Garden Updates...

This was my Zinnia bed on May 19th that I posted about. 

This is the Zinnia garden today.  There are buds everywhere and I've already cut some for the house.



Everything looks good except for the pepper plants.  We've had trouble growing them every year for some reason.

Everything else is just flourishing.

The zuchinni and yellow squash plants are overtaking everything else already.

We've got lots of good-sized tomatoes.

When I was outside, I had to cut just a few gardenias for my desk.  They are so beautiful this time of year and their fragrance is so sweet and summery.

I'll leave you with this photo of the gardenias.

Have a wonderful weekend and we'll talk again on Monday.

Gretchen

New Cushions for the Banquet...

Do you remember this roll of fabric I got about a month ago.  To refresh your memory, I got the entire roll of this tan and beige checked fabric (it had been 6.99 a yard) for $5.27.  That was for the entire roll that had more than 5 yards on it.




These are the drapes in our living room.  I've got a theme going on here, as you will see in the following pictures.

This is the new seat cushion on the banquet.  I really like the fabric and it should last.  I'm going to Scotchguard it for young eaters at the table. Sometimes their little hands aren't so clean before or after they are done eating.

These are the extra cushions I made, so it would be super soft.

I have 3 other chairs at this table and everyone, except Mr. Bird Nest, always sits on the banquet.

The three cushions across the back just weren't enough, so I added one big one.

This is just a small part of Phase 1 of the makeover in our kitchen/dining area.  We're going to be painting, remodeling the kitchen, adding an island and just an overall fix up.  The only thing staying, will be the hardwood floors and the banquet.

Don't switch your dial, you might miss something.

Gretchen

Wooden Candlesticks Before and After...

These were some wooden candlesticks that I've had for a couple of years.  I'm trying to lighten up my house, so they were my first Annie Sloan Chalk Paint project.

I also had these two candlesticks that I thought really needed a makeover.  What was I thinking when I painted these dots on them?

Here they are as the centerpiece on my dining table.  I love that they are different shapes and sizes.  I followed the design ethic of always grouping in odd numbers.  It works every time. 

I didn't use AS Paste Wax because the only kind I had was clear and I wanted these to have a darker color and some texture.  I found another wax that was 1/2 the price and I thought would look just as good.  It's called Fiddes Wax in Antique Brown and it's only $14.00 a can.  Even with shipping, it was still cheaper and I think I got the same effect. 

These are the first Zinnia's I've cut from my garden this year.  I'll show you soon, just how much they have grown. 

I had to get the flowers in a vase before they wilted but I still like the look.

I'm off to start a sewing project.  Hopefully, I can show you that reveal soon.

Gretchen

Another Giveaway Win...from Blue Roof Cabin

My lucky streak actually began with this win from Mimi at Blue Roof Cabin.

This is what I won.

One lucky winner will receive one Free 4x8 Photo Card Designed Uniquely for You by Mixed Molly Designs!

When I won, I was a little worried because I don't have a business and I didn't know how I could use this.  I contacted Molly at Mixed Molly Designs.  She was soooo sweet and accommodating.  Since I'm going to the Haven Conference in June in Atlanta, she said she could design business cards with a logo.
 

Well, here they are...

I can't tell you how nice Molly was to deal with.  She gave me two different cards to choose from, and after some discussion with Mr. Bird Nest, I decided on this one.

This will tell you a little bit about Molly and her design business.

“I have been a graphic designer for over 10 years and I specialize in graphic design and branding for small business and artist's. I do logos, business cards, websites, blogs, printed marketing material, catalogs, product and business photography, etc. I also design custom invitations, announcements, and greeting cards for personal and business use. If you can think it, I can design it!”

If you need any of these things, she is the gal to go to.  She even sent my new business cards to her printer and he will send them directly to me.

I also purchased the design from her, so I can use it on my blog and anywhere else I want to.  She charged a very minimal fee for this, compared to how much others charge. 

I couldn't be more grateful to Mimi for having the giveaway and to Molly for helping me continue the vision I have for my blog.

I live each day not believing how lucky I am to have the life and family I have, and gifts like this are just the icing on the cake.

 

 

Gretchen 

A Swap and a Giveaway...

Recently, I participated in a Golden Book swap held by Debby at http://cozyblanket.blogspot.com/.  My swap partner was Erica at http://goldeneggvintage.blogspot.com/.  My package arrived with all these goodies.  How could she know me so well, when we've never met?

My swap package arrived late last week and these books were part of it.

And, I also got these two books.

If you ever get a chance to have a swap mate, choose Erica.  I feel like she got to know me and knew exactly what I would like.

I can't wait to read these books with my granddaughters.  Thank you again Erica for all these goodies. 



I also won a giveaway from Betty at http://betty-southerngrace.blogspot.com/.  She is a real sweetie and if you have time, stop by her blog and get to know her.



Betty baked this apple cake and did a blog about it and I can't wait to try it for myself.  I'm so glad that I've gotten to know this wonderful blogger.  Stop by and see for yourself why I like her so much.  Thank you Betty for being my blogging friend.

I'm thinkin' with these two scores I should maybe buy a Powerball ticket and I see the HGTV Green Home in my future.  Yeah, right.  Don't...I...wish!

Gretchen

A Sweet New Blogger..

When Nicholas was here over the weekend, he asked me if he could start a blog of his own.  After checking with his parents to get their OK, we set him up with a blog. 

If you have time, please stop by and say hello to him.  He's so excited to tell everyone about his life and what he is doing.  His blog is kind of cute too, but that's just his Nana talking.

http://thesouthernoutdoorsman.blogspot.com/

Gretchen

Happy Memorial Day!!!

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day!