Bits and pieces of my journey...starting my living room

Well, when you have no computer for 5 days, besides just going with the flow with the withdrawals, you have to come up with something to do... something constructive. 

I started with my bedroom drawers and closet.  I threw out, bagged for donating and put away.  I did laundry; I shopped and did returns Monday.  I finished painting around the kitchen fan and painted the medallion the same color as the table top.

Then I went on to the living room:  The front door was panelled.  I washed it, primed it and painted two coats of Going My Way from ACE Hardware.  Then I decided to paint the wall behind the couch...after washing and priming, two coats of paint...and then the wall to the door. 

This was the plan with up-dates:
THIS  WAS  A SUMMER PROJECT:  It was almost 90 and going to be over 90 this week...with the air on when it is too hot for working outside.  As I've said, every thing has a story, especially my living room.  Where do I start?  My immediate family is all on Long Island, NY and I am here.  I love to get pictures and frame them but I am running out of wall space!  We now have 2 one year olds and 2 more babies on their way.  I need a plan!  For the most part, besides organizing better, this is my TO-DO LIST:

1. Paint walls and ceiling; sea foam walls, ( Going My Way, ACE Hardware) yellow ceiling (do accent wall in coral?)   >  maybe the far wall in yellow to help bounce some light!
2. Possibly, add molding around the windows, and paint (coral) and/or possibly do board and batten
3. Recover the back couch pillows
4. Recover toss pillows
5. Decide on black furniture: book shelves, couch table, small table...to paint or not to paint
6. The 2 sea grass trunks; keep both together or one as coffee table
7. Create a family photo wall
8. Create a NYC  and KSC (Kennedy Space Center) wall on each side of Captiva picture; add shelves under;  I was just trying to keep them the same amount of letters.
9. Decide on curtains.
10. Cut out rug in front of door and replace with tiles.
11. Get another book case for other side and balance.
12. decoupage the small trunk



  My living room is my hub.  It is my everything room right now.  I have a couch table which is doing duty as a desk.  A night table as a printer stand.  I have 2 sea grass chests that right now are pushed together as a very large coffee table.  I have a book case and a decorative open shelf.  A couch, what I want to re-cover the pillows with beach fabric.


15 feet long by 8 feet wide
3 feet x 4 feet by door to tile



So back to what I did accomplish.  At this point I have 3 walls painted. 

I started with the door



Then went to the wall that goes back to the door



I love the color and I love how it brightens up the room.  I took down the vertical blinds again and have yet to figure out what I'll do there and on the opposite window, but I like the blinds down... just not my style.

That's as far as I got.   I'll share as I go but I am hurting after I have not had much of a break.

I am liking the colors that just brighten up this space.  I want to be surrounded by family photos, especially the little ones that make me smile.  There are certain photos that take me to a place, usually by the water, that bring back memories and all my beachy finds.  And I want my books close by.  I want to walk into this space and feel the outside came in and comfortable enough to almost feel the sand under my feet.  And if you come in, I want you to feel just as comfortable and enjoy my vignette around the room.

What's your Ocean Style?

Hi, Hope everyone is doing well today.  I am trying to catch up and take it easy today.  Usually, when I am doing something, I have my lap top to take a break with.  Without the lap top for 5 days, my breaks were fewer and further between... needless to say, I am a hurting puppy!  To walk is such an effort... so I am just going to skip around the world on the web today... not complaining, that's life, and I am so glad to be hooked up again.

There is a site that has wonderful ideas for decorating and purchasing some wonderful beachy treasures for every room.  If you haven't been there, please check it out for yourself :  Ocean Styles: Beach, Coastal and Tropical.


Take a look at this: Beach Fence Photo Collage.  I was so going to do this and use it for a head board when I got to re-doing my bedroom.  I just loved the idea!  But while working on the yard and shopping at Lowe's, I found the fence already made and painted white!  I was so inspired by the 'beach fence',  I used it upside down to have that dune beach fence look.  I love it!


