Friday, September 30, 2011

A Giveaway at Mable’s House!

Liz Own is the author of this book that I’d love to win and also has a blog called Mabel’s House, I’ve been reading her blog for a long time it seems and was thrilled for her and Matt when they welcomed their new baby Jane into their lives! So now she is giving away one of her books that she just had published and I’m so in for it, I LOVE to read in case you didn’t know that about me!

Here is an excerpt of the book and also the book cover…so neat!

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Once one has breathed in the deep pungent aroma of sewage, you never again forget the nose-hair singeing, eye clawing, throat gagging experience. It comes over you slowly. You begin to feel like a character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as your muscles involuntarily jerk and you run screaming and blowing raspberries. Anything to get away from the mind-numbing stench.

But let me explain.

It was 6:30 a.m. I was standing in my retro pink tiled bathroom trying to open my bleary eyes and ready myself for work. As I stood there, peering into the mirror and wondering what demented nighttime fairy had planted four new wrinkles on my face, I paused and sniffed.

“Matt… what’s that smell?”

Matt staggered from the bedroom in his underwear, eyes half shut. “I don’t smell anything.”

I pointed my nose into the air like a hunting dog. “Seriously? You can’t smell that? Did you go to the bathroom in here earlier? I told you to use the room spray when you do things like that.”

Matt puffed out his bare chest and gathered his pride as best a man can with sleep in his eyes and a small hole in the side of his underwear. “I just woke up!”

I frowned, catching a glimpse of my makeup-less hot-rollers-in-hair state and tried not to think about the fact that I looked fifty instead of twenty-nine. “Well, help me figure this out. Because something smells ripe.”

We sniffed the sink drain and ruled it out as a suspect.

“Is it coming from the toilet?” Matt asked, examining it from top to bottom.

“No, that’s not it,” I snapped. I’m not known for my milk of human kindness in a disaster. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a survivor. I plan on eating my radish like Scarlet and clawing my way out of the nuclear dust while dragging my loved ones with me. But I won’t be doing it with positive phrases and a smile.

“Hon, I just don’t know. We’ll call a plumber after work, maybe it’s coming from under the house.” Matt staggered a little, trying to get past me and out of our tiny bathroom.

“Well, that’s just great,” I moved aside and pulled the shower curtain back so I could perch on the side of the tub and give Matt room to move out the door.

That’s when the full brunt of nastiness filled the air around us, a swirling mix of excrement and acrid stench that would have brought the sewer dwelling Ninja Turtles to their knees. Where the normally slightly-clean-with-a-hint-of-soap-scum bottom of the tub should have been, there sloshed gallons and gallons of brown sewage.

I clutched the front of my sweatshirt and held my breath. Matt began to dry heave.

“Get out and shut the door!” I screamed as we bumbled into the hallway.

“I’ll deal with this,” Matt grabbed my shoulders, trying to talk and hold his breath at the same time.

I could feel my eyes glaze over, the horrors of typhoid and hepatitis in our bathtub filling my mind. But more importantly, I could envision our evaporated savings account. In my mind’s eye I could see the long, gray hallway at the bank. A worker shrouded in a black suit pulled a set of keys from his pocket and unlatched a small locker labeled “Owen Bank Account.” Inside were two small stacks of quarters and a few crumpled dollar bills. It was bleak, not only because the banker with an unimaginative wardrobe gazed at me with an expression that could only be interpreted as “You’re a Big Fat Loser,” but also there was a very definite possibility we wouldn’t be able to pay for a plumber.

I wasn’t necessarily a spend thrift. In fact, I was downright frugal when it came to decorating with thrift store furniture and rewired vintage lamps. But the fact was, we were poor. We were starting out at starter jobs with starter salaries. We were starter adults with a starter bank account.

“Okay,” I nodded numbly, thankful that Matt was taking the lead on such a disastrous biohazard. “But make sure the plumber is super cheap. We don’t have much money!”

I left for work like a wino stumbling through a fog, not really remembering my commute, not really doing any work as I sipped my coffee and stared blankly at the computer screen. A disaster of such gargantuan proportions had previously been unthinkable in my life, and now I found myself attempting to push the image of a vast sea of bathtub poop from my mind. But I was sure of one thing: Anne Shirley never had to get ready for work while breathing raw sewage.

