Once upon a time...

Once upon a time, members of my family traveled from the old country to the new country, America. My mother's, mother's mother's family were Bohemian from Czechoslovakia, which is now the Czech Republic.  Prague is the Capital and largest city in the Czech Republic.  There is just so much history there and that history belongs to my family too.  My Great-Grandfather (Irish) called my Great-Grandmother a Gypsy!


In 2005, my sister, Maria and I went to Prague for a long weekend.  I'm not sure why she would let me book the trip.  I've never been overseas and wound up booking a 13 hour layover in London on the way back, but we took advantage of it as best we could.


We had a great suite in Prague and from our window we could see Prague Castle...which we had to find once we got there.  And we did!!  The following is a 5 minute slide show of pictures mostly within the grounds of the Prague Castle.  (as I find more pictures, I will share them with you.) Click this link to see:      A Rainy Day in Prague

The painting I bought became my inspiration in the cottage kitchen  I was living in on Long Island and once again the inspiration for the kitchen here.

There was a market place along the way and we both bought paintings.  I bought this one because it reminded me of "US" sharing time in Prague and the buildings around.

In addition to my trip to Prague, my other Great-Grandmother was from Paris, France and I got to spend some wonderful time in Pennsylvania at her home and later. 

Between all of that, I had dishes and glasses from both Czechoslovakia and France, and it became my "old" world charm of the kitchen.  I also had shopped the Czech Republic and working at Linens 'n Things I was able to get the Gothic mirrors, and Beall's Outlet I got a Gothic cross. 

Here is another slide show of  some of my kitchen elements.  If ever you are looking for a theme, there are so many to choose from, but consider your family heritage and those things that may only come out for special occasions or holidays.  Take out your china, drink out of wine glasses... you get my drift.

bowl on display

Odd old and newer pieces on display

dinner and salad plate on display

Sometimes a wine bottle label hits you.  I had to get this one and the wine was good too!

I recently found the Gothic cross, looped brown ribbon and hung there.  It won't stay there but it was a must have.

Toys from Czech Republic, wine glasses from Germany

This isn't what I was looking for but it still says what I'm thinking:

I found the words below and a YouTube video here for you to watch and listen.

 Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open   Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken Wear your red dress, use your good dishes Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
And have what you want But want what you have And don't spend your life looking back
Turn up the music, turn it up loud Take a few chances, let it all out 'Cause you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been 'Cause it's not who you knew And it's not what you did, it's how you live
So, go to the ballgames and go to the ballet And go see your folks more than just on the holidays Kiss all your children, dance with your wife Tell your husband you love him every night
Don't run from the truth 'Cause you can't get away, oh no Just face it and you'll be okay
Turn up the music, turn it up loud Take a few chances and let it all out 'Cause you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been 'Cause it's not who you knew And it's not what you did, it's how you live
Oh, wherever you are and wherever you've been Now is the time to begin
So, give to the needy and pray for the grieving Even when you don't think that you can 'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you So, think of your fellow man
And make peace with God And make peace with yourself, oh yeah 'Cause in the end there's nobody else
Turn up the music, turn it up loud Take a few chances and let it all out 'Cause you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been 'Cause it's not who you knew And it's not what you did, it's how you live
'Cause it's not who you knew And it's not what you did, it's how you live

Read more: POINT OF GRACE - HOW YOU LIVE LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/how-you-live-lyrics-point-of-grace.html#ixzz22WVbYwa3
Copied from MetroLyrics.com

 As I shop, I must confess, I still look for things that would go with my heritage kitchen. I've picked up a heavy weight wine glasses to use everyday at the Dollar Tree; and orange ceramic bowl at the thrift store; the French tablecloth made in France at the thrift store for a dollar!!  


So many people redecorate their kitchens and dining rooms.  Those rooms to me spark memories of family gatherings around the table.  What better rooms to bring out the family heritage, traditions and memories that the kitchen and/or dining room?!  Use and display what you have, including old photos, and fill in the blinks.


And as I look around the kitchen, I can still hear my Gramma Blanche calling me "Mlle tout tactile"  which means Miss Touch Everything!

Lazy Susan... who is she?

Instead of doing some fancy work on the table, I decided it was safer to do something on my Lazy Susan.

Who knew?
The term "Lazy Susan" made its first written appearance in a Good Housekeeping article in 1906, although their existence dates back to the 18th century. Prior to the use of the term 'Lazy Susan', they were referred to as dumbwaiters, a term today applied to a small elevator for transporting food.  There is no clear evidence as to the origin of the Susan part of Lazy Susan.

It started off in pencil and then I used a Sharpie over the design.  I used black Folk Art paint and then accents of bronze paint.

