Mailbox Ideas

<div style="text-align: center;">I love a good spray paint project.  It is the cheapest way to give something a new look, so, when <a href="http://www.krylon.com/">Krylon</a> contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in trying some of their new spray paint, I was thrilled at the opportunity.  I chose their new <a href="http://www.krylon.com/products/rust_protector_alkyd_enamels/">Rust Protector</a> quick drying spray paint in Copper Metallic and Aged Brass Metallic and I loved it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMmHDtcUeHNxUg706Esv6do4UsCRmNzQZ-RLOMDe3hJS4LtQeBG9ULDp9mODBakr01ygg27LSuwDGSYl_zmovGXYXlaQjqhlZasjyZvHA2jfC9htNpwYBxdaHM9HgLfipk9oG6mAlN7s/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMmHDtcUeHNxUg706Esv6do4UsCRmNzQZ-RLOMDe3hJS4LtQeBG9ULDp9mODBakr01ygg27LSuwDGSYl_zmovGXYXlaQjqhlZasjyZvHA2jfC9htNpwYBxdaHM9HgLfipk9oG6mAlN7s/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The timing couldn't have been more perfect as I had picked up one of these copper post caps at Lowe's on clearance not too long ago and thought it would be perfect for something, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I just wasn't sure what yet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqfqDvABimXhgN0JY0WboEFaTyu-_ipzv3GKVImY5l5Qq-ZgxRVpdkqxTRSzPN77KMEdhlgkl25Mh81Epz5lNZ7v3E06RoJuCzYjhFUrvHRll7jbDZGyV5dLjUlphW_FuKxLot0DWXts/s1600/copper_cap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqfqDvABimXhgN0JY0WboEFaTyu-_ipzv3GKVImY5l5Qq-ZgxRVpdkqxTRSzPN77KMEdhlgkl25Mh81Epz5lNZ7v3E06RoJuCzYjhFUrvHRll7jbDZGyV5dLjUlphW_FuKxLot0DWXts/s400/copper_cap1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Then inspiration hit.  Our cheap basic mailbox has been looking pretty sad for the last few years so why not give it a facelift.  The spray paint I chose was perfect as it is a rust protector and of course, a mailbox is exposed to all kinds of weather so that's what it needed.  I was also pretty happy that I selected copper and aged brass for my choice of colors.  The mailbox would also tie in nicely with my copper porch curtain rods.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a before shot of the sad looking mailbox.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGDiOkGUvz6HJ5VNLJ88MmxhUmMgW_BhWo-pdajBZ0iWktXJ_vn7hFvcpcj4WD3HKLi4z-PEa3H9uPFkV9tKJ1Qwt0IuMQxz_uF-7PRa6hzXGBI0OYWLcDFFq6ZriIo2ZLgXNDx71I4c/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGDiOkGUvz6HJ5VNLJ88MmxhUmMgW_BhWo-pdajBZ0iWktXJ_vn7hFvcpcj4WD3HKLi4z-PEa3H9uPFkV9tKJ1Qwt0IuMQxz_uF-7PRa6hzXGBI0OYWLcDFFq6ZriIo2ZLgXNDx71I4c/s320/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty dull, huh?  You might be wondering why anyone would care about sprucing up something as simple and basic as a mailbox and the answer is, I would.  I'm just that kinda gal.  I like to think that simple mundane objects, like mailboxes, as part of a home, </div><div style="text-align: center;">deserve to look good, too.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">So here's what I did......</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As usual, I wanted this project to be as cheap as possible, so we went hunting for some rustic wood, as in, beside the road, free.  No problem.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">We found a 4 x 4 and a 2 x 4, both dirty and old, just like I wanted.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPy1xdyvd8yIrScWqIr261EsCVDAz8sQhrBfl15-6ll80_T4jjLig-H7rWqSOStUUrxYXfHcBxeKf3SXOW1DZchk99oVvvCRk4whjqYnRs1KwCNDEIeVZfdVxZdthxn97dYNQfmcssMo/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPy1xdyvd8yIrScWqIr261EsCVDAz8sQhrBfl15-6ll80_T4jjLig-H7rWqSOStUUrxYXfHcBxeKf3SXOW1DZchk99oVvvCRk4whjqYnRs1KwCNDEIeVZfdVxZdthxn97dYNQfmcssMo/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">First I prepared the wood by hosing it off, letting it dry and then sanding it with 180 grit sandpaper.  I wasn't going for perfection here, after all, it was going to be outside.  Next, I brushed on some special walnut stain and set them aside to dry.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnacv1CjNTM6UHjRc7XkyHOx65wfiGmlM8ALmXwUXNYGZGnYGdip1MJEquvY8DqhZnAH4Lx6waT4MTWein-pHLGR9qgDcRNIic5k4feMBPBA7YDB2i2nlKNfb-dMgA73LAVOvzSVhAJns/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnacv1CjNTM6UHjRc7XkyHOx65wfiGmlM8ALmXwUXNYGZGnYGdip1MJEquvY8DqhZnAH4Lx6waT4MTWein-pHLGR9qgDcRNIic5k4feMBPBA7YDB2i2nlKNfb-dMgA73LAVOvzSVhAJns/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Next up, the mailbox.  After cleaning and removing the old number stickers, I spray painted the flag first with the aged brass metallic. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ4jh_nfxspwUjRPBgPbzCtyi-orlNGdK_81d4AAHw5-uJ5Gka8hZmv3RLLYYyLwm803OeonDsCtl5WpPeRDFJyw1ijb7Y8Wv2LRfLNuQ5-5OHLBYCs2evJReZJi5ZTBfLgP7cEknqJU/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ4jh_nfxspwUjRPBgPbzCtyi-orlNGdK_81d4AAHw5-uJ5Gka8hZmv3RLLYYyLwm803OeonDsCtl5WpPeRDFJyw1ijb7Y8Wv2LRfLNuQ5-5OHLBYCs2evJReZJi5ZTBfLgP7cEknqJU/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">While that dried, I grabbed a package of these.