TGIF~DIY Industrial Shelves Addition

Hello friends!  Gosh, this week sure did fly by.  I have been busy keeping up with a now VERY active Golden Retriever, a.k.a. HENLEY!!  He really is a joy.

Today I thought I would share our new industrial shelves that we diy'd for a corner in our kitchen. We used to have a chalkboard hanging on that wall, but since we already had another chalkboard area on the side of our refrigerator cabinet we decided two weren't necessary.

I love the extra storage the shelves provide, while also being decorative.  I got the idea from Suzy of Worthing Court.  You can read her DIY tutorial here.  The only thing I will add is that we had an issue with one of the pipes not being level once screwed into the flange.  Of course, this will make the shelf not level when placing it on the pipe brackets.  We ended up purchasing another set, and checked all for level on a flat surface using a small magnetic level we had on hand prior to installing.  I used Rustoleum's hammered metal spray paint in black to paint the metal parts.  As Suzy mentions in her tutorial, be sure to wash all metal parts in soapy water to remove all the grease before painting them.

The before, from Christmas:

And the afters:

This picture shows you where the corner is located.  It's a small wall just inside our french doors that lead to our back porch.  The opening on the left leads to our family room.

I love that with just a few simple changes, I can decorate them for different holidays.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  Was a stormy morning, but the sun is shining brightly now.

Quotes and Word Art in Decor~

Those that know me personally know that I love a good quote.  I also love inspiring scripture verses as well.

When in comes to art in our home, I prefer the pieces reflect who we are and what is important to us. That is where I have found quotes and word art say it best.

Many of the framed pieces around our house I simply created on the computer using Microsoft Word, others were purchased and downloaded off of Etsy, while some were ordered as well...such as the Love is sign.

Here are some pieces that are displayed around our home.  I apologize for the lighting and glare ahead of time.  Bright summer afternoons in Georgia make for some tricky photography and I am no pro!!

A burlap bulletin board I made features several of my favorite quotes and sayings in my home office.

I created the "collect moments not things" print as a reminder of what truly matters.  The Hey Y'all and I am with you always prints were purchased on Etsy.  The verse is one that I clung to when going through testing for cancer a couple years ago.  Praise God, I did not have cancer!! These sit atop the expedite in my home office.

The "Our Nest" sign was purchased from Etsy. The galvanized metal memo board and our sweet pups essentials hooks were created by me.  The cards on the memo board are part of a set of 21 day inspirational quotes I purchased from my dear friend's shop, All Inspired Boutique, here in Atlanta.

If you read my post about the vignettes around our home, you would have seen this quote already.  Again, another reminder to celebrate each and every day.

This quote is from one of my favorite books, Bread and Wine, by Shauna Niequest.  You know we love to cook and hang out in the kitchen.  I don't recall whether I downloaded this from Etsy or from her website.

  

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I had little fun staining and painting the other day.  This sign hangs in our kitchen by our coffee bar.

I have shared these before, along with a funny story about my mom.  She asked where I purchased them.  I told her I made them.  Then continued to explain how.  My dad then says, "you could too if you knew how to use a computer!"  My mother is so not tech savvy.  She still has a T9 flip phone!!!

This was a hand lettered piece gifted to me by one of my sweet Bible study friends whom I taught with two years ago.  We were studying 1st and 2nd Corinthians last year.

Another downloaded from Etsy.  All I can say is AMEN!! 

Love this quote by Myquillyn Smith, of the Nester.

This is part of a gallery wall in our Master Bedroom.  Our anniversary date.  The bottom is hard to read. It says...from this moment...

Another I created.  Every day should be a good day!

This is also in our Master Bedroom.  I am so thankful that His mercies are INDEED new every day!!

This wood sign was purchased from Joanna Gaines shop. However, it is also sold on the artist's site on Etsy as well.  They are a couple that live right here in Athens, GA.

Love this quote by C.S. Lewis.  I am not 100% sure where I purchased this.  I believe it may have been a download on Myquillyn Smith's Hopeologie site.

This is another sign that hangs over my hubby's nightstand.  I purchased this from my friend's shop here in Atlanta.

There are a few others scattered here and there.  I love that most can easily be changed out if we should choose to.

Have a blessed day!!

Linking up with the lovely ladies for Thoughts of Home on Thursday.

Vignettes around our home~

Well hello!  Yes, I do realize I have only posted twice since late May.  I decided to soak up all that summer has to offer this year.

We've taken a few trips the past few months, worked a ton in the yard, and are once again gearing up to the host the Baylor Send Off party in a couple weeks.  We are thrilled that 38 young people have chosen to attend Baylor from the Atlanta area this fall.

Today I thought I'd share a few vignettes from around our home and some of my favorite things.

Love seashells this time of year, and well truly anytime of year. Displayed with a few of my favorite design books.

I was recently gifted the silver basket and small cordial that had once belonged to my Granny, so I combined them along with a silver bowl I had purchased at the Ballard Design outlet.  I filled them with more shells, starfish and a moss ball purchased at Hobby Lobby.  Books:  Good Dog from Garden and Gun, such sweet stories and Savor by Shauna Niequest author of another favorite book of mine Bread and Wine.

