One Shabby Old House

We've Only Just Begun

2011-12-02T05:48:00.000-08:00

It all started with a little white Christmas Tree in a Thrift Store window. I really don't need another Christmas Tree but after changing my bedroom to Ruffles and soft blues and whites, I couldn't resist. I thought I was being rather frugal. Ha....I needed ribbon, bulbs and more mercury bulbs and hearts of course. It is after all a bedroom tree. Grand total....well, I must keep that a secret lest my hubby band the thrift store shopping.

But the beauty of the little tree is the first thing I see when I get up and the last thing before I fall to sleep.

I love the mercury glass bulbs.

I love the ruffles too. I got these curtains from my friend Debbie who owns a beautiful shop in St. Cloud, FL called Vintage Soul. The curtains were meant to have the ruffles on the bottom but they seemed to get lost behind my furniture so I turned them upside down for now. I am actually thinking of making them like roman shades.

Everything is becoming merry and bright as we begin the joys of decorating and so I am off to finish the bedroom as I have only just begun.

Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Couture and The Prairie Bed &Breakfast.

2011-09-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

Some people talk about their dreams and their one day plans and some people go into action and actually bring their dreams to life. This would be well said of Rachel Ashwell's newest adventure as well as her life. She sets a plan and a goal in place and then goes after it with passion. Her latest dreams completion is, The Prairie Bed and Breakfast and the opening of yet another beautiful Shabby Chic Couture shoppe on the property of her ranch in Round Top Texas of which I had the pleasure and I do mean pleasure of visiting.

Sometimes all you have to do is take pictures and let them speak for themselves which is what I think will work just fine for this post. Filled full of beautiful things, the shop is perfectly ready for the guests that will be coming to Round Top/ Warrington/ famous Flea Market and Antique week.

On September the 27th at 6 p.m. there will be a book signing of Rachel's latest book and store opening. Having been to her store opening in London I can tell you it will be a very special evening. I wish that I could be there but I was blessed to have been able to visit The Prairie this week.

You will find the shelves are filled and waiting for visitors to make that bed of their own as beautiful as any one of the beds the sleepy guests of the Prairie slips in to at night.

Isn't the lavender big cushy chair wonderful? I know my daughter has placed this on her wish list.

Like me and so many that will grace the doors of this beautiful place you will walk away with many Shabby Chic Inspirations!

From the linens to the lamps.....

Did I mention the linens.......ahhhhh....the linens!

Who ever dreamed that Rustic could ever be so beautifully inviting and the Chippy so sweet?

You simply will not want to miss this visual treat and if you are lucky enough to stay in the B&B...You are lucky enough!

The Prairie Bed and Breakfast would be a wonderful place to escape to for a honeymoon or for some re-kindling.

My husband found this place to be equally as wonderful as I did. But then again, he is pretty wonderful for taking me here to visit and one day I do hope to come back as a guest. However, with the visiting of The Prairie and the leaving I came away with renewed passion to get on with completing our plans of a Bed and Breakfast for The Shabby Old House.

Once again Rachel....YOU INSPIRE ME!

Queen Mary's Garden

2011-06-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

I was certainly in the pink today.

I have never been among so many glorious roses.

Queen Mary's Garden is such a beautiful place.

If I had a care today they vaporized walking among the roses.

with my best friend.

Need a Big Garden Inspiration?

2011-06-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

I have been stepping through one grand gate after another enjoying breathtakingly beautiful gardens.

This one is at the Oxford University in England.

Oxford began to flourish in 1167 when the English king, Henry 11 ordered all students and scholars in France to return home.

The dining hall and the stairway were used in the filming of Harry Potter. It was hard to capture a good picture while on a tour with many others. All I seemed to get were heads and sneakers.

In 1968 President Bill Clinton won a Rhodes Scholarship and with that the opportunity to study at Oxford where he studied government and played rugby.

And I, just finished walking through the halls and grand buildings and in the garden and my mind is full, perhaps not with the wisdom of what so many others have learned in this place but full no less of appreciation for the experience.

Need a little Garden Inspiration?

2011-06-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

Do you need a little garden inspiration?

While taking my daughter boot shopping in South Tampa we visited all of my favorite shops on S. Manhattan St. Three Fabulous Shops filled with wonderful furniture and decor.

First stop was the beautiful outdoor space at Relic.

Makes you just want to go outside and plant something doesn't it?

If you don't have a green thumb then just strategically place a floral picture for a pop of color.

I love this happy looking metal bird. It just may keep the cranes out of my garden!

I love all the pots. They can look rather attractive all grouped together when not in use.

Isn't this grouping wonderful. I am less likely to forget to water a pot of plants that feeds me. Here we have plantings of herbs and flowers and vegetables all in a pot.

So when the stress of this life gets to you and you just happen to be in Tampa, step into this sweet secret garden section called SPROUT at Relic. We will step inside the 3 fabulous shops all a garden stones throw from each other making this destination a great place to take your girlfriends. Make sure you bring a truck. You are going to want something I promise!

Enjoy your weekend.

Hugs

Becky

With a good pair of boots....

2011-06-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

My daughter is going to a Kenny Chesney concert next week and what proper concert attending country music loving lady wouldn't dress for the occasion. So off we went to Keys Country, one of the best boutiques in South Tampa known for country girl bling and boots.

This cute gal is one of the owners.

Check out the wall of boots that awaited us!

My personal favorite were the Abby Rose Old Gringo Boots. Obviously they were others too because they didn't have my size. However we played in the boot pile trying on this one and then that one.

I loved these blingy boots!

I also loved the brown and tan boots and my daughter the floral boots. Now mind you, boots are an investment. The low end starts around $250 and the ones I had on were $450 so settling was not an option for us no matter how dog gone cute the other boots were. Feeling all good about ourselves about not being impulsive or keeping ourselves from being shot by our husbands we left empty-handed. As we were driving home my daughter got a call from her hubby and placing me on speaker phone we agreed that with a major birthday approaching she should have the boots she wanted. I told him that he would never regret the purchase as I had purchased the boots that she is wearing below when I had had the same major birthday. ( I won't mention how many years ago that was, ok?)

Do cowgirl boots ever go out of style?

She makes an old pair of boots look great doesn't she?

These are the boots she chose.
So with that we would have to agree with the Keys Country slogan however adding to it just a bit...
" I'm fairly certain that with a new pair of boots, a sweet mini dress and a string of pearls I could rule the world and look awesome at a Kenny Chesney concert!

Oh What a Beautiful Morning

2011-05-09T04:57:00.000-07:00

I hope that you all had a wonderful Mother's Day.

It's nice to be pampered isn't it?

The memories of those sweet expressions should help us all to face....

MONDAY!

WISHING YOU A BEAUTIFUL WEEK!

White Wednesday

2011-05-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

Joining Kathleen and all the girls for White Wednesday...
Let me introduce our little Ava.

The Fancy Flea Was The Place To Be

2011-04-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day in Florida and a perfect day for the Fancy Flea.

The Market was buzzing with busy vendors when we arrived and I could tell that this was indeed worth the trip from Tampa to sunny Lakeland FL.

The market is held in the spring and the fall each year.

The vendor from this space is actually in a shop in Tampa called Relic which is right down the street from Summer House Marketplace.

I love her creativity!

You may recognize this beautiful clothing from Kim of Paris Rags. She tempts me every time!

Say "cheese" Deb!

Sweet Deb from Vintage Soul.

Her shop is another worth the trip outing,

located in St. Cloud, FL

I'm kicking myself that I didn't bring these home for the Shabby Old House!!

Shopping in this wonderful space was Shelley from Sweet Pea Home. I love her style!

And although I didn't get a picture because my arms were filled, I ran into my dear friend Jane from Artfully Graced who was there with new blogger friends.

How did you spend your Saturday?

I hope you filled it up to the top with great things, just like I did my truck!

Tornados and the Beauty of Volunteers

2011-04-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

Lessons from the garden...

Sweet determined surprises whether in groups of many or just one willing to move heaven and earth to appear.

And who cares if they come in a Cracked Pot

Just as long as they come!

Praying for the victims of yesterday's storm and that the beauty of volunteers would been seen everywhere!

Fifi O'Neill's Book Signing at Posh On Palm

2011-04-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of attending a book signing party for Fifi O'Neill given by Susie and Mark Holt at their beyond beautiful shoppe, Posh on Palm in Sarasota FL. Fifi, is known for filling our minds monthly with beautiful inspiration from the pages of Romantic Country to her current work of artistic wonderment, " Romantic Prairie Style." To finally make her acquaintance was a very special treat for me! Don't you just love the Cowgirl boot bouquets?

Susie and Fifi have long paired Beauty and Romantic living as a signature to everything they touch.

I think we should hail them as the Romantic Beauty Queens!

I found Fifi to be a charming lady with a cute sense of humor and the store filled up with many of her friends and followers.

The atmosphere was breathtaking as Mark and Susie had made sure that this was a glorious event for their special friend Fifi and their delighted guests.

Just as I can assure you that this was indeed a beautiful evening I can assure you as well that you too can experience the same moments of beauty on each and every page of Fifi's book,

Romantic Prairie Style.

Springtime Whites in Eufaula

2011-03-08T17:22:00.000-08:00

I look forward to the drive to Eufaula from Florida in the springtime. You just never know what flowering subject will make it's debut from one week to the next. I saw the most amazing trees filled from limb to limb with beautiful white blossoms and what a spectacular show they made all the way from Tallahassee to Eufaula.