I think it’s so funny, just like real life can be, so stop by Mable’s House you will love her! 

Thursday, September 29, 2011

My Rooster Lamp from DG!

Hello everyone! Well, it’s almost Friday and the weather here has turned alot cooler 63 today and only 43 tomorrow…yikes! That’s a little to chilly for me, fall weather for sure!

The other day I had to run an errand and needed some change so I thought I’d stop in Dollar General and see what they had (I always find things there that you just wouldn’t think they’d sell, such as my zebra runner) so I go to the clearance section and what do my wondering eyes should appear but a rooster lamp!!! I’ve been wanting one, have one coming from Ebay, if she ever decides to send it, but alot smaller! This one was on clearance for $5.75 but when I got to the cashier it was……..drum roll…..$2.75! Here it is!

The lampshade is from Walmart for $9.99, didn’t know where I was going to put it but figured for that price I’d buy it!

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Here is a close up of the shade! Neat huh? It’s from the BHG line!

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A closer look at the bottom, funny thing was I didn’t even want to paint it, what’s up with that? LOL

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As you can see it does look black from a distance! What a difference it made in the diningroom! See those vases sitting on the ledge of my hutch? Both are from GW!

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So cute together! I got the smaller one for .59!

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I also moved the floral arrangement here in front of my shutter in the entryway!

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Hope you like it and check out your Dollar General, I don’t believe decorating should break the bank especially in this economy!

Thank you to all my new followers, I’ve been working so it’s been hard to get around to you but I will!

I’ll be at these parties today and tomorrow:

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Thrifty Thursday at Thrifty Decorating

Inspiration Friday at The Picket Fence

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Feathered Nest Friday at The French Country Cottage

 

Rondell

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

My Two Fall Door Wreaths!

Did you ever do something to your home and think “That’s it!!! That’s exactly what I wanted it to look like.” That’s the way I feel about my front door, I am so loven it painted black! When I added my newly done yard sale wreath to it was an Ahhhh moment for me.

The wreathes cost me $2.00 a few years ago and I almost sold them at our yardsale this past August and I’m so glad I didn’t because for just a few dollars and using some things from previous years I turned it into a something so pretty. I priced fall wreaths already done out there at the stores and just wasn’t willing to pay the price although they were nice.  I added fall leaves one by one with hot glue then added ribbon/bow that I made from JoAnn’s. The orange sunflower and pumpkins are pics I also found at JoAnn’s.

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This one is on the inside of the door using a double door hanger from JoAnn’s It was just a plain old berry wreath that I added leaves and pics to, I think they both came out great plus saved me money and you can’t beat that!

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Here is how they look on the doors!

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Here is what it looks like here in Pa outside the window with a screen still in!P9251499

Closer!

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The leaves have really been falling this year!

I’m joining these fab parties, thanks ladies for hosting!

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday at Primp

Terrific Under Ten Tuesday at At Home With K

Twice Owned Tuesday Party at House of Grace

 

Rondell

Sunday, September 25, 2011

They Call Them Ravens, I Call Them Crows!

 

When Dollar Tree first started putting out their fall items I picked up a package of paper crows, I figured I could do something with them when I started my fall decorating. Of course I forgot about them as I was decorating, until the other day…I think they are so neat!

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Here is my fall mantel, I added a little more to it besides the crows, the one sitting in the berry garland is a feathered one from JoAnn’s!

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I even put them in the long window in the entryway, there’s is alot that come in the package!

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I had one left after I was done so I decided to put one here, also in the entryway!

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After, I did notice that on the package they called them Ravens and all this time I was calling them crows, so I Googled it and here is what was said about it.

They are two different birds but come from the same family, a raven weighs about four times of that of a crow. The raven wing span is about 3.5-4ft where a crow’s is 2.5ft. Crows average about 17 inches long while ravens are 24 to 27 long. There is alot more said but I won’t bore you with it!

So I think I’ll just call them crows and be done with it!

I hope your having a wonderful, restful and peaceful Sunday!

I’ll be joining these parties:

Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Wickedly Creative Halloween Ideas Party at Itsy Bitsy Paper

The Lettered Cottage Fall Mantel Party

Tuesday’s Treasures Fall Party at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Rondell

Friday, September 23, 2011

Winner of the Ramsign Giveaway!

