Old Glory!

I was so impressed with the post from Alisa at Carolina Panache about Flag Day that I had to go out and take a picture of our flag. Old Glory is displayed proudly for most of the summer but I am ashamed to say that I was not up on the appropriate etiquette. I am planning to purchase a spotlight this weekend. I also liked the idea of small flags place in planters around the house.

I plan to find a few small flags to place in my hanging baskets around the house! I am so enjoying stealing ideas from all the creative ladies out there in the blogger world.

Jill

New Laundry Closet!

What a wonderful way to start the day!
Everyday holds a possibility of a Miracle - like I will get my Laundry done today!
I had finally had it with the disaster that was my Laundry room so I thought I would spruce it up a bit.

I found a plate hanger on sale at Michaels and used that for the ironing board holder. Then I just placed a cute Love sign over the unsightly screws.

My husband was kind enough to hang some inexpensive cabinets we found at Home Depot. It is so nice to have all the soap and trash bags hidden. I finished the cabinets off with baskets I found at Michaels for $20.00/3. If that wasn't enough of a steal I added a 40% off coupon to make them even more affordable. I am hoping that the washer and dryer will soon die and I can upgrade to the H5. Yahoo!

I had to show you the before nightmare that existed in my home. I put wallpaper in this closet shortly after we built the house. Needless to say, after many years of heat, the paper did not want to come off. The Dif you see on the dryer was a joke and after 3 days of pulling off paper I realized that I still had another layer of paper to go. That layer took the wall down to the sheetrock in many places. So after spackling, priming and painting I have vowed to never, never, never hang another scrap of wallpaper in my home. (Unfortunately, I have a bedroom with wallpaper that is in serious need of attention. But that is a project for the fall when the kids are in school)

Do you not just love the organization I had going on here. I am so embarrased to even post these pics but you couldn't appreciate the change without this nightmare viewing.
I can't believe I thought wallpapering flower sayings was a good idea for a laundry closet. I am so thankful for home decorating shows and friends who still love you even when you exhibit really bad taste.

Many thanks to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday. Please visit all the wonderful blogs there.

Jill West

Tagged!

Okay, I have been an awful blogger! I have been busy with projects I just haven't blogged about any of them. I got tagged by my wonderful friend at Sharons Chickens In the Mist so I am posting my 6th picture in my 6th file. Of course, I couldn't just post 1 picture. My sweet little girls are too cute not to let you enjoy seeing their faces a few times. Emma is the accessory queen and will put anything on her head. This is an old picture as she is now 3 1/2 years! Wow, where has the time gone? Rebekah is now 8 and getting ready to be home for the summer. I am looking forward to sleeping in, time by the sea, late summer nights cooking out with friends, and lots and lots of ice cream!!!!!!

First Tablescape Fun!

Here it is, my Mothers Day tablescape. I went several weeks ago to Marshalls after hearing they had the Laguiole knives on sale. I know I will enjoy these many times. I had to have the bird cage and it was my husbands idea to put leaves from the yard in it to add a touch of color. I was impressed that he even noticed the table, much less had a suggestion regarding greenery. I tried to use some of the ideas I have seen along the way for the plates and napkins. I am hoping that I will be more creative in the future and as I look at the pictures today, I can see all types of changes I could make. Happy Tablescaping!

Borrowing ideas!

I love to borrow ideas from the sites I visit. I am not sure where I found this one but I thought it was precious. Just start out with any container and take a little greenery, add soap with a ribbon and voila, you have soap for a bathroom display. You really need two bars of soap to complete the look but I didn't have another oatmeal so I will get one on my next visit to Bath & Body. My husband isn't really impressed with the "soap in the grass" look but what does he know.

Jill

Gearing Up for Tablescape Thursday!

Okay, I am gearing up for Tablescape Thursday and so excited. I have been shopping around and found alot of treasures for my Mothers Day table. Here are a few of the items I have discovered. You will, of course, have to wait until Thursday for pics of my first real attempt at this Tablescaping thing .
First, I found these beautiful plates for $2.99 each at TJ Maxx. I fell in love with the floral design and bright yellow. I was looking for a rose pattern which seemed appropriate for the occasion but when I saw these my color palette changed!






Next, I found this beautiful pitcher for $12.00. You can't beat that! I loved the unique handle and knew my sweet ice tea would be delicious after being poured out of such a treasure.
Since I have been learning from Between Naps on the Porch, I knew I had to have a bird cage. I mean, who doesn't have a bird cage now. I still don't have the Target bird but will soon be getting them. Oh, $6.00 for the cage at TJ Maxx.
Finally, I found this on Clearance (my new favorite word) and just had to have it. I thought $5.00 was a steal and I have so many places I can use it when it is not on my table. This would go nicely with my yellow, blue and silver color scheme that I was planning.
I can't wait to show you all the reveal on Thursday!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers out there. Today I am dedicating my blog to the most courageous woman I know. My mother was diagnosed with Lymphoma several weeks ago and is in the throws of treatment. She has taken this challenge with such grace and I am very proud of her. I reflect today on some of the things my mom has taught me over the years.

1. Life is hard! Love is easy!

2. Today is a present from the Father above that we get to open new every day

3. All men are not created equal

4. Most wounds heal with time

5. Marriage is work

6. Family is the greatest treasure

7. The best gift is time

8. Talents should be used to help others

9. Patience is not given to everyone

10.You are never alone!

Thank you mom, for all you have done for me! I will never forget the times I have come to you broken and you have healed my spirit. I love you!

Jill