the little cottage on the pond...

Upcoming cottage projects...

2012-01-28T07:46:00.000-06:00

Travis is going to finish the last small touches to our closet today. A few holes to patch, hooks to hang- then really a finished project ; o )

I am wanting to find a screen door for the laundry room, hopefully today as I already have the beautiful silver doorknob/hardware to install on it.

Then to put the new doorknobs/hardware on the library doors.
This week will begin Hunter's room makeover...here is our inspiration pic:

Clearing the clutter...

2012-01-26T15:10:00.003-06:00

Well it's taken me a bit, but little by little the clutter is disappearing. Travis is almost finished with the closet, the only thing left is adding the curtain rod so that we can get our clothes hung up. I will be so happy when I can get dressed in only one room. Here's a few pics so far:

PB hamper- my fav

mad attention to detail...

Waving ; o )

Even Travis has a spot!

Sweaters I never get to wear...

Shoes...

Glorious shoes!

I also took my dad's dresser, yes the one that was in the entry for about five minutes ; o ) and put it in our bedroom. I removed the high-boy dresser and am much happier with the look.

The pouf is from Tuesday morning.

Pretty much every sign in our home was made by Melaine at My Sweet Savannah

The child's dresser is on Travis' side, not that I am calling him a child...it just worked out that way!

Then there was the library to unclutter...I can see how my dad and I are alike in the collecting department.

Shirley Temple picture was given to me by my Grandmother.

My dad's camera

Anne's first toe shoes...

Next up is the kitchen. I posted pics of it last week, poor thing was chair-less and alone...
Now she has a few friends:

And last but not least, the entry. I guess given that it's the entry it should have been first ; o) This was a zero cost project and I am super happy with the results. It's so us.

That's it for now. I am thinking that the Bear's room project will begin this weekend. Poor thing has been living with our closet in his room for the past three weeks. I'm sure he is more than ready to have his space back!

Toodles ; o )

Closet redo sneak peek and a new find!

2012-01-21T16:48:00.000-06:00

Travis has been slaving away at re-building our closet to better suit our needs. (that is code for accommodate my shoes!) Here are the progress shots:

The lighting in these pictures are horrible, as it is the last of the florescent lights in the house. A beautiful new schoolhouse light is sitting in a box just waiting to be installed. I love the attention to detail Travis puts into his work. The shelves on the clothing side are stained, and the shelves for our (my) shoes are painted. He even painted the underside of the bars to better blend into the stained shelves. If all goes as planned our (my) shoes can move in tomorrow : o )

As for the new find....

I had been on the look out for a new kitchen table. The farmhouse table was just too big for the space. While out with my mom last weekend I came upon a beautiful antique table from France. It was love at first sight. Doesn't she have amazing legs? She is rustic, but curvy and pretty. Tomorrow is chair day...stay tuned!

Entry way redo....

2012-01-21T16:40:00.000-06:00

I was dreaming about changing up the entry way a bit...had to wait for a Saturday to do it, so today I made a few changes.

From this:

To this:

I think it fits the style of the house a bit better : o ) The dresser belonged to my dad when he was a kid- so it is very special to me. I love that I see it every time I walk in the door.

Condo decorating

2012-01-21T15:29:00.001-06:00

I mentioned that I had taken a trip to help out a friend who was moving out of her house and into a condo. She was brilliant about only taking what she needed and what she loved. Here are the results:

*pictures were taken with my ipad, so please excuse the quality of the photos ; o )

Cutting the clutter...

2012-01-07T11:01:00.000-06:00

I recently spent a week getting a friend of mine moved & organized. She was in a position where she had to be selective about what she took to her new place. I told her to look at each item and ask herself these questions: 1. Do I need it? and 2. Do I love it? If she answered NO- she left it.

The result was a streamlined and very organized living space. There were a few things we needed to go out and get to fit the space, but overall she took exactly what she needed and loved. She text me the other day to let me know how productive and light she felt in her new space. Knowing that I helped someone to feel that way makes it all worth it!

This is my new focus for the year. Keeping my own space streamlined and organized. It may not always show, but like everyone else I tend to hang on to things I no longer need or love.

Now to get to work...

Cottage Christmas...

2012-01-02T19:01:00.000-06:00

It's funny how subtle the changes each year are in my family regarding Christmas. One year you are trying to get your overly excited kids to go to bed Christmas eve, and before you know it they are sleeping in on Christmas day....

Hunter was pretty excited about a few gifts he received...

as was David...

Does anyone else put an orange in the toe of the stocking? My mom did when we were kids, and it's a tradition I've continued. They asked me a few years ago why I did it, and I told them that it's for the simple reason that it rounds the stocking toe out nicely ; o )

Travis made pancakes for breakfast...

Sleepy Chef...

Jack was excited to open his stocking...

Anne made cards for all of us ; o )

All in all it was a fun and relaxing day. I'm looking forward to continuing our family traditions into next year!

All through the cottage...

2011-12-24T21:13:00.000-06:00

Christmas eve by the fire, watching A Christmas Story, eating take out Chinese food, spending the day in our pjs....perfection!

Hoping you are spending the holiday in whatever way celebrates family & friends for you ; o )

Happy holidays...