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxcz1C6IPuxxTgSuiEmLhjxnG542NZ75E2JISW1vRVUllnhmwKDt5zlBZbi35j5-NY50QoVmkbmTAjCWGYTjs4dhijq844KmLJohl7gBzR4MjahyfH83iSnYdkleDRx7PPbdCluHeG14/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxcz1C6IPuxxTgSuiEmLhjxnG542NZ75E2JISW1vRVUllnhmwKDt5zlBZbi35j5-NY50QoVmkbmTAjCWGYTjs4dhijq844KmLJohl7gBzR4MjahyfH83iSnYdkleDRx7PPbdCluHeG14/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">They are foam letter and number stickers available in any craft store.  I wanted to personalize our mailbox and also create an embossed metal look.  I added our name to one side and our address to the other side.  Then I taped off the already painted flag and spray painted the mailbox with the copper metallic paint.  I gave it a good 4 or 5 coats.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a fast drying spray paint and it certainly lives up to that.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was almost dry before I got around to the other side of the box.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mailbox done.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">The next part, building the post, was a bit difficult and I didn't take photos.  It took two pairs of hands, which required hubby's help and stopping for photos isn't his thing.  :)  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After the entire thing was complete, I added the copper end cap to the top of the 4 x 4 post with a little glue and here's how it looks now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Iw56P8doGsThQ0rTnCr8tebYzaNooGStcSQaOrtpzCDpOJ-YKZttF_bu4a05mZQTTRNc1FJ9d80VtfbA-g-xsd2xwW3rborlZjJLAF8sT05OUcbkSAWUMRjBk7N2ra24MSEIiF1aByQ/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Iw56P8doGsThQ0rTnCr8tebYzaNooGStcSQaOrtpzCDpOJ-YKZttF_bu4a05mZQTTRNc1FJ9d80VtfbA-g-xsd2xwW3rborlZjJLAF8sT05OUcbkSAWUMRjBk7N2ra24MSEIiF1aByQ/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We are pretty happy with how it turned out.  And we finished just in time as about 10 minutes after this photo, a huge storm hit.  But the spray paint held up great!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZEzz7sHcQzXr-skHl2SUthe26ImQk_5XJdGl5G4VEz1SxSYsKN5A0qaAKu39iR9kiKssy1eRFUeSuMyeijN412Ctupq4GERN4-WCyGrQtvJ7SSQgDN1T-U8tk-7-KTe6oMyQZQU5E90/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZEzz7sHcQzXr-skHl2SUthe26ImQk_5XJdGl5G4VEz1SxSYsKN5A0qaAKu39iR9kiKssy1eRFUeSuMyeijN412Ctupq4GERN4-WCyGrQtvJ7SSQgDN1T-U8tk-7-KTe6oMyQZQU5E90/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to add some mums and pumpkins to the base </div><div style="text-align: center;">of it for a little Autumn decoration.  :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a closeup of the foam stickers.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VtmzsOjx4wlbDsf6Oi6IPu83a-EBE5_OOKFGhuN-VtSjZJ0-Q388M6SdPY7ogjFOPrCoYwcaWKqPYVQqn-jB0-d208ucPH45ZUBeA2vWHt9o8vYh5ajHJ-wAeGcM5M9IDTneZHAYDLY/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VtmzsOjx4wlbDsf6Oi6IPu83a-EBE5_OOKFGhuN-VtSjZJ0-Q388M6SdPY7ogjFOPrCoYwcaWKqPYVQqn-jB0-d208ucPH45ZUBeA2vWHt9o8vYh5ajHJ-wAeGcM5M9IDTneZHAYDLY/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The adhesive on the back is pretty strong so I'm confident they aren't going anywhere.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Mgw96EBuWuq47mRvYOzcdvXwtEIYTiGUQJ1sAppBYuNKmnA1Sf0jqYZXg_vX9XoaJwC8udjApN5CjQKW0YYyKq7-GaD4Wgy_iSOFP5SfdRRP_w_KWH4Ldlaakqt8vLgQvwB1ZZjJyAk/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Mgw96EBuWuq47mRvYOzcdvXwtEIYTiGUQJ1sAppBYuNKmnA1Sf0jqYZXg_vX9XoaJwC8udjApN5CjQKW0YYyKq7-GaD4Wgy_iSOFP5SfdRRP_w_KWH4Ldlaakqt8vLgQvwB1ZZjJyAk/s640/016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This was a pretty fun way to spruce up a cheapo mailbox and I loved how fast the paint dried!  </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Thanks Krylon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am certainly no expert, but here are a few spray painting tips that have helped make spray painting easier for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* Always keep your spray paint back about a foot from whatever your painting.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're too close, your paint will go on too thick.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* If you're spraying, your arm should be moving.  If it isn't, </div><div style="text-align: center;">this will also cause too much paint in a single area which causes the paint to run.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* It's always better to do several light coats instead of one heavy coat in an </div><div style="text-align: center;">attempt to hurry and get it done.  I learned my lesson on that one over and over.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* If you have to stop to make dinner or do a load of laundry like me, wipe the excess paint off the spray valve.  That way it won't get a weird clog and spray out the side, </div><div style="text-align: center;">painting your face when you resume working on your project. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If any of you have any other helpful tips, please feel free to leave them in the comment section and I can add them to this post.  :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Diana</i></div>

