05-06T21:17:00.012-04:00

Yes, it's STILL raining here in Philly -- I have to admit that I love the cool weather, but yikes, I am about to sprout flower buds and mold!! Just kidding -- but the grey days have gotten to everyone -- and it's not supposed to get better until next week!!

Anyway, my trip to the GW was a bust. Nada, zip. Waste of time (in the rain, of course). But tomorrow I should have a chance to run into my favorite one up in Bryn Athyn so maybe, just maybe, I'll find something. What I have been really looking for is something like this:

This is from Circa 1820, my favorite store so I thought I'd give them a plug (not that they need it!) Check them out at http://www.circa1820.com/Intro/. Anyway, I have been trying to find a piece like this for my wooden bowls, but so far no luck. One of these days I'll find one...

The only thing I have had time to do is a re-paint of this. Wish I could show you the original, but of course all my old pics were lost with the computer crash. It was brown and in my kitchen.

I am always so inspired when I root thru the Circa 1820 catalogue. This actually is a much deeper blue/green with the red underneath -- not too clear in this picture. I moved it to the living room.

I am still hoping to get to Cinnamon Stick on Friday, but my GF left me a message tonite that she has a sore throat!! Better not be swine flu!! Here's hoping that she gets a good nite's sleep and is better by tomorrow -- or Friday -- since we both are looking forward to it.

Finally, this week is National Nurses Week. It hasn't been easy for nurses this past year so if you know a nurse, thank them for what they do -- it would mean alot, I'm sure.

Hafta go read up on everyone's blog -- I'm so behind! I did get to check what Rondell is up to at http://rondell-tomatoecreekprims.blogspot.com/-- and we have the same shower curtain! Great minds think alike!! Hope everyone has a great evening!

rainy days

2009-05-04T10:11:00.002-04:00

How are my blogbuds today? We are in day 4 or 5 of rainy, gloomy days, so haven't gotten out to the GW or TS this weekend. Took the w/e to just chill and read and relax. Great days for a little nap here and there.

Well, as I knew was coming, our salaries at work were cut, and pretty substantially. I will have to be very careful what I buy and not give in to the "I wants" -- stick more to the "I needs" -- altho, I hope to take off Friday with my GF and drive up to Judy's shop in Hereford, PA (Cinnamon Sticks) -- just take a day to see the rural side of our area. When I'm sure I have the day off, I will let Judy know I'm coming and will for sure take the camera! Can't let this all get me down -- it is what it is and everyone is experiencing the money woes. Nurses being cut and laid off all over the place here in Philly, so I'm grateful I still have a job and my bennies.

This will be a shortie since I have to get to work, but just wanted to check in and say hello. Hope to have some new pics tomorrow, if I have time to stop at GW on my way to work. I did so much work in here the last few months that I don't have anything really new to show!!

Have a good Monday! Baldy Boy very happy with his buzz cut and getting into trouble! Climbing all over everything now that he feels free of all that hair!

one teeny tiny redo

2009-04-29T10:05:00.007-04:00

Hi blogbuds,

Well, the heat wave finally broke, and how happy I am. It's a little rainy and damp here in Philly today, but I love it. Finally dipped down to mid-50s.

I have one small redo to show you -- isn't It great how we can 'borrow' (aka steal!) ideas form each other? Rondell had this cool idea to pewter-ize using paint, so I decided to try it. I didn't spray paint it -- too small an item -- but this is what I did to a lamp I had done in black a while back...

I love how it came out! Thanks, Rondell!

I really should be working right now, but I was having a hard time staying focused on work. I would love to just have a few days free to craft and tweak... oh well. Will be taking a few days off at the end of May.

My baldy boy looks like a little squirrel with big ears. He doesn't even take up the entire chair any more!! LOL. Nap time, as usual. (see that Sweet Annie pack peeking out?? I took the suggestion and found it on the Internet!) No way I can buy it here in Philly.

Well, my dear Wednesday bloggers, I had better get back to work.... have a great day and enjoy the cool weather! Will check back and see what you all have been working on today.

Don't forget to email me if you'd like to be entered in my 100th post giveaway. You just need to be a follower of my blog!

100th post giveaway!

2009-04-28T20:38:00.007-04:00

Hey bloggers! I'll be approaching my 100th post (yeah, can you believe it!?) in just about 2 weeks or so! I'd like to show my appreciation to my blog followers by offering this little prim giveaway..

This giveaway includes:

a nice big bunch of everyone's new favorite -- Sweet Annie!
two candle nubs, nicely scented with spice
a nice piece of red and white homespun fabric wrapped around a hand-dipped candle
all of the goodies in a wooden tray (with handle which is covered by the Sweet Annie)!

Here's another view... The winner of Big City Prim's 100th post giveaway will be picked and posted on Saturday May 16 (Armed Forces Day). To win:

You need to be a blog follower of Big City Prims, new or old doesn't matter.
You just need to email me that you want me to enter your name/blog (that way I can keep accurate track of who's who!)
I wish postage was lower, but since it has gotten so expensive, you need to be a resident in the USA or Canada.

That's it! My email addy is in my profile.

Nothing else new from this end.... my little mommy FINALLY got her new air conditioners installed yesterday (it was only 90 degrees -- the poor installers were sweating big time, as was I!) -- so she's happy. I told her (only half-joking) that the temp was rapidly approaching her age!! The unseasonable heat is supposed to break tonite after a big thunderstorm, so I will say goodnite~ hope everyone is ok~ I've been reading everyone's blog and drooling over your great pics!!

Potpouri

2009-04-26T12:39:00.020-04:00

Hi Blogbuds,

Why would I be inside on a beautiful sunny Sunday, you ask? Because it is 90 degrees again!! Yuck!!!! Like so many other bloggers that I've been checking in on, the a/c is officially 'on' for 2009. It was brutal yesterday as well, so I ran errands (as you'll soon see) but opted to not go back to Elfreth's Alley yesterday. First of all, the city is usually a few degrees hotter than the 'burbs because of the high rises and cement. Second, I heard that the gift shop doesn't really have goodies -- more like tourist-y stuff. So, it was sure not for me yesterday, esp in a sudden heat wave! But I did get some stuff done, including a trip to the TS!