2011-12-23T05:38:00.000-06:00

From our cottage to yours:

Fluffing the cottage...

2011-12-22T17:20:00.002-06:00

I think Travis will be happy for me to return to work. When I'm home I tend to move things, organize things, paint things, and just generally change things. I love change, have I mentioned that before? ; o )

Moved the clock into front entry.

Redesigned table-scape.

Removed the slipcovers from the kitchen chairs.

Hot chocolate station.

Love these platters!

Our Tree.

My grandmother's writing desk.

I used 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup vinegar & flour to create a thick paste to clean the original brass hardware on the desk.

Old White & Graphite chalk paint.

Windsor chair moved to space where clock was.

I think that's it for now...

Linked up to:

House fluffing...

2011-12-21T15:59:00.001-06:00

Doing a bit of house fluffing...pics posted soon!

Chunking it out...

2011-12-20T09:24:00.001-06:00

No, I am not talking about the possible five pounds I have put on since getting out of school last Friday...

Before...

And after Travis added some chunky trim pieces to the cabinet edges:

Linked to:

A big clock...

2011-12-18T10:57:00.000-06:00

I saw this on another blog and just had to have it...not sure I hung it high enough, or maybe not styled right...what can I do different here??

While you were sleeping...

2011-12-17T09:39:00.004-06:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I have bouts of insomnia. I've seen doctors and even tried medication, but when my mind starts whirling I just can't seem to settle down and stay asleep. I used to just lay there, now I get up and do whatever it is that I feel like I need to do. I guess that is just a side effect of a creative ADHD mind. Instead of fighting it I kind of find myself embracing it. It tends to produce good results:

3:00 am. Up.

3:15 am Coffee & design blogs.

3:30 am We need open shelving. Now.

3:40 am Door removed, primer & paint out.

You get the picture ; o )

The dictionary is a gift from my dad. He loves old books and objects just as much as I do!

The Emma Bridgewater dishes are an early Christmas gift from my mom- we both share a love of dishes!

Monday I am headed out to the architectural supply store to get the glass doorknobs for the rest of the house. Then the door painting process begins ; o )

Linked up at:

Oh so Ho, Ho busy...

2011-12-16T04:38:00.000-06:00

I'm here, just crazy busy this last week of school before the holiday break. Travis and I have lots planned to knock out around the cottage, including painting all the interior doors chalk paint black, and getting started (finally) on Hunter's beds. I will also be making a trip out to Houston to get the glass doorknobs for all the doors.
PJ day today at school, so plaid flannel paired with duck shoes will be the outfit of choice for me. (can't get much more comfy than that!) Zombie skull PJ's for the Bear- and a half day to boot! I am staying a little late to get the last of papers graded and entered, then off to enjoy the break : o )

I'll be posting- I promise!

Christmas Cottage...

2011-12-02T09:24:00.001-06:00

These are my favorite ornaments from last year. Etsy, of course : o )

Three sheets to the wind...

2011-11-25T07:53:00.003-06:00

I am a sheet snob. There, I said it. Last year I purchased a set of Hotel Balfour sheets from Marshalls and I loved them. Problem is I could never find another set.

This led me to BBB last week on my quest for really soft sheets. 1000 thread count? Did that. Not so much on the soft part. So instead I tried Jersey knit sheets. T-Shirt material. My verdict?
They are * A M A Z I N G!

Pure Beech® Jersey Knit Sheet Set, 100% Modal

The softness of these extremely soft and light silk-like sheets is reminiscent of your favorite T-shirt, offering incomparable comfort. These unique sheets are made from modal, a high-strength fiber regenerated from the Beechwood trees of Europe. Conducted in accordance with ecological standards and sustainability, these sheets contain no pesticides or toxic substances. The result is a fabric that is extremely soft, durable and wonderfully brilliant in color. 100% modal. Fitted sheets fit mattresses up to 17" deep. Twin and Twin Extra Long sheet sets include fitted sheet, flat sheet and one standard pillowcase. Full and Queen sets include fitted sheet, flat sheet and two standard pillowcases. King and California King sets include fitted sheet, flat sheet and two king pillowcases. Machine wash. Imported. Additional pillowcases available separately in pairs.

These sheets come in the following colours:

Black

Graphite

White

Brown

Natural

Green

Navy

Light Blue

Purple

Fuschia

*I do not work for BBB, these opinions are my own!

Message in a bottle...

2011-11-21T18:13:00.000-06:00

Travis found this, so we looked it up:

JOHN R. DICKEY'S OLD RELIABLE EYE WASH MANUFACTURED BY DICKEY DRUG CO. BRISTOL, VA.

Turns out it's from the late 1800's and it's worth about $50 on e-bay! Not that I'm selling- DH found it and it fits right into our decor : o )

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2011-11-21T18:10:00.000-06:00

Spring?

Wreath!

Berry trees!

Stockings!

Forks....kidding, coffee?

Christmas Cottage...

2011-11-19T20:32:00.000-06:00

I began decorating today.

It all began with getting a new tree...

I'm sure I will be moving things around a bit more before I call it "finished".

Now to go drink some hot cocoa in our 80 degree weather ; o )

Dancing in the dark...