There are some other articles that give you such great ideas on decorating any room whether it be Beach, Coastal and/or Tropical... I think I've evolved into a combination of all three.  As I've said before, I don't live on the beach and that is my favorite place, I am in the process of making my home as beachy as I can... to make it my second favorite place.

Some articles you may enjoy and get inspiration from:

Decorating with Seashells  I think this is probably the quickest and simplest way of adding  a beachy nautical feel to any room.  I just can not have enough shells so much, that I was looking into having a pallet delivered but the minimum is 5 cubic yards; so I put it on hold.  I have shells in different glass containers, baskets...around the top in flower pots.

Shine the light onto your Home with Beach lighting...  another way to add that touch to a room... I love all their lamps. 

Glass Float String Lights   But this is one of my MUST HAVES!


Cover Those Bare Walls...  I don't know why but I hate bare walls!!   I found I can get more on a wall by going higher.  I want to be surrounded by things I love:  people, places, things... As I've said, I am here with Heidi, my Chihuahua, while the rest of my family is up north.  I love to be surrounded by pictures and those silly and nice phrases that keep me focused and positive.  Although I do buy when I see something that I must have so many are just so easy to make.  Check out that article for a few... let your imagination go.

Small Hanging Beach Signs are a great find as reminders and laughs and are so reasonably priced at $8.95 each.

and Wipe Your Flip Flops (top).

Still one of my favorite things:  (2) Silver Flip Flops Trinket Dish Set   (ABOVE) I love and live in flip flops!  As soon as I saw these, I pinned it, Facebook'd it, and now blogged about (I was waiting for my living room post).  I do have a running "Wish List"  for each area of my home for as I get to that point.

I want to leave you with one more article :  The Basic Rules To Get It Right which also puts it simply how to get your mind set, especially if you can't look out the window and find your beach.  My living room focal point is a picture I took in 2005 on  North Captiva Island Club Resort (another highly recommended vacation spot.. but that's another story).  I do think to get it right, "it" should feel right to YOU!  If it doesn't, change it.

The color on the wall totally changed the colors in the picture but it pops.  It may be leaning a little bit more towards tropical but it's a happy brighter room now.

I haven't decided on my bedroom yet but leaning towards these colors:

http://www.oceanstyles.com/tropical-bedding/dawn-yellow-coral/dawn-yellow-coral-luxury-oversized-quilt-p-943

I hope you enjoy the articles from Ocean Styles and browse and shop there... perhaps you'll have your own running wish list too.  Don't forget to "like" them on Facebook too:  Ocean Styles Beach Decor
Have fun and let the inspiration flow!

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!

Create your own Oasis.

I've been working outside and will give you a closer look at creating my oasis today.  I'll even try to tell you where I got it... most of which I just shopped my home. 

When I received my May issue of Coastal Living, it was a thrill to see it as I pulled the mail out of the mail box.  I'm telling you, it is such simple things that make me happy.  So I got this idea for posting some of my thoughts as I flipped through the magazine.  They have a website that has even more wonderful ideas, pictures and DIY articles.  I was going to start with the May issue but instead hopped over to the site and found Create your own backyard Oasis!

Many things are from Linens 'n Things (LNT).  I worked for them for 15 years and have given away so much.  I worked for them till 2008 when the last stores were closed due to bankruptcy.  You can only imagine how hard it is to work somewhere that you love and have to have all beautiful things.  There was a time where I paid them to let me work there (I shopped more than I made!)

Click here for 10 ways to create an oasis.

To me this is so close to perfect.  It is lush and has some color.  It looks like it would still be appealing if not maintained constantly.  Right up my alley.  I'm also taken by the house colors, which I have been scoping out.  (Painting outside in the fall...when it gets cooler again.)

So I have been trying to create my own oasis in paradise.  I wish sometimes that I could just have someone come in and plant all the plants, full grown, of course, and sit back and enjoy... but, that wouldn't have the same exhausting satisfaction.

as you come onto the patio

along the outside

I really like my 'dune' fence around the patio.  It has given it that room feel and I don't feel so much like I am sitting out THERE. 