Their beauty lined the roads and graced many lawns. I found myself saying to myself, " I am going to have to plant one of these amazing trees just as soon as I can find one." I couldn't wait to find out just what they were.

For as many years as we had been going back and forth from FL to Eufaula I had never seen them before. It's hard to leave warm sunny Florida in the winter months so our timing this year was just right to see these pretty spring beauties. You can only imagine my joy when I found that the Shabby Old House had her very own gloriously white flowering tree.

All dressed up for springtime and waiting to greet us it welcomed us home.

I got dizzy looking upward into all the blossoms.

And when I couldn't look up anymore I decided to take a walk around the town. Eufaula is such a beautiful town in the spring. The trees were everywhere and it wasn't until I went to see my dear friend that I figured out exactly what they were. In the fall the trees lining the roads in my friends neighborhood are the most beautiful shades of autumn. She told me that her Grand Daddy had lovingly planted them and to my surprise those very same beautiful trees were covered in white blossoms. The mystery was solved

They were Flowering Pears. So if you want to beautify your corner of the world I can assure you that you won't be disappointed with this beautiful tree, unless of course you have allergies. To that I give you my sincere apology because I plan to plant one more tree!

I am joining Kathleen for White Wednesday.

Make sure you check out the wonder of whites today.

Hugs

Becky

Vintage White Iron

2011-03-02T04:44:00.000-08:00

The collections of vintage white iron pieces are perfect additions to any secret garden plans one might be dreaming of. In fact if it were possible I would take every square inch of this peaceful plot along with every crusty, rusty iron delight.

I can just see this collection under the big magnolia tree in the yard at our Shabby Old House. I actually did take the herb planter home. I didn't mind the rush hour traffic with the glorious smell of lavender filling the air. It really is calming.

A vintage white iron table and chairs with loads of white flowers would welcome my guests. This planter just may be next to come home with me.

Rooms without walls or doors tucked in quiet corners of the yard are just waiting to be created and never have I dreamed as much as I dream when I stop to linger in the nursery area of this sweet little shop in Tampa.

I am so happy that you have joined me today as I share for Kathleen's White Wednesday, a shop I have come to love in Tampa.
Relics has it all. Fabulous furniture and flowers and wonderful vintage lawn furnishings and garden decor. Truly a wonderful mix of old and new.

Happy Colors of Spring

2011-02-28T17:34:00.000-08:00

Pots of vibrant color, perfectly placed together greet you.

And with that greeting there is one temptation after another in the abundance of wonderful "stuff for sale."

Unique pieces of lawn art,

relics of surprise,

and you will leave with dreams of beautiful garden rooms.

Where do you go to find this?

The Definition of a Relic is...

2011-02-25T17:03:00.000-08:00

One might use the word Relic to describe some things esteemed from the past.

The word has been used to describe objects associated with a saint.

More often the word is used in association of things left behind, cast offs , perhaps old and worn and no longer the fashion.

But when a Relic gets into the hands of two fabulous shopkeepers, Vivian and Virginia......

Well, I will let said Relics speak for themselves.

Learn more about Relic in my next post.
Until then.
Becky

She's so Green....

2011-02-24T04:03:00.000-08:00

She's so green .....she can even make a horse trough look fabulous. Amy was born with the gift of a " Green Thumb," and what I will be showing you of her magic touch and a darling shop in Tampa will make you start dreaming of the great outdoors and filling every corner of your outdoor living space with flowers. So keep coming back because I will be revealing the shop and the shop location in the days ahead.
Until then, have a gloriously green day.
Hugs

Becky

Pretty Whites

2011-02-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

I'm joining Kathleen at Faded Charm today for White Wednesday.

Sweet Shabby Bliss Found Here

2011-02-22T21:29:00.000-08:00

It's marked on my calendar for month's and I look forward to it arrival 3 times a year. I am up early and out the door for the Renninger's Antique Extravaganza that is held in Mt. Dora Florida. This past weekend's weather was fabulous and it always makes me happy for those wonderful vendors who do what they do making all of us shoppers deliriously happy with the thrill of the hunt.

Every time I go I run to one of the sweetest friends that I have come to know, Miss Peggy. Hers is my very favorite booth inside the market. I know that I must spend an hour just soaking up the inspiring vignettes that are staged so well that you can't just buy one thing. You really need every item or it just won't look right!

I never come in that I don't load my camera full of photos that I can later enjoy over and over again.

I have never been disappointed either.....Well I take that back. Finding a few sold tickets on items that should have come home with me has left me disappointed but only in myself for not getting my tail to market earlier.

But I know that in so many cases that these items have gone home with other friends I have made along the way. Peggy's booth is very popular and so often is a meeting place for many of my kindred spirit friends.

She has become a friend to each of us and we love her smile, her kindness and her incredible eye for beauty.

Transforming a Little Green Monster

2011-02-21T17:35:00.000-08:00

As sweet as those little orange hands prints are they weren't sweet enough for the owner to keep and so once again for happy little me is, " One man's trash is another man's treasure." I think these pieces had once been a desk or vanity. I thought that I could lift off the extra pieces of wood from the sides but I really made a mess of things. This is always the part where my hubby dear comes in. lol
The very same week I found a full box of ceiling tins at a garage sale. Happy Dance!
So as the light bulb came on as to what hubby could do with the side and a few hours later and a band-aid or two, (Caution tin is sharp!) this was his finished result.

I am joining so many other creative ladies today for Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.

Turn me loose Bruce...this girl's got to juice.

2011-02-19T03:51:00.000-08:00

Like many, with the coming of a New Year, plans are made to get in shape and live a healthier lifestyle. My hubby dear and I needed to make some changes to ours so we started juicing everyday. We figured that if Jack Lalanne lived to be 96 that it certainly wasn't going to hurt us. However, it did take the Mr. a while to move past the green without hurling reflexes.

Today it seems that we can't miss a day without our green delicious concoction. We feel so much better and while that is certainly a perk juicing can be expensive! We start our morning with a blend of Swiss Chard, spinach, peppers, carrots and an apple. Swiss Chard rings up at $3.99 a small bunch and if you are using organic vegetables and fruits this will increase you grocery bill by at least an extra $30, but with all of the health benefits of juicing it is certainly better to use that $30 for fruits and vegetable than for medicine.

One night while watching the movie " It's Complicated," the light bulb came on as to what I could do to remedy the expense of juicing. I was blown away by the cottage garden in this scene. My creative little mind and the dreams began, staring in this scene, my own sweet dream maker, Hubby dear or as he refers to himself my yard monkey!

I am quite certain that the name of the movie played over and over again in his mind but that didn't stop him. He was on a mission and he wasn't stopping until our own cottage garden was complete.

A few blisters and a sore back later the plot was established and now it was time for the raised beds.

A few splinters and a some dirty knees later and they were complete.

The joyful time of planting had arrived. It was even fun finding garden decor which my weekend hunt to a few garage sales turned up a concrete garden bench and a statuary and a watering can.

We added yet one more box and this one is planted only with Swiss Chard and carrots.

I found this picture of exactly what we are hoping for and that is lots of help and a beautiful flourishing garden,

with lots of vegetables to make our wonderful delicious green drink. Which now as we consider the cost of the garden our drink costs us about $ 30 a glass.

PS. I thought about joining the The Shabby Nest's Frugal Friday party . ha ha.

Winter Dreams of Spring

2011-02-04T06:08:00.000-08:00

Let me lure you into the garden. With all of the winter snow that has been blowing I am sure that it won't take too much of a twist to your arm to get you to go with me. I would even guess that some of you are already experiencing nice fireside moments with stacks of garden books, seed catalogs and magazines by your side and if you are really lucky you might actually drift off to sleep at night with winter dreams of spring.

Perhaps you have already been to my friend's garden. As you can see her name is Carolyn Aiken and she has a wonderful blog called Aiken House and Garden. Carolyn lives on Prince Edward Island and each week she shares some of the most beautiful photography I think I have ever seen. Her blog has become a soothing balm for many of us as we put on the tea kettle and drink deeply from her steady pour of beauty. She shares her lovely gardens, family, her beautiful home, tea parties and recipes but more than that she has become the sweet face icon that many of us love to see in our comment column as we experience her words of encouragement and kindness. I heard once that, "One is closer to God in the Garden," and I would have to say that He has certainly rubbed off on my friend! I am quite certain that He has guided her hands as she assisted Him in creating the wonders of her very own incredible Garden of Eden.

I love to look at all her mosaic style pictures. In fact I actually study them. Some days her blog is my only stop for inspiration. I think from this collection we can see that she has had a little help in her garden.
This I believe is her husband and childhood sweetheart. They say that behind every good man is a woman but I would like to add to that that behind every good woman with a beautiful garden there is a good man with a shovel a strong back! So, thank you Mr. A.

I hope that you have enjoyed this time in my friend's garden. Go back often, brush off a snow covered bench and breathe in the inspiration of this beautiful place and remember the words to this beautiful song, "Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snow, lies the seed that with the sun's love in the spring becomes the rose."

A Few Days Before Christmas and All Through the House

2010-12-16T05:43:00.000-08:00

Several days before Christmas, in a lonely big house.

Not too many days after I'd hung this little mouse.

No cookies were baking....

No carmels to wrap.

Basically I was feeling a little like ....

The kids were all scattered

No one coming home

It looked like our memories

would be made on the phone.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

but a bundle of joy that this Grandmother holds dear.

Perfect little fingers and perfect little toes

Awaiting to be wrapped in pretty little clothes.

Grabbing my camera, making several flashes

Poor little one saw spots through those pretty eye lashes.

She's precious, she's wonderful and we are so blessed.