2011-11-12T18:56:00.000-06:00

Down lighting. We are so there. I am over the dark night exterior and am ready for some exterior canned lights, down lighting to be exact...

Any comments to spur Travis on for this project would be greatly appreciated ; o )

Finished project...

2011-11-09T06:02:00.006-06:00

I used Old White chalk paint for the molding and then went over it with a rustic brown wax. I am loving how it turned out!

A little crown...

2011-11-05T16:03:00.001-05:00

A little pooky in the corners, touch up paint & wax and I am going to call this project finished!

Linked up to:

Map Ceiling Project is underway!

2011-11-05T13:07:00.000-05:00

Sizing the ceiling...

This stuff is stinky!

These are the maps my dad used to navigate the boat down from Maine and our trips down the Inter-Coastal Waterway. I love that his chartings, markings, and handwriting are all over them : o )

Going up...

Love these : o )

I know it's not everyone's cup of tea to put old yellowed maps on the ceiling, but it's making me smile each time I walk by and look up.
Next up...some crown molding!

2011-10-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

Dreaming about possible bathroom renovations...

and...

This is our back patio (and Anne)

This is what we'd like to do with the floor.

This is our garage...

This is what I want to build on it.

This is our entryway ceiling...

This is what I want to do with it...next week ; o )

Using my dad's old nautical maps.

The weather has cooled off and I am itching to do a home improvement project! Travis will be off week after next so I think we will begin the ceiling then : o )

A gift...

2011-10-29T19:59:00.000-05:00

My dad is not one to part with things, so walking into his study is a bit like walking into one of those curiosity shops you see in old movies. There's everything from 17th century medical books, a skull, a brick from Yankee stadium, framed bugs from around the world, coins from every country, and who knows what else. I love that room. I love that it looks like the way my dad thinks. Broad, varied, and always interesting. Every time I go over there he makes it a point to call me in and show me something new. He gets so excited over new scientific discoveries or interesting people in history. My dad and I share a love of old things.

Today my dad gave me this:

It's an old transistor radio from the 30's. It's leather and the top opens up to reveal a map, and y'all know how I feel about those : o )

Boo and a Birthday : o )

2011-10-29T19:50:00.000-05:00

Anne turns 14 years old tomorrow. My baby girl is growing up...

My mom always makes the birthday cakes...

Necklace was a gift from us...

Yes, as of today Anne is a ginger : o )

So tonight will find me at home with a bunch of teenaged girls who will stay up way too late, eat way too much junk food, and watch way too scary movies.

In short, they are going to have fun : o )

Around the cottage...

2011-10-23T08:16:00.000-05:00

I have been making a few purchases here and there for the cottage. Stressful week? Try an English cheese platter...or butter platter...didn't you know that platters are the stress cure all??

Then there was the week that I worked long and hard only to end up in the ER on a Saturday diagnosed with Acute Bronchitis and Strep throat. Hi. Because I thought I had a sinus infection. Guess I should have paid more attention to that...but I did end up with a fabulous antique piano stool from Sadie Olive, which in my opinion made the whole ordeal ok!

Did you know that Ikea makes fabulous organizing box thingies? Well they do! Inexpensive, sleek and with label ability. Three wows in my book :o )

Last but not least, there is my dog, Jack, who makes me happy to be home on the weekends throwing a ball around our tiny back yard.

This kid does a good job of making weekends fun too...

Where I've been and where I'm going...

2011-10-22T13:54:00.000-05:00

When I started this blog I promised myself that I would not be one of those people who goes great guns and then suddenly evaporates into thin air. I probably started in the summer, because in looking at my number of posts per month, school starts and the evaporation process begins.

I am loving school this year. Third grade could not suit me better. I have a wonderful group of kids and parents, and more than any other year I feel as if we are all working toward a common goal. That said, learning a new grade level is feeling a lot like being a first year teacher. I rise at the crack of crazy, get to work by 7 and stay until late. Weekends are a time to catch up on sleep and then dive back into preparing for the next week of learning.

A good friend and colleague shared this poem with me this morning. It pretty much sums up my attitude toward reading, writing and test taking. Just want to pass it on...

Revolution for the Tested

Write.

But don’t write what they tell you to.
Don’t write formulaic paragraphs
Counting sentences as you go
Three-four-five-Done.
Put your pencil down.

Don’t write to fill in lines.
For a weary scorer earning minimum wage
Handing out points for main ideas
Supported by examples
From the carefully selected text.

Write for yourself.
Write because until you do,
You will never understand
What it is you mean to say
Or who you want to be.
Write because it makes you whole.

And write for the world.
Because your voice is important.
Write because people are hurting
Because animals are dying
Because there is injustice
That will never change if you don’t.
Write because it matters.

And know this.
They’ll tell you it won’t make a difference,
Not to trouble over grownup things,
Just fill in the lines
And leave it at that.
Tell them you know the truth.
That writing is powerful.
Just one voice on the page
Speaks loudly.
And not only can a chorus of those united change the world.
It is the only thing that ever has.

Read.

But don’t read what they tell you to.
Don’t read excerpts, half-poems,
Carefully selected for lexile content,
Or articles written for the sole purpose
Of testing your comprehension.

Don’t read for trinkets,
For pencils or fast food coupons.
Don’t even read for M&M’s.
And don’t read for points.