Atop the piano in the library a few of my favorite books by author Luanne Rice, beach themed along the New England coast where I grew up.  The picture is one we took of our girls down in Grayton Beach Florida the day before Hurricane Opal hit.

This vignette just fell together.  It sits atop our smaller wine cabinet in our dining room.  The picture above it is actually our wedding invitation blown up and framed (frame from Pottery Barn).  The vintage wooden crate I first spotted on Kim's blog, www.savvysouthernstyle.net after she had made a trip to Queen of Hearts Antiques here in Atlanta.  I knew I had to have it the minute I saw it, but it was a couple months before I actually made a trip over.  It was our anniversary and the weather wasn't great, so hubby suggested we grab a bite for breakfast and then go by the antique store to kill some time.  I couldn't believe my eyes when the first row we walked through I just happened to look up and there it was...high up in a dealer's booth. Hubby said it was meant to be. Yes, yes it was.  You see, the wording on the crate says Fox Hollow.  That is the name of the street where I lived when my hubby proposed to me on Thanksgiving day 28 years ago.  The silver cutlery are pieces handed down from his mom and the silver tray in back another piece recently gifted to me that belonged to my Granny.  This is definitely a sentimental spot for me.

The top of our bar cart in the dining room, along with a hidden bowl of dark chocolate Hershey Kisses for when that craving hits.

Open shelves in our dining room as well.  The print is one I made up on the computer using Word and a cute font I downloaded.  A reminder that Everyday is indeed a Special Occasion!

A vintage dough bowl with some greenery is the centerpiece for our dining room table for the summer months.  If you can't tell by now, I am a huge fan of the green, brown and white combo!

And lastly, I just love our giant clamshell filled with succulents.  These were found at my dear friends shop here in Atlanta, All Inspired Boutique.  They look so real!!

We've been working our way through a new cookbook as well, The 30 Minute Wheat Belly Cookbook, and have enjoyed many great dishes.  Will share a few soon.

Have a Blessed Day!

Linking up for Dishing it and Digging it with my friend Linda.
Linking up with the lovely ladies for Thoughts of Home on Thursday.

Inexpensive Wall Art~

Our back hallway is quite tight, approximately 4X5, with three, yes THREE doors.  One leading to the laundry room to the left, one leading to the garage straight ahead and one for the coat closet on the right.  Not an easy space to decorate. And a fun place to play what's behind door number??? when guests are trying to leave.

I did makeover an Ikea Rast dresser a few years back that fit the one wall we do have perfectly.  We use it to hold all of our phone chargers, cords, headphones, etc.  Mostly things we need to grab before heading out on a trip.

A few months back, I decided to change out the artwork that hung above the dresser. Again, I am limited with space as the light switch is on that wall. Obiviously designed by a man!
We originally had some colorful bird prints hanging in the space. (the rug has been since changed out as well, and I am considering updating the dresser...on the to do list)

I didn't want to spend a ton of money, so I decided to create my own.  Easy peasy...a couple of my favorite quotes, Microsoft word, a cute font, and hit print! Pop them in the frames I already had and done.

I love the reminders when walking in and out the door.

I have to share a funny regarding these.  My folks were here for Easter dinner. My mom happened to notice the prints, and a few others I have around the house. She asked where I got them.  I told her I made them.  She asked how?  I told her on the computer...Microsoft word, pick a quote, pick a font, and print.  She said, you can do that?  Change the font?  LOL My dad who is a computer genius, said "why yes, as soon as you learn to master your email!" Let's suffice to say, my momma isn't tech savvy.  She still prefers her T-9 flip phone! UGH!!!

Curio Style Coffee Table and Adding Green~

I just love our Curio style coffee table we purchased from Pottery Barn many years ago.  I love changing out the interior contents with the seasons.

During the summer months it is filled with coastal items...lots of seashells and such.  Fall-acorns, pinecones, rich earthy tones.  Christmastime-ornaments, snow covered pinecones and my Great Grandfather's vintage sleigh bells.

I recently changed the contents of the table out to incorporate more green.  I have added several new touches of green to our family room, which I will share at the end of this post, and wanted the coffee table to reflect the freshness as well.

This room in general is a bit difficult to photograph as it has floor to ceiling windows along the east wall, so it is bathed in sunlight for most of the day.  I took these with the top of the table open to cut down on the glare.

The table is filled with greenery, oyster shells, river rocks, pinecones, wine corks, moss covered balls, and more.  I will let the pictures tell the story.

With the top down.  We keep things on top to a minimum.  Our TV remotes, a candle, coasters and recently a fun game a friend gifted us at Christmastime.

I carried the green touches throughout the room.

Succulents in our giant clamshell.

Our fiddle leaf fig tree is thriving in this spot.

New throw pillows from Pottery Barn.  I mixed them with our lambswool blanket and pillow and another sweater pillow (all from Pottery Barn purchased several years ago).  I love the warmth that they add while still keeping things light.

Another embroidered pillow I purchased at Pottery Barn.  And yes, we LOVE that store!!

And, our dough bowl a top our mantle got filled with granny smith apples (faux).