Greene's 24Hx180L Picket Border Fence @ Lowe's
I just used it upside down for a dune fence

 
 I brought my indoor-outdoor  out and use it to define my sitting area, even though it's just me and Heidi.  She loves it and she just lays there checking out the outside noises.  I love to sit and watch her ears perk up and I wait to see what she hears.

Indoor/Outdoor Palm Rug (LNT)
White Adirondack Chair (Wal-Mart)
Yellow and Coral Adirondack Chair (Winn-Dixie)

I want to move the rug back a bit and use it to define the sitting area.  Behind that (back where I was standing) is the barbecue.  I have two bistro tables I want to use one for sitting, and the other for a place to set things down when cooking.  There is also a shed there too, that I'd like to get brave enough to paint as a Tiki Hut.



planting to provide some feeling, at least, of privacy.



Because I was waiting for paint to dry as I was painting the kitchen table, I was puttsing around and doing things on the patio.

So far I haven't been able to get these to stay up!

... and taking pictures...  I find everything is always and continues to be a work in progress.

The basket is heart shaped
(don't remember where I got it but Michael's is a good place for baskets)
Bamboo bundles (Dollar Tree)
Real Coconut (North Captiva Island)
Shells
Orbs
White mini-lights

my lit palm (LNT)

tiki bar sign and paper shade (Dollar Tree)

I just came across this and have to share.  To me, this is a perfect little sandy "beach" for your children or grandchildren, and easy enough to put together and maintain.  Hopefully you don't have cats or cats that like your yard.  Back Yard Sandy Beach 

I did move the rug back ... I placed the white chair there because the fence ends right there so it gives and illusion of continuing to the pole... it's pulled closer because I had my feet up last night and the drop cloth is there for Heidi to lay on... need to make cushions.

This (kinda) baker's rack is from LNT, too.  Over the years, it has been in the kitchen, living room and bedroom.  I wish I had another one but.... it was actually sold for outside... I want to put herb plants on it and move it over closer to the steps.  Right now, the seagull on top shelf was repainted for top of directional pole; beach bucket candle holder (Yankee Candles); 2 Margarita glasses (Dollar Tree) with candles in; dog water dish; bottom shelf: crank/electric radio.

Now what happened here?

I'm wondering if this is what happens when you put them outside to dry and it is very windy out.  I'll try again.

I did this on a whim... and I like it!  I got bundles of bamboo 3 or 4 for $1 at Dollar Tree.  It's tied with jute twine and I hooked the sign into the top of one piece. (Port of Indecision from Margaritaville). 

That's it for today.  I'm working on a list of things... I'll keep you posted as I go along.  Have a great day!!

CHEERS!!

All About MOM

Happy Mother's Day!

One of the most cherished lives on the earth is the life of a mother. Wrapped in feelings, affection, and care, a mother does all the chores necessary to keep her children delighted. Mother, who has experienced many colours of life, knows her children very well. Even a glimpse of her children tells her what's wrong with them or what is going on in their mind. She acts as the backbone of the family always standing against the wind and giving protection to her family. The real lady within a married girl is characterised when she takes steps towards motherhood. She maintains a great bonding of love and affection with all of her children. She guides the son to lead his life in the world full of uncertainties. When she conceives a daughter, her life becomes complete. That she has someone with whom she can share all her miseries and to whom she can transcend all the values and etiquette's her mother has passed to her, maintaining the legacy. Next, will give you an insight into the great bonding shared by daughter and mother. Have a look:

The Great Bond of Mother and Daughter

Victoria Secunda ponders about the great bonding of mother and daughter as, Victoria might not be aware of how universally thoughtful insight she has made in above statement about the golden relation. Though the two of them witness several erratic ups and downs throughout their lives, but the invisible thread of warmth keep them together.