So thank you Dear Santa

I think your the best.

Decking the Halls at the Shabby Old House...in stages

2010-12-06T05:44:00.000-08:00

Last week I spent most of my time up and down a ladder, in and out of boxes, but mostly on the floor and if you know anything about old houses, the floors are cold! I have to do things in stages at the old house. Right now we are in transition between a house in Florida and the old girl but with each trip up I try to plan to accomplish at least one thing and praying as we travel there that I have not forgotten to bring all that I need. This week I was on a mission to get some curtains made.

I have and will most likely always have to do this in stages when it comes to these windows. With 4 windows in the living room requiring 8 yards of fabric, having it done and the expense was just out of the question. So the first thing I did to cover the window was buy the lining. This worked at $6 a yard and a JoAnn's coupon. So up the lining went and I must say just having them on the windows made a huge difference in the warmth of the room. Then for their Veterans Day sale JoAnns had a wonderful sale at 50% off on their special already discounted fabric. I drove all over Tampa to get the 32 yards that I would need to make the curtains. I couldn't wait to get started on my project even if it did mean a cold cold fanny.

I have done as much bending and stretching and step climbing as if I had gone to the gym. Up the ladder and down came the linings and away I went stretching and bending myself all over the floor. I was on a mission and a sore back wasn't going to stop me.

Back up the ladder and onto the window they went. My husband is a very, very, very, wonderful man for all the help he does around this old house. I am blessed. However, you can imagine how his eyes rolled back in his head as I told him we still were not finished with the curtains. I am waiting for the trim now to go on sale and saving the money to get it. Have you priced trim lately? You just have to love the coupons and a great sale!

The savings plan starts once again, not only for the trim but for the 12 foot tree that I would like to grace the middle of the room next year. The very best thing that could happen and believe me I am looking, is for someone to have a garage sale and have the tree and old curtains with the trim. Wouldn't that just be awesome! It could happen and believe me I will be looking.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. May all your projects be complete I hope you get all your holiday wishes at half price!

Please join all of the girls today for this wonderful Decking the Halls linky party hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.

94th Metamorphosis Monday

2010-11-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

Today I jumped into the Metamorphosis Monday Party with Susan from Between Naps on the Porch. However I joined under my other blog Lace and Lures. That blog is about my life in Florida and the Shabby Old House is the old Victorian House we are renovating in Alabama. It had been awhile since I posted from Lace and Lures and so I decided a post was due. However, when I make comments to the girls participating in the BNOTP linky party, the comments appear to be coming from One Shabby Old House. Does anyone know how to switch that? Anyway, long story short, you can see my Metamorphosis here or you can see it there but I do hope that you see it. lol

I think this would make a great changing table if I had added sides.

One man's trash another man's treasure

It sold very quickly. I love it when that happens!

White Wednesday at Posh on Palm

2010-10-19T18:55:00.001-07:00

I am joining Kathleen of Faded Charm for White Wednesday and wanted to share something white that I have been dreaming of. Would you look at this beautiful white sofa! This is the sofa that I have been dreaming of.

It's one of Susie Holts of Posh on Palms creations.

I think it if fabulous.

Of course it would have to have several of these beautiful pillows covering it.

This slipcover is like a wedding dress for a simple sofa.

Just look at the lace, cut lace and ruffle.

Now if I could just get the Mister to say "I DO" to it.

I think it would be the perfect marriage for the Shabby Old House.

Wishing you a wonderful White Wednesday.

Sweet Inspiration

2010-10-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile hasn't it? It's not that I haven't been around, as I have, looking here and there, dipping in and out, reading this and that being inspired by those of you who are the fabric of my sweet cozy comforter called blogland.

I don't know why I have been away so long from posting.

I have enjoyed many friendships that I have found here.

And Lord knows my camera card is loaded with so many wonderful pictures to share.

This is just a sweet taste of what is to follow.

You may recognized this wonderful place as what was once known as the Cat's Meow but now is Posh on Palm and owned by Mark and Susie Holt located in Sarasota FL.

This is always the place I run to when I need to surround myself with beauty as the posts to follow will prove. This is also the place that I will study carefully as I get ready to decorate the Shabby Old House for Christmas.

So join me once again and let's get reacquainted.

I've missed you!

Yes Honey...let's clean the garage!

2010-07-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

We have one of those garages that is packed with wonderful things that I have collected over time.

When opening my garage door and peering in, few people would see the potential of all the bits and pieces that I have collected. In fact you might just say that I am way over due for a garage sale or a clean out. But I know the treasures that are there and the creations that can be made.
This weekend my wonderful Metamorphosis man worked on a this project.
From a wood pile and these old pieces of discards he made this:

Afterwards, I was thrilled with our new potting bench. Or as my pregnant daughter-in-law and I thought about it...a wonderful changing table.

See the flowers in the window. Funny story, a bit sad one day a few years back however. I had a great little table. It had a round glass top that sat on 3 wonderful metal flowers. As I mentioned...I had a table, until son backed over it with the riding lawn mower. It was smashed flat.
I kept trying to get it to bend back to it's original state with no luck. I couldn't throw it away. No matter how many times hubby dear asked that I would I kept saying not yet. He finally gave up. lol
I am so glad now, as I love it!

Just this weekend I got the old flowerpot holder for .25cents at an estate sale. Funny story behind that too. There was a gal at the sale that was throwing a fit because the estate sale people had sold several items the night before. She brought the items back all in a tizzy and made a rude comment and left demanding her money back and as she left I said to the lady....I would like that please. :)

Another delightful discovery was the yellow under the window as hubby distressed it. It caused us to add the yellow to the rest of the potting bench. The yellow tin on the top, I flattened by backing the truck over it. It flattened just perfectly and then hubby cut the spindle in two and added it to the legs.
All in all I think it is a wonderful metamorphosis don't you?
Have a great time looking at all the other transformations out there today by joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. Just click on the butterfly on my sidebar and if you would like to see a White Wednesday post then click on my Lace and Lures blog.

Hugs
Becky

Rachael Ashwell's Shabby Chic Couture....and my Dreamboard

2010-07-07T17:13:00.001-07:00

As I promised, I wanted to show you the beauty that I found inside Rachael Ashwell's new London shop. This wonderful, and as she called it, a Mushsy chair, was one of my very favorite pieces of furniture. The fabric is glorious and of course I had to take a sample away to put on my "DREAM BOARD," as it truly would be a dream to find this wonderful Mushy chair in my Shabby Old House.

I have never had a dreamboard before and I must say that creating one has been so much fun. That too was Rachel inspired. I can see now why this works. I am making one for the Shabby Old House, for my shop space and for my garden and flowerbeds. I may just fill up a wall with Dreams. Do you have a Dream Board?

I think everyone needs a pillow like this, don't you?

One of the fun things about going to a brand new store is seeing the wonderful new merchandise and of course it was so Shabby Chic Beautiful!

Look at this glorious tablecloth. I want it...I want it...I want it!!! Back to the dreamboard!

Thank you Rachael, for not giving up on your Dreams. You have been an inspiration to so many of us and by the way....did I spell Mushy right?
Hugs
Becky

Rachael Ashwell Opens New Shop in London

2010-06-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

I've been to London to visit the Queen, Queen of Shabby Chic that is. Rachel Ashwell.
As mentioned in my previous post, Rachel Ashwell has been a big influence in my life.

What I didn't tell you was that I was actually going to be able to meet her.
This month found my husband traveling to London on business and the beauty of his business is that I get to go along on some of his trips. It just so happened that the trip lined up perfectly with Rachel's Grand Opening of her new shop in London and there was going to be a party.

This lovely lady, dressed in a pretty vintage prom dress, greeted us with champagne.

Floating down the stairs to speak to her guests, our gracious hostess took time to warmly greet each one of us.

Her shop was filled with many well wishers so I couldn't really get pictures of how beautiful everything was inside. But that was fine with me. It just meant another trip back and she encouraged me to do so as she would be there for the next week or so. I couldn't think of a better place to come while hubby was working and I couldn't think of anyone else in London that I wanted to spend time with except the Queen. And so I did!

It's Aint' Over Until the Shabby Old House Sings

2010-05-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

I was innocently sitting watching HGTV one day and little did I know that my world was about to change in a very big way. There was a series that came on every day and the hostess was the most interesting lady. Her style, " Shabby Chic," captured what I knew was lurking in my soul, and yet until then I had never let myself express it in my own personal decorating style. Did I dare bring to my nest, roses and ruffles and lace and "WHITE," where baseball gloves and fishing lures and footballs reigned free.
So I became her student of Shabby Chic style, tuning in each day and coming away with ideas of what my beautiful home would one day look like. However, the problem was that we had just built a home and decorated it and I couldn't for all practical reasons change my decor without having my head lopped off by my most wonderful husband. But the Shabby Chic passion seemed to be an incurable one. What was I to do? I found myself finding little shops and antique booths that would scratch my itch for just a bit but it wasn't enough. The passion persisted. I soon rented space in an antique mall and started the hunt for wonderful old furniture that I could transform. I found such satisfaction in seeing the end result and soon I opened a shop which lead to buying trips in our RV which I of course turned into a rolling Shabby Chic haven. Then one day on a buying trip through a sweet old town in Alabama I found her, our sweet Shabby Old House. What if we bought her and made her a Bed and Breakfast. And so started the beginning of our retirement plan. As you can see from the previous post, The Shabby Old House has seen many changes over the course of time, and I owe it all to that fateful day watching a TV show on HGTV and a style called Shabby Chic and now, due to Ms. Ashwell's inspiration,

I will never own a bed without roses and down covering it.

