Chippy Blue Chest

Have you ever pulled up to a garage sale and immediately spotted something that makes you giddy? It happened to me earlier this summer.  I found myself walking quickly towards the piece and thinking, "Please don't let it be sold already" and "Please don't let it be super expensive."

It wasn't sold and it was only $20!  This beautiful chippy chest was coming home with me. 

Now, I realize some people don't see the beauty in this.  Obviously, at some point this chest started to be refinished.  Did the person change their mind?  Just run out of steam? Eventually, it just got pushed to the back of the shed and forgotten?  I don't know the story, but I do know that I love it just the way it is!

 The wonderful hand-carved pulls.....

....the little extra details....the perfect blue color.

I really do love everything about it.  This chest is a wonderful addition to the master bedroom.

Do you have a favorite furniture find from this summer?

{It takes wisdom to build a house, and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; It takes knowledge to furnish its rooms with fine furniture and beautiful draperies. Proverbs 24:3}

I'm linking up to Miss Mustard Seed. 

Pinterest Challenge - Laptop Bag

It is August already.  How did that happen?!  I could give you a bunch of excuses for why I haven't blogged since the middle of May, but I'm not going to.  Instead, I am just going to jump right back in like I haven't been gone.

Have you heard of Pinterest?  It is like an online inspiration board and you can "pin" pictures from all over the internet.  Let me tell you, it is very addictive.  And fun. Well, today I was catching up on some blog reading and came across some gals who were hosting a Pinterest Challenge.  It just so happens that I created a project last week using inspiration from Pinterest.

This spring I finally joined the world of laptop users.  Since then, I have been searching for just the right bag to hold my laptop.  When I came across the picture below, I knew I had found "the one."

{The original source for this bag is craftycpa.blogspot.com.}

Here is my version:

I love the way it turned out!  And the best part is that I had everything I needed for this project.  The feed sack was a thrift store find, I think.  I've had it for quite awhile, so I really don't remember.  It was the perfect width for my 17" computer.  I guess it was meant to be!  The strap is made from wide jute webbing leftover from a previous project (and purchased at WalMart).  I folded it in half and stitched down both sides.

I liked the look of this old military bar, so I pinned it on.  It was in a jar of buttons from the thrift store. 

The flower is made from scraps and an old button.

Here is a little peek of the lining fabric.  It was just a piece from my fabric stash.  It isn't vintage fabric, but has the look.  Between the lining and the exterior is a layer of neoprene fabric that I found at the local consignment store.  I guess it is the one thing I purchased with a laptop bag in mind. 

This pocket is just right for my power cord.  I purchased a few of these shot bags from an auction a couple weeks ago.  I knew I could find a use for them.

Thanks to Pinterest, I was able to create a laptop bag that i really love.  I actually rarely take my computer out of the house, but now I want to take it along wherever I go just so I can use my new bag!

I am linking up to the Pinterest Challenge.  Be sure to check out all the other great projects.

Sunday Blessings

This picture was drawn by my 10 year old son in honor of

 his 8 year old sister.

{And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way;

 but let it rather be healed.  Hebrews 12:13}

Sunday Blessings

{For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms, So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations.  Isaiah 61:10}

Giveaway Winner

Well, I had hoped to get another post done this week, but it just didn't happen.  I still plan on writing more about grace.  Some wonderful friends are sharing their thoughts on grace with me.  That way I will actually have some thoughts to share with you!

We are heading to Colorado to spend Easter weekend with my family.  I am excited to see everyone, but especially my new little nephew who was born on April 1.

Okay, I am very tired and still have several things I need to get done tonight.  So, without further ado, the winner of my blog giveaway is....

Corene

She just happens to be my cousin.  Congratulations!  Thank you to everyone else who left a comment on my blog.

That's all for tonight,folks.

Sunday Blessing

I hope you have a wonderful Lord's day filled with God's grace and glory!

If you haven't already entered my giveaway, make sure you go here and leave a comment.

By Grace....and a Giveaway

Several weeks ago, on a whim, I signed up to review products for (in)courage and Dayspring .  I honestly figured my itty-bitty blog would not be considered and I forgot about the whole thing.  Imagine my surprise when I found a package on my doorstep last week.  I opened it to find this wonderful jewelry set.