Sometimes a haircut can be transforming, yes? I've heard that it can make you look thinner -- but how about 1/2 the size you started out as?? Check this before and after -- LOL!

Before:

Poor thing could barely clean his back he was so fluffy. And I brush him daily, too. After:

Tee hee!! Yes, it is the same boy, but after a trip to the groomer. He looks a little bald and about 1/2 the size! The floor was just covered with hair as he was shaved, and trimmed, and now he looks (and acts) like a baby. He is strutting around with quite a 'tude -- jumping on everything he was toooo hairy to risk before! He's being very mischievous today. I get him groomed yearly as it gets warmer so he not covered with all that hot hair. He's looking a bit scrawny, but he's happy and funny. By the fall, the hairy boy will be back. The groomer just loves him -- he's so good when he's getting pampered. Most cats hate it, but not this one.

After I took the lazy boy home, I took a quick trip to the TS and picked up a few things.

Picked up this little goodie for all of $1.00 and turned it into this...
And, I picked up this for 75 cents... did a little re-paint...

to this...

I love this candle snuffer that was only $2.00.

Last week, I did a little grouping in the kitchen -- just turned the crate sideways.

And that's about it!! So what did you do this weekend? Is it hot where you are??

Elfreth's Alley (part 1)

2009-04-22T20:27:00.012-04:00

I had to go to Olde City for a business meeting, so I thought since I'd be near Elfreth's Alley (highlighted in my virtual tour few weeks back) -- I would stop in the museum store and see what goodies I could pick up. Of course it was raining (again) -- but would I let that stop me?? Nooooo! So....I clicked my high heels down the cobblestones... holding an umbrella in one hand and a camera in the other....

uh oh... it's awfully quiet around here today....doesn't look like they're quite ready for tourist season either....looking for #124...getting tingly... can't wait to go crazy in there and buy out the shop! This is pretty cool -- opened in 1755-- just yesterday! LOL... I want that chair!

Oh, I wonder what's behind that red door ( with apologies to Linda!!) -- is this cute or what??

I'm getting closer! High heels still clicking....ohhhh, those primitive colors on the shutters and the doors!I wouldn't mind having one of these attached to my home...how about you?OH NO!!! Say it isn't so!!! CLOSED TODAY!!! I have to go back this weekend?!?!?! When it's 85 degrees! And no place to park!! OH NO!! Oh well....can't win 'em all!!But look at this little cutie in the window! Oh well.... stay tuned for PART 2!! When I go back this weekend, I think I'll tour the homes inside... should be great!! Believe it or not, Olde City is only 20 minutes from home. See ya Saturday, cutie!

Love that mailman!

2009-04-21T08:34:00.013-04:00

Ohhhh, I came home from work yesterday and found a BIG box in front of my door!! Dontcha love when that happens? It was my fabulous giveaway from Beth at Raggedy Angel http://ragggedyangel.blogspot.com/. How sweet of Beth to find the time to mail this while redoing her new house!! Some wonderful treats were in the box....

A wooden bowl just chock full of Sweet Annie (which I cannot find ANYWHERE here in Philly) and some homespun wrapped in ribbon...and...a the cutest sign... THANK YOU BETH!! I love my goodies!!

Speaking of giveaways, I will be approaching my 100th posting in about two weeks, so I am planning my own special giveaway. Stay tuned for more info!

I just HAD to do a redo when I got home last night, stiff and sore as I was. I wish I could show you the before pic, bit of course that went bye-bye when the old laptop crashed. It was a GW that had a coffee sign on it. Ahhh, didn't like it. So, I did the green-blue first coat, then the black, then sanded.

Can't quite see the undercoat here, but it is there. Much better!

Did you see those glorious pictures of Scotland over at Robyn's blog? http://gloryriverprimitives-robby.blogspot.com/ -- if not, click over there -- it's a real treat. Lovely.

Well, this must be a shortie as I am on my way out to try to drum up business. Things still pretty tense -- hospitals laying off nurses like crazy. Unbelievable, really.

Have a great day -- it's getting warmer here (boo hoo) after a nice rainy cold day yesterday. It's gonna jump into the 80's on Saturday. Yuck!

The living room redo is DONE!

2009-04-20T09:20:00.023-04:00

Good morning blogbuds!

I must say that when I am determined, I'm determined!! What a weekend! Every muscle (even those I didn't know I had!) is aching, but the paint job is finito! It will be another 10 years before I do this again, trust me! This job was a tougher than I expected; I guess because I decided not only to paint the room, but to move the furniture around as well. So I am stiff and sore, but I really like what I accomplished. These pics are not the greatest, because the light is really pouring in, but I think you'll get the general idea.I painted the walls a neutral beige, which matches what I did in the dining room at Christmas. It is a tad darker than the pics make it look.

The sofa is now on the short wall , and the fireplace and bookcases are moved across the room to the long wall.

I love this wooden plate I found at the concession shop last week. It looks hand-done, but I can't tell. No marks on the back.Very prim!

This is the wall that a had a zillion pictures and other pieces of crap hiding the holes, and all old bookcase marks and drill holes. Now spackled and painted and much cleaner and simple. Getting this wall done made the whole thing worth it. I just hated all the damage I had done to it over the years.

I found this spice rack at the same shop I found the wood plate, I liked it because it is a little different, with the grill work on the back. Two great finds!

So, I hope you like the redo. It is so much more comfortable less cluttered, and with clean walls with some space! Of course I'll tweak things until they are just perfect (until the next tweak!) but for the moment, this looks so much larger and roomier.

I still have 2 more big projects. Lisa fromhttp://primsfromabove.blogspot.com/ has inspired me to tackle my laundry area, which luckily is behind folding doors-- what a royal mess! And, I have to again do my den, which I just did a few months ago and is now a junk room again. But I won't start them for a while -- I need a rest after yesterday! I started at 5am, ended at 3p, then did wash and food shopping. I must be really wacko. It had to be done, but it was a lot for one day. Saturday I helped my mom buy new air conditioners and get her hair done, so that was busy, too.

When I was out and about on Saturday, I grabbed my camera. It was such a gorgeous day -- (a little hot for me, but anything above 70 is too hot!) It was close to 80. Sun shining, everything blooming. This is the road in front of my apartment, and the tree at the end of the road.I think Spring is sprung, but today is rainy and cold (yipee!)