Mailbox Ideas

I love a good spray paint project.  It is the cheapest way to give something a new look, so, when Krylon contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in trying some of their new spray paint, I was thrilled at the opportunity.  I chose their new Rust Protector quick drying spray paint in Copper Metall…

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Table Redo with Reclaimed Bowling Alley Flooring

<div style="text-align: center;">Hey there!  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you had a lovely weekend! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">As we get ready for the October Grand Opening of our shop, </div><div style="text-align: center;">we are working hard to find just the right things to fill the inside.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Finding the right piece to put in the huge window display </div><div style="text-align: center;">has been really important to us.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hubby was driving home last week and came </div><div style="text-align: center;">across a table in an alley that looked as if it was being thrown out.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">He called the owner of the property it was on and </div><div style="text-align: center;">asked if he could have it and they said sure, so he packed it up and brought it home.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was in pretty sad shape but it wasn't the top we were interested in.......it was the legs.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Take a look......</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuAZEIDW-WBRRq6KCCfRj2gT7XEtfWmy1d1Qa_2uKLJB875NILFYvh5A9k9f4oKX7BLB1rRL38KVxFnwlPgyuBiJyWUCIaYiLarO7GT_gXNHi_vpayR92YSAihIlMa4AW7h0URvcVmjI/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuAZEIDW-WBRRq6KCCfRj2gT7XEtfWmy1d1Qa_2uKLJB875NILFYvh5A9k9f4oKX7BLB1rRL38KVxFnwlPgyuBiJyWUCIaYiLarO7GT_gXNHi_vpayR92YSAihIlMa4AW7h0URvcVmjI/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We loved the industrial pipes and huge castors so we removed those from the</div><div style="text-align: center;"> plywood top and gave them a good wash.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">I happened to remember that we still had one huge slab of reclaimed bowling alley flooring from last summer that was sitting in our storage facility.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">So we loaded it up and brought it home to work on it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherEecjpy_iAvak41IZDcLIZ3uv0fGpMPKmr2AcoR0SCwK8ejTIYPtMz7Y72yjRyk4lUphsnWVo-q82Snb6UK_CHu3JRqNgljcfG1f_zmyV7Be1UeOhw7ZUgVM1P-49T_0pRVSsB-u0w8/s1600/P1010338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherEecjpy_iAvak41IZDcLIZ3uv0fGpMPKmr2AcoR0SCwK8ejTIYPtMz7Y72yjRyk4lUphsnWVo-q82Snb6UK_CHu3JRqNgljcfG1f_zmyV7Be1UeOhw7ZUgVM1P-49T_0pRVSsB-u0w8/s640/P1010338.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We measured out where we wanted to attach the legs and drilled holes to accommodate them.  Because the slab is so massive, we needed to build the table first </div><div style="text-align: center;">before starting work on the table top.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The flooring was covered in that thick yellow lacquer, so I bought a can of paint stripper and got to work, using gloves of course.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkwIHe_lL_5kxNWpTlZStV2wZYf7mvwoQkQ6sFRerCfu0j_mv8ulhcMg6BnJGRi56v_H-DZ4-EXcDn48JBHwpk-ildjy2BNwRHfwOIwsG9IhobdgCN65CSSk9cMNjCWqyicyH_Wm7STI/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkwIHe_lL_5kxNWpTlZStV2wZYf7mvwoQkQ6sFRerCfu0j_mv8ulhcMg6BnJGRi56v_H-DZ4-EXcDn48JBHwpk-ildjy2BNwRHfwOIwsG9IhobdgCN65CSSk9cMNjCWqyicyH_Wm7STI/s640/053.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a look at it half way through the stripping process.  Isn't the wood underneath lovely?</div><div style="text-align: center;">After stripping everything off, I gave it a good sanding with 180 grit sandpaper and my palm sander.  Then coated the whole thing with Minwax Finishing Wax in Natural.   I happen to like finishing wax much better than polyurethane because it leaves a more natural look on the wood instead of looking like you coated it with polyurethane.  Then I gave the pipe legs and castors a light coating of oil rubbed bronze spray paint.  Here's how it looks now.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp4kvJ2UMxuDlFYSIoVkfH6gnMK10xqr5EdWjLrcoygr36H9Z7H6DMkmv5i34O7VqwobwdcrDr6Jm5eOkzRbq4w6-Za58XCE5ONPxg2F6XR4xqzBURI0zDfUsubanx9uLegI2_ulWhos/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp4kvJ2UMxuDlFYSIoVkfH6gnMK10xqr5EdWjLrcoygr36H9Z7H6DMkmv5i34O7VqwobwdcrDr6Jm5eOkzRbq4w6-Za58XCE5ONPxg2F6XR4xqzBURI0zDfUsubanx9uLegI2_ulWhos/s640/063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are pretty happy with it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We can't wait to get it into the display window with some pretty cool things on the top of it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-1wbAQVGi7axaEUmi4zI8q2-kPwMx9gFWohBc9CTWAHn14zuUL4Z_8qFi376cHNl-VcYJ3IuRB2tnSex52iwn-armCJrUwekiVsun3-PrqmrFxxEzrfU7pdqY4evzP3hypO7Q7Vgl9o/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-1wbAQVGi7axaEUmi4zI8q2-kPwMx9gFWohBc9CTWAHn14zuUL4Z_8qFi376cHNl-VcYJ3IuRB2tnSex52iwn-armCJrUwekiVsun3-PrqmrFxxEzrfU7pdqY4evzP3hypO7Q7Vgl9o/s640/067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I'm crazy about those castors!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t81u96WxAgBZFlcrBbwUOtcP-zexi-LWS8FH2y8FQZCeDKqfJG-UsUvK8wUiJYtmJJzHtQEyzkplHqFeQAdr7Wa85gc5ydYrR8ZvBVsNhyB57spWjGA2adsE67yvenM5ZAKWJxky-Sk/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t81u96WxAgBZFlcrBbwUOtcP-zexi-LWS8FH2y8FQZCeDKqfJG-UsUvK8wUiJYtmJJzHtQEyzkplHqFeQAdr7Wa85gc5ydYrR8ZvBVsNhyB57spWjGA2adsE67yvenM5ZAKWJxky-Sk/s640/069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> We love the vintage industrial look!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hubby went to a big estate sale this weekend and he came home with some amazing finds</div><div style="text-align: center;">for our shop that I can't wait to share!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've had lots of folks emailing me asking where our shop is going to be located and </div><div style="text-align: center;">I will share all that info as we get closer to the big day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We hope to have a spectacular grand opening </div><div style="text-align: center;">complete with a piece of furniture to be given </div><div style="text-align: center;">away in a drawing, so, we do hope you think about making the trip.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd love to meet some of our readers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Diana</i> :)</div>

Table Redo with Reclaimed Bowling Alley Flooring

Hey there!  Hope you had a lovely weekend! As we get ready for the October Grand Opening of our shop, we are working hard to find just the right things to fill the inside.  Finding the right piece to put in the huge window display has been really important to us.  Hubby was driving home last week an…

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STALKING BENJAMIN MOORE

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />COLONIAL IN ALABAMA</div><br /></div><br /><br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlppyXBdH318nAJL2m_MErQEd2lcIpob_5XmVIfXb53-qKvneAsfZazJa7Ib5YAOfvm3WVsLN0EagK17AKaILPfmd8A_wPwIorinBgguPl5pvGcc20iWWczKsjPJo0U4yBr0s5UBPN-ST/s1600/justcallmegrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlppyXBdH318nAJL2m_MErQEd2lcIpob_5XmVIfXb53-qKvneAsfZazJa7Ib5YAOfvm3WVsLN0EagK17AKaILPfmd8A_wPwIorinBgguPl5pvGcc20iWWczKsjPJo0U4yBr0s5UBPN-ST/s640/justcallmegrace.jpg" width="516"></a></div><br /><br><br />I love my job.<br><br />I get to meet fabulous people and help them make their homes beautiful.  <br><br />And then I get to answer color and design questions on this blog.<br><br />Sometimes the questions are blunt and to the point.  Sometime, the question allows a delightful peek<br><br />into the personality of the person - like this one from the Rebel Judge who I am certain could be my very good friend.... I loved the energy and obvious love of home..<br><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/08/stalking-benjamin-moore.html#more">Read more »</a>

STALKING BENJAMIN MOORE

COLONIAL IN ALABAMAI love my job.I get to meet fabulous people and help them make their homes beautiful.  And then I get to answer color and design questions on this blog.Sometimes the questions are blunt and to the point.  Sometime, the question allows a delightful peekinto the personality of the p…

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A Stairway Project Revisited