I hope to get the room photographed soon so you can see how it all comes together.

Hope you all have a wonderful and BLESSED weekend.  I will be watching the Super Bowl for the commercials and the yummy food!!

Linking up with Stacie and the girls for THOUGHTS OF HOME THURSDAY.

Simply Christmas 2015~

Hello all!  Yes, long time, no post.  I have spent the past month enjoying time with family and friends, and preparing for the holiday season.

We enjoyed having both of our girls home for Thanksgiving, and are so looking forward to spending more time with them in the coming weeks.

I wanted to also say thank you for praying for sweet Brooke.  The doctors were able to remove the entire node during her surgery, and Praise God...it was benign.  The cancer had NOT returned.  She returned home after her hospital stay.  Unfortunately, she did have to be admitted this week as they found a blood clot on her right lung (not the lung they had to deflate during her first surgery). After several days there, and medication adjustments, she is now back home resting.  Please continue to keep she and her sweet mom, Jennifer, in prayer.

Our house was decorated early this year, as I hosted 19 members of the Children's team I work with on Wednesday mornings for a sit down brunch this past Monday.  We enjoyed a sweet time of fellowship and reflection on the upcoming season, as we dined on build your own baked potatoes, delicious salads, and chili.  I served the yummiest spiced cupcakes with cream cheese icing, topped with mini gingerbread men on top.  You might have caught a glimpse of them on Instagram.

Today, I thought I would share our indoor decorations with you.  Warning, grab a cup of coffee...lots of pictures ahead!

Our Family Room:

The tree is about 11 1/2 feet tall, and absolutely gorgeous.  It had the perfect shape, very little pruning necessary.  It also smells divine.

 Packages awaiting Christmas morning.

I love being able to use our daughters figure skates throughout our home during the season.  Both spent many hours as competitive figure skaters on the ice before and after school.  Each scuff represents a lot of hard work.  Brings back sweet memories.

I just love our Willow Tree Nativity that my sweet hubby gifted me a few Christmases ago.  The true meaning of the Christmas season.

A sweet little lantern one of my fellow Children's teachers gifted me with last year.

Love this vintage looking pillow I picked up at Home Goods along with the softest throw from West Elm.  And, who doesn't love a monogram?!!

A festive wreath along with jingle bell hanger adorns the garage entry door.

The Kitchen:

Kitchen chandelier looking festive.

Matching wreaths on the french doors leading out to the porch.

The Twelve Days of Christmas, by Lindsay Letters (etsy) hang above the french doors leading out to the porch.

Festive blooms from Pottery Barn fill my favorite blue and white planter.

Some berry garland and wreath adorn the window above the kitchen sink.

Chalkboard with part of the Christmas story.

A special part of our evenings this month is our Advent wreath.

AMEN!!!

Beautiful holiday blooms purchased at Trader Joes for the brunch.

More greenery and berries from Trader Joes, along with our Santa salt and pepper shakers from Publix, our countdown to Christmas and my favorite cocktail napkins.

The Dining Room:

Centerpiece, and old herb crate filled with greenery, snowy pinecones and mason jars with the best smelling tea lights from Anthropologie.  Poinsettias from Trader Joes in mercury glass pots, old from Pottery Barn.

Mr. and Mrs. Snowman salt and pepper shakers from Publix.

Mercury glass tree from Pottery Barn, adorned with a wreath.

I love filling my giant clamshell with festive greens and pretty ornaments.

Dried magnolia wreath adorned with a plaid bow.  LOVE LOVE LOVE plaid this time of year!

Merry Christmas Y'all sign hung on mirror above server, from a dear friend's shop All Inspired Boutique in Duluth.

Chandelier and more gorgeous plaid!

The Library:

Our vintage white tree.  All of the ornaments, Shiny Bright, were handed down to me from my sweet 97 year old Mother in Law.

Our Christmas village, and vintage Christmas books handed down to me from my sweet Granny.

My favorite Christmas book handed down to me from my sweet Granny.  Written in 1952.  I love to use this book as a devotion this time of year.  It really does help to keep things in perspective.

My favorite line from a prayer that goes along with the book:

May we not spend Christmas but keep it, that we may be kept in its hope, through him who emptied himself in coming to us that we might be filled with peace and joy in returning to God.

Mr. Rabbit looking all dapper with his plaid bow.

More plaid goodness, a comfy throw from Home Goods. Number 1 pillow, old from Pottery Barn.

The entry:

Wreaths on the french doors leading to home office.

New lighted wreaths from Balsam Hill adorn the front staircase this year. And, EVEN MORE plaid goodness.

Another pair of skates hang from the newel post.

Mirror and entry table.  Little red house and snow globes, old from Target.

Downstairs Powder Room:

Christmas towels, Home Goods, and a little tree from Michaels is all it needed to look festive.

And, my favorite guest hand towels to use this time of year..."Ain't that the truth?"

I hope you enjoyed the tour.  I pray you each have a Very Merry Christmas, enjoy your time with family and friends, and remember the REASON FOR THE SEASON.

God Bless!!

*Linking up with the 2015 Christmas Home Tours and the 12 Days of Christmas Home Tours. Thank you ladies for hosting.