Well, I must get moving-- today is a work day. Hope everyone has a great day and that the sun is shining where you are!~~~Terry

A tweak here...a tweak there...

2009-04-16T12:05:00.014-04:00

Well, blogbuds, when my laptop crashed on Saturday, I didn't initially realize that I lost ALL of my pics -- boo hoo! I have just got to remember to back up stuff -- this has happened to me so many times, you'd think I would have learned my lesson by now. So, off I was with the camera to take some new ones, and do a little tweaking here and there.Not sure if there's anything 'too' new here, but here's some clearer pics, anyway.

a little stove board redo...

and a little tweak to the dining room...

and my mantle is just never done...

and the GW boxes are done... not too crazy about how these turned out. I was tired when I did them. The ones below came out much better.
I refinished the desk and I like how the butcher block evened out. I had spilled everything you can name on it! This looks much nicer!

I'm determined to get this wall painted this weekend. I'm thinking of a warm beige. It's still that old 'country blue' and there are only two walls left to finish. This one... and..

the one behind the fireplace. It will take longer to move the library of books out of the way than it will to paint!

Remember the book-keep I found in the closet? I had to take off the books for the guys to fix my closet door, so I snapped a pic -- bare.

I found this cute little pewter mug at the tag shop...

And that's it for today! The birds are chirping, and the sun is finally out after a week of cold rain, so I'm off and running. Even the lazy boy is sticking his nose outside! Nice warm breeze...

Hope everyone is having a good day and a good week! It's almost the weekend! Ya-hooooo!!!

Another new computer-yikes!

2009-04-14T09:22:00.017-04:00

Well, blogbuds, I am now on my 3rd computer in 4 months! This time, I bought my own so this one better last forever! You might remember that right after the holidays, my desktop crashed. Then I was using the office laptop. That crashed on Saturday morning (that one had been used by several people in the past so it wasn't totally unexpected). My computers do not seem to like holiday weekends, since that is when they pick to crash! I now have a brand new one and (knock wood) I think this one is a keeper. Meanwhile, I lost all of my pictures that were on the old laptop, as well as all of my borders and web dividers, because the motherboard died and the laptop can't be opened. At least I have the pics that are on my 2 slide shows that I can download. But I will have to replenish everything I lost.

Did you hear that I won a giveaway!!!??? Yes, I won Beth's giveaway at http://ragggedyangel.blogspot.com/!!! I am so excited, because I have NEVER won a giveaway, ever!! So thank you Beth, and I'll be sure to show pics!

I still haven't had a chance to finish all of the GW goodies, but I did want to show you what I did with the shelf. It looked like this when I got it:and I painted it and aged it to look like this: I decided to be practical with this one and use it in the kitchen:

I'm really getting back into some prim colors, so I redid one of my spoon holders to look like this.
You can't quite see the black peeking through in this pic -- I really like the black as an undercoat and the prim colors as a top color and then sanded. You can see that with the little drawer thingie that is now finished.
Well, the guys are here doing some maintenance in the apt, and making a mess. Of course. BIG FAT LAZY FURRY BOY has to be watching, supervising, and just generally getting in their way! Good thing they like kitties! He just has no fear of anyone!Hope everyone has a good day. As soon as the guys leave, I'm off to see clients, and we're having a rainy day here. In fact, we're supposed to have rain for the next 3 or 4 days (April showers bring May flowers, right?) Later! Have a great day, everyone!

Another busy weekend!

2009-04-11T21:52:00.016-04:00

Happy Easter to all of my blog buds and your loved ones. I hope you have a wonderful day with your family and friends.

I brought these daisies to my mama on Passover. Pretty and spring-like, eh?

I just finished making a turkey for dinner tomorrow -- yep, most of my friends are Catholic (I graduated and taught at a Catholic university, after all!! LOL) so I get to celebrate all holidays, which is a blessing in understanding and togetherness. It really is a true delight to have such diverse close friends.

Yesterday, I finally had some time to drop off some clothes to Good Will. While there, I had to check things out... and... yeppers!!! There were goodies!

Here's what I picked up:

I would have walked right by this one, if it wasn't for Janene at http://janene-primitivelifestyle.blogspot.com/. She did a really cool redo with a jewelry box, so when I saw this I thought I would try it, too. What do you think? The only thing is that I can't figure out how to replace the drawer pulls. It looks like they can't be removed! Can you tell I'm getting into aging the colors just a bit??

Picked up this thing -- I think it's an ice holder -- it's metal and it's heavy! Redid it to a solid blue-black -- still needs another coat and some stenciling...I have a few more things, but I'll save them until next week...
Happy Easter!

I have a treat for you!

2009-04-09T07:54:00.040-04:00

Hey blogbuds, I have a real nice treat for you today, so sit back and grab some coffee. I was downtown last night, and you know how your thoughts drift off in crazy ways when you're driving. I realized that while we associate New England with prim and colonial style -- Philly has just as much influence as New England. So I am taking you on a virtual tour! So sit back, put your feet up, grab a cup of coffee, and see the colonial Philadelphia that so influences what we love in our decorating! You ready??

Ok, there are two ways most tourists see the early American sites here. You can board the old fashioned trolley... or.. you can take the horse and buggy through Olde City. I think we'll take the horse and buggy -- so prim! The first stop is... The Betsy Ross House. Tiny little house where she supposedly did some sewing (LOL) -- she must have been a crafter, too. :>) Nearby is... Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation's first hospital started by Benjamen Franklin in 1756, whose burial site is across the street. I was very fortunate to have spent much of my nursing career here, and was surrounded daily by the history inside. This pic is the original hospital building (which is still is use for offices but is also a museum.) The Pine Building, as its known, houses the Nursing Museum, the 1st Medical library, and the 1st surgical amphitheater, where crude surgeries where done in the daytime (for sunlight!)-- as this is prior to electricity. This is also the sight of the first mental hospital -- the moats are still there where they paraded the 'patients' for the entertainment of the visitors. Considering that this was prior to the Revolution, it was considered humane in those days.