A daughter imitates her mother at an early age putting her mom's jewellery and cosmetics. She, consciously or subconsciously, takes a keen observation of how her mother dresses up, how she communicates in society, and how she handles various situations. Eventually, her mother becomes her role model. At this stage a daughter likes to involve her mother in everything she does. It may range from study material to friends to outings and to choose a dress for her. She accepts what her mother chooses for her without giving it a second thought. When appreciated, she feels proud for having a mother making the perfect selection for her.

Sooner the daughter grows up and enters into college days where she perceives herself as matured and stable. She wants to open up to the external world and fly higher and higher in the atmosphere gaining maximum exposure. The biological and hormonal changes also act as a catalyst provoking attitudinal changes. Forgetting about all the childhood days, she wants to be heard and understood within the family as well as outside. She wants to take a stand for her opinion wanting appreciation for 'her' choices. There comes a critical situation leading to a hiatus in the harmonious relation of mother and daughter. In most cases mother becomes overprotective in order to avoid any mishapping because of immature growing daughter. This over protection results in a distance between daughter and her role model mother. The two converse as minimal as possible. Mother silently plays a vital role at this stage providing imperceptible backing to her daughter. She protects her daughter keeping an eye around her and making sure that she is not involved in any undesirable tasks. With the intelligence and patience of mother this phase is also passes.

Most of the fortunate daughters commemorate a U-turn in their relation with their mother when they complete their college. It usually happens when girls realise that the indispensable comfort lies in the vicinity of their mother. The daughter actually becomes 'matured' by this age. Mother welcomes her back into her affectionate zone and with time the bond becomes stronger than ever before. Especially the time of her marriage when mother acts as a friend of hers preparing and guiding her for the next phase of her life. By this time the girl realises that her mother is also a woman who has suffered a lot through out her life in order to bring up the family. She feels obliged to pay homage to her mom in whatever way possible and decides to follow her footsteps.

"A daughter is a mother's gender partner, her closest ally in the family confederacy, an extension of her self. And mothers are their daughters' role model, their biological and emotional road map, the arbiter of all their relationships."

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  I love you!

The golden relation never looses its charm, however, sometimes the polished surface is not visible to people. Cherish your mom and your daughter because these are the two who will never leave you alone in any situation. They are always by your side holding you up even if they are not physically present with you.

This BUD's for you!

This BUD's for you!

This can be crazy!

Just a quick post.  I'm having problems up-loading pictures to my page Journey's End on Facebook...very frustrating!  and even trouble being able to do things there.  But I had to share~

I am standing in my kitchen, drinking coffee and look out the side window...I can see the side of the dumpster...from my window I can't tell what it is but I can tell you it was furniture.  I turn away and go into the living room... I sit... I get up... look again and start getting this crazy feeling!!  I have to see!!  I grabbed a bag of garbage... the dog and we drive to the dumpster!

And this is what I see:

The chairs were in perfect condition, a couple with cushions.  The table had some strange made over top and the wood chair was in need of love... decisions... decisions...decisions...

I just took the wood chair.  I still go over and over it... I don't need outside chairs... I have 3 and I'm the only one that sits....I'm teaching Hiedi to sit up on another.  If I were to re-do it to sell, I have no where to put it right now.

So I am motivated again to clean up the patio and clean up and out the shed...

When we got back in front, we had a visitor!  And then it started to pour!

Have a great week-end!

Ready for the beach? UP-DATED

If you are waiting for warmer weather and those winter blues to go away, changing up a few things can always help... and don't forget your flip flops! 

Not by the beach? Bring the beach home to you,  for you!   A little beach wear goes a long way... whatever you're wearing...jeans, shorts, Capri's... first thing is first and there is nothing like being able to just put on a pair of flip flops!  Hey, we even wear our flip flops with a sweatshirt!  These are my going out flip flops!

My favorite flip flops

These are my favorites right now.  I love the color and I also got them in black!  I'm set for a while.  The everyday price is $9.99 at Pay less!  I use my old ones around the house and yard and they have lasted a couple of years.