Read for yourself.
Read because it will show you who you are,
Who you want to be some day,
And who you need to understand.
Read because it will open doors
To college and opportunity, yes,
And better places still…
Doors to barns where pigs and spiders speak,
To lands where anything is possible.
To Hogwarts and Teribithia,
To Narnia and to Hope.

Read for the world.
Read to solve its problems.
Read to separate reality from ranting,
Possibility from false promise.
And leaders from snake oil peddlers.
Read so you can tell the difference.
Because an educated person is so much harder
To enslave.

And know this.
They’ll say they want what’s best for you,
That data doesn’t lie.
Tell them you know the truth.
Ideas can’t be trapped in tiny bubbles.
It’s not about points
On a chart or a test or points anywhere.
And it never will be.

Copyright 2010 ~ Kate Messner

I'll be around. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I have a few house projects in the works. Things should be settling down soon...I think ; o )

Never forget...

2011-09-11T10:52:00.002-05:00

Homecoming...

2011-09-11T10:34:00.002-05:00

My reading boys!

Sunday Sewing...

2011-09-11T10:31:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning and decided to sew. Last weekend I took the large leaf out of my kitchen table. It only took a year and a half to admit that the table was too big for the space. We had a large piece of glass cut for the table to protect the wood, so making the table smaller left the wood exposed. I had bought a painter's drop cloth at Lowes after I saw a fitted table cloth on Etsy, and decided to give my sewing skills a workout and create one of my own.

My new Emma Bridgewater piece...

again with the EB love...

new plants for the front planter- Fall ; o )

I am ready for fall to arrive...ready for cooler weather...ready for pumpkins, leaves and Charlie Brown.

And the verdict is in!

2011-08-27T19:41:00.000-05:00

I finally got to use my new Black & Decker steam mop this morning...WOW! Love it- did a fantastic job of getting the dirt up and it was super easy to use. Gotta love that ;o )

Sorry for the serious lack of posting. School is officially in and 17 hour days are beating me up! I slept 12 hours last night with a three hour nap this afternoon. The first weekend after the first week back is always rough. Things should get better from here. I have a great group of kids & parents this year and I am very excited for all the learning we will do.

On the homefront, Travis has a long change week coming up, so we should be able to begin on some of our house "to-do's " soon...

Black and Decker Steam Mop...

2011-08-14T09:53:00.000-05:00

I just ordered one of these...hoping it is all that and a bag of chips : o )

I'll let you know once it gets here and I tackle these wood floors with it!

Happy Camper...

2011-08-13T21:02:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago we dropped off Anne for her first ever away camp experience. I missed her and wondered constantly if she was having fun even though I knew she probably was. I hoped that she would make new friends, laugh, get outside her comfort zone, and have new adventures.

Watching her say goodbye to her bunkmates and listening to the stories of her adventures showed me that she did just that. She sucked the marrow out of those 14 days of camp, savouring every morsel of adventure that came her way. Not just attending camp, but really living it at full tilt. I love that about Anne- she does things to the fullest with all her ability.

These memories will tide her over until next summer when girls will reconvene on camp grounds and build new memories to stack on top of the old ones. Each year I get closer to seeing the woman that she will grow up to be and my heart swells to the size of Texas with pride.

Busy bee...

2011-08-12T01:42:00.000-05:00

I've been at school all week getting my room ready for the start of school. I do have a few little projects in the works and will post soon!

Bicycle built for two...

2011-08-07T09:45:00.000-05:00

Dr. Sister is buying one of these for me today. It's my birthday present. I'm thinking that one way or another she is going to force me to exercise and be healthy. I told her that the bike had to have a basket so that, you know, Jack the doxie could be fit too...

Cottage meets industrial...

2011-08-06T12:22:00.000-05:00

I love industrial items in decorating. If it can give you tetanus I am all over it ; o )

World Market just came out with an idustrial counter stool that I just fell in love with. DH ran over there some months ago and put two on hold for me when they came off backorder, sometime in August.

Well WM called...and they are here! We had some issues with the one counter stool, the screw was stripped and we had to take it back for another or Travis could have rethreaded it, but in the end it was easier to exchange it. Other than that we are loving the look in our modern cottage kitchen.

Vintage stools look more so in B&W...

I also had Travis add this tassel to my wall map. I've had it forever, and figured this spot was perfect for it...

This week will find me at school mostly, putting the finishing touches on my classroom. I do have a couple of little projects that may get squeezed in. Dad is on the mend and feeling much better. Thank you for the sweet comments on my last post.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Interrupted & a birthday...

2011-08-05T09:06:00.000-05:00

My map project has been put on hold along with some other last minute house things that I was going to try and finish up before school started. My dad has been sick this past week, and my worry has just sucked all the decorating drive right out of me.

I am a daddy's girl. Always have been and always will be. Growing up, my dad was the one who "got" me mostly because we are so alike. My dad was born in 1928, in fact today he turns 83, and has done in more with what he was given than anyone I know. He dropped out of high school at the age of 15 to join the Marine Corps (yes, lied about his age and got in!). While in the service he broke his foot but never said anything because he didn't want to be discharged. To this day he has a bone spur that grows out of the bottom of his foot and he saws it off with a razor blade. I guess once a Marine always a Marine.