Before my table would have all been surrounded with matchy matchy chairs and dishes had I not discovered the beauty of mismatched items.
And God forbid that my windows be covered with anything but lace having seen the beauty of morning's light through it's beautiful design.

I don't miss details like I use to.

Give me lots of lace and roses and put it all over the house even the throne room.

Find me a beautiful piece of old furniture and I will find a purpose or repurpose for it.

Old mirrors, old lamps and old wicker..my joy.

Mirrors with age and chipped old washing bowls don't bother me now. There is such beauty in their imperfection.

Rose dishes are beautiful anywhere you want to place them.

And holidays aren't holidays unless they are dripping with lace.

And by all means thrill me lots of architectural details.

And who can have enough chandeliers dripping with sparkling crystals.

The old sofa awaits my paint brush of creamy white paint to bring out the details of the carved birds on the wood trim. I may have passed her up in her horrible kelly green cloth had Rachel not caused me to see beyond the ugly to the possibility.

And what can be said about beautiful hard wood floors except cover them with beautiful hooked rugs.

Pocket doors and old hardware.. In fact I look for old doors and hardware now to create things for the shop.

A room comes together and all from great flea market finds. Once my rooms were put together from the showroom floors and most likely my neighbor had the same look.

Old buffets and sideboards painted and distressed just so.

Slipper chairs now come dressed for dinner.

What discoveries I have found of other kindred spirits and their wonderful finds.
I have made so many new friends because of this passion.

I have never had a chandelier in the bathroom before or lace shower curtains.

I became a collector of rose dishes and drank more tea just because!

My holidays are not only filled with special memories and people but beauty!

Old green cabinets became PINK and distressed to see the green.

I began to cover my chairs with "White." ( ruffles are in the making)

Walls were painted to make the creamy white furniture pop.

The ceiling tins were painted with a slight bit of PINK.

And somehow I just don't mind this old kitchen now. She is shabby and old however fresh paint and roses make her blush with new found charm.

Again with the PINK!

Remember how the old bath was yellow and blue before?

Glass knobs and rose dishes...who knew how pretty this old green kitchen could be.

There is still much to do but I imagine there always will be.
But I look forward to finding just the right fabric and lace. The thrill of the hunt keeps me going.
I know it is out there. I found the valances in an antique mall so I must be patient,
for that is the secret to Shabby Chic living.
Beauty is out there.
We just have to go find it!
And it won't be over until the Shabby Old House Sings!

TRUE LABOR OF LOVE

2010-05-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

It's good to look back. It makes you appreciate where you have been.
The days were filled with passion and purpose even though they were hard days of blood, sweat and tears.

You learn to really appreciate the strengths of others who worked by your side.
You could see what was not yet there and what others would have walked away from

You remember now with laughter what was one of the worst messes you ever experienced.

You laughed and were disqusted at the same time.

The clean up seemed endless.

You legs ached from being on a ladder all day.

And thinking you had filled the last crack with plaster you discovered yet another one.

You put up with colors even matching them just so they would look a bit cleaner.

You could see pretty even when it was ugly.

And you started collecting lots of rose dishes for that someday that would one day arrive.

And you were wowed and continue to be wowed with the beautiful mantels.

You got excited over pocket doors that got pryed loose.

You couldn't wait for a shower to wash yet another days grime from your body.

You were amazed with your discoveries under the wallpaper.

And thrilled even more to find hardwood floors.

You turned closets into bathrooms.

Anticipated the thrill of what something would look like once painted and

Cleaned up.

Plans got foiled but you pressed on making the best of your contractor's neglect.

Knowing that one day you would look back on your diamond in the rough and

enjoy...enjoy...enjoy...

Seeing your labor of love turn into a home.

The Beauty of Springtime

2010-04-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

In my opinion there isn't a season that I enjoy as much as springtime.

It's an unpredictable season. Each day a surprise.

The promise of new life is everywhere you turn.

And there is so much Pink!!!!

pictures by Tina Aycock

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T09:20:00.001-08:00

I am so happy that these two met and fell in Love.

Meet my Grandparents. I adore this picture of them.
They were such a wonderful influence on my life.
After their passing I found an old love letter that my Grandpa had written to my Granny.
He was quite the romantic. They had the lasting kind of love. It was beautiful right up to the end. They gave me the hope that this kind of love exists.

I wish for you this Happy kind of Love.
Happy Valentine's Day.

New Tampa Residents

2010-01-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

Baby it's Cold outside!

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T08:50:00.000-08:00

May all your Rosey Dreams come true in 2010!

God Bless.

My Christmas Angel's Song

2009-12-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that on Feb. 14th of this year I lost my sweet Sister-in-law, Cindi. As I pleaded for prayers for her recovery you all sent up the sweetest harmony of prayers that any blogger could hope for. God had other plans and welcomed her into Heaven where I am sure that she is singing in the most amazing choir this year for Christmas.

I learned so many things from her in the short time that I was blessed to know her. I learned what joy looked like. I called her my Joy Bubble because she was infectious with it and it would rub off on those around her. I learned from her the difference of just being a Christian and being a Christian that is crazy in love with their Savior. She loved her Jesus. Perhaps it flowed from a heart that was so grateful for His forgiving grace for it was something that she clung to with all she had and to her it was a truly, "Amazing Grace," so sweet the sound that when she sang it you knew that she totally understood what that Grace was all about and the price that was paid to receive it.

You couldn't call her a saint. Like most of us there were things in her past that she cried over and wished weren't so. Perhaps that is why when she sang the song Alabaster Box,taking her long dark hair she would act as though she was truly wiping the feet of Jesus with her tears that would be rolling down her cheeks. The congregation would feel her spirit worship the Lord and join in to do the same. You always knew that Cindi wasn't singing to perform but she was truly singing to her Jesus.

I am writing this today because of the most important thing that Cindi's life taught me and that is the need for people to reconcile quickly with each other. Cindi was making plans to see her girls for her birthday which was only a month away from her death. Their relationship had the scars of divorce on it and she would cry to me as she told how much she loved them and was saddened by the past. I pray that they know how much she loved them. She was very proud of them I can assure you that. But what child having lost a parent doesn't just long for one more sweet word ?

Cindi had made a CD a few years ago. I remember the day I got it and the hours I spent listening to her beautiful voice. What you don't know about Cindi is that I would often call her and ask to hear whatever song she was working on for church. She always sang to me and we would have our own little worship service on the phone. She would sing and we would talk for hours about the Lord.

My brother and I listened to that CD as we prepared for her service and he made copies for those who were there. Somehow her daughter Sarah didn't get a copy. As I checked on Sarah over the next few weeks after her mother's passing and she told me that she didn't get a copy I told her I would send her my extra one, but when tearing up the house produced no extra copy, I knew that I would have to part with my original even if I didn't ever find the other one. Her girl needed her momma's voice. Well, that was March and just the other day I found the missing copy. At this point you must think I live in a pig pen but I had stuck it on my cookbook rack and I shouted out a hallelujah to the Lord for the found gift. My sweet Cindi's voice filled my Christmas clad kitchen and goosebumps covered my body as I listened to her sing. It was as though she was there singing to me my favorite Christmas song as she had over the phone lines only this time I felt an urgency to share this story and this song. I hope that you will enjoy our Christmas Angel's Song. The song is called The Angel Song by Chris Eaton and Cindi is singing it. Just click on The Angel Song. And I hope that this year you will give the gift of reconciliation to someone. Don't wait, please don't wait. We just don't know how quickly a life can be gone. Whether it is someone we know or our very own life. But just one more thing before I go. Reconciliation can also be something that you do between yourself and your God. Don't wait on that account either. Today may you experience the peace that comes from those decisions. May you understand the meaning of the Christ Child born to you today. By all means share this message and song if you would like. And a Very Merry Christmas to you, with all my heart!

Oh Christmas Tree...part 2

2009-12-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

As promised here is my favorite of all the trees, this amazing Upsidedown Tree.

I don't know how and I don't know what year it will be but the Shabby Old House will definately one day have one of these.

And you all will be the first to know.

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree...this one's for you mom

2009-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

There are white trees.....
Teenager trees......

Coastal trees......

Midas touched trees....

and Flocked trees.....

Sorry to be away so long from blogging. My mother-in-law send out an e-mail and told me to get back to my blog as she missed reading it. So this one is for you, mom.

I hope you enjoy some of the pretty trees I have discovered this year.

Oh...I forgot to upload my favorite one. You're going to love it.

I'll Be back tomorrow.

White Wednesday at Ivy's Porch

2009-11-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

This is Ivy's Porch in Scott's Valley CA. It was a nice little surprise that my hubby darling love of my life treated me to. When I flew out to join him in CA for a business trip that he was on, I knew that our little mini vacation would have us visiting San Francisco and then on to Yosemite but I never dreamed that he would take the magazine that I brought to read on the plane ride, Romantic Homes, and map out a day of visiting as many Romantic shops that our days would allow.
Now they say, whoever they are, that the perfect vacation a couple can have is when you allow each person to do what they really want. I knew that he wanted to go to Yosemite and I wanted to see the Painted Ladies in San Francisco so this side trip was a beautiful gift to me.

So do you want to see Romantic Shop # 1?

And as you can see even the table says we are in for some "White." Perfect for a White Wednesday posting, don't you think?

White eye candy here and

White eye candy there.

How about a little slice of White?

And if you can't get enough White inside then lets go outside,

around White fountains and through white arbors until a little White cherub blesses you.

with an exlposion of beautiful pink roses climbing up White trellises.