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The winner via Random.org is Deb from http://houseatthelake.blogspot.com/ I’m so happy for her, she is the sweetest person ever! I know she will be so happy, I’ve already sent her an email! I sure wish that you all could have been winners of the Ramsign but that’s not how it works unfortunately!

Thanks so very much for stopping by and entering I do appreciate everyone of you!

Now I have to go to work:)

Thanks again and stop by her blog and congratulate Deb on becoming the winner!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

More of My Fall Decor & Last Day to Sign Up for a Ramsign!

Hi everyone! Are you all getting ready for fall in your home? I’ve been decorating inside mine but not the outside yet, I’ll save that for next month!

So here is a little tour, let’s start in the livingroom…I finally found a Mercury pumpkin at Marshall’s, looks great on the coffee table and it certainly brightens up the fall decorating in there. To the left are two pieces from the Dollar Tree that I glued together and tied with a polka dot bow, the little gourds and acorns I had from last year!

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On the hearth, I fell in love with this basket when I first saw it, it so reminded me of the one they have in the Pottery Barn catalog, of course I didn’t pay that price ,mine was only $7.00! Very well made too!

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This arrangement sits on my white desk and I’m still loven the faux galvanized vase from GW, looks pretty up next to the Shabby Chic curtains! I did the flower arrangement, some stems I even found at GW!

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Now the diningroom and I can see I need to add more to that arrangement, funny what pictures will show you that you just don’t see with the naked eye.

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I did fill it in more this morning!

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I think most of us in blogsville has one of these white pumpkins from the DS!

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I haven’t did to much in the kitchen, in the next couple of weeks I’ll be painting the kitchen cupboards so I think that’s why. The other day I stopped at GW and I found another rooster….

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for .99, this is on top of the fridge and I can see why alot of people decorate with color because it sure is pretty!

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I have this by my kitchen sink, it’s a jar and lid with the chalk paint already on it and get this guys a $1.00, yep, at one of those other Dollar stores and I’ll really can’t remember the name of it! I wrote Fall on it with my chalkink pen, the berry candle wreath I got at GW for .50 last year!

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Room off the kitchen! I bought this arrangement at a yardsale recently for $2.00 and filled it in, don’t pass them up if they look a little sad you can always clean them up and fill them in. Look at the neat urn it came in!

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On my sewing machine!

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I still have more but will show them soon, don’t forget this is the last day to sign up for the Ramsign giveaway, I’ll be announcing the winner tomorrow the first day of Fall! Go here to sign up!

I’ll be joining these beautiful hostess’s parties, thanks ladies they are always fun!

Wow us Wednesday’s at Savvy Southern Style

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Inspiration Friday At the Picket Fence

Open House Party Thursday at No Minimalist Here

Thank you so much to my new followers, it’s so appreciated, luv you guys!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Painted Pumpkins!


I had fun painting pumpkins this year, I painted all the ones from last year and still have two more to do!
I just used good old spraypaint for the two on the table then tied with black ribbon around the stem!
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The zebra table runner looks good with them for fall!
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Painted this one black!
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Used white ribbon and a stick from my yard on it!
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These next two are on my mantel, I used a glitter pen to trace down each side!
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The candle holders are from the Dollar Tree and I spraypainted them white and tied with a polka dot bow, I think the starfish lends a neat look to it! The bottle I found at the church rummage sale for a $1.00!
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Are you having fun painting pumpkins!
Oh, and don’t forget my Ramsign giveaway go here to win, ends next Friday the 23rd the first day of fall!
I’m joining these parties, thanks ladies for hosting!
Flaunt Your Fall at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
Frugal Friday at the Shabby Nest
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Thrifty Thursday at Thrifty and Fabuless
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday at Primp
Potpourri Party at 2805

Friday, September 16, 2011

Ramsign Giveaway Here at My Blog!

 

Can I tell you how excited I was when Ramsign, from Denmark, contacted me to have a giveaway on my blog?  Here is their website to see what you would like if you are lucky enough to win http://www.ramsign.com/ here is also some of what they have to say:

Only Ramsign offers real old fashioned, hand stencilled signs, featuring original design, thick and glossy enamel, 30-year warranty, excellent service, free delivery, and money back guarantee - that’s why!