I'm sure you'd live to stop for something to eat? We can stop at... The City Tavern, where Ben, John Adams, and their Founding Father buddies regularly met to munch on some Philly cheese steaks. (Oh, wait, no, that came later. LOL) Inside, the waiters are dressed in colonial garb, and the food is delicious! All totally restored to the original-- hard to know what's new and what's the real thing from the 1760's.

Inside of Independence Hall, not too far from the City Tavern, you can see the origins of our love for pewter, inkwells, and candles-- and black.

This looks like Pine Street, where these homes are restored and lived in. Where New England has a bit of a 'country farmhouse' feel, Philly was the large urban area in the late 1700' s-- at the time the biggest city in the colonies. So, there is a colonial townhouse influence all through the Olde City and what is now called Society Hill. I can see myself living in one of these, but I'd have to win the lottery first. Notice that the pavement is not cement, but the red cobblestone, which really does look beautiful.
Here's a closer look. These homes are called "Trinities" because there is really only one or two rooms on each floor, with 3 floors in each. When my office was in one of these (when I worked at Pennsy) I stayed thin because I was constantly running up and down the steps! Tiny little rooms, but oh-so-prim.

It's unlikely, I would think, that the rooms would be this large in the original colonial homes and trinities, but one can dream, yes?? Another reason why I love the Fall. With all of the different trees in Old City (and William Penn named the streets after the trees), they make such a colorful gathering on the old steps in front of some of the homes.
Some of the wealthier colonials had carriage houses attached.

And of course, flower boxes are a must in these homes.

The streets were small and narrow...

as was Elfreth's Alley, supposedly the oldest continuously inhabited street in the country. Can you imagine people peeking in your living room window during tourist season?

Imagine living on an historical street that actually has a museum shop! You know I will be stopping in one of these weekends! I see GOODIES!!

Naturally, the colonial folks also lived outside the city where they farmed and such. Valley Forge, perhaps--

and along the Delaware River...
Well, no tour if Philly is complete without this guy. So did you enjoy your tour of colonial Philadelphia?? I hope so!! In order to not violate any copy- writes, I want to add here that many of these pics were 'borrowed" from this wonderful site: http://www.pbase.com/ronhrl/colonial_philadelphia.

Have a great day, if you're not too tired from such a long tour! LOL! Hope you enjoyed!

Another Closet Gem and Old Books

2009-04-08T08:32:00.013-04:00

Good morning blogbuds,

I happened to dig into my closet shelf last evening trying to find something, and I came across an old bookshelf that I have had for years. I wish I had thought to take a pic of it, but it was just the usual brown color. So, the brain cells started clicking. Pulled out the paint and mushed some colors together, sanded it a bit, and here's what came out of it.

So, I took my really old books, some of my classics, and added this to the bedroom.

Some wonderful classics in this pile.

Two of my favorites, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. A VERY old nursing ethics book from 1940 -- that's the one where the binding is ripped. English poetry. Ben Hur. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Books I grew up with. And these colors are so nice and worn and well-loved !! Hope everyone has a good day and enjoys the spring-like weather (unless it is snowing where you are!)

Some redos and a new slide show

2009-04-06T21:43:00.015-04:00

Wow, what a busy weekend. I finally finished the spring cleaning AND I got some redos finished AND I did a new slide show! In between, I watched the 1st episode of The Tudors which I just love. What a fabulous series on Showtime... I'm addicted.

Speaking of a showtime (heh heh) if you'd like to see my redos and some updated decorating stuff, check out my new slide show. Click the icon on the right! I still can't quite get the lighting right, but I'll figure it out sooner or later! Maybe by the Fall update??

Here's just a few things I did this weekend...

The basket with the bunnies became my bread basket. While in the kitchen, I added a new back splash after a visit to Home Depot for some sandpaper.

I took apart an old footstool and made a box for my work-related papers and documents... just needed a paint job and some aging...I think I want to try to label or stencil these boxes that I picked up from the TS. Not sure if I like them like this.

Oh, and I was so busy doing my happy dance, that I forgot to show you the stuff from the other bag! LOL. I picked up yet another one of these and didn't do a thing to it except add some of my late aunt's silver from the collection she left me.

And I love my milk jug!

So that's it! I am yawning to beat the band here, so I'll say goodnight! Hope everyone had a good day! Everyone has posted such great stuff this week!

Miss me?? LOL

2009-04-05T07:38:00.027-04:00

Hi Blog buds,
Well, I know I haven't posted for a few days, but I have some great excuses! (Pick all):

1.my place is a MESS.
2 my place is a MESS!!! LOL
3.been at the office for a few days.
So, today is cleaning day. Figures -- it's beautiful outside today. We've had some funky weather here the last few days -- winds up to 50 mph (my poor little Honda was saying STOP ALREADY!) as I was driving around and getting blown around yesterday. Day before was monsoons -- thunder, hail balls the size of marbles... anyway, I know you want to see pics, and do I have pics?? YES! And will I have more later? YES!

I finally cleaned out my one closet last Sunday, and found bagfuls of old sweaters. (so THAT's where my favorite red sweater was all this time!). The rest of it had to go to the thrift shop, so after my nail appt yesterday, guess where I was??? And, oh boy, did I have a good day there. Let me share...

Well, where does one begin when one comes home with TWO bags of goodies? I had to laugh when I was checking out the shelves -- I saw MY OLD STUFF on the shelf!! That is when you know you are addicted-- You see what you donated there, but you are back for more! Anyway, not only did I get some great stuff, but my favorite TS in the whole world had a book sale. And so I was really a happy kid! So do let me start there.

This book (like the others I have found lately) has more of a traditional country look, but there is some fabulous eye candy throughout. When I figure out HOW TO TAKE PICS OF PAGES (!!!) I'll share them. Oh, did I tell you the book was 1.00 (and the real price was $40??). But, no, I can't stop there...

I haven't even opened this one yet. Even tho its not prim exactly, there are sure to be ideas galore. But, here is the one purchase that made me do the happy dance. Small things to make me excited!

Yes, an OLD Country Sampler. I thought I had saved all of my old ones, and I also thought that in 2006 I was a regular reader and subsciber, but maybe not, because I had not seen this one before. I can sit for hours daydreaming thru a CS, but it is hard to find the really old ones. And this was just sitting there for $1.00. I'm saving it for a day I really need a good daydreaming break with some new pics... and there it will be, waiting for me. With all of the bad news out there, I need an escape when it all just gets too much. Picture therapy, if you get my drift. Between what happened in Pittsburgh yesterday (and here in Philly last month with cops getting killed) and Binghamton,NY -- I swear we're losing our collective minds. Just too much with these damned guns in the hands of crazies.

