Sunday, June 14, 2009

Love Letter From 1956

That is what this little ottoman is- a love letter! I bought this last fall at my favorite Goodwill. It was one of those silly moments we thrifters all have- you see an object and immediately grab for it, afraid that someone else is about to d0 the same thing! And then...your rational mind steps in and reminds you that the object is a stained and tattered ottoman! It's a real clash of the left and right sides of the brain, isn't it?
Anywhoooo.... this was covered in a beautiful old barkcloth, but it was water stained and ripped. It took many months to finally get around to re-covering it. I think it turned out pretty cute! The very enchanting part of the project came when I had the thing flipped over and was struggling to tug the cover over the foam. In very faint pencil this was written on the bottom of the ottoman: "This was made by Neil and Margaret, Sacramento, Cal., 1956". Awwwww. How sweet is that?
I did some other decorating in the living room too. Since my dining room is now my roommate (and beloved stepdaughter), Kelly's room, I've had to re-think a lot of my home's layout. I originally moved my big craft hutches into the garage, but recently realized that they would be a very welcome addition to my living room! Check it out:
Nice, huh? I think it really brings in that coastal vibe I've been wanting. See the little hope chest under the window? I'm picturing yellow and white cabana stripes painted on it! So bright and happy!
Now I am really itching to paint the walls! Except, I think I will cut the blue in half with white. I really want it to be very soft. In the photo below it looks great, but at night it's a little more colorful than I want it to be.
Just to illustrate how much my poor living room needed this change, this is how this room has looked since Earl moved out last summer:
Ugghh! No wonder I'm ready for a change. Especially since this entire color scheme was chosen to accomodate him. I didn't hate it, but it never felt like "me". Hope you all have a lovely week!
Hugs to all!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Thriftin' Adventure with Carmen

Last week Carmen and I had breakfast with Grandpa, which was very nice. He took us to his morning hangout, The Country Waffle and introduced us to all the other regulars. We were treated like celebrities!
Afterwards, the girly and I decided to hit Goodwill and check out the treasures. I don't know if it was the waffles or what, but we had such a bad case of the sillies! It seemed as if everything we saw was a visual treat. Like this lovely very vinyl purse:
Or this lovely assortment of knick knacks:

Very lovely, yes?


As far as these last two items, I don't think I can say too much here on a family blog! I'll let you use your imagination!


Oh my!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

In the Good Ol' Summertime

Can you believe these pictures? The boys and I went to Lake Natomas yesterday, June 9th, and had the whole place to ourselves! What's up with that? It was a little breezy and overcast, but still nice. That's okay- we didn't mind!


Nobody but us and the geeses!






It seems like every week Eric and Max just get more and more handsome! I love this photo- it really shows how much alike they look.


Oh my yes! Very, very handsome! Buddy is handsome too, isn't he?
I hope you are all enjoying your summer too!
Hugs to all!