<div style="text-align: center;">Remember this project?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitcful71iLM6HKqjeIl54PgwzQ9EcZrzfz4sYhIzLRnrtohR1IGr0Tss6BTmAiuS7hh4MJlB34APb9YoewkWJ-nClpkNyWpYx4McLYYIq6MNiMcnru_PgpskKahqD1W29okfcPIJ5fwQ/s1600/102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitcful71iLM6HKqjeIl54PgwzQ9EcZrzfz4sYhIzLRnrtohR1IGr0Tss6BTmAiuS7hh4MJlB34APb9YoewkWJ-nClpkNyWpYx4McLYYIq6MNiMcnru_PgpskKahqD1W29okfcPIJ5fwQ/s640/102.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I decided to remove the nasty carpet from our stairs one day on a whim and then let it sit unfinished for a good month or so because I became so busy at work.  Then, because it was driving everyone crazy, I set out to get it done, mainly for the purpose of just getting it done.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I didn't love it, but it was done and I could cross it off the To Do list.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But it was always still there.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Staring at me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting to be transformed into something I DID love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*sigh*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fast forward to a few weeks ago.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> As you know, we live in a 100 year old home.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"> They settle.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When there is a year long drought,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they settle even more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Okay, it wasn't really that long of a drought but it sure has felt like it.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One day while walking down the stairs, I noticed a bulge that seemed to be cracking,</div><div style="text-align: center;">so, of course, I started messing with it, thinking I could fix it,</div><div style="text-align: center;">until it turned into this.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZccsVDD0EI7ZAmDHADGq_AH8HRldJGrHztOBDv2Ore9-BUSSZytvDss67JtGkg3ICBxOYHtgIgjjq2vjsKlEn5uS5iN17oSpaU__Mu1nNzOAEc7Desf2-KRTDeqzwujoG9qrY2_MHoeY/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZccsVDD0EI7ZAmDHADGq_AH8HRldJGrHztOBDv2Ore9-BUSSZytvDss67JtGkg3ICBxOYHtgIgjjq2vjsKlEn5uS5iN17oSpaU__Mu1nNzOAEc7Desf2-KRTDeqzwujoG9qrY2_MHoeY/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Not good.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Or was it??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I called a friend who is knowledgeable about things like this to come check everything out</div><div style="text-align: center;">and he said there was nothing to worry about structurally.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We just need to wait to fix it until the weather changes, </div><div style="text-align: center;">in case the plaster continues to shrink and crack.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, the weather changed and the crack/hole hasn't gotten any worse, so it's time to fix it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since the wall is having to get a face lift, I thought the stairs should have one too.</div><div style="text-align: center;">After all, I just wasn't thrilled with the way I had left them before.<br /><br />And the white paint on the risers was a really bad idea because of<br />my 6 foot tall older boys with big feet going up and down the stairs a lot. <br />That turns into a lot of scuff marks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />So this little wall problem was just the push I needed to transform the stairs</div><div style="text-align: center;">into something we did love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although I don't think it is in the cards for our home to have a beautiful grand staircase, like I originally wanted, there's no reason why it still can't look amazing and fit in with the rest of the house and the room that the stairs are currently in. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, for Part 1 of this project, here's what I came up with for just the stairs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYSGzzzh7OKjLnfwCYU2Eq-eJVt4Ne2UA8Gmsc8VDM_v0ng_sYDra1CKw9W-qSoF2XOrmQuv9gAeGWLnT_aPS424Ve-s_Mw-XFM6w5ylFtAagPSZb3X4ZbicXzcbWxm8JRuEy-LXpJe4/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYSGzzzh7OKjLnfwCYU2Eq-eJVt4Ne2UA8Gmsc8VDM_v0ng_sYDra1CKw9W-qSoF2XOrmQuv9gAeGWLnT_aPS424Ve-s_Mw-XFM6w5ylFtAagPSZb3X4ZbicXzcbWxm8JRuEy-LXpJe4/s640/011.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chalkboard paint, chalk and handmade stencils I printed from the computer are all it took</div><div style="text-align: center;">for me to do this project.  All of which I already had, so, it didn't cost a thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I didn't really want to paint the numbers on with paint as I really like the faded chalk look.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I completely LOVE IT and better yet, hubby and kiddos thought it was so cool.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This just works out so much better.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And we are all finally happy with it! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next up we will be working on the wall around the staircase</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I'm looking forward to blogging about that soon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Diana</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />

A Stairway Project Revisited

Remember this project?I decided to remove the nasty carpet from our stairs one day on a whim and then let it sit unfinished for a good month or so because I became so busy at work.  Then, because it was driving everyone crazy, I set out to get it done, mainly for the purpose of just getting it done.…

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Our New Shop and a Grand Opening