But there is more! Check out these 2 boxes, begging to be painted, for just 75 cents. I may paint the bottoms and do homespun for the top.... And then there was those cute little textiles for 25 cents each... a little blue to add to the black...

no -- not done yet... check out this great basket, also begging for a paint job...(oh, please, those little blue bunnies have to GO!!! LOL) And check out this wonderful red ware bowl.... and a wonderful milk jug. You can barely see the word 'MILK" embedded in the white ceramics...but you can see it clearly in person. I love it! And I wonderful silver candle snuffer... Not a bad haul, eh?? I'll be a busy bee today, first cleaning, then redos! And all that eye candy to read! I was doing the happy dance all over the place!

Now for you cat lovers, and those who love my cat! I can't forget you, can I?? You know BIG FAT BAD SWEET HAIRY Boy had to check out the new purchases... still has the cat nip all over him. what a slob, just like his mama.

And only cat lovers would appreciate this next pic. And trust me, it was hard grabbing a pic when I couldn't see the camera!! (and why my face is cut off! LOL) Look at his face and where is big fat white paw is sitting -- ON MY HEAD! This is what he does all of the time. I should start charging him for shampoo. Because after this, he started grooming my hair. Lovely! I am glad I caught that expression of sheer contentment!
What a hoot!

Well, I think that's it for today! I have a full list of to-dos and I had better get started. Hope you are all enjoying the weekend, and I will check in tomorrow!

Part 2 of last nite's post

2009-03-31T07:24:00.015-04:00

Ok, so now I have had some sleep and I'm working from home today, so I can get a real post done. I have been putting in some very long hours -- we're just trying to keep the business going in this economic mess -- hope we can pull it off, but some days it's really tight. Last week, I could feel it getting to me, very blah mood, worried all of the time --but, I decided I can't stay that way. I will have to watch the unnecessary spending for a while. I will do my best, and then its out of my hands.

Anyhoo, as I mentioned, the weekend was spring cleaning galore, and I still have to do my closet, which I must get to later today. Luckily it was really cold yesterday when I was out seeing clients, so I had clothes to wear! But, its getting warmer and these bulky sweaters have to get put away for another year, and I have to dig thru the mess to find my spring clothes. So, I will get to that when I finish my work stuff later today.

Remember this book I ordered? Well, I was a tad disappointed in that the pics were much more traditional than I had hoped, but it was still good and a good read. For example, did you know that:

The weeping willow tree was a symbol of mourning?? Hmm, not sure I like that so much!
In the 1800's only the wealthy were able to have portraits done as wall art.
The reason the back of a settle is so high is to block the drafts and hold in the heat from the hearth which was the only source of heat. Some settle backs nearly reach the ceiling.

Interesting stuff!

Now, on to my redos. Maybe that is why my cleaning takes so long! I stop in the middle to paint, move furniture, etc etc! I have one more big project for the late spring, and that is to paint the last two walls in my living room --i never got to them when I painted in December. I really want to do that soon, as I have to spackle and cover a zillion holes in the wall so I can even out the wall displays and take some down. But that will be for another day when it is warm and I am in the mood, because its a huge job. Lots of heavy furniture to move.

I did play around with this and moved it to the dining room. I wanted to balance out that corner in my living room, and I had too many bookshelves in one place.

And, I did a redo on this, which was painted black. Got this idea from the Circa Home Living catalogue. They displayed something very similar sitting on the edge of the mantle, and I liked it.

And I think I showed you these TS finds before...just moved them around a little.

Well, that's it for today -- I guess I had better start working --- hope everyone is having a good day and enjoying the last day of March! Hopefully will get the bedroom done today and have more pics for you tomorrow!

How do you spell TIRED?

2009-03-30T20:05:00.011-04:00

Hi Blogbuds,

This will have to be a quickie since I haven't even at dinner yet and its after 8pm! Yikes. I spent the weekend doing spring cleaning and I'm still not done! ARGGGHH!! I am knocked out from cleaning and not really having a day off between work and 'home' work . It will be an early bedtime for me tonite! Anyway, here's what's new at my end.

The mailman arrived with my gooodies and I was very happy to get my 'stuff.' I must say that I just LOVE the Circa Home Living catalogue. Just beautiful stuff (and not all black!!! And I actually like it!!) And how nice -- they actually tell you what the base color is and what they painted over it to get the right 'look.' So,I'll show you more tomorrow. Meanwhile, here's what I did with the textiles. These are incomplete because the pics didn't come out so great and I have to redo a whole bunch. Even in a dark room they come out so light!

Now that I am using a laptop, I moved my desk into the living room, and now using the den as a 'junk room.' I hate to waste that space, but I have such minimal closet space that I just need a place to store stuff I'm not using. And, I'm looking out my patio doors into blooming trees, so that is nice! Of course, cat toys still in the corner -- guess I shoulda taken them away before I took the pic. Better ones tomorrow...

You know already that Spring is NOT my favorite season, but I actually bought some pussywillows.

I will have more tomorrow -- I'm starving!! Hope everyone is doing well...catch you all later! Big Fat Hairy Lazy Furball says hello, too! He woke up because squirrels are in the patio... but
then its time to lay down again...if you can't beat em, join em!

Please, Mr. Postman....

2009-03-25T09:02:00.013-04:00

Hope everyone is having a good week so far. I'm leaving shortly to attend a sales event, but thought I'd share some goodies I bought on line (don't ask me why -- lack of self-control, I guess!). So I'm waiting very impatiently for the UPS man to knock on my door or leave a box-- ewww, I hate waiting!!! The items were purchased at different times, so I have no idea when they will arrive! So surprises await the next few weeks.

First, I had to break down and get these fabulous textiles from Circa 1820 http://www.circa1820.com/catalog/index.php. I have not been able to find these types of textiles anywhere locally, and I can't finish my spring cleaning and decorating without them!

I also picked up a black runner at Apple Hill http://applehill.homestead.com/index.html. What eye candy on THAT site, and I just love their home pics.

