Operation Closet Cleanout - Part I

Hello again!

I am calling this Part 1.   I am hoping that the most there will be is a Part 2, and the whole thing can just end there.    It is really ALOT of hard work cleaning out a closet!   Especially if you are like me and save things like cards from your own 7th birthday, or maybe a few pairs of jeans from pre-child days when you were a size 2.   I hereby declare that I never will be a Size 2 again (and probably don't WANT to be) so Out.The.Door.They.Go.

I'm basically trying to take this....

I know, it's hard to even locate the closet DOOR among all the stuff everywhere.   I'm only going to open it a little for you to peek inside...

Enough said....

So that is another project that I've been working on.  My clothing is hanging at this time in a closet that is in my daughter's playroom.   I was in her playroom the other day, thinking "I HAVE to find a way to organize and control all these toys from taking over".   Then all of a sudden I had a "DUH" moment (as I've heard it called!)  Why don't I move my clothes OUT of the playroom and we can use THAT closet for toys?!?   I know - DUH.   Told ya.

This is basically where I stood on the project yesterday...

About 9 trashbags full of clothing to be donated to GoodWill.   I probably should have figured out something more environmentally friendly then all these plastic bags, but I've got enough to worry about for the time being.

Hoping to finish this little endeavor up today by the end of the weekend, so I can get a bit more organized and start working on some fun stuff again! 

So, wish me luck, okay?  I need it.

Smiles and Hugs,
Joyce

Why I've Been Missing...

Good morning to you all!

I've been a bit MIA in the blogging world recently and I just wanted to drop in quickly and share a bit of what I've been up to.   Boy it is HARD to come up with time and ideas for everyday posts - I have a TON of respect and admiration for you ladies that do!

We've had alot going on here as usual.  Has not left me with any time to be creative or crafty or decorative or really in any way interesting!  But it's been fun.   Halloween, Birthday Parties and Operation Closet Cleanout.

Halloween day started with a little pumkin carving.....  With a semi-tutorial.  

First, survey your pumpkin carefully....

Not sure what these two were waiting for the pumpkin to DO, but they did spend quite a few minutes simply staring at it.

Next, have the resident Artiste work on building a template for cutting....

Not bad!

Now, hand the carving knife to somebody above the age of 6.   Hubby will have to do..

This part always gets a big "EEEWWWW...

Almost done!

They look pretty proud of themselves, no?    It was a fun way to spend Halloween afternoon.  And yes, that is still the same cabinet that I blogged about HERE.   Still outside on Halloween, waiting patiently for her turn. 

Then all the prep work it takes to turn an adorable six year old into....

Ummm,   a child bride?!  

It was a tiny bit creepy somehow seeing my daughter as a bride, but she LOVED this custome and looked beautiful!  

We all had a really fun night Trick or Treating.   The dog stayed home this year and the weather could not have been more beautiful!   We even had a big old creepy moon.

Next came a family birthday party and another kids birthday party the following day.    If anybody is looking for a quiet, relaxing loud, obnoxious and smoky start to their Sunday morning, why don't you try taking 15 kids out for Cosmic Bowling at 10 AM??  

They did have a really good time and the party went well.   I couldn't get many good pics due to the darkness, strobe lights and fog, but who doesn't like a little darkness, strobe lights and fog to really get their morning going?   ;)

Here is the cake that Miss Princess Six Year Old Child Bride chose..

I cannot even blame the color on bad lighting.  It really was this green.  

I did work on a couple of projects, nothing just seems to be quite finished yet!

I'll have a post up soon about the little side table I refinished and as soon as Operation Closet Cleanout is underway, I've got some BIG plans for our dining room!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles and Hugs,
Joyce

Big ol' Surprise (for lil' ol' Me)

Well, guess what?

I mentioned in my last post that I had a very nice surprise to share with you today:  No, I am not pregnant.   Me, and my brand new bouncing baby blog,  have received our Very First Award.   May I introduce you to:

The Kreativ Blogger Award.


Not quite as suprising as being pregnant would have been, but much less expensive and far more manageable.

My heartfelt and sincere thanks (and Happy Birthday!) go to Kathy from Creative Home Expressions.

It's been a pleasure getting to know her and so many other great gals through their blogs!

