It's been a while...

Gosh, it's been a while since I've posted here (as in YEARS!). Much has changed in my life during that time as I'm sure it has in yours as well. One nice thing about social media forums, they help us to remember past events when the ol memory doesn't...the good, bad, and some where in between. Though much has changed, much has remained the same. I still enjoy "treasure hunting" at local collectible stores. These small little garden gates were one of my most recent finds. I can think of many applications for them.

Also found this sweet little Spring / Easter wreath in the most beautiful muted greens and blue.

That's it for me this go round. I hope to be a bit more regular in my visits here. Hope you will as well.

Until next time...

We remember...

Contentment...

In this age of social media, it's so easy to compare our life with that of others. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy online media sites A LOT (sometimes bordering on addiction). I don't know about you, but I find it so easy to slip into "coveting mode" whether it be a gorgeous home, travels to an exotic land, meal preparation fit for a photo shoot, DIY projects with perfect results, and on and on.

I often find myself saying, "Self, take a step back and remember, you have a GREAT life!". 

I never spoke truer words!!!

Wait...tomorrow's July 4th?!!!!

My husbands' youngest sister and her family (a husband, 21 and 19-year old kiddos) have been visiting from out-of-state for the last six days. Although they've bunked at my in-laws' house, we've spent most of the daylight hours with them (my in-law's are in their mid to late eighties and tend to like their quiet time!). Our "Tennessee kin" head out today, making a stop in the Bastrop area to visit more family and share in their annual July 4th celebration. Wait, JULY 4TH CELEBRATION?!!!! That's tomorrow? Yikes, with all the additional activity the last few days, I have no red, white and blue festivities in the making! Guess I'd best pull out a few of the mini "Old Glories" and get in the patriotic frame of mind. 

That being said, wishing you and yours a happy and safe Independence Day!

Please keep the brave men and women serving our country in your thoughts and prayers as well as the families that 

love and support them!

Happy Birthday America!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Independence Day! My husband and I had hoped to attend a small July 4th Celebration hosted by our daughter and her little family. Unfortunately, he's been suffering from flu-like symptoms the past few days. We don't want to take the chance of exposing others, so we'll be staying home. :(

In between nursing duties, I managed to spiff up our front entry a bit. I purchased this old tennis ball basket months ago at my favorite collectible shop knowing I could do SOMETHING with it (I planned to spray paint it with my favorite Oil-rubbed bronze, but never got around to it). I drug it out of the garage, added a garland, vase filler and slapped on our address with vinyl numbers. It's the perfect size for the narrow front entry and blends nicely with my simple Red, White and Blue holiday decor. Super simple, and super easy to change from season to season.

Enjoy your holiday!

God Bless America!

Nothing like a fresh coat of paint...

Repainting my master bedroom has been on my "to do" list for awhile now. I was having difficulty deciding on a color that would work with the existing neutral walls, flooring and carpet, but finally decided on Sherwin Williams Copen Blue. Like many newer homes, the house has bullnosed (rounded) corners and the rooms flow into one another with the exception of the bedrooms, baths and laundry room. My home is rather dark due in part to outdoor solar window screens, so dark colors are off the table. Most of my home is painted in Sherwin Williams Macadamia...not a bad color, but I'm ready for a change. I knocked out the painting yesterday...a full day of work between prepping, moving furniture, painting, cleaning and putting the room back together. I can hardly move today, but it's DONE!!!!  ;)

If you have a favorite neutral interior paint color, please let me know...I'm weighing my options for the remainder of the house. Hmmmmm, if I wait until summer break, maybe I can recruit my hubby to help for the next round of painting! Here's a "before" and "after" of the bed area...

Have a great weekend everyone!

She's here!!!!!!

Life has been a bit crazy as of late in my neck of the woods. Most notably, my daughter gave birth to her second child on April 5th.

Let me introduce you to our little Regan...

6 pounds 7 ounces; 19 inches

This Nana and Papa are totally smitten! 

What a blessed work of God.

Creeping Cupid...

Thought it was time to add a few Valentine's Day touches around my home since we're already a few days into the month....

Adding simple seasonal decor to my entryway chair has become one of my favorite decor spots...

This little guy sits at the base of the entryway chair and sports a bow relevant to each holiday...

I made this heart yo-yo garland last year...simple and fun!

Being a wreath fan, my front door just wouldn't be properly dressed without seasonal reflections inside and out!

I've had this little teddy since my children were small...it holds sweet memories and smiles...

I have a soft spot for the little Russ seasonal angels as well...so quirky and sweet!

Here's hoping you enjoy the "sweetness" of February!

Time's a ticking....

While perusing Pinterest, I realized it's been quite a while since my last blog post...time's just ticking away (and don't get me started on where this week has gone...it literally "poofed")!