<div style="text-align: center;">Hello!  I hope you all had a great weekend!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are finally making some progress on the new shop.  Remember when I said we had a wonderful opportunity come our way involving a great old building right smack </div><div style="text-align: center;">in the heart of our quaint little town?  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Well here it is!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOZdQ5n3rGibMQS4YCT5Nizuhim2MyjqlxOEfqdpFvVjO6oVminFrNlUT6u77vtwyMprD80QqZwIAlwJ1fCr1_7nyjgIBajR1AYFpn9k0PWwbZlW-9xR7jJTW-X6SewhAasvhj0DV9O0/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOZdQ5n3rGibMQS4YCT5Nizuhim2MyjqlxOEfqdpFvVjO6oVminFrNlUT6u77vtwyMprD80QqZwIAlwJ1fCr1_7nyjgIBajR1AYFpn9k0PWwbZlW-9xR7jJTW-X6SewhAasvhj0DV9O0/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Ignore the ginormous pots of trees, they are getting picked up.) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This building is amazing.  The area is amazing and we are honestly so thrilled.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are making a huge life change to go for our dreams and it is so exciting and scary at the same time but I think that's what life is about, you know?  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Taking a chance and going for what truly makes you happy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH752OtQMk4jCcb6Xwae06bl-PhlFeE2jhJ0JM0ixnD06oebatrFgnUhyU7ZckraIEu6ypXXV_yBQf-tZ28lQVhKF3V5Yo4J4MJmTQyG3KiWTNo1VAwjIfAXdfSv-PDJY9RWaPK_0BIto/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH752OtQMk4jCcb6Xwae06bl-PhlFeE2jhJ0JM0ixnD06oebatrFgnUhyU7ZckraIEu6ypXXV_yBQf-tZ28lQVhKF3V5Yo4J4MJmTQyG3KiWTNo1VAwjIfAXdfSv-PDJY9RWaPK_0BIto/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We still have a lot to do, </div><div style="text-align: center;">even though the inside doesn't really need anything but painting and cleaning.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a view from the inside. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvUUY8FJTclL2Sjn6MT2YF8Q6Ny6d0tuhu7eC7Q0HMhyphenhyphenjGaLbN7pjoh7WVMQTwa1AYTPHPHtJS3ytWqrx-S-qHY3FoAo0zBxi5-pyNVEjTEILIlurDoxVIo-K9kr8R92ykbGkDj65r1s/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvUUY8FJTclL2Sjn6MT2YF8Q6Ny6d0tuhu7eC7Q0HMhyphenhyphenjGaLbN7pjoh7WVMQTwa1AYTPHPHtJS3ytWqrx-S-qHY3FoAo0zBxi5-pyNVEjTEILIlurDoxVIo-K9kr8R92ykbGkDj65r1s/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty cool, huh?</div><div style="text-align: center;">The ceiling is way up there and is decked out with the original tin tiles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQvYtJM61IZ3rKzbaVjctqAUeNSWsxH4eg-faRs66f0rD5xys8OFIO5o2JapkjWebbLo55SSHCLXk7ELeFxJgVRmKI-bU3NMa3h7MajH4rqjJ2V-OOmFTyeqp3B4YHpA3nCNEYu5-z4A/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQvYtJM61IZ3rKzbaVjctqAUeNSWsxH4eg-faRs66f0rD5xys8OFIO5o2JapkjWebbLo55SSHCLXk7ELeFxJgVRmKI-bU3NMa3h7MajH4rqjJ2V-OOmFTyeqp3B4YHpA3nCNEYu5-z4A/s640/017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I'm crazy about the double stacked windows and wood trim.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to polish that up.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Even the view out the window is amazing.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Love the brick with the vine creeping over it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCA2-Mv_fTqZkLe2SFlyu8vGZzIEf4Vvaos5zImnAprzzEgH7eUBMz0spxvKaqgXNaUWwj407hQYy8XjHjZO8Y6Anm_q9bn0HBX90dJEhamBLWyLOc4dVtl6p73FNcMTIz3GelUoIUrQE/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCA2-Mv_fTqZkLe2SFlyu8vGZzIEf4Vvaos5zImnAprzzEgH7eUBMz0spxvKaqgXNaUWwj407hQYy8XjHjZO8Y6Anm_q9bn0HBX90dJEhamBLWyLOc4dVtl6p73FNcMTIz3GelUoIUrQE/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the view down the sidewalk.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRFzyUkW1Rge35TdLx5IaQXwU6TSkbkRr0LdjF__VYYbs1-LVfUZrhq6YCQFFaYmgvLp_7GyeUuyoaK6NySGjINr2qFSbjgHWNf-4-YAU2CtevPJd2eUvwSsUOf4TGyN5gIAWFd-lBgc/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRFzyUkW1Rge35TdLx5IaQXwU6TSkbkRr0LdjF__VYYbs1-LVfUZrhq6YCQFFaYmgvLp_7GyeUuyoaK6NySGjINr2qFSbjgHWNf-4-YAU2CtevPJd2eUvwSsUOf4TGyN5gIAWFd-lBgc/s640/022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are so many cool businesses and buildings in the historical area of our city and I'm going to be sharing those with you over the next month or so as we count down to our grand opening.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the view from the opposite direction to the left.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVy48xV2jpaCG0I5tYy0QLZBv8KC5gKwVsSFPN22lAM1QKUssw_ItDKF0Yx6f4tn8NbZJzmYBLQlhw6_Cf28xnXZwDU3OH1Uw7oDtXIZIdClBORPIFOQki1fRSIbvueFGD6jj3uTKRebI/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVy48xV2jpaCG0I5tYy0QLZBv8KC5gKwVsSFPN22lAM1QKUssw_ItDKF0Yx6f4tn8NbZJzmYBLQlhw6_Cf28xnXZwDU3OH1Uw7oDtXIZIdClBORPIFOQki1fRSIbvueFGD6jj3uTKRebI/s640/021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a great little place to eat, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And a perfect little junk store, right next door, where I bought <a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2012/07/new-old-hutch-redo.html">the hutch</a> I recently </div><div style="text-align: center;">added to our dining room. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I love that place and the owners are so friendly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZq7EKaHy6x2qmoDVCsS5V0Y_IOiU_Gw_nE_ATzSGhYWtg19rIU6W0ItOCKK4dFESW9CLc0VLI-LFw2nu-hw2s-YpuWvpySJ1GNlYRIxaN8rBVd1KUxMwktJ8JQQVXKgi0atHquPLDBj0/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZq7EKaHy6x2qmoDVCsS5V0Y_IOiU_Gw_nE_ATzSGhYWtg19rIU6W0ItOCKK4dFESW9CLc0VLI-LFw2nu-hw2s-YpuWvpySJ1GNlYRIxaN8rBVd1KUxMwktJ8JQQVXKgi0atHquPLDBj0/s640/019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So when will the grand opening be?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOZdQ5n3rGibMQS4YCT5Nizuhim2MyjqlxOEfqdpFvVjO6oVminFrNlUT6u77vtwyMprD80QqZwIAlwJ1fCr1_7nyjgIBajR1AYFpn9k0PWwbZlW-9xR7jJTW-X6SewhAasvhj0DV9O0/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOZdQ5n3rGibMQS4YCT5Nizuhim2MyjqlxOEfqdpFvVjO6oVminFrNlUT6u77vtwyMprD80QqZwIAlwJ1fCr1_7nyjgIBajR1AYFpn9k0PWwbZlW-9xR7jJTW-X6SewhAasvhj0DV9O0/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our goal is October 15 and not a day later.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what I'm thinking for the window......</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqB0FVqCQ4Ox1qB-UNxSf5hbbfsyuKM-muWfgBHxuj7ankVaRBYrZ0ovEgaY5485W_qXrGgpWeL7HSYepKrbLeI8uZ4wv_qTS0dPON-cKIaVYMOKVhjTyW2zZ64xbsK0zAxHgtes-0mQ/s1600/015-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqB0FVqCQ4Ox1qB-UNxSf5hbbfsyuKM-muWfgBHxuj7ankVaRBYrZ0ovEgaY5485W_qXrGgpWeL7HSYepKrbLeI8uZ4wv_qTS0dPON-cKIaVYMOKVhjTyW2zZ64xbsK0zAxHgtes-0mQ/s640/015-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />(just for design purposes, not really on the windows)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I really would like it to be symmetrical, however, the bar divide down the center of the window is making it difficult for me to figure out how to achieve this. </b><br /><b>Do we put it all on one side of the window?  Or ignore the bar and put the whole thing in the center?  I'm just not sure but I do love it on the window and I love the font.</b><br /><b>Would love to hear your suggestions on placement!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are so excited about this journey!  </div><div style="text-align: center;">And can't thank you enough for your amazing support and encouragement</div><div style="text-align: center;">you've given us here in blogland!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We hope you'll come see us!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Our New Shop and a Grand Opening

Hello!  I hope you all had a great weekend!We are finally making some progress on the new shop.  Remember when I said we had a wonderful opportunity come our way involving a great old building right smack in the heart of our quaint little town?  Well here it is!(Ignore the ginormous pots of trees, t…