Here are the rules as I understand them:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.


2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.

5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each.

So here we go.  

"7 Things You Never Knew and Probably Never Even Considered Wanting To Know" about me.

1.  My name is Joyce and I always hated it growing up.  I only wanted to be called (and for a while only answered to) Julie.  Now I like my own name better since it's a name you do not hear all the time.  And guess what my MIL's name is?  Julie.  Figures, huh?

2.  My biggest dream growing up was to be a mom and housewife.  Um... no seriously.  I could not wait to have a home to look after since I was about 7.   I am lucky enough to be living out this dream with many thanks to my hardworking and super-supportive hubby.

3.  I have been interested in and studied decorating magazines since I was about 10 years old.   There were 3 Christmases in a row that my Santa Lists included new pillows and curtains for my bedroom.

4.  I have a completely unjustified Fear of Flying and have to get over it within 3 weeks for our trip to Disney.

5.  I think I like Disney more than my 6 year old.  You know, after the whole "airplane" part.

6.  I am running out of things to say.

7.  Discovering this world of blogging has been one of the greatest and most fun joys of this past year!  It truly has been a pleasure "meeting" all of you!

Now on to the recipients.  (in no particular order)

1.  Leigh @ Tales from Bloggeritaville.   A great name, great lady and a great host of Thrifty Thursday parties!

2.  Barb @ Treasures from the Heart for sharing so so many unique and heartfelt.. well... Treasures!

3.  Jacey @ One Man's Trash is My Treasure for sharing all her creative, unique and fun ideas and projects with so much enthusiasm.

4.  Donna @ Funky Junk Interiors for sharing the passion for decorating and being such an inspiration to others - I swear this lady must NEVER sleep LOL! 

5. Lilia @ 2 Brown Eyed Beauties for all the excellent DIY decorating tips.  One of the first couple of blogs I stumbled upon and was instantly interested.  She had me at "Laundry Room".

6.  Michelle @ Me and My Scraps for sharing so many wonderful tips and ideas:  Scrapping, Cardmaking,  Decorating, Baking, etc.. etc.. etc.. She can do it all I think!

7.  Nicole @ BugaBoos Creations - another talented *multi* tasker!  Tons of projects and repurposing ideas to be found at her blog.

And, now I gotta tell ya:  It was so hard stopping at 7!!

I hope you all have a Wonderful, Happy, and Safe Halloween Weekend!~










Smiles and Hugs,
Joyce

Sneak Peek!!! A(nother) Work In Progress..

Today I am excited about a few things.  One I will share with you all shortly.  The next is that I am linking up for the Very First Time to Miss Mustard Seed's Blog for her Friday Furniture Party!   Who doesn't love a good piece of furniture???   Or, better yet, a bad piece of furniture turned good???   Be sure to click on the link and head on over to check out all the other goodies!

I am also participating in Frugalicious Friday over at Finding Fabulous.      -Make sure you stop there for a visit as well! Couldn't we all stand to find a little "fabulous"?  And, aren't I just the party animal today?!?

Now, I am *repurposing* this same, old, tired post to participate in Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Nite Special party.  You must go check this out!   Funky Junk Interiors always inspires me to think more *out of the box* and be unique with some furnishings.


This post is a teaser:   Sneak Preview of a few upcoming projects.....

Some days weeks months feel like all of my projects are in limbo or almost done or just started.   It's been a while since I've said "TaDa!   It's finished!"    Those days will come around again, I'm sure, but for now I will have to tease you with a few works in progress...

Actually, the below is still "pre" progress.  As in:   No progress has been made yet, but a plan has been formulated - Oh yes it has!!

This beauty stands on my front porch right now.   Notice it's dark hunter green color along with the ceramic, country little knob.   I will excuse you for a moment while you vomit.    Go ahead, I really won't be offended.

Feel better?  Okay then.   This is actually almost The Perfect Piece of Furniture for a part of my hallway/kitchen/dining room.  It really is!  And it's been right under my nose this whole time!   All it needs is a

little TLC. A makeover, if you will.

Edited to say:   A few gals have mentioned that they like the finish.   I have to say that I like the rustic-ness of it, but I am very done with the green (my entire inside of this home was dark hunter green when we purchased it) and I am planning to utilize this in my dining room area and need it to *fit in* a little better.