And, (oh boy, when that credit card bill comes in!) I got some tarts from McCalls -- I just love these tarts, and I have the tart burner going 24/7. I have 3 tart warmers, and I just love how these last so long. I am running low, so that won't do!

And finally (!!!!) I got this book with eye candy as a used book at Amazon.

So Mr. Postman, hurry up! I want my stuff!! :>)

Hope everyone is feeling well and having a good TS week. I am hoping to hit my favorite one at Bryn Athen this weekend. Not sure, as I really do have enough "STUFF!" Where can I put it all?? That's my dilemma! Have a good day and catch you later!!

2009-03-23T08:10:00.004-04:00

Went to see the Fab Faux this weekend, and how fantastic they were. This is my 3rd concert, and I have to tell you about them because they play all over the country and you would LOVE them. They are not a imitation band -- they are a group of 6+ incredible musicians (sometimes playing 3 instruments at a time plus singing) that actually recreate (not imitate) the sound of the Beatles as if you were listening to the actual albums. I can't explain it, so check this out and you'll see what I mean http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5BDZpVMQ_w --or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lknCpGbsJc (the Letterman show)-- if you close your eyes you will think you are listening to the actual album. Amazing. They sell out every time -- all age groups. They play in smaller venues, and the cost is much more reasonable. If they come out your way, don't miss it -- it's an experience! We had a great Japanese dinner beforehand and it was just a great nite. Of course, I'll be deaf for about a week (LOL).

Yesterday, I was running around doing the usual weekend errands, and low and behold I found another thrift shop! And lookie what I got! No work needed!

Never did get to finish my spring cleaning, but I'll get to it one of these days. Hope you all had a good w/e! I'm off to work and I'll catch up later!

TS finds and redos of redos

2009-03-21T08:24:00.022-04:00

Well, I know you've been waiting with bated breath to hear about my success at the thrifties on Thursday. LOL. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give it a 5...still not great, but some goodies to be had. I picked up this cute vase for 97 cents -- it's a very deep blue, and while I'm not a fan of blue, I know it's making a comeback in a deeper blue, so I'm open to it. Speaking of blues, I know my needlepoint geese keep popping up in my pics of my living room. I worked for months on that (years back) and I love it, so it stays, even tho its geese and SO 1980's!! When blue really comes back, I'll be ready. LOL. Anyway, I think that GW won't be on my treasure hunt list, because in a city this size there are so many of them and it really is more junk than good stuff to redo. So I stopped at some of my other haunts.

At GW, I also got this cute little ceramic thing for the kitchen. It's a little different, so for 97 cents, I can't go wrong.

At the hospital TS, I picked little 2 drawer thingie up and did a little paint job.

Before:

After:

While I was painting, I warmed up some of my mustard items that were too yellow and bright.

Before:

After: Then I had this idea that I just had to share. I call it the cheap woman's fly cover. It just sort if came to me. You take one of these old wire things that you wash fruit in: and you distress it a little with rust colored paint, hot glue a knob on the top, and..

What do you think?? I, for one, can no longer afford to pay the ridiculous amount the real thing goes for these days. So,I just made one that's close! LOL!

I found this adorable sheep at my sweet little country store that I go to when I need a mental boost... (work has been incredibly tense this week, so needed a little escape time) And of course, Mr. Fat Stuff had to examine my purchases.

I think he approved. Did some rearranging...
and that's it for today! On my To Do list is to do another slide show since the old one is getting dated. So, I guess that means I have to finish spring cleaning. Hmm. Well, then, I'm off to do that! Have a great Saturday -- I'm going to see the Fab Faux tonite -- more on that later!

Spring tweaking

2009-03-18T10:20:00.014-04:00

Hi Blogbuds,

First, I wanted to just make a quick comment and thank you to Leslie over at http://sweets-mycountryhome.blogspot.com/. She explained why it is that sometimes we just can't get back to the very nice people who are kind enough to leave a comment on a blog posting. I do feel pretty awful when I can't do that myself. Understand that I work like 12 hours a day and between a demanding job and my ADLs (activities of daily living (i.e. shopping, laundry, mom-care, etc etc etc) I don't always have an opportunity to get back to you kind bloggers. I do read your posts nearly every day, even if I don't leave a comment. So please don't be angry! :>)

I am just sick about the Natasha Richardson news. What a terrible thing to happen, and I can't imagine what happend in that fall that would have led to this tragedy. The news made it sound as if she had a light fall, but something happened that caused a brain bleed. Terrible. Makes you think, and reprioritize -- how fragile our lives really are. What a wake-up call to let the dumb stuff just go and be thankful for what we do have.

I've started my spring cleaning and made some minor adjustments. I took the shelf from the bathroom and moved it to the dining room.

Took the black shelf and moved it to the living room...

And that's as far as I got!! I should be able to get to more next weekend. Just so busy that I don't feel like doing stuff after dinner. But -- I FINALLY bought a new vacuum -- Wally's had a great sale and I picked it up for a steal. Finally! Got a bit tiring shlepping the one from my mom's back and forth, so out goes the old one in the trash bin. They don't seem to last as long as they used to!

I do have some new ideas, so stay tuned!

I got my CS yesterday, an what a beautiful layout they did for Karen at http://mycolonialhome.blogspot.com/. Really gorgeous, and it was so nice to see her entire home and how fabulous she and Doug have made it!! Congrats, Karen!! Thanks for the eye candy! It is a really good issue all the way around. I'm going thru it nice and s-l-o-w-l-y so I can savor it!

Well, I must get my tushy in gear -- I have calls to make, so I must dash! Hope everyone has a great day -- maybe I'll get lucky when I pass GW in my way to my first client. (fingers crossed.) I have found nothing at all for the last few weeks, which makes me VERY SAD!!! LOL. Till next time!!

an old/new addition

2009-03-16T11:59:00.006-04:00

I hope all my primbuds are doing well today. I know I'm so behind in my blog-reading and I hope to catch up tonite. Running around helping my mom this weekend, so I was pretty knocked out last night and stayed off the computer -- watched some good movies and relaxed (Milk, and "W." -- both excellent).