I finally won one, I had entered every Ramsign giveaway, that’s how much I wanted one and finally won one from  willowispandrea.blogspot.com Andrea is such a nice person and so helpful too!

Here is a picture of mine which my husband finally hung last week, don’t you just love it? Looks so neat from the road and I always look at it when I’m outside, looks great with the black door and white rocking chair!

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Here are a couple styles you can chose from!

metropolitan-husnummer

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You also don’t need to use the sign for the outside of your home, you can use it inside too with your decor, how neat would that be?

Here’s all you have to do to win a Ramsign of your own:

1.Be a follower or become one and leave a comment letting me know plus in your comment tell me where you would put the Ramsign.

2.Mention this giveaway in your blog post for two chances to win…that’s it!

I’ll announce the winner next Friday the 23rd, the first day of Fall and will use random.org to pick the winner!

So come on lady’s and help me make this a great giveaway okay?

Have a great Friday and wonderful weekend!

Rondell

Thursday, September 15, 2011

My Son, Grandson and I!

 

Grammy, Nick and Nicholas! I mentioned in my last post how blessed I have been,

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Here are other reason’s. Alex, the big sister!!!

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Samantha and Sydney came to see their new cousin too!

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These two dressed up for us!

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My oldest grandchild and the youngest!

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God is good!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

What I Wore Wednesday!


I’ve never joined the What I Wore Wednesday linky party before but I’ve always wanted to well, last Saturday my husband and I went out with some friends to see a band that we really like, they play 70’s and 80’s music and the place was packed! Of course I got dressed and thought “What the heck I’ll do it, I’ll take pictures of myself!
No, that’s not a necklace hanging there it’s the little thing a mabob that covers the lens and I see a smudge on the mirror too, I’ll blame it on one of the granddaughters! LOL

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You know I look at myself and think wow, I’ve been here on this earth for 60 years! I know, a long time but believe me it has flown by. I’ve been blessed is all I can say,sweet husband, great kids, beautiful grandchildren and wonderful friends♥
I think they do this on the posts for the party:
Top….Marshall’s
Straight leg jeans…..Target
Earrings….Stella and Dot
Watch with leopard band….Peebles
Shoes….Just can’t remember!
By the way we had a great time and didn’t get home till 2:00AM!
Joining The Pleated Poppy

My First Ever Copy Cat!


Well, here goes, my first Copy Cat from a magazine actually I found it in a Pottery Barn catalog!  It’s the September 2011 one and it’s on page128 if you would like to take a peek. My friend Debbie from Debbie Doo’s Blogging and Blabbing is having a Copy Cat Challenge linky party and I decided to go because when I found this page I just couldn’t believe it and Deb’s party just popped into my mind and I knew I had to join in when she decided to have her second one!
Here’s what the picture looked like in the PB catalog…
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My first thought was “Hey, I have the biggest prop there, my couch! I’ve always wanted the PB slipcovers but now I don’t honestly know if I do. The next two pictures are close-ups!
Oh, how I’d love to have the coffee table and the Manhattan picture above the couch but it’s priced at $299.00 but there are always knock offs so maybe one day I’ll get lucky!
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I love the lamp too!
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So are you ready? Here’s my copy cat! First I must say that photo assistants have to have the hardest but fun job, I was wore out by the time I felt that I could photograph it!
I just used what I had but I did buy the brown pillow cover at the Dollar Tree and I stopped at a church rummage sale this morning and was hoping to find something's that would come close to the catalog picture. I did find four glasses that you see there for a $1.00!
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I did plan on getting some faux limes but that never happened and last week I passed on an ice bucket at GW, now I could kick myself but I just wasn’t thinking and was more than likely in a hurry!
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I did put a Pottery Barn bottle on the table that I moved from the entry way into here and it’s staying because it gives alot more room than the other one did! (Still would like to have the glass bottle lamp)
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I hope you liked my copy cat, it sure was a challenge, sure I could have went out and spent money on something’s but I don’t think it would have been as much fun as putting it all together like I did and it also taught me something, that I can have what’s in a PB catalog picture, I just have to hunt for it and be on the look out for something that is close to it.
Have a great day, it’s beautiful here in Pa. in the 70’s!!!
I’m joining these parties, thanks for hosting ladies!
Magazine Copy Cat Challenge
Wow Us Wednesday