Despite dropping out of school, my dad believed in the value of education. He went back and got his GED, but instead of college he started a business from an invention he had sketched on a cocktail napkin in a bar. That invention went on to become a very successful multi-million dollar corporation that he still consults for today. He is an engineer in the truest sense and the most well read person I know.

My Dad has always been my hero. He could fix anything, Macgyver style, no matter how broken it was. If something was wrong my dad made it better. In the hospital after giving birth to Sara and finding out she might have Down Syndrome, it was my dad who held my hand, and with tears streaming down his face he told me that it would all be ok. And I believed him, because if Dad said it would be ok then it would.

I've been spending my evenings at my parents. Mostly just sitting and watching old movies on TCM with my dad. Charlie Chaplin, Bette Davis, and Humphrey Bogart have been keeping us company while my dad rests. The conversation is sparse, but we are there together, this time me being the one to tell him it's going to be ok.

Happy Birthday Dad, and thank you for being someone I could look up to. Thank you for giving me a hero.

More painted chalk furniture...

2011-07-31T07:56:00.007-05:00

Yesterday I decided to make a few changes to a couple of pieces of furniture. The dresser in Hunter's room belonged to my dad as a kid and started out maple. I had painted it black years ago and have always loved it. This house is a bit different with its super dark wood floors, so I am gradually lightening up the look of our furniture and this piece was begging for a makeover.

So out came the chalk paint...

dresser before

and after. I used two coats of Paris Gray with one coat of clear wax. Distressed using a light grit sand paper. I am liking the lighter look much better in here : o )

Then it was on to Anne's room. She has had this vanity for a couple of years now and complained about a lack of colour in her room...

vanity before...

I love how the duck's egg blue peeks through...

and after. I used Duck Egg Blue as an undercoat, then topped it off with Paris Gray and one coat of wax. Lightly distressed and buffed.

My plan for today was to take it easy, but as I am sitting here I am looking at my vintage settee sofa and thinking "those legs could use some work..."

Here I go again!

Linked up to Southern Hospitality's Thrifty Treasures

Also, head over to Modern Country Style for the most amazing Emma Bridgwater giveaway!

Linked up to Shades of Amber chalk paint party ; o )

Lighten up...

2011-07-29T14:38:00.002-05:00

I have had this black cabinet (attic heirlooms by Broyhill) for ages now. It was totally black, including the back of the cabinet and I had been wanting to paint the back of it for a while.

Travis went back to work today, so I woke up grabbed my brush and some chalk paint and just did it.

Annie Sloan's Chalk paint in Old Ochre

two coats and no wax...

I'm liking this look much better!

Linked here to Feathered Nest Friday

Also linked up to Furniture Feature Friday over at Miss.Mustard Seed

Friday morning mini-paint project...

2011-07-29T10:27:00.002-05:00

This is what happens when I'm left alone in the cottage on a Friday morning...

started out with this table we got off Craigslist...

One coat of chalk paint...

waxed & buffed...

liking this much better : o )

Woke up this morning and decided to do a mini-paint project on the little side table on Travis' side of the bed. I'm wondering if he will notice ; o )

Linked up to Miss.Mustard Seeds Furniture Feature Friday!

Linked up to Feathered Nest Friday

July project wrap-up....

2011-07-29T09:49:00.001-05:00

So here is what we accomplished here at the cottage this past month...

Rebuild of the kitchen island & kitchen chalk painted cabinets...

Chalk painted interior doors for kitchen & vintage glass knob hardware...

Mini-spruce up of the Bear's bed...

A few old but new chalk painted pieces...

A couple of new pillows from Tuesday Morning for the living room...

and that about wraps up July! Still hoping to squeeze in a few more projects before school starts back...

Linked up to Feathered Nest Friday

back to work...

2011-07-29T08:23:00.000-05:00

I hosted a luncheon for my new third grade team last week. I love to entertain, but sadly get to do little of it during the school year. I decided on serving chopped salad with homemade balsamic vinigarette, fresh baked french rolls, bananna pudding, raspberry tea and homemade lemonade.

We had a nice lunch and got to spend a little time getting to know each other better. I am excited for the new year and new challenges at work. I love learning new things, and since I will be teaching third grade (self contained) I know that I will!

In other news, my birthday present to myself showed up on my doorstep yesterday...love : o )

Also, stumbled on this picture and I think Travis is excited about a new project in the Bear's room:

Giveaway...

2011-07-28T08:28:00.002-05:00

If you go over here to Chipping with Charm you can enter to win one of these...

Don't miss out!

Vintage door knobs...

2011-07-23T13:24:00.006-05:00

I am constantly trying to find ways to make our "new" home look "old". I love vintage hardware and am especially fond of door plates & glass doorknobs. I found both while out yesterday in Houston. Travis found some bolts that would work to secure the knobs to the doors. Since the doors are pull doors we didn't have to worry about actual working knobs, although if I could we would have these on all our doors!
My mom was telling me about how excited my Grandma Gross was when she had all of her doorknobs replaced and was able to toss all of the glass knobs in the trash. Sorry Grandma, no offense, but you were crazy to let these go...