By Grace Alone

I've actually never been a big jewelry person, but lately I have been trying to accessorize a bit more.  I can tell you that this pendant will now be one of my staple pieces. I love the simplicity, the stamped words, the sweet little bird.....

...and the scripture on the back!

{By the grace of God I am what I am.  1 Corinthians 15:10}

Isn't that the truth?!

The set also comes with this cuff bracelet....

....and these sweet little earrings.

All the pieces are available separately, but the set is on sale right now for 20% off.  If you need a gift for Easter, Mother's Day or Graduation, this would be a great choice.  It would also be a wonderful way to tell a new Christian "welcome to the family."

Receiving this jewelry and writing this blog post have really made me stop and think about what grace truly means.   I plan on doing a follow-up post to share some thoughts with you, so make sure you stop back by in a few days.  I'm really trying to blog more regularly again.

Now for the giveaway!  Dayspring has generously offered to give one of my readers a code for $20 off a purchase from their online store.  To enter, just leave a comment on this post.  It is not a requirement, but in your comment I would love to know your thoughts on God's grace and how it has impacted your life.  I will draw a winner next Wednesday - April 20.

{The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13:14}

Disclaimer ~ I received this jewelry free of charge from DaySpring and (in)courage, in exchange for my review. I was not compensated in any other way and the above opinions are just that - my opinions.  Thanks!

Sunday Blessing

Porch of Protection

Phil and I have been married for almost 16 years.  We have owned four different houses, in four different towns.

 This was our first house.  It was almost 100 years old.  What character it had!

Our second house.....

 Third house....

And our current home....

Do you notice a trend?  All of our homes have had wonderful front  porches.  A porch is at the top of my list when we house-hunt.  I've even been known to tell a realtor (or two) that I wasn't interested in looking at a house if it didn't have a porch.  I just feel like it makes a home complete.

Our first porch had a porch swing.  We loved spending time on that porch, but probably spent even more time on the next-door-neighbor's porch visiting with her. Oh, how I treasure those memories.

House number two had a porch lined with beautiful azaleas that bloomed every spring.  The view was of a million dollar house and barn across the road - complete with white fence and horses and cows grazing. 

I was heartbroken when we moved again, but took solace in the new front porch.  It was huge and actually wrapped around three sides of the house.  I would sometimes drink my morning coffee out there and watch the deer in the yard.  Or I would take a nap on an old cot.  I decorated it just like another room of the house; filling it with rockers and tables and fun "junk." 

And now our current home has a front porch and gazebo. Cold weather arrived shortly after we moved in, so I haven't had a lot of time to spend on the porch or to decorate it.  I have ventured out a few times to take pictures of sunsets or to just enjoy the view of the river across the road.  Now that spring is arriving, I am looking forward to getting a porch swing, planting flowers in the flower boxes, relaxing in the evenings.....

But first we must deal with this....

A couple weeks ago, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the peacefulness of our porch was shattered (literally).  A drunk driver lost control of his car and came flying through our yard, slamming into the porch.  I can't even put into words the sound, the smell, the horror.... I won't go into a lot of detail, but the driver lost his life right there in my yard.

I've been filled with so many emotions since then.  It is hard not to let the "what-ifs" fill your mind.  My 10 year old was outside, but thankfully on the other end of the house.  He so easily could have been right there in the front yard.  The car easily could have taken a different path in all its flipping and spinning and crashed into the corner of the house where the rest of us were sitting.  We could have been sitting right in those chairs on the porch enjoying the sunshine. Instead, we were putting on our shoes to go for a walk.

The anger has also been hard to deal with.  I'm angry that this senseless act could have been avoided.  I was angry that there were beer cans spilling out of the car into my yard.  I was angry that my sweet boy couldn't sleep that night and angry that people were walking through my yard the next day "just to see what happened."  I'm angry at what seems to be apathy from the community; that it doesn't seem to be a big deal that alcohol was involved. Overall, I have felt violated somehow.