My mom mentioned that she found this old cornice (I think that's the correct word) from my brother's bedroom window in the basement (this thing is over 50 years old!!) and was going to toss it or give it to me. You know which one won out, right? I tweaked the curtains in the bedroom and put it up. I"m still not totally happy with this window treatment, but I love having the cornice. I hate these apt windows, but nothing I can do about that.

Another view...

Not much else going on -- thought I'd share lazy boy falling half off the back of the chair but still asleep! I keep a memory foam pillow there when I'm working to ease my back, and goofball thinks it's there to hold him up!

Anyway, sorry this is so short, but I gotta get back to work-- I have piles of work to get done. Hope everyone is enjoying their Monday!

Some (few) spring tweaks

2009-03-12T16:05:00.011-04:00

Ok, I must confess. I mean, its fine for others...but....

I don't like anything green, with bunnies, eggs, or anything that even reminds me of hot weather. I know, sounds like a prim sacrilege, but I just can't get into the Spring stuff. Never could. I realized that I just don't lie the colors, esp GREEN. Of course I do like some shades of green, like that found on dollar bills. LOL. But those pastels just don't do it for me. So, I'm feeling so left out. LOL!!

I just love the Fall. I love the colors (the reds, the browns, the blacks, the warmth), the decorating, the smells, ohhh, just everything about it. And I just can't get into this Spring thing. (which, I must add, has nothing to do with the fact that the warm weather now feels great.) We are talking only prim-wise. Maybe its because there's nothing in the thrifties these days (went yesterday -- (NADA, nothing, zilch.) Maybe it's just not cozy. Ah, who knows???!!

So what to do? Well, I did move some things around. I actually had a wonderfully clever idea (modestly speaking.) You may remember that board I got months ago-- I was going to use it for my laptop, but of course, never did. I moved it all over the place, but then got this wild idea at 2am. (Do I need help, or what???) I moved the board to my little desk, and now my "little" desk is somewhat larger! Ok, I can see it is slightly crooked-- will need to fix that. Now, if I can find something for below the desk, I will have a MINI-DRY SINK (!!!) -- kind of, well, sort of. Ok, so its a work in progress. LOL

I have 2 special little stitcheries that Janene sent me in a place of honor under my willow stitchery. And you know I just love my make-do jug lamp. An my firkin was hidden so it's now more open.

That meant I needed to do some work on the mantle. Not that I'm totally against spring, you understand. I took my one Spring-y thing out. My birdhouse. That's it. (Will it be Fall soon??)Well, I must make this confession a short one, because I'm off to WW for my weekly weigh-in. (oh my, a REAL confession, huh?!?) Meanwhile, guess what the fatsy hairball is doing??
You had 3 guesses. LOL. Hope you had a good Thursday!

special mail delivery

2009-03-10T14:05:00.015-04:00

When I first started blogging, I didn't know I would meet so many nice people (and so many TS freaks such as myself! LOL) One of my buds who is BOTH a sweetie and a TS freak is Janene from http://janene-primitivelifestyle.blogspot.com/. She sent me these adorable stitcheries for no reason except she knew I'd love them, and I do! They are just so so cute, and thank you Janene, because they really made my day! Two adorable fat furballs! I love them! And isn't it great to see a special surprise tucked in the mailbox?? YES!!

I thought I'd share a few more "pics to daydream by." I'm always looking for ideas on the Internet and I just love when I find prim or early American rooms that are just perfect. I think I can be quite happy in any of these rooms!! How about you??

(gee, that bed cover looks familiar!) Did ya ever notice that the men and women in these colonial-style portraits rarely smile? Look at the chickie below! LOL
Oh, and just how cozy does this room look?? Yes, I could use just a few pieces of that fabulous yellow ware...and, for you blue fans, no I didn't forget you... And of course, we need the right place to do all of our decorating, right? I want this one... Well, I'd better stop daydreaming and get back to work!! Hope you enjoyed the little break from reality and you're all having a great Tuesday!

A Trip to the Concession Shop

2009-03-09T12:10:00.021-04:00

Happy Monday, blogbuds! Hope you all got outside yesterday (at least those in PA) and enjoyed the warm weather. Oh, before I forget... I must apologize to any of you that dropped me an email and didn't get a response. I just discovered today that my Outlook put them in the junk mail file. LOL. So here I had missed a slew of emails, and I;m sorry to any of you who were kind enough to drop me an email and then thought I ignored you. So the lesson for me is to check my junk file every day!

Anyway, I did get out yesterday, altho is was cloudy and a little dreary, it was warm. I went to the little concession shop nearby. Isn't it cute? It's behind and attached to a quaint little church, still very much in use.

This part is outside, and the inside is too cute also, but I chickened out pulling out my camera inside. Ya know, people can get a little weird about that and I don't blame them...So what did I get??? THIS!

There is a reason I needed to get a big rug for my living room, altho I'm sure the cat lovers out there already know. When you have a hairy furball (or two, or three), they tend to find the one clean area on the rug and cough up a nice juicy hairball, which stains the rug. Plus, I paint in here, and even tho I'm careful, I do splatter here and there. I'm due for a change in carpet, but I didn't request it -- it didn't make sense for me to get a new carpet for me to stain again. So.... thus the flat weave rug. Has a tad too much blue for my taste, but the reds and beige's do match my sofa and it does make the living room bright and cheerful -- and matches the actual blue carpet underneath. Total cost: $20.

I also got to finally finish painting my dresser in the bedroom. Funny story with this dresser -- I saw someone in my apt complex throwing it out about 5 years ago. It was a shabby chic green then, and in perfect shape. It has wonderful detail, as you can see. Anyway, it must have been 110 degrees that day, and I was on my way to work... but how can you let this go in the trash? So I d-r-a-g-g-e-d it to my apt...up the steps...into the apt... and then needed a shower. LOL. For a perfect 6-drawer dresser/highboy, it was worth it! I had repainted it several times but never liked the color. Now it is a dusky grey-blue and I like it! So does the hairball, who is checking things out... such a camera ham....and me trying to push him off my lap.LOL

What else... I moved my jugs... ...and that was my day! And how was YOUR weekend?? Hope it was good!