I stencilled and painted black : PRAGUE   2005  at what would be the bottom.  2005 is when my sister and I went to Prague.

I rolled over the top with the Brushed Orange paint that I used on the table. Let it dry and then lightly sanding with 120 grit sand paper and then 320 sand block.

Because this will be used more often I decided to use the wipe-on poly coat.  I think I liked it better before I put a coat of paint over it, but for now...

At this point, I am looking forward to it being done and on the table, so I can check off another thing off my list! 

And... there it is!  I put some of my great-grandmother's glasses on it....done for now.

_/ check!

an INSIDE day!

Yesterday was another HOT one and an INSIDE day!  The sea breeze was colliding out there ... just hoping we would actually get rain.  It is so dry here and I've been bad keeping up with watering.  Yeah, we did get rain!

Over the week end, I brought the table inside.  I originally thought I would finish it up outside but the grass (weeds) got cut and it flew onto the table.  I was happy it wasn't wet with paint, wax or poly.  I'll finish it in the kitchen. 

So from here to there:

I put the table cloth on right away.  Before I start waxing, I wanted it covered so not to get any thing on it.  Now I am looking at the chair, and although it isn't done, I'm wondering if too bold next to the table.

First thing is first... let's finish the table!  

I did spend the day inside and I'm wondering if it's already summer here.  I finally made some headway in straightening up the living room... which is a relief.  But during my breaks I keep thinking I want to do something to the top of the table but decided I'd use the lazy susan instead.  I wanted some type of Gothic Cross but couldn't find exactly what I wanted,  so started designing my own...

It is starting with an outline of a wall candle holder in the kitchen:

and I'll dress it up like this:

This to me is fun.  It's another INSIDE day, although the humidity is down.  I am on a roll with a few things so I want to keep going on those things and see how far I can get.

I hope you have a great day!

FROM DUMPSTER TO KITCHEN! Days 1-3

This isn't done but I should have just posted this as the days went by... oh well, you live and you learn.  (That's what my life is all about now.)

Remember my dumpster table?

We've all heard of "from trash to treasure".  Well, this is my "dumpster to kitchen".

This table has been sitting on the patio waiting to see a little love.  I was putting off working on it because it is too large a piece to sand by hand.  I finally went to Lowe's and got myself a palm sander.  I have graduated to a serious DIYer!!  I feel like a big girl now!

I can't tell you how many posts, blogs, and videos I have watched and read about doing furniture.  I sit here and drool... if only I could do that... I really, really like this or that.  Well, time to take the plunge.  I've gotten my feet wet, some with better results then I expected, but this is a big piece.  I am going to do my best to go step by step here and document it as I go along.  I must confess, I'm a little nervous about this piece.

So today is the day!  I pulled out my sander and read through the directions (kinda) and realized I didn't have the right sand paper grit.  Today is HOT and is only going to get HOTTER!  I am just not in the mood to go running around ... I am making due with what I have.  I hope I will be fine.

What I am using:

• Skil OCTO Multi-Finishing Sander  ($39.97 Lowe's)
• Kilz 2 Latex primer  (on hand)
• Valspar color sample: Brushed Orange ($2.94 Lowe's)
• Folk Art acrylic paint  (on hand)
• Benjamin Moore: ben (interior paint & primer) Dalila (on hand)
• BM: ben Little Angel (on hand)
• Chip Paint Brushes  (on hand)
• Foam Paint Brushes (on hand)
• SHUR-LINE edger  ($2.96 Lowe's)
• Cheesecloth  ($2.00 Lowe's)
• MINWAX Paste Finishing Wax (Natural)  ($9.97 Lowe's)
• MINWAX Wipe-On Poly (Clear Gloss)  ($11.97 Lowe's)
• Drop Cloth  4x5  ($5.98 Lowe's)

Step 1:  I actually tried to clean it up and wash it down before sanding but I couldn't get the caked on gunk off... so away we go.

Step 2:  My thought was just to sand the shine off but did have to sand that gunk off too, so some areas where actually sanded down to bare wood.... oh well... still hoping for the best.

STEP 3:  And now it was time to prime the whole table.  Now while it dries, I am debating whether to add a second coat of Kilz. 

I wish I had a better picture but a fighter was doing maneuvers over head.  At first I ignored it but then curiosity got me and since I had my camera, this is the best I got:

here it came out of the trees and it's trail started
(plus I can't see it on my screen)


Back to primer and drying:

This table is going in the kitchen which is 2 shades of yellow and an orangery-coral color accent.  So I want these colors on the table to come through when I distress it. So right now, I'm debating with my self in what order to layer the paints.  The walls are the pale yellow, the cabinets are a brighter yellow.  I only have a tiny jar of what I used to paint accents and stencil but have a new jar of a coral color I wanted to try in my bedroom... let's see how it goes.

