~ Making Changes ~

I decided to redo my header. I really loved the old one, but it too gets a little old after a while. Spent my weekend constructing the rag wreaths that you see in my new header. Wow, I did not realize how long it takes to rip and tear and tie knots. I think they look pretty good, and are just the right touch of shabby if I do say so myself. Not only that, but I have them listed for sale amongst many other goodies that can be found on my newly created Etsy shop. Have a look!!! http://www.etsy.com/shop/fleachic

~ Primitive's Part 2 ~

" Kitchen Counter..."

" Kitchen with a few friendly faces below....."

" Living room back wall..."

" Full view of kitchen...."

" Living room....."

Here are some more photos of Marcey's lovely home. Who ever said you can't fit a lot of goodies into a small space. Placement is key when you decorate, and I think everything in this house is exactly where it should be.....

~ Positively Primitive ~

" Dining Room....."

" Kitchen Nook......"

" Dining Room Corner....."

" Megan's Room with newspaper for wall covering......Ingenious, inexpensive and lovely..."

" Marcey's Master Bedroom...."

Spent a wonderful, and long over due day, with my old friend Marcey yesterday. What fun we had shopping and snooping. She was my mentor as a new nurse several years ago. We will have to play catch-up with one another and I am looking forward to that. I remember first visiting her house and absolutely falling in love with her style. She is a true lover of primitive pieces and colors. I took a few photos of her house, but you have to see it to believe it. It is so lovely. She has done an outstanding job of decorating her home. Thanks again Marcey for the lovely time!!!!......

~ Simple Beauty ~

" Simple yet elegant..."

" Less is more...."

" Fake Rose stems and framed prints for place settings...."

" Seeing a lot of these potted plants....so Country French feeling...."

" My coffee crystal stained Peonies....."

Another day in the house brings me to post another batch of inspirational decorating, but this time it is simplicity in beauty and not so much the opulence of the prior posts. White with gray backgrounds-really kinda nice. Sweet and simple ideas to use for your decorating at home. These are from the book Living with Lace. Oh and by the way, I had a little time on my hands today so I decided to coffee stain some white Peony flowers. I love the sepia tone that the instant coffee creates.......

~ Day Dreaming ....Part 2...~

" Imagine the love letters that have been written here....."

" Cozy up to the fireplace......"

" A grand entrance....."

" I am sooooo in love with these drapes........"

" Now this is a kitchen to love......."

Here are some more inspirational photos.......

~ Day Dreaming.....Part 1 .... ~

" I hear Chopin......"

" Is it a revamped headboard or a piece of an old vanity?....."

" Alfred! Draw my bath...."

" Wow!!! Would you mind your clothes being stored in here?....."

" This is a wonderful book......"

I am a firm believer in passing on fantastic ideas and awesome beauty. Since we are snowbound today, I got out some of my trusty decorating books. Jessica McClintock was always a favorite designer of mine in my younger days. And it is no wonder that this lovely lady is as good of an interior designer as she is a fashion icon. See for yourself......

~ Winter White ~

" Not snow, but white all the same....."

" Ozzy doesn't care about the snow, he's ready to play ball...."

" Presley just made his first "yellow snow"......."

All snowed in and they still had school today. Oh well, maybe better luck tomorrow for the kids. I was already sliding to drop my daughter off at school this morning, so I shudder to think about the conditions in the morning. It is beautiful however. Winter white- how lovely.....

~ Friday Night Fun ~

" After "

" Before "

Ok, so I bought this kinda ugly old vanity/dresser at Goodwill today. Check out all the old water marks and stains. You really have to look beyond the "ugly" and try to imagine the beauty in the piece. Is it the lines or the wood? Is it the age of the piece and does it have the potential to become something much more? I love to look beyond an item and try to transform the piece into a one of a kind treasure. I think we all love to do that. It is amazing how that "ugly duckling" can really become a Swan....Tell me what you think. Painted it my usual cream color and then thought why not try a little black stripe and wah-la.....

~ Glimpses ~

Before I head out today I thought I would post a picture of the beautiful lamp (yes another lamp) that my lovely daughter bought me for Christmas. It seems that these figural metal lamps are getting harder to find and more expensive. I love the chippy paint! It is huge and heavy. Now I need to find just the right place to put it.....

~ Dogs Days of Winter ~

" Is it too much to ask to be left alone?......"

" Hmmmmm....Wonder what he's been up to?.......8 months later and still getting into trouble..."

" I remember about 8 months ago when Presley first became part of our family....."

I could think of nothing better on a cold winter's day than to take a few pictures of our furry friends here at home. As you can see, Presley has really grown. Sushi is her usual self and enjoys a day of heavy snoring and resting.....