~almost that time~

The kids start school in 2 more days......

They are not big fans of cafeteria food,

so each day I have to come up with some

fun new and healthy idea for their lunches! I came across some good ideas here.

Another thing I like to do is include a joke in their lunches.
You can easily print them out here.
I will print out a couple sheets of them ahead of time
and each day include one in their lunch box.
On special days like birthday's, I like to do something
extra special and include a handwritten note.
These are such simple things but they make a huge difference to the kids!
I also like to have fresh cookies or muffins right

out of the oven when they come home from school!

xoxo

~vintage goodies on etsy~

over the course of the day I will be listing vintage goodies on etsy!

Head on over and check them out!
xoxo

~day of rest~

What is that anyway?

I never rest.

I don't think it's in my blood.

But, tomorrow is my "day off"

and I am heading down to Seattle for the flea market that I love so much! I can't wait to see what treasures I find.

Even if I don't find any, the day to myself will be treasure enough.....

xoxo

~I have to let you go........~

Dear beautiful beautiful ottoman:

This is difficult for me to write because I love you so much.

You would make a lovely addition to our home, although my husband doesn't have the same amount of love for you that I do.

I am sorry, I know that hurts.

I can see us spending many nights together by the fire watching Divine Design.

Unfortunately I have to let you go.

My husband doesn't like your legs, and thinks you are a little girly

(shocking because I thought he liked girls!)

You will find someone else though.
I hope your feelings aren't hurt.
This is going to be a difficult day for me to get through.
Many tears will be shed.
I hope you have a wonderful life with someone else.
xoxo
Melaine

~my frames~

One of my favorite stores in the area is Haley's Cottage.

I keep teasing my friend Cindy who owns it that someday she has to sell it to me! I went in today to visit and check out all the cool things.

I got a really neat candlestick, but could have walked out with a lot more!

One of my favorite things in the store are these frames!

Of course, I may be a little biased seeing as how I made them!

(the bottom 2)

She has them on her wall with her adorable little grand babies in them!
If you are ever in the Mill Creek area of Washington be sure to stop by!
And if you think I should sell these frames in my etsy store, leave me a comment!
I can do them in any color or size with embellishments or simple and plain.
xoxo

p.s. the wall color you see is Benjamin Moore, Heavenly Blue

~the painted cottage, part 2~

more lovely photos from Jennifer of the

best transformation I have seen in a long time!


xoxo

~an interview with Jennifer from the Old Painted cottage~

After seeing Jennifer's transformation at the old painted cottage,

I new I had to do an interview with her!

Here is what she has to say on her decorating style!

"I would describe my decor as a mix of combined styles that flow together with a common theme. Because of the fairly small size of my home, 1297 square feet, I needed each space to have its own separate identity, yet have a continuous flow throughout each room to tie it all together. "What was the look you were after for your kitchen?
" For my kitchen, the look is urban cottage. I have industrial lighting over my sink, and vintage style schoolhouse pendants over my island. The white subway tile back splash keeps the look clean and classic, and I went with brushed nickel hardware for all my cabinetry. The stainless steel trash can gives off a great modern vibe, while the "Bakery" letters, done in a vintage deco font and stained in dark walnut have a vintage period feel. I went with wood butcher block counter tops which lend a warm rustic feel against the cool white cabinetry. The french pained glass and bead board is a continuing theme throughout the house, creating a smooth transition into each space. The large farmhouse sink and bead board covered refrigerator help bring in the cottage charm feel."

how would you describe your living room style?

"My living room is a combination of both french and cottage style, and I feel the look is still evolving. I brought contrast to my furniture by combining dark walnut against creamy white and find the look to be very inviting. The only floral in my living room is my tufted love seat, which will probably go with me to the retirement home someday, as I can't ever imagine parting with that piece. Besides, I can't resist how beautifully it sits against my 8 foot tall walnut stained mirror. I kept my walls and curtains neutral, for a clean and fresh backdrop against my furniture."

"We've only been in this home for 12 months, and there is still more I want to conquer. The look will probably still continue to evolve, as I thrive on challenges and projects!"

Thank you Jennifer for taking the time to talk about your beautiful home and all the love that went into making it yours! You truly have a gift and I am sure I speak for others when I say,

we can't wait to see more!

Jennifer also wanted to give a special thanks to Layla at the Lettered Cottage!

xoxo

~quote of the day~

"The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as
happy as kings." - Robert Louis Stevenson

xoxo

~just married~

sometimes in the midst of chaos

(living room project)

I find it relaxing and rewarding to create.

So, this sign has no rhyme or reason, just felt like creating one!

I hope it will go to a great home of a newly married couple,

or be a part of their wedding decoration!

You can find it on etsy here!
back to the primer....
xoxo

~painting among other things~

Loving, loving the new Restoration Hardware items/look!

Today I am painting coat after coat after coat of primer on my living room walls.

My hand hurts, boo-hoo!

It's looking so good though!!!

A couple people asked about what slipcover I got for our Ikea sectional.

It's a new cover and it's called svanby (or something like that)

beige, and it's a linen blend, gorgeous!!!

Looks just like linen!

I couldn't be happier!

xoxo

~OMG~

http://theoldpaintedcottage.blogspot.com/2009/08/cottage8-before-after-reveal.html

check this out!

I'm speechless!

xoxo

~sigh~

Thank you Gina for sending me these gorgeous inspiration photos!!! gorgeous!!!
xoxo

~oh, happy day!~

I got it!!!

Thanks to all of you for convincing my honey!!!

The room might actually come together sooner than I thought!

xoxo

~L. O. V. E. spells LOVE~

everybody needs a little love.... head on over to etsy (link at the top of this page) to

check out my new pillow designs!
I LOVE these new love pillows!

xoxo

~cozy kitchens~

I am loving all these kitchens.....

found here

xoxo

~living room inspiration part 2~

still going through photos for living room inspiration.

Finding quite a few!

I love this chair and pillow!

I have several of these buckets,

might just have to do this same exact thing by our fireplace!

I love the whole relaxed casual feel of this room, definitely what I am going for!

I love any piece of furniture that has the paint chipping off!

and this is my inspiration picture for the white painted walls!
Isn't this gorgeous?

I don't know if I have a spot, but I would love to display my growing

ironstone collection.

If money grew on trees I would do hardwoods in there.

Maybe another year!

I could curl up with my twilight series

and be quite comfortable in this chair next to the fire!

I am on the hunt for a pedestal coffee table like this.

I am kicking myself because I saw one not to long ago

at a thrift store for $30.00!

All it needed was a little paint!

See that beading detail?

Gorgeous!

And I just got this chandelier from Pottery Barn, haven't hung it yet.....

This is the sectional I want to get.

It's from Ikea and my husband refuses to buy any

furniture from Ikea.

Does anyone have one that they love,

and would be so kind as to leave a comment for my husband?

His name is Chris, sometimes referred to as Honey.

Thanks, much appreciated!

Have a wonderful day ladies!

xoxo