Leaving you with one perfectly, White, beautiful quote.

I do thank God for this wonderful trip and most importantly for a wonderful hubby that shows me he loves me in so many colorful ways.

Longing for more? Then go on over to Kathleen's blog, www.fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com and visit all the other lover's of White.

I am in Awe...

2009-10-20T03:36:00.000-07:00

I am in awe
that the God

who made all this....

made me.

Why me?

Have you ever considered this?

He wanted you here!

And every day you get,

Is a gift just waiting to be unwrapped.So enjoy it. Live it to it's fullest.

And share a little of it's precious moments with those you meet along the way.

(These pictures were taken from our trip to CA.)

My Brother's Table for Tablescape Thursday

2009-10-15T08:02:00.001-07:00

Stepping inside of Ivy's Porch in Scotts Valley CA I found some darling ideas for a Halloween Table. I like cute things for Halloween myself. I don't need Scary! Having a big brother who terrorized me as a child, I grew up with arms coming from under my bed almost on a weekly basis. He thrilled in telling us to get something from the basement and then would lock the door and turn out the lights and growl. I remember one Halloween as we walked next door to our neighbors house to Trick or Treat he screamed and yelled and told us to run quickly home. My poor little sister who was dressed as a ghost started to run and scream and cry and her eye holes slipped and she ran right in to a telephone pole and knocked herself out. . So I like safe and cute! I grew up on SCARY! He had a name and a face! But my guess is, that if my Brother had a tablescape he would have it decorated just like this one.

And as I settled down to sleep in his guest room, that arm would come up from under the bed!!

Oh great....I hope I don't have nightmares now!

And if you are reading this Brother dear, don't get any ideas. I learned to sleep with one eye open!

For more ideas on fall tablescapes join in today with Susan our host, from http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

The White Mission

2009-10-14T08:32:00.001-07:00

We are on a mission. With fall offerings of cooler weather it is the perfect time to paint our Shabby Old House. We are in a rush to submit our paint chips to the Historical Society for their stamp of approval and get moving on this big task at hand. You can only imagine how excited I was to learn that I could go along with hubby on a business trip to California and that we were going to San Francisco, known for her beautiful Painted Ladies.

Now don't get me wrong, especially since it is White Wednesday here in blogland. I love white houses. Crisp, clean, freshly painted they glow from the street with pride but our old lady is anything but fresh and clean. She looks like she is in need of a good bleaching and keeping her white on a busy street with the road dust that is tossed on her daily makes it impossible.

So off we went on our little vacation with a mission to find just the right color and what we would find for color choices caused my poor camera to smoke. I was snapping pictures right and left in every town that we drove through. I have never seen so many beautiful old houses.

I went through 2 packs of batteries and will never make the mistake again by leaving my battery charger at home.

Hubby was blessed with wonderful Grandparents that took him on a great vacation as a boy and he wanted to take me to one of the places that he had been. We went to Petaluma California and what a treat that was. So many beautiful homes and so many color choices.

This was one of my favorites and quite possibly the color we will use for our Shabby old house.

I was charmed by the white picket fence and the white roses that welcomed you at first glance.

But the color, wow, I fell in love with all of the color that made every detail of this home pop.

I do believe we have a color!

I can't wait to see just what this color will do for the stain glass that is above our door.

It is a good thing that I love to paint. I hope that I will be saying this when it is all finished.

And as far as this being a White Wednesday post, I think that you will find enough white in these pictures with the roses and the fence and the posts to satisfy, but in case you don't I will be posting more whites on my Lace and Lures blog later in the day and if that still isn't enough then take your day and cruise around all the other White Wednesday participants with our wonderful host Kathleen of www.Fadedcharm.blogspot.com

Enjoy your day!

A Little Metamorphosis Going On Around Here

2009-09-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

I promise that I didn't stay parked by the pool all of this time. I have been a busy girl.
I am in a great shop in South Tampa called Summer House and so my days are filled with at least one metamorphosis or two. This headboard is just an example of what I have been doing. I realize that not everybody is going to be thrilled that I painted this Antique East Lake Bed but as you can see that didn't stop me. And with hubby out of town I was feeling just a bit blue and this was the result.

Then hubby came home and he is my sanding expert. He doesn't like to leave anything looking new and Pottery Barn looking. Give it some character, he says. And being the character that he is, here you have it.
Oops....I wasn't going to show you how we made that pier mirror yet.
I will save that for next Met. Monday.

Have a great week.
Hugs
Becky

I'm Parking it Here Today

2009-08-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

This is where I am spending the day. Seems like a good place to park it for a few hours and enjoy this beautiful day of rest.
I've got my tea, my sunscreen, and towel and a great book.
Have you read it?
It is called Crazy Love.

So I am just going to park it hear and meditate on this.
And if my sunscreen doesn't work well then you will see me on the next Pink Saturday posting.

Want to hear some juicy gossip????

2009-08-22T19:22:00.001-07:00

I just found out from Kelly who found out from ....who found out from........

who found out from.......who found out from Jennifer that there is going to be a party in blogland and we should share it and get the word out about this big Reveal of Cottage 8. Don't you just love a juicy little bit of information. Well girls get ready for this. On Monday, Jennifer of The Old Painted Cottage will be revealing to all of blogland her cottage. She has been teasing us for months now and we have all eagerly awaited this day. Congratulations Jennifer. I know it is going to be wonderful.

See you all there girlfriends.

I Want to Lead You Down the Right Path

2009-08-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

Would you like to come along with me to the beach today? Follow this path to Anna Marie Island.

Do you have your Sunscreen on?

I have to tell you it is pretty hot here in Florida today so let's go get something to drink. Where should we go? Do you ever find yourself asking questions like that when you are on vacation? Do you ever find yourself asking the question and then learning too late of several places that you should have gone to. Well, I have and that is why I love to tell people about the places that I have discovered, like this one, Ginny's and Jane's at the old IGA in Anna Marie Island.

I knew when I stepped in the door and saw this that I was in for a treat. It wasn't just a great gift shop it was a funky fun shop and I would have loved to have purchased several things there. There were great Coastal furnishings and decor, artwork,cool gifts a bakery and an internet cafe. Nicely packaged don't ya think?

Hubby wants me to get a bathing suit like this one. I will have to say that her hair looks better than mine after I come out of the water.

Weathered, vintage, coastal and colorful furnishings are all around the shop.

We ate the best quiche and shared an incredible dessert.

This is Marcia, the store manager. When I asked her to stand by her favorite thing in the shop she ran over and stood up on the couch by this great picture.

Mona Lisa gone Coastal!

How great is that.

For more Waterside Wednesday fun go to Barbara Jacksier's blog

www.barbarajacksier.blogspot.com

Have Fun

Met Monday and a Thrifty Treasure And a Garage Dream

2009-08-10T11:47:00.001-07:00

A Thrifty Treasure just might make this old girl a charmer!

I have always been fond of buildings made from old thing like windows, porch columns and doors and such but this week's thrifty find has really started me dreaming.

I had a great day out on Saturday. The thrill of the hunt was racing through my veins.

My new friend Carol and fellow vendor of Summer House invited me to go with her to some of her favorite shops. We left Tampa early a.m. and shopped all the way down to Anna Marie Island. She is a rep for Panama Jack and knows where some really neat shops are.

At one particular place along our way she spotted a great piece of iron and quickly purchased it.

I love old iron and as she was buying I jokingly asked the lady if she had anymore laying around.

She didn't so I teased and said you wouldn't want to sell that great gate around your door would you? With that she looked at her husband and said, "we will sell it." Happy Dance.... Happy Dance.... A great price was stuck, a fall down giggle on the ground kind of price and we unloaded and reloaded the back of Carol's Jeep, only able to bring two of the three pieces home.

The beauty of the filled vehicle was that I got to come back to Bradenton on Sunday for the pick up and so I took my hubby back to the great shop she took me too and then we went to the beach for the afternoon. I'll be posting about that great shop and the beach on Wednesday.

Here is my Fabulous Find. It would make a great headboard and footboard too, don't ya think?

I even see potential to use the smaller piece to make a potting bench.

But then I started to think of a great couple of old French doors that I have and a great piece of tin and 2 old porch columns.

So I drew this out as the vision sprang forth. Now the trick will be to get my DH to give up yet another garage and when and if he does you can be sure that I will be letting you all know about it on Met Monday. I can see a Chandelier hanging over a great old farm table....a pool to the side of the garage....our grill enclosed with a great potting bench like shelf using that other piece of iron.

A girl just has to dream don't you think?

So if you want to find others with passion for the hunt and creative energy a flowin'

you can check out, Between Naps on the Porch, hosted by Susan

and then check out Thrifty Treasures hosted by Rhonda at

Southern Hospitality

Have fun!

Becky

Happy Birthday Sweet Daughter

2009-07-30T18:03:00.001-07:00

Dear Child....Welcome to the World

In your adventures here...I wish for you...

An endless trail of stars for you to dance under.

Long teddy bear moments that make you feel warm and loved and safe.

I wish

Angels at night to whisper in your ears, telling you how special you are to God and to us

I wish your world a playground of happy times and dreams that come true. May your world be bright with balloon colors and the sound of laughter.

Dear Child ...I wish you always the celebration of the love that you are................... Mom

I wrote this in your baby book several years ago and I still wish it for you today.

Happy 28th Birthday

I am so proud of the beautiful young woman that you have become.

I love you

Mom

Where Bloggers Create

2009-07-24T04:56:00.000-07:00

There is a fabulous Party today.