While I was getting my flip flops, I was talked into and bought Brash Nail Polish in Totally Teal.  I know all too well about add-on sales and just giggled to myself but I love this nail polish!  It isn't to thick or too thin... just right.  It goes on nice and smooth and one coat is enough for coverage.  It dries quickly; quicker than some of those thin polishes.  It lasts!  It doesn't chip and rub off the next day or after washing your hands... you know what I mean?  I wore it for a week before taking it off because working on a project and sanding doesn't work with a manicure.  With a touch up, my toes still look pretty!

I just saw this on their website and it would be perfect for both pair of flip flops!  I am a freak for handbags and this one is a shopper, so it would be great to through a day out stuff in it.  It's on sale now for $16.99!

Don't forget sunglasses!  Ask me where mine are and they are more than likely on top of my head.  Mine are black frame, dark lenses and almost, if not, Jackie O's style.  I have always worn this style and many times had raccoon eyes after time in the sun.  These are now prescription glasses but I also look forward to getting dark lenses reading glasses.  The importance of shielding your eyes from the sun can't be stressed, even for children.

These are very similar to my Rx sunglasses but they are actually a Solar Shield that fits over classic glasses.  I'll have to take a look at them for over my reading glasses for outside reading...or close up projects.

I don't know about you, but I like a good moisturizer, and found it so hard to find one that works for me.  I finally found one that was recommended by my doctor's assistant.  Eucerin  Dry Skin Therapy Plus Intensive Repair.  It works great and I need to use it again.  It helps much better when you use it! I used to and will again rub it in before bed.

I probably avoid the sun more these days than ever.  When I expect to be in the sun I do use a sun screen but have realized I should use it everyday.  I will be searching for one during my next trip down the drug store aisles.  I also want to look for a self tanner.  I had one I used and it worked well as a healthy skin glow.  I will no longer use one on my face (out of orange nightmares) but just arms and legs.  I use a mineral bronze lightly on my face, if anything, for color.  I am very fair and have made some bad sun mistakes in the past.



I'm sure everyone has a favorite candle.  I'm a big fan of Yankee Candles.  They have some great fragrances that will take you to the beach, starting with Sun and Sand .  It smells so much like Coppertone, and congeries up childhood memories of the beach.  They have so many delicious smells of summer to choice from.
And they have great beachy accessories:

So there you have it...Flip Flop Till You Drop!!

UP-DATE:
I forgot one more thing:

the beach house, flip flop and SEAGLASS

where I'm supposed to be...

Being right where I am supposed to be~

What does that mean?

What does it feel like?

Close your eyes
Take a deep, deep breathe
hold it
exhale slowly
feel that feeling

feel at peace

Everyone has their journey to travel.  Each journey unique to each person.  Some of us arrive sooner than others; some of us think we've arrived sooner than we do.  There have been times we thought we'd never arrive, no less move along, wherever there may be.

Just because you may be where you are or where you're supposed to be, doesn't mean the journey is over ~ it goes on.  But take the time to:

relax,
continue to learn,
do what able to do,
and most important:  ENJOY these moments!

You'd think I'd be bored or lonely but I'm not!  My days fly by.  I still have a journey to continue; lessons to learn, things to come to terms with and things to get better at.  But I finally realize I can make it through anything ~like it or not~ as long as:
I must remember:

God keeps granting me the serenity;
acceptance of things I cannot change;
change the things I can; and
wisdom to know the difference.

I can tell you stories and invite you to share, as you can too.  But you haven't  walked in my flip flops nor I in your heels.  Where I have been has taken me to today.  When I could, I would give you anything or do anything so that you'd never have to wear my flip flops.  I hope you too learn from your journey and get where you can say, "I am right where I am supposed to be!"

The past is gone,
the present is a GIFT
and the future is but a dream.

I am free to be me and do what I love... enjoy the journey.