Had a wonderful day today...went to the Texas State Aquarium with my daughter and grandson. It's a speedy run through the exhibits with an energetic two-year old in the group! We did alittle shopping afterwards and then lunch...it doesn't get much better than that in my book!

I hit a few stores on my own earlier in the week and have a few photos of my treasures to share...

I've been searching for a decorative bee skep to go along with my sign (SCORE!!!!)....

...and I absolutely L♥ve this Hoffritz Cheese Dome that I found at a local resale shop....

Until next time my friends, take care "Along the way"....

Tick Toc to Turkey Time...

Gosh, time's been flying faster than normal (and that's saying something)! I worked like a crazy woman the day after Halloween to get all the "spooky" decorations packed up and bring a touch of Thanksgiving to the house. Is it just me, or does Thanksgiving get slighted a bit in the ranks of holidays? I absolutely LOVE Thanksgiving and all things fall and find it somewhat disheartening the holiday is overshadowed by Halloween and Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I love all holidays, but feel Thanksgiving is not given its' due...

Here's a view photos of fall touches around my home...

Wishing each of you has a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving!

Secretary Re-do....

Finally tackled refinishing a piece of furniture that's been on my "to try, to do" list. This was my first attempt at painting stained furniture and I'm super pleased with the results. Guess I was a little too eager to get started, as I  forgot to take a "before" photo, but found the exact piece online and have included it alongside my updated piece (sorry for the photo quality...the "before" photo is from an online source and the "after" from my iPhone). All in all, not bad for a first attempt and a $2.50 can of oops paint! Now on to tackle the next project!

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

Wednesday wisdom...

Busy hands, happy heart....

Greetings to all you out there in Blogland. I haven't posted for a while...I must confess I'm a bit obsessed with another online venue for "pinning" all kinds of creative projects and ideas and just haven't been motivated to blog. I'm sharing photos of a few little projects I've done (mainly using felt) that are simple enough to do while plopped down in front of the TV...thought they might come in handy as little gifts during the upcoming holiday season...(project inspiration coming from that "pinning" venue I mentioned earlier).  I'll probably be keeping the little fabric pumpkin since I embossed the leaf with my initial (darn the bad luck!!!).

;)

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

One thing leads to another...

I found this GREAT spool holder at my favorite collectible store a month or so ago. I thought it would be cute (as well as functional) in my laundry room. Finally got around to asking my hubby to hang it a week or so ago, which necessitated relocating some of the wall decor. It's amazing how simple little changes liven things up! 

And speaking of my Laundry Room, thought I'd share this handy little gadget we bought and installed shortly after moving in nearly six years ago...it's a collapsible clothing hanging system (InstaHanger). I initially liked that it was collapsible and could be folded down when not in use, but honestly, mine is ALWAYS in use!!! This gadget has proved invaluable, and who doesn't need a helping hand (or rod in this case) with laundry duty!!!

'Til next time...see you "Along the Way..."

Patio Visitor...

This little lady has been visiting our patio today. From the info I was able to access, she looks to be a Black Witch Moth. 

Thought I'd share a few photos of what's currently in bloom in my backyard. Hope you find some quiet time to enjoy the beauty Mother Nature has to offer this time of year as well!

Beach Baby...

Just had to share a photo of my favorite Beach Boy...my Grandson!!! Our trek of summer visitors has begun, with more to arrive soon. My most exciting news is our daughter and her family have been stationed back home in good ol CC!!! That means we'll have them close by for three years...we're beyond ecstatic!!! My husband is on summer break...coaches never have quite a full summer off, but we'll take it! I believe this is the first summer I've had off since I was in school (that's been awhile!!!). We've been busily working in our yard preparing for those summer visitors. 

Hope all's well in your neck of the woods!

Heavenward...

Reflecting on past joys and sending Mother's Day wishes heavenward...

I love and miss you so very much Mom! ♥

Stormy Projects...

One of my favorite perks since retiring last September is being able to stay home when the weather's nasty! There's just something about being in my home on a nasty day that makes my heart happy. With possible severe weather forecast for our region this afternoon...once I heard thunder rumbling, I dashed outside in hopes of capturing a photo of lightning. I looked down the corner and saw the rain working up the street. In a matter of seconds it was raining sideways and the wind began to blow like crazy!. Inside I went (without my photo). Mother Nature puts on quite a show!

With Spring being the season of renewal, I've been making simple decor updates for a change of indoor scenery....

New window toppers for the common living area add a punch of color from the previous black...

I just love the fabric...a montage of vintage postal stamps and postmarks. I was drawn by the colors...the  design was a bonus in my book!!!! I still need to update my throw pillows, but haven't found any options that knock my socks off.

On to the kitchen...

I've been on the lookout for a black and white check tablecloth for the LONGEST time and finally found one that was workable. I also found a couple cute vintage-look fruit table runners that blend nicely.

A few vignettes...

Enjoy your weekend!