Karen from http://www.mydesertcottage.blogspot.com/ is hosting it.

I decided to join in on my other blog.

http://www.laceandlures.blogspot.com/

Hope you will visit.

Hugs

Becky

Pink Saturday Featuring The Cat's Meow

2009-07-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have joined in on Pink Saturday. I had run out of Pink inspiration, I hear you gasp, until I learned that one of my favorite shops had a new location.

This is where I go when I want Pink inspiration.

It's the Cat's Meow, a beautiful shop now in Ellenton FL, about a half hour trip from Tampa and owned by Mark and Susie Holt.

Does Pink get any better than this???

I don't think so.

This sofa is one of many of Susie's creations.

She uses some of the prettiest fabrics and knows just what to mix and match to create some of the most beautiful slipcovers.

How sweet is this room at the top of the stairs?

Don't you just want everything here?

Susie carries a beautiful line of bedding.

It makes me want to redo my bedroom every time I visit as she mixes and matches her beautiful magic often on some of wonderful Beds that she sells in her shop as well.

I love to zero in on all of the details of her decorating. Look at these lovely touches of pink.

Look at the clothing hanging in the background too.

She carries Magnolia Pearl clothing and some other romantic styles.

From beautiful painting by Christie Repasy to wonderful old chippy paint furniture, Susie has everthing you will need to fill your house with Pink wonderment...is that a word?

But she is not just about pink. Here is a wonderful antique green bedroom set with beautiful pink roses. Yes girls, I found my pink fix here and you can too.

Whether to come visit her shop personally or shop online, you will not be disappointed.

Just tell her Becky sent you.

Please be sure to visit my other blog for more Pink.

http://www.laceandlures.blogspot.com/

and then click on over to visit our wonderful host Beverly and all the other gals who love pink.

http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/.

Hugs

Becky

My White Wednesday

2009-07-16T04:54:00.000-07:00

There is a wonderful day going on in Blogland called White Wednesday.

I played a bit too much yesterday and was too late to post but I think that this is just too pretty to wait until next week. I surrounded myself with all the wonders of White and spent a good portion of my day with Susie and Mark Holt, owners of the Cat's Meow.

They have relocated their beautiful shop to Ellenton FL.
I will be sharing all the pictures I have taken over the next few days.
These pictures I have taken from the shop's wonderful website.

Here is just one of the magical rooms you will see.

The new location is 3711 US 301 North
Ellenton FL
and their website is
http://www.catsmeowinc.com/

Wait until you see my Pink Saturday Post.
It's going to be beautiful thanks to Susie and Mark.
Check out http://www.laceandlures.blogspot.com/
My other blog for more pictures of the Cat's Meow.

Thank You For Your Prayers

2009-07-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed and amazed by this caring community of blogging friends that I have.
Thank you so much for your prayers and comments concerning my daughter. Thankfully she is feeling so much better. Prayer works and God is good.
And your friendship means so much.
Hugs
Becky

Please keep my daughter in your prayers.

2009-07-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

Turning 28 doesn't mean that she is no longer my little girl. She will always

be and I will always want to see her smile.

My baby went into the hospital today. Please keep her in your prayers.

The Boy Likes to Fish

2009-07-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

I miss my boy! I wish he was fishing in the lake behind the house.

HERE WE ARE TODAY

2009-07-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

Alot of changes have been made to the Shabby Old House. Since there wasn't a laundry room we decided to take the area where the old back porch use to be and wall it up. As soon as we finish the laundry room I will show you that. But for today this is what the back room turned out to look like. I still have much to do but it is cozy for now.

This is the wall that was added.

The wall behind the old mirror is where the window use to be.

Now my guest have privacy.

And one day I hope to put a shelf running the distance of the window up and then decorate over the window. But that is going to be another post.

Hope your weekend is filled with rewarding projects.

Hugs

Becky

Renovating An Old Victorian is Messy

2009-07-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

Straight ahead is the little sun room that was added on to the Shabby Old House. It is bright and cheery although a humble frame. The main house is just before the left side of the railing. When they added the den to the house they covered the original window. The Roof slopes and although you can't see it in this picture they left about a foot of window sticking out above the sloping roof. So when you walked into the room from outside you saw 3/4 of a window. Nice realy nice. And get this, you could actually look through that window into the bedroom. Welcome to my bed and breakfast. Don't mind that window. We keep the shades pulled. lol

These brilliant hobblers did the same thing again. They made a nice L shaped room but the window to the 2nd bedroom in the hall was open to the room as well.

Somehow I just don't think that would ever fly with our guests. lol

And you can see that we have been trying out paint samples. My hubby even got on the ladder and did a two tones green to see if we liked it. How can you go wrong with green? Or can you?!

The whole room was painted this color and very very dirty.

See that window and door. This would have been the original back door and that window is one that goes to the Master Bedroom. There is another window on the other side as well and it looked into the kitchen.. Can't you see in your mind how cute this back porch could have been. Throw in some steps a landing and some gingerbread trim and oh honey that would have been all I needed.

The roof leaked and so in fixing that we fixed the ceiling with drywall. I really struggled spending any money to renovate any portion of this room. But we couldn't leave those issues the way they were.

What a pretty thing I am. lol

So you are in the house from the back. You see we covered the window. Isn't the floor lovely too. It slopes just like the roof. lol

But the windows are cute. Except there are bee bee holes in them.

We think that Old Mr Baker may have been shooting at the Bats...

And that is another story for another day.

I will show you where we are with the room tomorrow.

Sure hope you come back.

Hugs

Becky

A Look at the Backside

2009-07-01T14:48:00.001-07:00

I fell in love with the Shabby Old House because of all the gingerbread trim. I have always dreamed of owning a house with a porch like this one.

Ask me how I feel about it all when we start scrapping and painting it in the fall. I have a feeling it is going to be a project that I won't be able finish quick enough. Although I am certain the finished project will be such a reward.

If you live in the Historic district of Eufaula anything you do must be approved to strict guidelines. We will soon be submitting color choices and keeping our fingers crossed. I have heard from some that this board is a strict one. I think that this is good within reason. I only wished a strict board was around when they submitted a building permit for the additions that were added on.

Let's have a look at her backside. I can almost feel her blush with embarassment.

As you can see they tacked on two rooms and a horrible stoop. The room to the left is the sunroom which is off of the back bedroom bath. The room to the right with the steps leading up to it is what is suppose to be a den family room.
I was so hoping to win the lotto or inherit a fortune from a rich relative so that I could just knock these rooms off and properly add on to them, but since nothing like that has happened we have just had to make due.
I will take you in tomorrow.
I hope you will come back.

Looking for the perfect Shade

2009-06-22T19:15:00.001-07:00

I love to find a great vintage lamp and I especially love to find them with their lampshades.

When they don't have their shade then I play a loosing game of , "Will The Lampshade Fit?"

Can anyone tell me how to figure out the perfect size shade for a lamp?

I thought this was a great idea for a great old lampshade frame.

I love how this one swirls to the side.

I love the added embellishment.

And here is what you do with the ones that you buy that don't fit.

Have a party with your friends!

I'll be passing out the hats.

Garden Inspirations from Scott's Flea Market

2009-06-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

I have been daydreaming about the flowerbeds that I want to put in around the Shabby Old House. That must have been the reason that the garden inspired booths seemed to draw me in at Scotts. I loved this booth as well. Enjoy the pictures. .

More of Scott's Flea Market

2009-06-13T07:31:00.001-07:00

This birdcage ivy is just one more reason to go to Atlanta's Scott's Flea Market and back to Jill's booth. I wish I had paid closer attention to where the booths were. So Jill if you are reading this, e-mail me. I would be happy to direct people to you!!

There are two mega huge buildings full of antique dealers as well as outside vendors. You will find anything your little heart desires!

A Trip to Scott's Flea Market

2009-06-12T17:48:00.001-07:00

One of the best things about going to a flea market is meeting such talented people.

Meet Jill Clow. Jill has a darling booth. It just draws you in.

She specializes in what she terms Frenchy Garden.

Don't you just love it?

I'll post more later. Hubby's calling.

Proud as a Peacock

2009-06-11T04:16:00.000-07:00

Have you ever carefully looked at a peacock?

Because of work, my hubby is staying in our RV throughout the week in a park in the Everglades that is home to over 30 or more peacocks. I was amazed by them.

I totally got the phrase proud as a peacock after seeing these guys strut around the park.

What makes you proud as a peacock?

And if you would like to be the proud owner of a new patio rug,

http://www.oldwhitecottage.blogspot.com/ is giving one away.

Check it out!

Romans 6:20

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made .....

A Pink Wedding

2009-05-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Pink Saturday and a Happy Couple!

If you have seen the movie Fireproof then you understand the salt shakers on top of the cake.

Isn't that cute?

Revealing Mr. and Mrs.
To capture the look of love on your child's face ....priceless
To know that it is towards the daughter-in-law you have been praying for.
beyond priceless!!

My husband the Rev. Capt. Dave married them.
This was awesome!

And there you have it.

A Pretty Pink Wedding

On Pink Saturday.
Now make sure that you go tell the creator of Pink Saturday congratulations on the anniversary of a wonderful pink thing.
www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com

Soon to be revealed

2009-05-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

I think this is going to make a great Pink Saturday post. So this is just a tease until then.

There's going to be a wedding, but first you must be sister approved!

2009-05-22T02:56:00.001-07:00

I believe that this was the face of my little girl as she was told that she was going to be a big sister.

However once that little brother was here she became a little mother.

No need for baby dolls with her.

She had her very own.