Well I made up my mind by the amount of paint on hand.  Although I have enough of the yellows I still need it and the darker coral isn't enough, I went with the new coral. 

I do have to make a note:  I have been reading allot about not using "sample paint".  Just my thoughts and feeling about it:  I can not afford a quart of this and a quart of that when I do not need that much.  Not only will I wax this entire piece but will also seal it.  I do not have any one to add to the wear and tare of it... and if worse comes to worse, I will re-do it.

The Valspar paint amount is more then enough for this table.

I LOVE IT!!

STEP 4:  I wound up letting it go with just one coat of primer.  I used a roller to do the top with this new coral color.  I really, really love it!!  And WILL use this color in my bedroom!  I sat and stared at the top and then took the roller to whatever I could cover.

SEE??  I am drooling over it!  Most of the white you see is in the grooves.  I decided after staring at it that I will use the accent color I have in the grooves with a brush.  I want another coat of this yummy color and then a coat of the lighter yellow... I am so excited now!





 DAY 2:

I kept thinking about my table last night.  I wanted to go back out and paint the grooves.  I wanted to go out and give it another coat.  When I went outside with the dog, I thought, it definitely needs another coat on top.  So here we go....

here she is.. waiting for me!

So here's where I am starting today.  And trying to get into the groove... in more than one way.

I started off with a soft brush but needed a stiffer one to get into the nooks and crannies going around the top.  After that, I sanded  the top lightly with a 320 grit block and rolled on another coat of Brushed Orange.  And letting it dry an hour.  When I go back out, I am going to turn it on a drop clothe and work on the bottom.

I really need to sweep up the patio, it's been in the windy side here.  But I'm afraid to because I don't want to kick up any dirt and dust then necessary.  So when it is done being painted and time for a wax and seal, I'll move it into the kitchen... if not before.

( The jet is back!  But I went down the block to the airport and it didn't come back.)

It needs another coat...maybe, maybe not?

painting the bottom and the side yellow (BM Dalila)

over the Brushed Orange.

But here's where I am getting nervous!    I used a Chip Brush but the next coat of paint, I'll use a foam brush.  But what makes me nervous is:  when I start distressing and sanding will enough of that yummy Brushed Orange come through.  At this point, I don't want to cover any of it on the top. 

In my mind it looks good but it's just not there yet!   the table is not matching what's in my mind!  There's going to be a Day 3!  

I think I've got it!

I thought I was done for the day/night, but each time I go out with Hiedi, I sand  little bit more and then just sit and stare at it... I think it will be okay.  Under the yellow, I want the yummy orange, white and wood to show while just having a line around of the Folk Art orange.  By George, I think I've got it!!

DAY 3:

Well, another day on my dumpster table.  I am loving the colors and today is my day to distress.  My objective is to get a worn feeling, with all the layers of color coming through.  I hope I accomplish that.

I think I have it.

bottom

top edge

I had to walk away and look at the pictures and glance back and forth at it.  I took the 320 grit block over areas to make sure it was smooth.  I also took a damp cloth and wiped it down to pick up saw dust.  I was able to go through the yellow exposure the coral...white...dark wood and natural wood in different areas.  I also tried to have more yellow towards the bottom and gradually showing more coral around the top edge.

I remembered earlier and then forgot about the Falcon Rocket launch this afternoon - so here's my hurry up picture.

 

I'm going to publish this now.  I didn't mean to start my own book!

Hope you have a great afternoon and don't forget to check out the moon tomorrow!

Easy Inexpensive Kitchen Up-date Ideas

As I've said before, everything and everyone has a story.  While my kitchen is based around my trip to Prague and Czech heritage, it gave me the vision and inspiration to work with.  And while you don't have to do what I did but as I explain and show you my journey in decorating I hope you will think about what you love and perhaps some of my ideas can be altered for your taste.



I got this bird from The Graphics Fairy.
 I printed it out, cut and used it as a
template.



And used it to add to the stencilled "Bakery"
above front window.  On the real bakery sign,
in Prague, there was only one bird.

I was saving these wine bottles for something else but the mouth of the bottles wound up being too small.  After scrubbing off the labels, I just put them on the table with artificial flowers.  One would be fine!

Have wicker baskets?  No?  The dollar stores are a great place to check.  I had a grouping on a previous dining room wall; some faced out, others the wall.  Some had 'something' on them and others didn't.  When I needed a bread basket or chip bowl, I'd grab them off the wall, put a clothe napkin in it and serve.  When I was done, the napkin went in the laundry and the basket back on the wall.  Easy and inexpensive!