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LOOKING FOR COLOR

A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS....<br><br /><br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKCVYBHvm9bkCwvnCjewWKfMGVo-rn39QMHKqb1-DEj7LstUMl2imD7K2T1clKb3AIt5UDYQzJdSUonMRcDZzmb-KZIcUEADdqBxQsL5ARyxoOhTYtAXEF6FaoYJYYTBdurnABSb3hOm0/s1600/the+rhyme's+library+1_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKCVYBHvm9bkCwvnCjewWKfMGVo-rn39QMHKqb1-DEj7LstUMl2imD7K2T1clKb3AIt5UDYQzJdSUonMRcDZzmb-KZIcUEADdqBxQsL5ARyxoOhTYtAXEF6FaoYJYYTBdurnABSb3hOm0/s400/the+rhyme's+library+1_edited-1.jpg" width="266"></a></div><br /><br><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><em>My talented friend Kristy just finished another book.  She writes amazing mysteries and is currently trying to decide on a cover for her latest - this image (above) is my favorite, but she would like your opinion as well - visit her web page and let her know which cover you prefer.  </em><a href="http://www.kristystories.blogspot.com/2012/08/fighting-over-covers.html"><em>http://www.kristystories.blogspot.com/2012/08/fighting-over-covers.html</em></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><em>I can't wait to read it!</em><br><br /><em><br></em></div><br /><em>I find images to be incredible tools in my line of work and I use a lot of them in my blog posts.  A picture of a room will illustrate a point 1,000 times faster than words alone.  If I were as talented as Kristy Tate, I would be able to paint a picture with my words and not have to rely so heavily on photos to send a design or color message.    So consider my handicap as you wade through my photo heavy posts and remember, I'm doing it for you!  Really.  I don't have an image addiction.  I can quit whenever I want.  Honest.....</em><br><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/08/looking-for-color.html#more">Read more »</a>

LOOKING FOR COLOR

A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS....My talented friend Kristy just finished another book.  She writes amazing mysteries and is currently trying to decide on a cover for her latest - this image (above) is my favorite, but she would like your opinion as well - visit her web page and let her know whic…

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MANLY COLOR ADVICE

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />A MASCULINE PAINT THEME...</div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEVhj4IFM0nCSNv_CAuxBGMd_hwZ7TGt4D7dG-B3IzNNAA0DjZfHniNA6RczV20czQ_FWfvEh9oxbjOdIpXIa-DTsmi-MDHGI51JyJ13jQ4tEhd-vcJTbdxZM_LkwOkxA852KSrFKUyG2/s1600/IMG_3313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEVhj4IFM0nCSNv_CAuxBGMd_hwZ7TGt4D7dG-B3IzNNAA0DjZfHniNA6RczV20czQ_FWfvEh9oxbjOdIpXIa-DTsmi-MDHGI51JyJ13jQ4tEhd-vcJTbdxZM_LkwOkxA852KSrFKUyG2/s640/IMG_3313.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Juneau, Alaska.  Look at all those lovely shades of blue and gray. </span><br><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Just returned from the cruise, and the colors were heavenly.  And very - manly.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />WHAT ARE MASCULINE COLORS?</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/08/color-advice.html#more">Read more »</a>

MANLY COLOR ADVICE

A MASCULINE PAINT THEME...Juneau, Alaska.  Look at all those lovely shades of blue and gray. Just returned from the cruise, and the colors were heavenly.  And very - manly.WHAT ARE MASCULINE COLORS?Read more »…