Up next: maps on the ceiling...

Linked up here

and linked up here

and here

Best foot forward...

2011-07-23T11:09:00.006-05:00

Travis put the finishing touches on our kitchen cabinets by putting some feet on them. I am loving the custom farmhouse look we have going. Today he is going to add the vintage door plates & glass knobs to the craft closet doors. I picked them up at a shop in Houston yesterday and I can't wait to see how they look : o )

corner feet aka third position in ballet...

The cabinets are painted using Annie Sloane chalk paint in Country Grey (lower cabinets) and Old White (upper cabinets) the large pantry is painted with Old White on the base and Country Grey on the large doors. I wanted to break it up a bit. The cabinet hardware was purchased here and I love the bronze finish and how solid/heavy they are.

Next up: vintage door plates & glass knobs...

Linked up here

Linked up to Shades of Amber Chalk paint party : o )

Linked up to Miss Mustard Seed

I was featured at Shades of Amber : o )

Master bath remodel plans...

2011-07-23T08:10:00.000-05:00

When we built our home we were asked if we wanted to upgrade the bath cabinets to the same ones in the kitchen. We said no, but what they did not explain to us was that in doing that the cabinets would be taller. So basically what we ended up with were child sized cabinets that for a grown man could serve as a urinal in heighth. Ridiculous. I did what I always do when I don't like the look of something- slipcover or skirt it. Up went the skirts which improved the look but did nothing about the height.

Here are a few of the inspiration pictures I've found for our new and improved master bath. The plans are to put in new tile, build out new cabinets, sink & vanity area, new mirrors and add another light.

I love the storage towers in this picture...

These are the sinks I like and found at Ikea!

These are the sink bases Travis will build...

I just love the slate grey & blues in this room...

The vanity area will have a wood top with glass overlay

Beadboard skirting added to the tub surround and wall behind the sinks...

Love this tile...

Love the glam touches in this one...

So that's the plan...

Cottage projects...

2011-07-22T06:59:00.000-05:00

Now that we are home from the river there are a few projects I plan to tackle this week. My fav contractor is off from his day job this week, so completing these is looking promising!

size entry ceiling and apply maps & crown molding
finish cabinet feet in kitchen
revamp inside of craft closet doors for books and a cork board
install canned lights in living room with a dimmer switch

I know that seems like a lot, but I am anxious to get these small things finished before going back to school in a few weeks.

"A few weeks? Nooooo!"

Dancing queen....

2011-07-22T06:27:00.001-05:00

Anne spent three days at Dance Olympus last week...it was fun to watch her learn new dances and work with the other girls. She is so creative and artsy...I love that about her.

Gruene & Schlitterbahn...

2011-07-21T20:43:00.002-05:00

We are home from our whirlwind summer trip...I was gone for three days with Anne for dance camp, then home laundry/pack and back out the door for the river. I'm exhausted, but it was so much fun!

Me & Kristin- We met through blogs ; o )

Swim, swim...

2011-07-10T09:56:00.001-05:00

Summer swim party 2011 was a HUGE hit : o )

Dreaming of...

2011-07-08T06:29:00.000-05:00

I am really feeling some window boxes for the front two windows...copper has my eye : o )

Chalk painted furniture...

2011-07-08T06:14:00.002-05:00

Annie Sloan chalk paint

potting table (used to be kitchen island) painted in Duck's Egg Blue with Old White & dark wax

Splayed leg table painted in Old White, clear wax & distressed

Sofa table painted in Old White, dark wax & distressed

Kitchen cabinets painted in Country Grey, waxed & distressed

Front entry cabinets painted in Old White, clear wax & distressed

Another shot of lower kitchen cabinets

Closet doors in kitchen painted using Graphite & clear wax

I order my paint from here and it really is as easy to work with as what you've heard! I love the softness of the paint finish and how the colours are matte instead of shiny. I've painted so much here lately that our little Doxie, Jack, is starting to look a bit nervous ; o )

Linked up to the fabulous....

also linked up here

The 4th...

2011-07-07T14:28:00.000-05:00

About the only way to photograph me that I like...

mom's table decorations...

dad's fried chicken...

Sara with a random puppet...

Anne

Anne & David...

Sara reading "her" book...

Anne & Sara

maps for the ceiling...

Hunter home from Dallas...

David

Map idea...

2011-07-06T17:05:00.001-05:00

Martha Stewart

My dad gave me all of his old nautical maps and I'm thinking this might be a fun idea for our front entry ceiling...

Making a house your own...

2011-07-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

We have been busy this summer with various projects around the cottage. Some of my neighbors have seen our kitchen cabinet painting and really loved it, but all of them seem a bit shocked at our painting brand new cabinets in a brand new built house.

I have to admit I felt a bit apprehensive about painting them as well. I kept thinking, "Well, they are new..." but in the end I knew that each time I walked into that kitchen it just didn't feel like us. It felt like the model home, so out came the brush and chalk paint...

Whether your home is old, new, or somewhat newish- it doesn't matter. What's important is putting your stamp and style on it. Making it your own and feeling comfortable in a space that reflects your style and way of life. For us that means imperfect finishes and decor that might requrie a tetanus shot if you cut yourself on it ; o )

So my point in all of this is don't worry about what you are "supposed" to do regarding your home. Just get in there and do what feels like you. You'll be happy every time you open your front door...