2009-03-08T10:35:00.023-04:00

How's everyone? I'm sitting here watching "Meet the Press" -- all this economic mess makes my tummy churn, so I'm balancing out the tension by showing you some fixin's I did yesterday. I was really busy with work this past week, and had my conference on Emotional Intelligence on Friday, so I didn't have much time to do anything fun. I hope to get out today to some TS -- I still haven't changed all of my clocks, so maybe I had better do that first!! My cable and my computer change automatically, so I know what time it is -- but, man, am I a lazybones today!

Ok, let's see what I did get to do. I painted my 4 drawer thingie I had in the bathroom last night after I took my mommy home. (such a cute little mom I have!). The drawer thingie was hunter green, and for some reason I just am not fond of that color any more. I don't want everything black, but green??....ech. So I painted it this color. It hold 4 rolls of toilet paper -- living alone, I CAN'T run out of toilet paper!!!! (I haven't trained the hairball to bring in a roll yet. LOL)

And I moved my box with washcloths...

In the bedroom, I'm so happy with the new bed cover.

I love what this cover does to change the tone of the room! I'm really getting into these fabrics, but they are expensive, so I have to be selective. Might get something for the dining room next, but will save my pennies first. I have a little project in the BR that I have to finish today. I'll show you tomorrow if I can get it done. Did some little things in the kitchen...and the breadboard... (btw, you know I made the 'breadboard' out of the top of an old cocktail table, right??)

I found this little piggie breadboard in the TS for 25 cents about 3 months ago... cute. Just did a little painting. And speaking of Hide and Seek (were we speaking of that??) I covered all of the wires in the kitchen... with this... I love old crates. They are great fpr cover-ups!

Finally, I brought some color into the dining room, based on that great penny rug I got last weekend. A few mustard accents...
Of course, I couldn't leave you today without a glimpse of a new furry rug. (well, he's big enough to be a rug, right?? LOL) Ewww, and he's just so soft on your toes! It's 70 degrees out there today, so I'm off to hit the TS. I'll see you tomorrow -- maybe I'll have some goodies to show you! Have a great Sunday! Enjoy the first taste of Spring! We still have some cold weather coming!

2009-03-05T08:49:00.011-05:00

Hi Blogging Buds! Haven't had much time to check in this week. We finally had our one big snowstorm earlier this week-- got about 6 inches. The shore areas like Atlantic City got it much worse -- thought this pic was cute. Most of it is already melted away, and it's getting warmer (like 50) today, so that should be the end of that. Nice while it lasted!

The week has been busy at work, so I haven't had a chance to do one prim thing, not even a TS. This is what I'm feeling like-- Tired!

So this little post will be short. Just want to say hello, and see what my buds have been up to. Hopefully will get a longer post out this weekend... will be helping my mom on Saturday and then she's coming over for dinner. WW tonite...the usual routine. So have a good day -- I'm off to the office. I have an all-day nursing conference tomorrow...and then the weekend! Yea! Have some redo plans for Sunday.... so have a good Thursday!

A perfect day for daydreaming

2009-03-02T07:38:00.017-05:00

Yesterday was a perfect day for daydreaming and looking at beautiful rooms and homes. I have some for you, along with some links so you can do some drooling, too.

How's this for a home? Hmm, just right. These pics are from http://sterlingstars.blogspot.com/2008/04/style-guide-early-american-primitive.html

And look at this for a prim/colonial room...(ahhhhhh...)

Another one.... look at that beautiful wood panelling... such prim perfection...

I love exteriors...look at this country lane in the Fall... (where's my drool rag?)

If you want to see a absolutely gorgeous home tour, check out http://applehill.homestead.com/index.html. (Rondell, you'll love this home -- she loves blue, too).

Well, we did get snow, but it's not the blizzard everyone was talking about (at least not so far). From my living room window...

And of course this is great for the hairball, who loves watching it...we're supposed to be getting 'round 2' now which should dump a few more inches. It is bitterly cold, and that's not going away anytime soon.

He just loves posing! I had better go dig out my car (YUCH) so -- have a good day and stay warm! I'm working from home today!

TS Switch!

2009-03-01T09:55:00.014-05:00

Well, here's a switch from the usual -- I actually GAVE stuff to the TS yesterday! My GFs wanted to go to the TS yesterday, so that was great opportunity for me to do some cabinet cleaning and get some stuff out of here. Of course the Hairball sweetie had to help (in and out of the box -- well, he needs his exercise!). Cartons were everywhere! I packed up 3 cartons of old textbooks and donated them, plus some kitchen stuff. What a mess!!! But I was glad to have finally done it.

Of course, we had to check out the goodies-- and yes, indeedy, I did find a few things. Here's one thing...

and another bowl...

Then, my GF wanted to go to one of the concession shops we go to -- they do have several booths with prim goodies that are new. And look what I FINALLY found -- on sale! I have never been able to find a penny rug/mat -- and since I can't sew, I couldn't make my own! Perfect color for the dining room. It picks up the color of my yellow ware cups.

And.... guess what I did with the old jug?? (you have 2 guesses.LOL)

I like this better, and put my little jug back on the shelf with the others. So, we had a good day -- we all did out food shopping together, so we got a lot accomplished yesterday. Good thing, too, since we are about to (finally) get a heavy duty snowstorm -- 6-10 inches expected. Looks like I will be working from home tomorrow. Gives me a good opportunity to do some tweaking today! I have some ideas -- if they look good when I do it, I'll post them tomorrow!

Oh, I also picked this up yesterday at the concession shop. I've been reading how good this book is on your blogs -- and it is!! Wonderful pictures! Good price on used books, too.

Several of you asked where I purchased my new bedcover. I got it at Historic Decor (http://www.historicdecor.com/) They have some really beautiful fabrics. I'm lovin this bed cover. I turned it over today when I made my bed, and that looks good too! It's actually a yellow-gray background, altho it looks white here.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend. It sounds like a bunch of you have gotten sick with the crud that is really going around now. Hope you all got your flu shot this past fall! It helps! It really does, especially when the kids come home sick. Well, I"m off to a WW breakfast (oh, I did lose 8 oz last week (LOL) -- hey, a loss is a loss, right??!! Then I want to make sure my little mommy has enough stuff in the house in case we actually do have a snowstorm -- we don't plow well here in Philly, and she lives on a little street that will be ignored for sure. So, I want to make sure she's ok and has the goodies she needs to tide her over until I take her food shopping next week. Have a good Sunday!