I have been saving wine corks for years.  What is in the glass (I think Anchor Hocking) is just about what's left after doing some easy projects.  In the glass, a basket, or jar, they are part of the decor until the next project comes along.

The only true cost is the bottle of wine you buy and drink.  I am on a mission for drink more "Barefoot" wine for the cork with the foot imprint for some beach projects.



BACK



FRONT



I picked up 2 wreaths and some ribbon at the dollar store and came home and glued wine corks to the wreaths.  Added the ribbon over the back of door, which had an up-side down hook.  Tied a bow and done!  I also replaced my knobs with cork.  I want to put cork boards on the inside of cabinets and hang my measuring cups and spoons too.



Replaced knobs on drawers (pictured)
and cabinets with wine corks.  I did it this way
to see the design on the cork.



wanted to judge coverage
without priming.  The up-side down hook
to hang wreaths.





I knew I wanted to do something with the "bakery" sign... it was a really good bakery.  But after looking and loving how sun-shiny bright the kitchen was, I starting thinking it was my sunshine...thus, You Are My Sunshine ... and looked it up on the Google Translator in Czech and stenciled it and a sun.

I starting thinking of 'Prague' or 'Cafe' or.... but you can stencil what ever you want... THE JONES FAMILY  est. 2010... you can see in the picture, it is not perfect but it's mine and I did it and it is personal to me.  Do something that is meaningful to you.  It will cost you around $5, if that... or do it feel hand!

Shop your closest.  Do you have a straw bag or tote?  I just found a recycle shopping bag with big flowers in Staples and I heard that Marshall's has 'Paris' recycled shopping bags.  I still have to check that out.  I have to get better at no plastic at the stores so I have been storing those bags in the straw bag.  (A gift, special to me, from my sister's trip to Thailand.) I do use them, especially for the dog clean-ups, so I am not just throwing them out.

I was going to run a shelf even with the fan on both sides of the stove but had these wood boxes and used them instead.  You could do the same idea with a decoupaged shoe box, a drawer that has no other use, use wood to make a square (Lowe's or Home Depot will cut). Clears my counter of salt and pepper and the timer and I think it looks cute.

I have 2 of these wall dish racks.  The top plate my son did in 1984 and the other 2 are my great-grandmother's and they are from Czechoslovakia.  I now what to unpack her dishes and do a display on the shelf of my pass through so stay tuned.

I displayed toys brought back from Prague... do you have souvenirs that spark wonderful memories or gifts that remind of a special time, place or person?  Display it and enjoy it everyday.

Storage space is of a premium here.  Rather than just pile up the extra cases of water, I used an out-side tub...it works and stays neat.  The decorative boxes hold 1) dish towels, 2) clothe napkins and the box on the bottom is medications and supplements not used daily.  These boxes came this way, I think from Party City, but you can use Mod Podge and decorate shoe boxes any way you like.

Hang YOUR pictures.  The top two pictures are pictures I took, matted and framed.  The one one the left is a picture from our hotel room over looking Prague and Prague Castle in the background.  The one to the right is a picture of the bakery!  The picture right above is 4 postcards of street lights and all have yellow in them.  You would think I knew what I was going to do in 2005!  Take your pictures out of those boxes, albums or hard drive and frame them so you can enjoy them.  Frames and mats can be found inexpensively at dollar stores or make your own mats for decorative papers, construction paper or draw your own.

I found this flower pot in the dollar store and using it for my cooking utensils but it's a little too short.  I'm going to try spray painting my next coffee can.

And last, but not least, soap containers!  The orange top is a plastic bottle that looks like those bar-b-q ketchup bottles.  The cut glass bottle is actually an oil bottle that I am going to try putting dish soap in.  They do just look nicer than the plastic bottles they come in and now I can just buy the big refill bottles.

So I think I gave you 16 ideas here that can be incorporated into most any decor but don't forget the obvious:

1. Do a good cleaning;
2. Paint the walls...cabinets...refrigerator (if old but working) ... just paint the trim... the ceiling... or all of the above.  I painted the walls and ceiling a pale yellow and the cabinet doors a yellow one shade darker.  The trim around the side window and stencilled in a coral-orange.  I want to use black board paint on the refrigerator.
3. Change the curtains... and wash the windows.
4. Re-arrange the furniture or move the table or both.

So that's 20 and I am sure we can come up with another 20 but I hope you find some inspiration for your kitchen.  Remember, it's a journey, not a race.