Fourth of July cottage garden...

2011-07-02T09:06:00.000-05:00

Front container...

Cottage garden decorated for the 4th...

Just an FYI...you have to be a certain height to pull down an attic ladder.

Flags...and to do that at five feet tall, you have to drag another ladder over to the attic ladder.

Flags & happy little yellow flowers...and it's probably NOT a good idea to do all of that while wearing flip flops.

Flags & happy little yellow flowers...not that I would ever do anthing like that.

Also, when husband says, "The fourth of July decorations are at the top of the attic stairs" what he really means is, "I have cleverly disguised the Fourth of July decorations by putting them in an unmarked trash bag therefore making them look like random trash instead of what you were looking for."

The lesson learned in all of this is that I am short, but determined, because even though it nearly cost me my life I got that ladder down (and back up) planted those flowers, and put out the flags. Thank you.

So Happy 4th of July y'all!

Graphite chalk painted doors...

2011-07-01T09:13:00.000-05:00

Ever read the book If You Give A Moose A Muffin?

Once the cabinets were finished I decided that the doors needed a little aging as well...

In our old house we had painted all of our interior doors a matte black and I loved them. When we moved here we decided to live in the house a bit before we did anything drastic...and by a bit I mean less than a year. True to our style of doing things!

So here are the kitchen doors in two coats of graphite chalk paint with clear wax...

Chalk painted cottage kitchen cabinets...

2011-06-30T14:16:00.004-05:00

Well, we did it. Jumped once more into the Annie Sloan chalk paint and finally made our kitchen look like our style instead of "builder" style.

Before:

And after:

The bottom cabinets and pantry door are painted in Country Grey, the top cabinets are painted Old White. We did two coats of paint, then mild distressing and waxing with clear wax. I am loving this look so much more than I did the cabinets before. We picked our cabinets through the builder, but light coloured ones were not an option, so we just went with a wood we thought we could live with.
In looking at the kitchen now it seems to fit in better with the rest of our cottage.

This paint is super easy to work with. If you have any questions, just leave me a comment and I will be happy to answer.

Island progress continues...

2011-06-25T18:26:00.000-05:00

I liked the island so much that I went ahead and painted the lower cabinets...

Upper cabinets to be done tomorrow...

Island progress...

2011-06-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

Quarter round, pooky, sanding, painting, distressing & waxing left to go!

De plane, de plane...

2011-06-19T19:11:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Fantasy Island!

Kidding. Sort of...we are redoing our cottage kitchen island this weekend. And by "we", I mean "he".

I point and paint.

So here are the before & durings:

What our builder called an island. Um, no.

Demo...

Building it out to support the new chunky columns....think, PB.

Finial pieces from the Urban Market...

Construction Jack...

Two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk paint in Old White...

Clear wax and buffed...

Entry table that I painted this morning....

Don't ask me how many coats of paint are on this table!

Houston, we have beadboard!

Hello lover ; o )

Almost to the finish line...

2011-06-18T06:05:00.000-05:00

Going today to take my EC-6th Generalist exam...passed my Special Education exam a few weeks ago. I completed my math training and was a presenter at a technology conference in Galveston this past week. Now I have three days of Science Institute where I will get my 6 hour GT update finished and get certified to have animals in my classroom : o ) (only the cuddly ones!)

I can almost taste summer!

In other news we have demo-ed the kitchen island and Travis will be starting the wood-work on that today. I will post some pics tonight.

No rest for the weary...

2011-06-12T17:38:00.000-05:00

I am presenting at a conference tomorrow and Tuesday on technology in the classroom. Our topic is Blogging & Glogging in the classroom. I'm excited, but a bit on the nervous side. This is a big conference!
Wednesday & Thursday will find me at math training: Number Talks in the Classroom. I am still having a hard time wrapping my brain around calling myself a math teacher.
Late Thursday I am meeting with a group of teachers to head up a book study on Hidden Gems by Katherine Bomer. Love her! We are meeting at my neighborhood pool...trying to fuse learning and summer.
Friday is a meeting to quilt...more on that later!
Saturday is my EC-6th generalist teaching exam....I found out this week that I aced my Special Education exam : o ) Now I am ESL, GT & Special Ed...a full circle.

Next week is Science Institute...but only 3 days worth and I will get my GT update hours as well as certification to have and handle animals in my classroom. (Another thing I am trying to wrap my brain around!)

Life is good...

The Graduate...

2011-06-06T13:53:00.001-05:00

She did it!!

To Sara...

2011-06-04T12:26:00.003-05:00

To Sara. You proved a lot of people wrong, and for that you are my hero.

Love,
Mom

*high school graduation is tonight!

And then there was one...

2011-06-02T03:20:00.001-05:00

Today is the last day of school. I am busy getting end of year paperwork finished up, which should happen by the end of the day today. Then it's time to get my classroom packed up and moved...going to 3rd grade next year, and I am VERY excited about the possiblities for teaching reading across the curiculum. I have many hours of workshops, professional development book studies, two major certification exams, and meetings planned for the month of June.