Umm,  and that's it.  That's where my story about this piece stops, because I have not actually done anything about it yet.  

Moving right along, we have another work in progress.    This fine little table was purchased from our local Mill Stores and has been unfinished for 10 years.  YES.  Ten Years.   I have no real excuse for this, but I think it's REALLY about time she sees her day in the sunshine.   

I've chosen a pretty off white color called Pop Corn Ball.   It's actually the same color as the trim in most of the downstairs in my home, but I really love it.  I don't want it to be TOO matchy matchy, so I will be distressing and adding a glaze.   I think.

It's in perfect shape and is basically boring and unoffensive, so I think if it has a neutral color, it could literally blend anywhere in the home.   Nice because I tend to have multiple personality decorating tendancies, and it will probably move around alot!

It does have one problem....

But I think a few coats of paint should cure it's ills and we will go from there..

Here she is after two coats.

I did a little light sanding/distressing to get the ball rolling, and right now I am ready to call it a day

Stay tuned for the big reveal!!!    Can't promise that it will be "any day now" but how about we shoot for "any week now" instead? 

Smiles and Hugs,
Joyce

Sneak Peak... My Little Girls Room

Hello!

Well, I've been MIA for a while, but I do have a good excuse.  I've been promising my little one a bedroom makeover and the time for "waiting for some free time" had come to an end.   Even a five year old can tell when you're procrastinating apparently!!

Anyways, it is not finished completely, but the painting is done (thank goodness).   Dont' let anybody fool you into thinking you can paint a little kid's room in a weekend.  Well, maybe you can.  I couldn't.   Especially if said little kid is under foot most of the time. 

Anyways, we started by picking out some colors.    Prior to this, her room looked like this...

Terrible picture, I know, but this poor kids room is TINY.  I think it is literally about 10 x 12.   And, there are no closets.  Anyways, it was really pretty with a lavender colored walls and lots of purple and pink.  But it has been this way since she was a baby and it was time for a change.

We had the "multiple personality" look going on with the curtians too. 

Her color choices for our makeover??    Yellow, Green, Red, and Pink.    Now, tell me:  How does one incorporate Yellow, Green, Red and Pink together and make it NOT look like a clown threw up?

Well there might be a way.

Step 1.   I taped off all of the edging

This was probably wasted time now that I think about it.   When I moved to the other side of the room, I did not bother taping and just used a nice angled edging brush and it all went fine. If you are careful and slow, you can probably edge out the room just fine without the help of tape.    Live and learn I guess.

Most of the furniture and accessories junk got moved out of the room and into my dining room for the duration, but we did leave a few big pieces in the room and I worked around them.  

Here are the two main colors that we chose

A Laura Ashley Home paint in yellow called Tulip and green accent called Gentle Landscape.   I was smarter on the accent color and tried out a couple of different samples first.   Home Depot carries Glidden paint and they have The.Coolest.Thing.Ever.

A tiny bottle of the color of your choice with a built in brush under the cap.  Makes it SO easy.   Unfortunately this first green was a bit TOO green and we went with something else.  

The yellow looked like a very soft and almost buttery yellow on the chip sample and in the can.

  We went with a NO VOC paint and it cost about 2X as much.   It supposedly does not release all kind of nasty "paint smell" vapors and whatnot into the environment, but I have to say I definitely did still detect a painty odor and it took almost 3 coats to cover.  Anyways..

This was after 1 coat.  Not so nice.  I was starting to get a bit nervous at this point.  

Two coats later and it was a Bright SPONGE BOB Yellow.  She loved it, but it was not exactly the "soft and soothing" I was looking for.   But, I will say that after it truly dried and kind of settled into the room, it did seem to mellow out a bit and I was pretty happy with it.

Here's a shot of our first attempt at a matching green...

There is really only a very subtle difference between this and the one I finally went with.   The colors are difficult to show in these photos.  But the little tester bottles make it so easy to paint a larger area and are only about $2 bucks a bottle.  Well worth the invenstment!

I didn't mind the first green along the window trim, but I also had these to work with....