And she grew up watching over her brother. Bossing him here and there through life.

However, there is one thing you can't boss a brother around with and that is love.

So needless to say this whirlwind engagement has caused "Big Sister" some concern.

A Facebook Romance????

Mom, what if????

So it was time to have a little tea party.

I'm not so sure this is the generation for tea parties but hey....one day they will think back to this special time together. Right?

Recently I found something while going through an old box of pictures and papers.

So it set the theme for my tea party.

It was a little book that had been handed down from mother to daughter over 100 years ago.

It was called a Bridal Bouquet.

And it held the sweetest story called the Advise of an Irish Fairy.

Has anyone heard this story? It is precious.

So I read it to my girls as they had their little tea party.

And we are going to start a tradition of passing down this little bridal book.

I think my Great-Great-Great Grandmother would approve. Don't you?

Now if only we can just get big sister to.

An Engagement Ring

2009-05-21T11:59:00.001-07:00

Imagine our surprise when our son who is stationed in Hawaii told us that he was going to

become engaged. Why surprised, you might ask. Well, this engagement

is to a girl that he has known since the 5th grade but they have never dated.

It started in October last year.

He is stationed in Hawaii and she lives in Tampa and the two of them

started talking on Facebook. And they fell in love with each other over the internet.

He is home on leave and he got down on his knee and asked her to marry him within

hours of coming home.

And then he swept her away on his white horse and they will live happily ever after.

2009-05-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

It is so much fun to meet other bloggers and one that I got to meet and enjoy some time with last year is Kelly from www.Rosevinecottagetwo.blogspot.com. Well, my friend and her beautiful home are featured Cottage of the Month by Jennifer at www.TheOldPaintedCottage.com.

Congratulations Kelly!!

Her home is adorable and you will be in heaven lingering over the pictures that Jennifer has posted. And then there is Jennifer.....another talented lady that I am sure if you don't already know is working on a cottage that I am sure will have us all sighing when she finally reveals it.

Don't you just love all the talent you find in blogland?

Again congratulations Kelly.

I am so happy for you.

Hugs

Becky

Antique Garden Catalogs

2009-04-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

These beautiful catalogs is what the post man would have been delivering about a century ago to the Shabby Old House. Make sure you click on the picture as it is amazing.

I am sure that the ladies of the house would have been scouring the pages dreaming as I often do of the beautiful flower beds that could be created around this old Victorian home.
This is a wonderful collection of Joseph Freedman and this article was in an old May
1994 Victoria Magazine that I found.
What I love about the old Victoria magazines is the history that they wrote of which keeps the magazine as interesting today as it was in 1994.
I learned that a sum as small as a dollar was enough for a magnificent garden.
The seed companies hired top artists to draft horticulturally accurate flower illustration, which were reproduced as lithographs and accompanied by the proud words, "drawn from nature."

This catalog from 1925 portrayed the garden of George Washington's sister Betty.
Oh how pretty the Shabby Old House could be with flower beds and gardens surrounding her.

Any ideas from you girls that study those wonderful gardening books?

I am open for lots of comments. I have a dollar too! lol So

if you want to come bringing your gloves and shovels I'll be happy to name the garden after you.

The Cat's Meow

2009-04-15T03:49:00.000-07:00

There is a beautiful shop in Venice FL called the Cat's Meow and it is owned by two equally beautiful people, Mark and Susie Holt. These two have been a source of inspiration for me and when I need a beauty boost in that direction I head south.

The store carries the most beautiful funishings, bedding, clothing and gifts that one could ever imagine and on this particular day I wanted to surround myself with those things. I love what being around such talented people does for my soul.

I come away energized with new vision. Inside of me there is a new creation just waiting to be birthed in the Shabby Old House and places like this just stir me to action. Now stick around for a few days as I show you what fabulous finds could be yours. I don't mean to tempt you but.....I'm just saying......

How could you not be tempted by this?

The Cat's Meow

213 W. Venice Ave

Venice Fl

941-445-5602

I Forgot My Camera

2009-04-13T17:10:00.001-07:00

Oh the joys of packing! I actually don't mind it especially when I am heading to Eufaula. I look forward to placing all of my little collections in the Shabby Old House. So when we headed to Eufaula, I drove my SUV and Dave drove the truck and we had both loaded down with all the things that I have been gathering for the house. We have the house to the point that we actually had some overnight guest over Pilgrimage.

I forgot my camera and so my guests are going to share their pictures of Pilgrimage. We had a wonderful time touring all the old houses as well as hitting every antique shop around.

I picked up a disposable camera for these shots. Ya gotta love a Kodak.

This is a Vintage Pagent gown that I found this weekend. Now if I start dieting now perhaps I will be able to wear it for pilgrimage next year...

No doubt some pretty "little" southern belle wore this.

Have you visited Dream In Cream blog and seen her blog banner? There are the most beautiful pillows made by Felicia of Bountiful and they have been my inspiration for my next project. They even inspired the girls over at Antiques in Old Town.

Here is a sweet old vintage sofa that I have been dragging from room to room.

It is here in the Master Bedroom for now.

I love the carved wood but it gets lost on the floors so....

I painted it and now the detail pops off the floor.

I am on the hunt for the perfect rug.

I will be making lots of pillows. I was just playing with some that I had.

Can"t you see it loaded with lots of those pretty pillows?

As pretty as this wood is it is a toe breaker.

Perhaps now that it shows up on the floor I won't stub my toe and then have to repent.

Hope you will come back soon

I will be sharing with you my friends Susie and Mark's shop, The Cat's Meow.
You are going to love it.

It's another great place for inspiration.

Bye for now

Becky

It's So Much More

2009-04-10T10:03:00.001-07:00

It's so much more than the Easter Bunny.
It's so much more than finding the right bonnet, dress and shoes.

It's so much more than just stepping inside the doors of a building called church.

Or wearing the perfect cross and having a Bible.

It's not Religion It's Relationship.

God Loves You

Plain and Simple.

I pray that the eyes of your understanding will be open to the revelation knowledge of who He is ....this Easter.

Happy Easter

Love

Becky

My Granny Collage

2009-03-31T05:48:00.001-07:00

I think my Grandmother's picture would be happier here.

I pulled a few more of her things together.

Her Christening bonnet,

Small picture of her mother.

A sweet picture of her as a little girl.

And the gloves that I remember.

She would stroke my hand in church with them on.

I guess it took the wiggle out of a me.

An Old Photo of my Grandmother

2009-03-30T16:27:00.001-07:00

I am looking forward to the Pilgrimage this weekend in Eufaula.

There will be ladies dressed in period fashions.

My friend Cory just did a wonderful post today regarding Victorian fashion.

If you love this kind of thing then make sure you go for a visit. Her blog is beautiful and filled with lots of pretty things. http://gingerbreadcrumbsandcompany.blogspot.com/

The picture above is my grandmother. She looked stunning in her beautiful outfit.

I wish it was one that she had saved.

I am grateful to have the picture.

A Cubby, An Old Dress and a Collection

2009-03-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

There was a project that Dave tackled a few months ago that involved a little closet in the bathroom. It had been used for storage and what we found was a bag of old clothes. This dress was in the bag. It was in really rough shape and I threw it out. Then I decided to go dig it out of the trash because it was a piece of history of the family that lived in the house , The Bakers family.
My pictures are out of order. I wish I knew why they do this sometimes. Does anybody know how to fix this?

Back to the dress. The top of the dress was shot so I just played away with the old fabric. I took off collars and ruffles and created the top myself.

And for the rest of the collection. It waits in our garage in Tampa for its trip to Eufaula.

I found this sofa and chair and it just had to go to Eufaula.

Especially for the amazing price I paid.

Our next project will be on our most difficult room in the house.

I will need all the ideas I can get from you all.

This will be the bones of what I am going to work with.

I am loving the creams and browns and whites.

I am anxious to get busy on it next week.

That is if I don't play the whole time with friends that are coming for the Pilgrimage.

Hmmm work or play? What shall I do?

Garden Tours

2009-03-23T08:39:00.001-07:00

This lovely garden will be one to be enjoyed by vistors to Eufaula for the Pilgrimage.

There are three more garden tours planned.

I will be posting all about it upon my return.

The azaelas will be in full bloom and this just adds to the charm.

The Eufaula Pilgimage is Coming

2009-03-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

If you saw Sweet Home Alabama you saw this home.

Not only are all these homes on tour but there will be gardens and ghost walks.

And we are praying for beautiful weather.

I can't wait!

You'll experience Southern hospitality at its finest when you visit Eufaula, Alabama during its 44th Annual Pilgrimage on April 3, 4 and 5, 2009.
Beautiful historic homes, built in the days when "cotton was king", will be open to visitors during this nostalgic return to the Old South.Grand ante-bellum and Victorian mansions built by 19th century planters and merchants still house family heirlooms, the precious symbols of a bygone era.

Most of the homes are private residences, open only during the annual Pilgrimage. As you stroll from Greek Revival cottagesto Italianate showplaces, your path will be lined with colorful azaleas and dogwoods. Beautifully landscaped gardens and manicured parkways will entice you through the Seth Lore-Irwinton Historic District. Southern belles in hoops and bustles will grace the gardens and verandahs and greet you warmly as you pass.The Pilgrimage Queen and Princesses are joined by other senior high school girls to form the Pilgrimage Queen's Court.
Hundreds of local volunteers guide visitors on tours throughthe homes and churches during the pilgrimage.
Something for everyone can be found in Eufaula during the spring tour of homes. An open-air art exhibit, gardens, afternoon teas, candlelight tours, musical entertainment and more complement the Pilgrimage experience. A prestigious antique show will appeal to browsers and collectors. Buildings dating from the1800s await you in a revitalized downtown. Many of them are open to the public during the annual tour.