July will find us floating down the river in Gruene and spending some quality family time together.

August I will head back up to school and put together my new & improved classroom design...

Hooray for summer!

In just four days...

2011-06-01T05:20:00.001-05:00

This beautiful girl will walk across the same stage I did 25 years ago and get her high school diploma. To the doctors who said she would never walk, talk, or attend public school: you were so wrong- she not only walks, talks, and attended school, but she reads, writes and does basic math. She is an amazing swimmer and bowler. She is wonderful with kids and will work part time next year with our three year olds in the Special Education program. She has a wicked sense of humor and is fun to be around.

She is so much more than what the doctors said she wouldn't be.

PS-Last night I told Sara that I wanted to give her something, so after her shower she came into my room and I gave her my senior class ring to wear until hers is ordered. She noticed her school name on it and told me she loves it!

Cottage breakfast...

2011-05-28T14:30:00.000-05:00

I'm a cereal and juice mom during the week. The thought of cooking food (gag!) in the morning, along with the clean up and dishes (double gag!) well, the thought of it is enough to make me hurl.

So I don't do it.

But, the weekends. Those are totally different. I can cook later (after 9- not gag), and I can get creative, play with food, AND have time to clean up the kitchen. So M-F cottage breakfasts = not such a great mom. Weekend cottage breakfasts = look out chef puck. Kidding. Not really...

Eggs with fresh herbs, toast & fanned strawberries

Sourdough toast with Gruyere cheese, fresh cilantro & blackberries

Then again, in Florida cottage breakfast can look like this...

and that breakfast gives me the title Best Mom EVER!

Post-op rain gutter bookshelves...

2011-05-24T17:37:00.000-05:00

This is what post-op knee surgery for my hubby looks like..

My Hollywood glam girl...

2011-05-20T18:59:00.000-05:00

Sara's prom is tonight...she is all glam, glitter & girly. She told me that her plan is to, "Dance all night and maybe stop to eat for a little bit." Knowing her she will dance the whole time and forget to eat- same as last year.
Senior prom. I remember sitting on my sofa when she was a newborn and just diagnosed with having Down Syndrome and crying because I was certain that prom was something she would never get to go to.
I'm so glad that in raising Sara I have proven myself wrong over and over again.

She's totally rocking the prom thing ; o )

Reading Rumble...

2011-05-20T06:49:00.000-05:00

Our students participated in the annual Reading Rumble in our district. They did not win, but the team-work and spirit they showed was amazing. They comforted, supported, and cheered each other on like nobody's business! I was so proud of them and our amazing librarian. Way to go!

My Sweet Savannah...

2011-05-18T04:43:00.001-05:00

Here are some of my purchases from Melaine over at My Sweet Savannah ... I think she's just the bee's knees!

Cottage garden...

2011-05-16T06:35:00.000-05:00

Travis spent the better part of the weekend finishing up our new and improved "simpler beds". We, and by "we" I mean Travis ; o ), tore out all the holly bushes that lined the back fence and put in two smaller rock lined beds. He found a beautiful Crepe Myrtle to replace the sad Charlie Brown palm tree and we filled in the bed using white plumbago. I will probably add some blue daze to put along the edge. The opposite side has another rock bed with a purple butterfly bush and yellow iris underneath. I will add something that flowers in white that can drape the edges on that one. I am all about the draping when it comes to the garden. We also found a pineapple plant for Anne to keep on the porch. She is my Florida girl and loves anything tropical.
I ordered the outdoor curtains for the patio and we are looking into stains for the patio itself. The ceiling is painted Palladian Blue by Sherwin Williams and there are two fans I found on Amazon to move the air around.
We are so close to calling this project finished!

Urban Market...

2011-05-15T20:48:00.000-05:00

Came home with five of these...

and one vintage rice bucket...

Cottage chalk paint...

2011-05-14T07:28:00.000-05:00

My attempts at using chalk paint with wax finish...

Girl's night and Mom's day...

2011-05-13T17:28:00.002-05:00

1984?...

2011-05-08T14:23:00.002-05:00

80's day at school last week. I was totally feeling rad in my 80's gear : o )

Cottage looks...

2011-05-01T19:03:00.001-05:00

Serious "Cookie?" look...

Hopeful cookie look...

summer mantle look...

entry hall table look...

library shelf look...

Buddy like a rockstar...

2011-05-01T07:47:00.000-05:00

Sara & Emily: Best Buddies 2011

Walk this way...

Exactly.

Friendship bracelets...

Mom & Sara

The Amazing Carter: The Magician

This guy stole the show with his Michael Jackson Moves...

And Sara couldn't resist busting a move right along with him...

Peace out...

Chippy corbels...

2011-04-23T14:52:00.000-05:00

Found these beauties on Etsy....Travis put them up this morning...their antique chippyness makes me happy : o )

Bear's room...

2011-04-23T14:51:00.000-05:00

Cleared out the extra bed, cleaned, organized...more room now for little Bear to play : o )

Front landscaping project complete...

2011-04-22T21:32:00.000-05:00

Finished! Travis knows that paint and landscaping are my diamonds & fur ; o )
Tomorrow I am doing a clean out/ mini makeover in Hunter's room and we are installing the antique corbels under the bar...