Loving Lately

So I was able to stay away for one week! In that brief time away, I actually come up with a few ideas for posts that I really didn't want to wait on, so i've decided to post when the creative juices are flowing. This may mean once a week or once every couple...so bear with me:) Thank you to everyone who told me you would miss my blog and for understanding that sometimes you just need a break! The kitchen reveal, a picture by picture to-do list and loving lately recaps are few of the posts I have floating around in my mind!

In the last two weeks we have made much wedding progress including my last dress fitting (I LOVE how it turned out), bridesmaid dress shopping in one day (i.e. 8 hours of shopping), my friend Cait came to visit and my mother-in-law to be threw me a wonderful shower!!!

Now on to a  few of the things I'm loving lately:


1. Using the vintage suitcases for storage- this one is holding all of my table linens!

2. Funny kitty sleeping poses- last week they both decided stretched out arms was the way to go...I think Boy-Cat looks particularly regal!

3. The idea of hanging my platters on an old plate rack. I saw this one at the antique show, but it was too pricey...it will be my summer hunt item!

Happy Friday everyone, hope you have a great weekend!

Jess

Pausing to Enjoy the Moment

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”

― Maya Angelou

I am taking a break from posting regularly on my blog. This is a very busy time (some would argue the best time in my life to blog), and I have a lot to be thankful for.  For the next few months I want to purposefully be present and live in the beautiful moments going on around me. Sometimes, without intention this space is a source of pressure. I feel the need to keep it up, document things I might not typically document and be witty and eloquent when I'm not feeling that way at all. I put this on myself, so for now, I'm putting myself on a time-out! I may post highlights every now and then, we'll see how long I can stay away!  

Have a glorious summer and thank you for reading!

Things I Love: Folk Art Chicken

I love this little guy, I picked him up at a Salvation Army store years ago with my friend Dixie Anne. I unpacked the last few boxes from our move and this sweet chick was in one of them. I let out a squeal and immediately placed him on the hutch.

PS- you're getting a sneak peek of the new kitchen wall colour. I'll post the full before and after next week. 

Fab Find Friday: Aberfoyle Recap

I'm ending the week with my 200th post! Last weekend was Aberfoyle's spring sale, and as promised here are some of my favourite items from the show:

Chippy chicken coop chair, small wooden stool and cute Dove crate. I'm looking for a small wooden stool for my bathroom, but wasn't sold on these just yet!

Sweet industrial stools, shabby chic beauty desk, lovely mint accordion rack. I went back for the rack, but alas he was already scooped up...indecision sometimes leads to disappointment!

Popsicle molds, cute side table, the cupboard I almost bought and an old top-lifting  dry-sink

I don't have all the items I purchased that day photographed, but here are two of the bigger items I took home that day:

Beautiful milk-protein paint finished stool- the epitome of gorgeous patina. It is going to live in my kitchen!

Rustic Cupboard- will be refinished and used in my bathroom for storage!

The Aberfoyle spring show was excellent this year, and hopefully a sign of a great antiquing year ahead! Happy Victoria Day to all my Canadian readers. We have tons to do this weekend as it is my big Bridal Shower weekend next weekend and I will have my first out of town house guest!!!

Wascally Wabbit

I'm pretty sure our cats didn't know what nature was when we moved to our new town. They're learning fast!


You may not be able to tell, but there is a small gray-brown rabbit taunting Mr. Boy Cat in this picture!



Splurge or Save: Wicker Trunk

As you may recall, I purchased a large wicker trunk at the Flea Market a few weekends ago. I paid $5.

This weekend I went to the Aberfoyle Spring Sale and saw this guy with a $95 price tag!!! 

The moral of this story is, know the value of the items you're looking to buy and know what you're willing to spend before you approach a purchase (especially when there is room for negotiation). Dealers will have items priced differently because they paid different prices originally and because they have a history of selling items at certain prices. It's also a bit unfair to compare a flea market to an antique show. If you find something old, vintage, antique or just something you love at a flea market or thrift store- grab it! The price will be right and it won't be there for long. At an antique show, you should be prepared to pay a bit more.

I'll be back later in the week to show some of the items I loved as well as the ones that came home with me. Happy Monday:)

Shabby Chic Door Makeover

When we were in NB on the weekend, I was reunited with my beautiful door from this post. As you may remember, I was trying to decide if I wanted to leave it a window or make it into a chalkboard. Well, the chalkboard won out, and I am thrilled...in fact I am still trying to determine how to get this bad boy back to Ontario after the wedding! Here's how I converted it.

My Assistant (aka Dad), put the door on two sawhorses. I then taped off the window with painters tape.

After deciding this project was better done inside and my door was graciously transported to the shed (can you spy the Wedding Burlap), and then I covered the surrounding area with newsprint.

I then used Krylon Chalkboard spray paint to apply 3 thin coats

After letting the paint dry fully, the next step is to cover it in chalk and then wipe off before its first use. 

I cannot wait to see this guy come to life as part of the wedding decor in August. I'll share the final pictures in my wedding wrap up.

Cost Breakdown:

Shabby Chic door from Kijiji: $10

Chalkboard Paint: $6

Tape & Newsprint (on-hand)

Chalk- On Hand

Total: $16

Spring in Bloom

Chris brought these flowers home last weekend just because. Since then it feels like our late Spring is finally here. I've been digging in my garden (weeding is surprisingly therapeutic) and we've been discussing all of our outdoor plans for the house!

Fab Find Friday: Open Season

The Lambton Kingsway United Church Flea Market did not disappoint again this year. I was close to the front this year, so got a good look at the items before the sale opened. I only regret not being quick enough to grab a drafting lamp. Here's a look at my loot.

Wicker Trunk- $5
Old Mirror- $20
Yellow Euro Pillow Shams- $4 for the pair
Creamers- $1 each
China Plate- $0.25
Glass Jug- $1.00
Brooch and Earrings-$3.00
Vintage Tin- $0.25
Measuring Tapes and Lace- $1
Wooden Hoop- $0.50
Basket-$0.50
Tin Bucket- $0.50
Total: $37