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diaryofapit

diaryofapit

diaryofapit

diaryofapit…

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BIG Kitchen Updates

<div style="text-align: center;">If you've read our blog for a while it shouldn't surprise you that installing <a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2012/08/reclaimed-wood-kitchen-shelving-reveal.html">these open shelves</a> made from reclaimed walnut would start a design chain reaction in our kitchen.  That is, after all, how I roll.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Warning:  long post ahead with lots of pics.  :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOK0pxnHFO7b02NiP1L7vMUJ3d5gixXjnnsR7zzO7g0WxyDeOAKUHt7uTzHxCmchY6RgWH15caBdgzCMSYUMxI-zYOgz3b8xHIsmweMN1IvQDmh-6P79whpCm-wWLnuFD988diaNK_UAY/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOK0pxnHFO7b02NiP1L7vMUJ3d5gixXjnnsR7zzO7g0WxyDeOAKUHt7uTzHxCmchY6RgWH15caBdgzCMSYUMxI-zYOgz3b8xHIsmweMN1IvQDmh-6P79whpCm-wWLnuFD988diaNK_UAY/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have never really liked this area of our kitchen because it just wasn't comfortable when I cooked.  Mainly, because of the big black box, otherwise known as the giant microwave over the stove.  It felt like I practically had my head in it while standing at the stove because of how far it stuck out from the wall.  And the vent had fallen off a couple of times and cracked so there was duck tape holding it together.  In other words, it was time for it to go.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But, we use our microwave, mainly for reheating leftovers.  So, convincing my hubby to get rid of it was difficult.  I begged.  He caved.  But he wasn't thrilled with the idea.  Yet.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Luckily, in one of the storage buildings that he had bought at an auction this past summer, there was a brand new, much smaller, stainless steel microwave that will sit in the laundry room, out of sight until we need to use it or until I find a clever way to disguise it in the kitchen.  Problem solved.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, down it came.  And what a relief it was to have head room at the stove.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's back up a bit.  Remember this super thick, 4 1/2 inches to be exact, piece of reclaimed walnut included in the pile that we brought home?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kWDlOnWcEPZUnVoQ5Vj_S0VfoIZ9uY3IKx2FhS5Y0L4BfjaIEIWUm3C6Lm2rbylt117XGzxW4JvPdi9F0U20m07Qs87ECZH5jw7KibMXQzRwM4M0mNpNuwF991lSqYBAg07jaiJYxbU/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kWDlOnWcEPZUnVoQ5Vj_S0VfoIZ9uY3IKx2FhS5Y0L4BfjaIEIWUm3C6Lm2rbylt117XGzxW4JvPdi9F0U20m07Qs87ECZH5jw7KibMXQzRwM4M0mNpNuwF991lSqYBAg07jaiJYxbU/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought it would be super cool to make a single shelf out of it for above the stove to hold my olive oils and my cherished vibe jars of spices.  I had always wanted a special place to put them and this was perfect.  So, here's what we ended up with.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkyBybGGw7z6e8x_WAeiJEfMNNzXeRm1KrPI34hcv08hU96CF28UY5mrUAXxpnkgC1kRowGET7ot5eartIo75qbpxWoa2XC2EVEaZM68_S7GVDM05ka9RWZ53BKAVfSHasVFRebbuE54/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkyBybGGw7z6e8x_WAeiJEfMNNzXeRm1KrPI34hcv08hU96CF28UY5mrUAXxpnkgC1kRowGET7ot5eartIo75qbpxWoa2XC2EVEaZM68_S7GVDM05ka9RWZ53BKAVfSHasVFRebbuE54/s640/033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't tell you how happy we are with it and hubby finally agreed after it was all finished.  As you can see, this prompted me to paint the french door between the kitchen and laundry a yummy shade of green.  I have been craving more color lately in our home and thought this was the perfect place to add it in the kitchen.  I don't think I could commit to painting the cabinets a color as I love the white, but the door was the perfect solution.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSX8PvUPf1bdYP2ZM18TVtKY_IhdhMzpIhcAEiOk183h_cTkcmnqQ9BTvC1eWO2AxVb5UQdCX0iFoZfjWXe_aqH2W1-_4bLPvZ-CHL92PuusfkxBFwq8zKWdUs1xBDFYvLU8Ud3Kqaz8/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSX8PvUPf1bdYP2ZM18TVtKY_IhdhMzpIhcAEiOk183h_cTkcmnqQ9BTvC1eWO2AxVb5UQdCX0iFoZfjWXe_aqH2W1-_4bLPvZ-CHL92PuusfkxBFwq8zKWdUs1xBDFYvLU8Ud3Kqaz8/s640/039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And that shelf.  That wonderful thick old wood.  We found out that it came from a basement where it had been stored for many many years.  And I love that it ties in with the other side of the room now with the other open shelves.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70gielXA0_2Cf76Fi5iZgQmK2Fitf-0LJJlAbuALEQU0rf3Ov8fTR8ASW5dPJSQxNhVKi0G4ncr1HFf8FIe_Vlg57Jkwa3TkY9zTkSIwfgX_5Vb2mmlcNMdQ6641GB0mxDR2eDQlS6Jk/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70gielXA0_2Cf76Fi5iZgQmK2Fitf-0LJJlAbuALEQU0rf3Ov8fTR8ASW5dPJSQxNhVKi0G4ncr1HFf8FIe_Vlg57Jkwa3TkY9zTkSIwfgX_5Vb2mmlcNMdQ6641GB0mxDR2eDQlS6Jk/s640/035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because it is such a special shelf, I really wanted it to hold the things that mean a lot to me in the kitchen; my olive oils and vinegars and my spices.  Plus, a very special antique bread board that my hubby gave me for Christmas.  :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlBhAv7hyoMb_vvd8kDQJsP3eSg2nzPOHooNK6madTBUZ2ZjHBNma14nNWOIjfzi0LMQ-oxgZ0xX_cBZnSs5Pmb1L9nHki1IsvVb56PNYkPyDfWh2XmF8PFbmGSiGTCqmWmO7R5wTunA/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlBhAv7hyoMb_vvd8kDQJsP3eSg2nzPOHooNK6madTBUZ2ZjHBNma14nNWOIjfzi0LMQ-oxgZ0xX_cBZnSs5Pmb1L9nHki1IsvVb56PNYkPyDfWh2XmF8PFbmGSiGTCqmWmO7R5wTunA/s640/023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These vibe jars are my favorite way to store spices.  I love to decant simple things that </div><div style="text-align: center;">come with not so pretty packaging into prettier containers.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7J51WqqG2L68PeQxRsbcXOss1k_CjtNeHg2EgPEcTHpTfC6RhyJFC-4ql5msbhEkBMLco2E-qHPgJyByYUEMDUpYaBgpZhP5pIrR_4E1qgaAet-ihhxeB3mTqObnuaBnob7TMFhyphenhyphenf0k/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7J51WqqG2L68PeQxRsbcXOss1k_CjtNeHg2EgPEcTHpTfC6RhyJFC-4ql5msbhEkBMLco2E-qHPgJyByYUEMDUpYaBgpZhP5pIrR_4E1qgaAet-ihhxeB3mTqObnuaBnob7TMFhyphenhyphenf0k/s640/022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's so much more fun to cook in this little corner now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIeRgVLPtiwFHDP9LVKOEHGQ_nyCwaFq4S2S5lIbTIx-CcTxLizrL7UEfwe4h_e9x0Jw2V-mqmKe7m6BX6xYuRC0Wa3fhWG_bCPiTfT3iHCA5s4McmQRKvm294O1mj5iLZzxdFqSp_Jk/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIeRgVLPtiwFHDP9LVKOEHGQ_nyCwaFq4S2S5lIbTIx-CcTxLizrL7UEfwe4h_e9x0Jw2V-mqmKe7m6BX6xYuRC0Wa3fhWG_bCPiTfT3iHCA5s4McmQRKvm294O1mj5iLZzxdFqSp_Jk/s640/030.JPG" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another change I made was adding a floor cloth in front of the sink.  I've always wanted to make one and finally tried it.  I have to say that I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">It adds lots of interest to an otherwise very boring floor.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I followed <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/make-your-own-floor-cloth/index.html">this tutorial</a>.  The black and white diamond pattern is one I've always loved and so I did an aged version.  