Touring Eufaula

2009-03-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

The Shorter MansionThe Presbyterian Church

The Honan House

Foy-Beasley House

Fendall Hall

More of Victoria's Antique Warehouse

2009-02-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

My previous post was on my friend Vicky who has a wonderful store in Leesburg FL

Called Victoria's Antique Warehouse

www.victoriasantiquewarehouse.blogspot.com

This is where all the fun begins. Here Vicky is designing her kitchen.

They build custom cabinets, bars cupboard, and just about anything you can imagine.

She made a wonderful bed for me that I have posted about in my Roselake cottage blog.

And she also made a TV cabinet as well. Her work is incredible.

This pretty little, once upon a time dresser will be a wonderful vanity as they will soon drop in a sink. Don't you just love the doors. There use to be drawers here. I am loving the tin.

I adore this hall tree. Check out all the details.

More tin.
I have a thing for tin. Check out my dining room ceiling at the shabby old house and you will see why.

Here is a kitchen bar.

And you can find it all here!

I must really love this hall tree...hint hint...hubby

And there is always a beautiful mantle or two in her shop as well.

And the beauty of it all is that you get to choose your colors and dream your dream.

I hope that you will visit her blog and let her know you like her work.

You inspire me Vicky! I am very Happy that I met you.

Becky

Victoria's Antique Warehouse

2009-01-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

My dining room is a work in progress. I am happy to say that we actually were able to have Christmas dinner in the Shabby Old House this year.

One of my favorite pieces of furniture in the house is the China Hutch.
I don't have it decorated exactly the way I want it but as you can see I am playing around with what I have there. I am all ears for suggestions.
I purchased this wonderful cabinet from my friend Vickie who is the owner of Victoria's Antique Warehouse in Leesburg Florida.
I will be posting for the next few days on this beautiful shop.
I have been taking pictures of the shop for years now and I have made a scrapbook that is filled with beautiful vinettes and fabulous European antiques.

Meet my friend Vickie. She recently started a blog and you can visit it as well as her website.
www.Victoriasantiquewarehouse.blogspot.com.

Just behind the french door is a warehouse of furniture, mantles, architectural pieces, old doors, French beds and armoires waiting for the masters touch. Her customers can browse the back and she will help you create that unique piece for your home.

Look at this fabulous mantle that has been created.

And then there is the shop. If you can't find it here, you can't find it anywhere.
In fact when I visit the shop I always find myself not wanting to leave.
So if you are ever in the neighborhood of Leesburg. This is the shop that you simply must not miss. It is just off the main street and honey it is well worth the trip.

I will show you some more of her wonderful creations tomorrow.

I just may have her create a custom kitchen for me.

I have some great photos of the kitchen cabinets that she is making.

You won't want to miss this.

The Blue Room

2009-01-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

I am still working on the Blue Room

This is the Bedding set that I chose.

I want to cozy this room up more so I am open for suggestions.

I will post more pictures of the rest of the room next week.

I start a room and then we come home and I collect the assessories that I need from home.

I went up shorthanded this trip. So tell me girls what do I try to bring back next week.

Viewer's choice

2009-01-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

In a previous post I showed you this mirror in the bathroom as well as the one below.

The majority voted for this one so I put it back up last weekend. I had brought it back to Tampa and was using it in the Roselake Cottage bath but I got to thinking about your comments and I have to agree I like the square one better. So thanks for your help.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures and I know that it is in a peculiar place but at least it is viewed often. lol

This tiny bathroom is filled with my favorite colors.

I love the chandelier. It is from Ballard Designs.

Do you see that little closet up above? This is where we will store our Christmas decorations but first it needed to be cleaned out. It was really creapy in there.

Dave crawled in it to clean it out. It had old clothes and papers and he was lucky enough to find a box with 2 old fishing lures and 2 pocket knives. A nice reward for him and four bags of stuff for the trashman.

This bathroom is off the Blue Room. I hope to get back to that project soon.

Tomorrow I will be posting about the Dining room

I would love some idea.

Are you game?

The Blue Room

2009-01-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

We have been working on the blue bedroom at our Shabby Old House.

I found this print of Victorian Ladies and everything else started to fall into place.

I wonder what kind of dresses I would have worn if I had lived during this period.

Have you ever thought about what yours might have looked like?

I know that I would have had a cameo broach as I love them.

I started to dream of these dresses as a little girl.

This is my doll and I can still remember the Christmas that I got it. Her dress has faded with the years but she is still so pretty.

She was from Sears. Do you remember how you felt when the Sears Christmas catalog arrived?

I remember it well. Each year I would get a pretty doll.

Now she is right at home in our Victorian Cottage.

I am not quite finished with the Blue room but when I am you will be the first to see it.

Santa Likes Pink Too

2008-12-19T18:14:00.001-08:00

There is always one stop that I have to make each year and especially at Christmas time and that is to Menzer's Antiques in downtown Tarpon Springs, FL.

Paul and Melissa have a wonderful antique mall filled with beautiful quality antiques.

But what makes this shop even better is the talent of Melissa.

Melissa makes the most beautiful Santa's I have ever seen. Each one is a masterpiece.

I just happened to be lucky to find a pink one for Pink Saturday.

Melissa calls her business Cottageville Santas. Each of her Santa's stocking are filled with trinkets and collectables that will just make your jaw drop as you study the details. Her beautifully designed outfits are so unique. From Fur to flannel there isn't one outfit that she creates that is not just perfectly made to go with the fun filled stockings.

Each face is made by Melissa as well. Just look how life like they are.
Isn't she an incredible artist? If you would like to see more of Melissa's work
or own your very own Santa you may contact her at

www.acpeddler.com/cottageville_santa.htm

Now add a little more pink to your day and visit my sweet friend Beverly for Pink Saturday and the growing list of participants . http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Have yourself a Merry Pink Christmas!
Becky

A Wonderful Surprise

2008-12-16T14:24:00.001-08:00

Would you just look at this darling tussie mussie that I won. Not only that but I also won a Victoria Magazine. Victoria Magazine has long been my favorite magazine so I am thrilled.

Now all I need is a nice cup of cocoa and off to my chair I will go.

Thank you so much, Rene.

If you haven't visited Miss Gracie House it is a wonderful blog that you will soon add to your favorites. Please visit http://missgracieshouse.blogspot.com/ a blog filled with lovely pictures of items that will cause you to drool. Rene has wonderful taste and a business that I really really wish I lived close to and I promise you, you will wish the same. She and I are definately kindred spirits and I am really grateful to have received such a nice gift.

So once again Thank You Rene.

A few more pictures of the Living Room

2008-12-08T18:56:00.001-08:00

I am still working on the curtain for this window. But if you could see the lace you could see that it has birds in it too. If you click on the picture above you can see that the chair has a bird on it too. You may also see where Dave broke an ornament but I actually decided to leave it on the table because the broken pieces were pretty too. Have you ever kept broken things?

We finally got the mirror hung. I just hope it is still on the wall when we get back to Eufaula.
It is different hanging things on plaster. Dave had to use a small board kind of like a picture rails to hang the mirror. He promised it was so sturdy that he could hang off of it.
Hang off of it, he will, if that mirror is on the floor when we get back.
I am just kidding. He is such a wonderful man.

A Blue Christmas for Pink Saturday

2008-12-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

Will I be banned from Pink Saturday for showing you too much Blue? But in my defense

if you look real closely you will see that there are pink flowers on the rug.

Pink bands of lace around the pillows and pink in the stain glass.

And zooming in on those stockings you will see pink beads.

Love birds on the sofa.

Too much blue you say?

I guess I have been a naughty girl.

Lumps of coal in my stocking for showing so much blue on Pink Saturday.

For more Pink Saturday fun enjoy your day with our Hostess Beverly from

www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com

Happy Pink Saturday.

Becky

The Stocking Were Hung By The Chimney With Care

2008-12-02T03:30:00.000-08:00

In Hope That My Blog Friends Soon Would Be There.

The mantels in the Shabby Old House are my favorites.

I couldn't wait to paint them and decorate them.

This is the mantel in the living room.

And I didn't use pink. Are you Surprised?

I am tempted to take the other stocking and instead of the pretty ornament stick a fishing lure in the lace. We are Lace and Lures ya know. lol
Hurry back I will have more.
Until then have a great day.

Christmas 2007

2008-12-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

This time last year I spent 6 weeks in Eufaula working on the house.

I camped out in our RV at White Oak Campground and every day I would go in to town to clean and paint. This picture was taken in 2007.

Alot has been accomplished in our Shabby Old House.

I will show you 2008 in my next post but for now lets see where we have come from.

The dining room has been painted and we are peeking into the living room.

The old couch is one I picked up and it is so comfy. We just put it in the room so we could have a place to sit at the end of each day. The floors had just been cleaned and Dave refinished them all this summer.

This is the way we found the old shabby house in 2006.
Dave is scratching his head and wondering what in the world did I get myself in to.
Ya All come back to see Christmas 2008.

Going "from" GREEN

2008-12-01T10:18:00.001-08:00

Going Green........I think not, in this case anyway!

Stay tuned

2008-11-27T18:03:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I ate the whole thing!

Hope you are full of wonderful food and memories.

Happy Thanksgiving

Becky

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

2008-11-23T06:05:00.001-08:00

It will soon be time for the Christmas Candlelight Tours in Eufaula.

I can't wait!