Along one wall of the room there are built in bookshelves.  We had initially thought about removing them entirely, but with such a small room, they become a HUGE asset for storing things.   I just did not want THIS much area to be a bright  "Hello There I Am Green" Green.    So our search for the perfect accent color continued and we settled finally on a color called Gentle Landscape.   Very very happy with it.

I was only covering an off white color with the green and so only needed two coats.  I am SO HAPPY to be done with painting this room.   My hair has had green and yellow "highlights" for days and if I never see yellow paint again I will be happy.   Well worth the effort though.

Like I said, it is nowhere near done - I've got a few ideas in mind to put cute knobs on her dresser, some pretty artwork, and maybe a new rug or bedspread.   But this is how it stands right now...

The yellow looks a tid too bright in this photo - I've been trying to take pictures at different times of the day, but never seem to catch the lighting right!

The curtains are a simple almost sheer panel with some pretty tie backs attached.   You can read about the tie backs in this post.

I was very happy to find a way to get some cute accented tie backs that we both liked, without buying them at the store and that she could help put together!  So easy peasy lemon squeezy and defninitely inexpensive!!

And don't think I forgot about the red she wanted!   We've got a few ideas of how to incorporate that into this room as well.   Also on my to do list for this room is somehow making the outdated ceiling fan/light fixture resemble a sunshine.  

So please stay tuned as we continue the bedroom makeover - I've got lots more to show you!!

Smiles and Hugs,
Joyce

Sunday Dinner...Country Meatloaf... Mmmmm

Good morning and Sunday blessings to you all!

I want to take a quick moment to thank you again for reading my little blog and welcome to my new followers!  

The following is a quick and fun Meatloaf recipe that I found in a cookbook that my daughter's school put together.   A cold weather favorite here at our house - I usually split in half after baking, freeze one half and we can enjoy it later too!  Gotta love ANYTHING that saves time in the long run.  

Okay, anyways, here we go!   ...

Country Meatloaf

2 lb. lean hamburg                       2 Tbsp crushed garlic
2 eggs                                          1 can Cream of Celery soup
1/2 pkg Lipton Onion Mix            1/2 Cup Water
1 tsp salt                                       1 to 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
1 Tbsp mustard
1 tsp pepper

Mix hamburg and eggs together well.   This works really well if you just use your hands.  Your hands will now feel gross. Stir in onion soup mix, salt, papper, mustard and garlic.  Add celery soup with water.  Mix well.   Now your hands will feel REALLY gross.   Stir bread crumbs into mixture well.  Place in 9x5 loaf pan.  Bake in oven @ 375 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hours (I find the longer time works best).

Serve with mashed potatoes, veggies, gravy and biscuits!!!

Have a wonderful Sunday and let me know if you try this recipe out!  I'm making it for hubby some night next week.


Smiles and Hugs,
Joyce

"Coffee" Break's Amost Over!

Hello and Happy Friday!

No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth, nor painted myself into a corner!   It has simply been exceptionally busy around these parts and will be for the next few days.

But I plan to resume my Blogging Responsibilities next week!   I've got most of my daughter's room re-do complete and have pictures.   Also a few new projects up my sleeve to get started on!

Hope everybody has a wonderful weekend!


Smiles and Hugs,
Joyce

Well, It's Fall, Y'all.... At my home

Edited to add:  I'm "repurposing" this post to link up with Funky Junk Interiors "Saturday Nite Special" party about vignettes!

It's Fall Y'All!

I know, I know... It's BEEN fall for a bit now.   My seasonal decorating always seems to be a bit on the schitzophrenic side.  Meaning that, I will decorate and REdecorate the same thing probably right up until it's time to put winter stuff up.   Does this happen to anybody else???   C'mon.. It can't be JUST me!

Anyways, continuing with my little house tour, I thought I'd throw together a few little *vignette* scenes of fall throughout my home.   I'm trying to just show glimpses, so that I don't give away too much!   I want to keep going with my redecorating *room by room* and wait to show entire rooms at the big reveal.   Sounds more like a Cheap THRILL than a cheap frill, but whatever *wink*

These particular photos were taken just this AM, so I apologize if the lighting isn't the best.

My sorta plain and simple Fall Front Door

Loved these cornstalks...... And I'm also liking the idea of having them on either side of the door to kind of "flank" our front entrace.    Flank is a word, yes?  