I wanted it to look a little rough and old as perfection was NOT what I was going for, so, when I painted my black squares, I left some of the white color showing through a little, to give it a worn look.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZHrdRtBdYCcpg-VzSDtzvwa2TPWygo5rtDb5bRD1RS-90hIFimsOhmQ941KTvvW0csNbtkXwqxE9ao0OHPoZr3S-qr0FX2fEuxxhqtIJdspvxOnCir60ScQZ86DTgIDMOafQMaQa2sI/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZHrdRtBdYCcpg-VzSDtzvwa2TPWygo5rtDb5bRD1RS-90hIFimsOhmQ941KTvvW0csNbtkXwqxE9ao0OHPoZr3S-qr0FX2fEuxxhqtIJdspvxOnCir60ScQZ86DTgIDMOafQMaQa2sI/s640/028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used simple painters canvas drop cloth and made a square template from wood to trace my diamonds on after priming and painting the off white color.  Then taped them off to paint them in.  Several coats of a WATER BASED polyurethane is a must so that spills can be easily cleaned up and it can stand up to high traffic areas. To make it non slip, I bought several rolls of this at the dollar store.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SSbDTVTrzjwz06dD6imMAu_3nABVv8T0AvxrUWY_bU4kmBI-8GN_iyyKdh5Rs2gbsCoWRZZl4e6LsilwcSaMGt28kThoy86esw4Zr1i84l9PmpnVEA4NX0CHXJzrenrBf_xKN8lbXyA/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SSbDTVTrzjwz06dD6imMAu_3nABVv8T0AvxrUWY_bU4kmBI-8GN_iyyKdh5Rs2gbsCoWRZZl4e6LsilwcSaMGt28kThoy86esw4Zr1i84l9PmpnVEA4NX0CHXJzrenrBf_xKN8lbXyA/s640/042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And glued it to the under side of the floor cloth.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx01t7jdSPjFfnKRR9XP0eNkTjNw-pOcTwUWMadepgU8-f3ProCT1okswYKuwpslDqWxsgR73kojMJTOX3SvPRKe9RJJp9KPL3c5HIrjUuRC4sROJOXc5IXJ-DjDLy6kFfNN-SxPqReHk/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx01t7jdSPjFfnKRR9XP0eNkTjNw-pOcTwUWMadepgU8-f3ProCT1okswYKuwpslDqWxsgR73kojMJTOX3SvPRKe9RJJp9KPL3c5HIrjUuRC4sROJOXc5IXJ-DjDLy6kFfNN-SxPqReHk/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Easy and cheap and no slipping around the kitchen.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The last change was adding this awesome bar stool that had just been sitting in my hubby's storage building.  I must have looked at it a hundred times before I finally decided that it would be perfect in the kitchen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExFGfBc0ntljSdcPvc1vHk1lzaxsZUAbmjDXzhFVX0i-AkTKhI3YOy_znDQpLlAABiYa0vu0hH5SHGx-6xc7Jxs-dYtBWB5hA_tv2Ed59f0I_hOG_uck1Rwr5aGVYnj40Qsm_p80zWsA/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExFGfBc0ntljSdcPvc1vHk1lzaxsZUAbmjDXzhFVX0i-AkTKhI3YOy_znDQpLlAABiYa0vu0hH5SHGx-6xc7Jxs-dYtBWB5hA_tv2Ed59f0I_hOG_uck1Rwr5aGVYnj40Qsm_p80zWsA/s640/034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The "leather like" cover was all banged up and scratched but honestly, that's what I liked about it.  All I did was clean it and then paint the base with a mixture of Rustoleum oil rubbed bronze and Rustoleum Copper spray paint.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUPPYH90_bj0d6ZIJTfDpX6sE4-HxWqR2gvAAiAe5mONO6SPNmjIF6Z7sOx_k5U-K1YVcO-qFjbtBErJWkPJjNqL0GsFUkKgRxJiKcYET-F8I-aIRww_2yWkb5w_cdzKCxN7KIp9yz58/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUPPYH90_bj0d6ZIJTfDpX6sE4-HxWqR2gvAAiAe5mONO6SPNmjIF6Z7sOx_k5U-K1YVcO-qFjbtBErJWkPJjNqL0GsFUkKgRxJiKcYET-F8I-aIRww_2yWkb5w_cdzKCxN7KIp9yz58/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now there is a place to sit if anyone wants to sit down.  Sure wish I had a pair of these.  I love them!  And it's pretty comfy too! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw3AVcgnoE3JrNdmYYA40CEqyZxRl_TyO_ajDkcumRrileJVPHL6o6LiCjiOH-9Zk9_ACt0xKsk4QDTIJBINEBG2UKgD4uiX8ox0kj4-llaXYKhTJPJ5QJjcucVqmmatTaXaz963rGlo/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw3AVcgnoE3JrNdmYYA40CEqyZxRl_TyO_ajDkcumRrileJVPHL6o6LiCjiOH-9Zk9_ACt0xKsk4QDTIJBINEBG2UKgD4uiX8ox0kj4-llaXYKhTJPJ5QJjcucVqmmatTaXaz963rGlo/s640/041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That green door just makes me happy.  :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wish I could get a photo of the entire kitchen in one shot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl9jyUaJjs8V02Gsx7jvuf1jEgx4BCUiNa2LFujaEz5YJpogoiXffFQvuSZVt12z6aoVJVBE7bdqHNYdVJV3MlGs1WRsWYva-Py1-Q-hCtdesGHQlhLS44R7cdMVHm0JQvvzGNN9E8aY/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl9jyUaJjs8V02Gsx7jvuf1jEgx4BCUiNa2LFujaEz5YJpogoiXffFQvuSZVt12z6aoVJVBE7bdqHNYdVJV3MlGs1WRsWYva-Py1-Q-hCtdesGHQlhLS44R7cdMVHm0JQvvzGNN9E8aY/s640/030.JPG" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And because I had a small amount of that thick walnut left, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I've made 3 thick long bread boards.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf5ll1-kcm9aL4x94N8MJb8IypbXXONJTh7EeFS3aRhNejcgyLvRT2e9I5TkHoRh9uQB7uiqaZG4g_VZ4hDZOmgwGfQ2MrT8CNNcklTnFAICzhfwPe-mVa0bGoy50x0RKnxIpSzgCVVw/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf5ll1-kcm9aL4x94N8MJb8IypbXXONJTh7EeFS3aRhNejcgyLvRT2e9I5TkHoRh9uQB7uiqaZG4g_VZ4hDZOmgwGfQ2MrT8CNNcklTnFAICzhfwPe-mVa0bGoy50x0RKnxIpSzgCVVw/s640/059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had it planed down and look at what it looks like!  So pretty!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCPVqUwwdFP2Jv9pdL-I8JATBvLShOGYaijq7RjrgMovynRWzJettUgMLOjneL2aNqR4bS01MwvrEr0vdrwL7Ja2CLdP_3v38woS5hzr_aQhkn7NLAsmcsDbbQCL3QwL-zRNw810PllQ/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCPVqUwwdFP2Jv9pdL-I8JATBvLShOGYaijq7RjrgMovynRWzJettUgMLOjneL2aNqR4bS01MwvrEr0vdrwL7Ja2CLdP_3v38woS5hzr_aQhkn7NLAsmcsDbbQCL3QwL-zRNw810PllQ/s640/062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />And thick.  The exact measurements are 20 inches long x 6 inches wide x 1 1/2 inches thick.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have 3 for sale <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106710253/long-bread-board-from-old-reclaimed">here</a>.  These are the only 3 there will ever be as I won't ever have this kind of walnut again.  It's very rare.  So, if you would like to purchase one, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106710253/long-bread-board-from-old-reclaimed">click here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So that's it for the BIG kitchen updates.  Maybe not that big but certainly big for us getting rid of the microwave hood above the stove.<br /><br /><b>I'm curious, do any of you go without a microwave?  Where do you keep it?  If you don't have one, how do you survive without it? </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Diana </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">P.S.  The paint color on the door is called Spanish Green by Valspar.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">P.P.S.  The vibe spice jars can be found<a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/glass-spice-jar/s502057"> </a><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/glass-spice-jar/s502057">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

BIG Kitchen Updates

If you've read our blog for a while it shouldn't surprise you that installing these open shelves made from reclaimed walnut would start a design chain reaction in our kitchen.  That is, after all, how I roll.  Warning:  long post ahead with lots of pics.  :)I have never really liked this area of our…

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