BOO!!

I don't know what it is... but I do love Halloween decorations.  I think it gets me excited for the change in the air and for the upcoming holidays!

 

 

 

 

Coffee Filter Wreath

 

 

 

 

 

 



Can't have witches without Dorothy!
 

 

 

 

On the Lookout!

We recently went on a lonnnnngg road trip back to Illinois.  While we were in Iowa, we went to a really neat place called Amana Colonies.  There is a total of 6 little communities that were settled back in the 1800's and set up as a religious colony where everyone lived communally.  They had to abandon the whole idea in the 1930's because the young people started to move away.  What is left now is this charming rural community and a really, really beautiful 'downtown'.

THE LOOKOUT...

See the neat vintage metal bread box on the stool?  Well, dummy me I thought that is so cute, I should probably get one for the deck and plant something gorgeous in it.  But I didn't even look at the price tag.  So the rest of the trip was spent looking for one just like it.  Anyway, I would even be happy with a repro - so I'll keep my eyes open.

A Beautiful Day!

We decided to take a Sunday walk and I thought I would take you along with us...



This is one of my favorite homes in the main part of town.  Farmington was settled by Mormon pioneers and some of the homes are still occupied.  This one used to be a hotel.

 I have always liked this house but it used to be painted yellow and was so much prettier, I think.

 I wanted you to see this fence.  It's just an ordinary wooden fence but I thought the way they drilled the holes in the tops was unique.

 There is a trail that runs along the back side of our local amusement park.  They have a small zoo and these buffalo are some of the residents.

 Along the trail...

This used to be a 'salt box' but they since added the porch and the garage addition.  Beautiful! 

 Used to be the city hall years ago, but is now a museum.

 I just love our mountains!

 And our sunsets!

Bedroom Makeover-Finally Finished - Almost!!

At least the painting is done. I still need new curtains - actually curtains, period would be nice since we have only had blinds up for awhile now!

Now, for the before and afters...

BEFORE

AFTER


BEFORE -CLOSET


AFTER
(I could only take this picture before we uglied it up with those pesky clothes and shoes!)
note the new fixture - I have the matching flush mount for the bathroom, just haven't hung it yet.




Decided I wanted hooks instead of racks. The beadboard is new.






BEFORE (those are paint samples on the wall)







AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER (spray painted rustic bronze)

BEFORE

AFTER (I found the pretty tray at Home Goods. It is to corral my perfume bottles - problem is, I can't find them now. I put them somewhere - but don't ask me where. I've turned the house upside down. I guess my family will know what to buy me for my birthday for the next couple of years!

BEFORE

AFTER

(as you can see the long wall is not finished. I'm waiting for my 'inhouse carpenter' to put up some wood paneling.)

I can't say that I like painting, in fact, I can say I pretty much hate it. But I do like the feeling of accomplishment when it's done and the crisp, clean look it gives a room.

Chic Storage

Marta found these on pinterest. I can just see a million uses for them (well, alot anyway). Wouldn't they be great to store old crafts in, or purses, or sweaters...Wouldn't they make the closet shelves look so much cuter?

go to abeautifulmess.typepad.com

for the directions.

You can type in floral suitcases in the search box at the top of the blog and it will take you to the tutorial.(I contacted her and she was nice enough to let me post this picture)

Pretty Plate

I have been agonizing for months (maybe even years) about painting our bedroom. I finally decided on a pretty soft blue color and found this plate at Home Goods. There are so many projects I have in my head. I guess if I just do one at a time they'll eventually get done, right?