Have a heart...

Little holiday touches in unexpected places just make me happy. An example...a simple heart garland draped over an entryway photo. I felt VERY accomplished after putting the garland together yesterday...I made the heart Yo-yo's last year with the intention of using them for a Valentine's Day project but never got around to it! Don't you just love moving a project from the "TO DO" to "DONE" list!!!

Love is in the air...

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, thought it was time to put a few "cupid" touches around the house...

 

And what better way to show a little love than to share homemade Kraut Bieroks (Cabbage Pockets) with thouse you love! ♥

Bench Redo...

I picked up a cute little bench a few weeks ago at a local thrift shop for under $5. It was in good condition, but a bit tattered from life (aren't we all !!!). I'd been bouncing back and forth trying to decide on a new color and fabric and finally just went for it. But before undertaking the project, I tryed a vinegar and oil solution tip I found on Pinterest to restore wood. I included pictures that show what the piece looked like before I applied the solution and after. I gotta tell you, I almost considered not redoing the piece after applying...it looked that much better! I even used the solution on the fabric and it improved as well. The solution does smell a bit "stinkly" though!

Since I bought the piece with the intention of experimenting with refinishing a project, the redo eventually won over. Here's the finished result...

I spray painted the piece with my new best friend (Oil Rubbed Bronze...see my "Light it up" post) and recovered the cushion in a faux leather. Those experienced in furniture refinishing can probably attest the piece is not perfect, but I'm pleased with it! Now on to the next project!!!  :)

Heartwarming Homecoming...

January 9, 2012, was a joyful day for our family...our son-in-law returned from a 6-plus month deployment! Though geographically separated from the actual homecoming site, emotions ran high for my husband and I as we monitored the computer hoping to catch a glimpse of our family members. Now I'm not much of a gambler, but I'm willing to bet you'll get teary when viewing a few of the homecoming photos below...so many emotions etched in those beautiful faces. 

God has richly blessed our country with brave men and women willing to defend our many freedoms. May he continue to protect our military and their families for their many sacrifices.

Light it up...

I've been wanting to update my "vintage" night stand lamps for quite some time now. I'd seen various DIY projects using Rust-Oleum Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint and knew that was the route I wanted to go. I FINALLY got around to the project and ♥ the results. Amazing how a coat of paint can transform an object. As many users have attested, this paint is my new best friend!!!

I did not sand or prime the lamps, simply covered "no paint zone" areas with aluminum foil and painted away...

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together ;)

Until next time, take care "Along the Way"...

Back to the everyday...

My husband and I were able to spend Christmas with our daughter and grandson in North Carolina. As our son-in-law is deployed, we hoped our visit would help brighten the holidays a bit for her. Our son-in-laws' family  also joined the festivities. Though our son-in-law was sorely missed, we had such a WONDERFUL time and were able to catch up on the many milestones our grandson has achieved his first year of life. Tomorrow will mark a week since we returned home. It was back to work for my husband today and life is returning to "normal" post holiday (whatever "normal" is!). Although the old adage says, "There's no place like home", we sure to miss that sweet little face and pitter patter of little feet!

'Wherever You Are'...

I recently heard a report on the national news about The Military Wives choir. For those unfamiliar with the group, the choir is comprised of wives of Chivenor Royal Marines. 'Wherever You Are" (written by Royal Wedding composer Paul Mealor, features lyrics compiled from letters to and from servicemen and their wives during an Afghanistan deployment). The choir was formed and tutored by choirmaster Gareth Malone. Having a daughter who's married to an American Marine, this song truly touches my heart...it captures emotions she and other military spouses experience so beautifully. I hope you'll take the time to listen to the song when you have a chance, and say a little prayer for those who sacrifice so much for us all!

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hR6O7VxKaQ