Fun Barstool Update with What Else?... Chalkboard Labels!

~ Happy Tuesday! ~

I hope everyone you are all enjoying your summer! 

I think I need to get out from behind this computer, and get to the beach! I'm picturing myself under my beach umbrella, reading my kindle with my toes in the sand. 

Of course in reality, I'm more likely to be the victim of wild sand flinging, while the little guy tries to construct a "village" out of sand! 

(Maybe I should take an actual book, and leave the Kindle at home, sand-free.)

Today I am sharing another quick project I did with more of those peel and stick chalk labels I cut to size, and my trusty chalk pen. (So much better than chalk!)

 Weird, in the pics the labels almost look blue. They are normal chalkboard gray black.

 It is a fun little update for my Ikea barstools. As you may know, we are in the middle of a kitchen reno, so this room will look a whole lot different very soon!

I think that in the last couple of weeks, I have successfully demonstrated my love for all things chalkboard! 

Hope you are having a wonderful week! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

xo

-Lisa
Linking to the following...

 

Summer's in France Book Review and Haven Blog Conference Photos

~ Hello Friends! ~

I am back from my short break, and the Haven conference in Atlanta. 

It was wonderful to meet so many of my favorite bloggers face to face!

I have spent my time away trying to determine what I want this blog to be, and how I want to proceed right now. While I am still searching my heart to make sure that I remain true to myself, I have decided to take my time, and go at a pace that is comfortable to me. 

I thought it would be fun to share with you, a book that I am reading right now. It is the epitome of what I long for in my everyday life. Real moments, home grown food and fun, family focus, and slower pace, all set in a rural area of southwest France, in a "once tumbledown farmhouse brought glamorously back to life". Who wouldn't love that?

This book is written by Kathryn M. Ireland, Interior and Textile Designer.

It shares her lovingly restored farm and french chateau, beautiful food and recipes, her approach to design in her summer home, her seemingly effortless approach to entertaining, and stunning photography. 

It is impossible for me to read this book, and not connect with the desire to live a more grounded life. It also further inspires my urge to live in, and restore an older home.

I highly recommend that you read "Summers in France", if for nothing other than the sheer beauty. I guarantee, however, that the take away will be much more than just pretty pictures. 

It was purchased on Amazon, by my husband. He definitely knows what inspires me.

And finally,

here are some of my Haven highlights...

Everyone chatting before one of the classes.

 The "I Like Big Blogs" class was taught by the fabulous five veteran bloggers, (Left to right) Myra from My Blessed Life, Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick, Rhoda from Southern Hospitality, Traci from Beneath My Heart, and Beth from Home Stories A to Z.

 Sitting in the I Love Thrifting Class taught by Mr. Goodwill Hunting, Rashon Carroway.

This was by far, the most fun class I attended during the conference.

 Mr. Goodwill Hunting himself, Rashon Carroway! He is wonderful and FUNNY!! 

Me with the fabulous Karianne of Thistlewood Farm. She is SUCH a doll!! Her enthusiasm is completely contagious!

I wish that I had more photos to share, however, I did not lug my big Nikon with me to the conference, since I was trying to pack in carry on luggage only for my flight.

Thanks so much for visiting today! 

I hope you have a fantastic week! 

xo

-Lisa
Linking to the following...

Southern Hospitality: Haven High

ANOTHER Chalkboard Project, and the HAVEN Conference

Hello from Atlanta!

I am here for the Haven blogging conference, and I am so excited!!

I arrived a little early, since one of my very close friends lives here in Atlanta as well.

I am meeting her today, then I am meeting some of my favorite bloggy friends for dinner!!!!
It's going to be a GREAT day!

I wanted to share another little project I did last week at home.

Remember, I warned you several days ago about all of the chalkboard obsession projects that I have coming your way?

Here's yet another...

 

A while back I found this old wood crate with handles at a flea market,
and I only paid a few dollars for it.

I got out my vinyl sheet of peel and stick chalk paper, and simply cut a small piece with decorative scissors.

Then I wrote, to read, in french with my favorite chalk pen.

Voila!

Super easy and I think it dresses up my little wood crate.

I found the vinyl peel and stick stuff at Home Goods a while back. I wish that I would have bought tons of it, but I bought 2 small packages, and I still have some left for more projects!
(You'll see!) ;-)

Someone may have to step in and do an intervention at some point!

I am off to meet my friend!

I will be posting from Haven, so stop back tomorrow!
xo
-Lisa

 

Meet Molly

I'm sorry. I know I said I would post yesterday afternoon again. 

Something came up. 

It has to do with that BIG surprise for father's day. 

Her name is Molly. 

She is our new rescue pup.

She did great last night, and has been perfect so far with the potty training. (Fingers crossed!)

The little guy is over the moon excited to have a new "best friend".

Molly was rescued with 53 other puppies from a hoarder's property. 

She is a bit timid, but she's going to be a great dog!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo

-Lisa

More Chalk? Yes, Indeed!

Remember how I warned you a couple of days ago about my chalkboard obsession?

Well, last week while out and about I found a really cute galvanized medal. 

I posted about it in my Thrifty Finds here. 

Here's how it started, and where it wound up...

It's on my mantel. I just hung it on the urn, and I think it looks really cute!

I will update with more pics later today! 

The little guy and I are off to take care of a BIG surprise for father's day. 

This will be a two post day! 

See you later! 

xo

-Lisa

Linking to the following...

A New Look on the Wall.

I hope it's not too "off the wall". 

My new look, that is.

I've been searching to find the right items to group around part of an old screen door that I have hanging on my wall. The screen door actually just looks like an old sign, but it's mostly brown, so I needed some interesting things that would compliment it without detracting from it.

I was excited to find my big "W" while out shopping on our San Diego trip a few weeks ago. I decided that it would look great hanging next to the old wood screen door. Next, I set off in search of just the right thing for the other side. I already had a manzanita branch hanging above.

I looked high, and low. 

I brought several different options home, and nothing was quite right. Then, late last night, I turned around and glanced at an opposite wall, and spotted two old iron door knockers. 

DUH!!!!

 They were there all the time, just looking at me from the opposite wall, wondering when it would occur to me to move them over! I'm surprised that one didn't jump off and hit me in the head to get my attention!

Well, I tinkered around this morning, and I am loving the results! 

I also added some moss and a bird to my manzanita branch to break up all of the brown tones. 

Mr W said of the branch, and I quote..."It looks like a Natural History Museum in here." 

Me...

"Um, yeah, thanks honey!"

Him..."No, I mean I like everything, I just think the branch is, well..." 

And then he shrugged and walked away. 

So here's my off the wall ensemble...

The door numbers on the door knockers have significance to us. 

One is the month and year we got married, the other a significant address.

 I found these door knockers several years ago at a flea market. 

The center also holds two W's. One upside down, one right side up. My Husband's initials are WW.

So, even though my new arrangement may resemble a Natural History Museum exhibit, 

I love it. 

Hope you have a great day!

xo

-Lisa
Linking to the following...