But you know what?  Even through the bitterness, anger and frustration I know one thing to be true.  GOD IS GOOD!  He spared us from further tragedy that day.  Shortly after the accident, I posted some pictures on facebook.  A cousin commented about our "porch of protection."  You may have heard people pray to be surrounded by a "hedge of protection."  Well, in our case it was our porch.  It was the impact of the porch railing that stopped the car.  Without the porch, I truly believe the car could have come right through the dining room window.  I can't even imagine.....

We are still waiting on estimates, insurance, busy contractors, etc.  I'm ready to have everything cleaned and fixed so that we can enjoy our porch.  I'm ready for the visual reminders to go away.  But I know in my heart that I will always remember our "porch of protection."  It will be a reminder that God is in control.  We don't know how many times in our lives (or even in a day) that He protects us from tragedy.  Sometimes it is obvious.  Other times we will never know.  Thank you, God!

P. S.  I think I will continue with the front porch trend from now on.

{Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. Job 1:10}

OPEN 24/7

Good afternoon!  I hope everyone is staying warm out there.  We are on day two of school being cancelled for snow and cold.  This morning when we got up it was -8° and the windchill was -30°.  I was so thankful that I didn't have to get the kids out in that.  Brrrrr!

My project for the last couples of days has been my laundry room.  It has been functional since we moved in, but I was ready for it to also be pretty. My "before" picture seems to be lost somewhere on my computer.  You can just imagine a blank slate; basic white shelving, countertop, etc.  Now, I know the room still needs to be painted, but so do a lot of other rooms in the house.  No idea when that will get done.

It is amazing how adding the vintage lace to the shelf edges changed the look of the room.  I think that might be my favorite part.

This old enamel pitcher holds my dryer sheets.....

....and this pewter pitcher contains powdered detergent.  It is so easy just to pour a bit into the dispenser.

How fun is this crocheted Comet holder?!

Sorry for the bad picture, but can you see that clothespin?  The one with the layers of chippy paint?  Love it!

Ummm, did I mention that this post would contain lots of photos?  There is a lot to share from this little room.

I was very pleased to have this hanging rod.  The only thing I really think this laundry room is lacking is a utility sink.

My 13 year old installed this pull-out towel rack yesterday.  It holds the empty hangers and just slides underneath the counter when not needed.  I bought it at a yard sale this fall.  Somehow I knew I would find a good use for it. No more fighting with tangled hangers!

This is the first house where I have had a counter top to fold clothes.  Now I fold them right out of the dryer.  No more baskets of unfolded clothes sitting around!

The burlap needs a little tweaking.  It is a piece I picked up at the thrift store.  I just unfolded it and hung it on a tension rod.  All my cleaning supplies are hiding behind it.

I love this big basket.  It was a thrift store find. Imagine that!

These three baskets (and the one above the washer) were bought at four different times and I think in four different thrift stores.  And they are miniatures of the big basket!

Get it?  OPEN 24/7!  Seriously, it feels like it sometimes.  Some young, single person who works for my husband said to him the other day, "Wow!  At your house you probably have to do like three loads of laundry a week."  Ummmm, guess again!

Okay, I'm almost done.  Just a few more of my favorite things.

So, here's the deal.  I've done a really good job of folding clothes right away.  But I hate socks and underwear!  My solution?  Each family member has a bag.  As I pull undies and socks out of the dryer I just put them in the bags.  When you take your clothes upstairs, you also take your bag.  The boys just dump theirs in a drawer.  Works for me!  When your bag is empty, just drop it.....

....down the laundry chute!  Seriously my favorite part of the room!  I've always wanted one.  My 10 year old will actually take clothes upstairs just so he can drop them down.  Thankfully the chute is small enough that no one can fit through it!  I'm sure they have thought about it.  They have been known to shoot Nerf darts up and down it, though.

Here is a picture from the upstairs bathroom.

It is so much nicer to do the laundry in a "pretty" environment. During one of our moves there was a college guy helping us load the truck.  He picked up a box marked "laundry room decor" and laughed at me.  He just didn't understand.  Poor guy! 

{Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean,

scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. Psalm 51:7}

I am linking to:

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