Now, this is certainly not the Front Door Of My Dreams..., but we're taking baby steps here people!

Below is another of my spray painted wicker basket projects.    

I truly LOVE me some black with my fall colors!   You can read about another cool painted basket project right here.  No, really - it's RIGHT HERE!   :)

Some fallish arrangements on the outside...

Loved this tiny weird little pumpkin/gourd

Another part of the front garden....

The pumkins have since been rearranged actually.   See? It's the Decorating Multiple Personality in me.

The Big Black Pot above is something that probably needs a little makeover, but I kind of like   the way the paint is starting to peel off because I didn't bother to prime or seal it   the aged and weathered look.

On we go..

The small table below has been moved into my entryway.   Her name is Phyllis.   I found her at Home Goods for $20!  The finish is meant to be distressed, which I love, but there was one little piece of it that you can tell was not INTENTIONALLY distressed, so I was able to talk them into discounting it!  Sometimes I hate taking advantage of salespeople, but they really don't mind.  It's always worth asking a manager if a discount is available!

Wish I took a closeup of the platter - it reads "Welcome Home - The Good Stuff is in Here".   I love having that sentiment greet us at the door!

As a consolation prize for not seeing that closeup.. here is a closeup of the pumpkin pedastal...

It was an old brown thing that I painted.  Looks SOOO much better now and the oranges really POP against the creamy white..

Here's a good tip:   Use craft ribbon to embellish certain things.  If this is even attached with anything, it's a Glue Dot.   That way, the ribbon can be changed out with the seasons!

Some fall things on my Hutch That Will Soon Be Painted...

The above tray holds a collection of treasures found by my five year old daughter last week.  Leaves, acorns, pinecones....  Great way to keep her busy and involved in the fall decorating!

Even "Martha's plates" along the top got in on the fall action.

I am lucky in that my home has a very open floor plan on the first floor.   The entry way is large and opens up directly into the kitchen and also living area.  

The photo below is along the top of the kitchen island and it is one of the first places that the eye sees when entering, so I always try to dress it up all special like.

You can see my Big Black Fork in the background!   This was one of my first spray paint projects at the end of this past summer and really got the ball rolling, so thrilled I was with the transformation.

Here he is close up. 

Again, dressed up a bit with a fall bow that can be changed out for winter!

Below is yet another spray painted basket project with some fall berries..

Windows above my computer area in the kitchen..

I like having not ALOT covering the windows to really let the light in, so it's just a simple white scarf along the top for now, with a fallish garland added.

Below is a little corner right before entering our Family Room.

These are old, big, and wonderful candle holders.   That I am actually using as pumpkin holders for the time being, because why not?   They look just delicious with a plain white pumpkin and some fall "dressing".

Creepy crawly Spider greets us in the family room.

And a small Halloween display on the sofa table behind our loveseat

My Mantle.

I have to say that it is pretty strange this year that it's not really all decked out for fall.   Usually EVERYTHING ends up on top of this great mantle and fireplace.  I was in the middle of taking stuff down and putting "stuff" back up and just happened to like this arrangement for some reason.   The simplicity of it maybe.

I should put a couple of *something* round after the "B" to spell BOO...

The below photo has absolutely NOTHING to do with fall.  I just like it.

Tiny bit of fall swag above a corner cabinet.

I've got this lovely BIG long basket sitting along the top of our TV right now - I've been meaning to give her a Paint Job as well, but have not gotten around to it yet.   Right next to it sits another contribution from my daughter.

There is a bit o' fall in the kitchen as well.   Again, I'm not showing alot of any of these rooms quite yet.

This cute sign hangs on the door to our basement.

Another letter B.  Anyone care to guess what our last name begins with? 

Along with a painted candlestick holder adorned with a gorgeous fall tassel, Nester-style.

And a vintage Halloween sign above.

And that's pretty much it for now!   I'll probably decorate AGAIN for fall sometime before Thanksgiving, so I may be doing this all over again soon.   

I'll leave you with my one last Favorite Photo Even Though It Has Nothing To Do With Fall.

Nope, I don't really know why either...

Do you love decorating differently for the seasons?

Smiles and Hugs,
Joyce