chillin'

Going for a bike ride with LOML! 
Hope you had a Marvelous Monday!  

Hugs, Valarie 

SHADE GARDEN "AFTER" with new pathway!

We  LOML finished all the rock & flagstone today.

View from the steps of LOML office.. new pathway!  I can not wait until all the flowers and hosta are blooming! 

View from the street to LOML's office... Mulch and flowers planted on the left side...  

these were the "BEFORE"

We put in the flower bed in 2008- These beds are over 50 feet long.. stretchs all the way down the side of the house to outdoor space. 

We put the left bed down in 2010, planted tons of grass in center - grass would not grow too much shade etc.. 

Hope you love it.... LOML is very proud!! Now his clients have a pretty path to walk down!

Hugs,  

Valarie

before and a little of the after of shade garden!!

Do you remember last Spring when we were working on the shade garden??
Click here for the before and after... to see how far we have come... such a labor of love!

Almost finished... will show you the look tomorrow.. IF we can get out of bed! 

Hugs!
Valarie

oh happy day!!

Happy Friday!! 
Valarie 

playing in the dirt.....

Working in the yard 

and playing in the rock!

More to come tomorrow!! 

Because you asked...

A few of you emailed and said pictures of the make over were dark.. so here goes again ...

YOU ASKED???

What is the paint color: Ralph Lauren Natural Canvas

Did you paint your ceiling the same color? Yes, at the recommendation of a friend..

Where did you buy your ruffled curtains? An individual made them for me, she sews for others if you want her name, email me or leave a comment.

Where did you get your table runner? Becky @ Sweet Cottage Dreams (link attached yesterday)

Are my table & chairs new... Yes, steal of the day from OVERSTOCK.COM

Will I cover the french side door? Yes, more burlap and ruffles roman shade. Coming soon..

You asked about my mantles.. yes, I have quiet a few of them.. I pick them at garage sales.. anywhere I can find.. I have about 5 in the house and I love them. The one in picture I paid $15 for it a local garage sale. When I purchased it was very "EARLY AMERICAN 1970'ISH looking" stripped down to bare wood and started the shabby process.

All the silver & crystal are goodwill, garage, & thrift store finds

Thank you for stopping by .. I love your questions.. that means someone does read this crazy blog of mine... much love and hugs! Valarie

Before & After

Remember WHEN YOU ALL VOTED HERE???  When I was going to make-over my dining area.

This was the before....

I loved all the color above in the before.. Was ready for a change!



AND NOW THE AFTER!! Welcome to my Nest!! 

Found this flirty buffet on craigs list - added a mantle out of my shabby room, brought out only my favorite silver pieces... and yes the buffet has great storage! I needed storage space for vintage napkins, silver pieces, etc..  

Brought all my mirrors to one wall for more of a WOW!! 

View from living area... Still have not put my roman shade back on french door...
Love the burlap runner with white ruffle... THANK YOU BECKY 

This is the view from the side door... i did purchase new table and chairs.. remember this post? 

Ruffled burlap valance!! Thank you Sallye .. I love it! 

This is the corner where the hutch used to be... totally opened up the space and gave me so much light! 

LOVE LOVE THIS LITTLE TABLE.... VERY OLD AND VINTAGE.. SHE IS NOT PERFECT AND I HEART HER! 

i am having some cushions made out of cotton and coffee bean bags... stay posted on those! 

love the new look.. clean, crisp & cool .. just waiting for spring! 

Hope you enjoyed the tour... Stop by anytime and please leave me a comment!! 

Valarie

I love home...

Trust you all are enjoying your nest today!
Valarie

enjoying sunshine, flowers and my red glider

Remember yesterday I shared the urn by LOML's office that I planted... well today I planted a few more flowers... this is the waiting area of his office...  

Love my new oilcloth cushion??  


Hugs.. 
Valarie 

A little spring at the blue cottage...

If you read my blog you know that LOML (love of my life) offices in a very small cottage out back. Thought I would spruce up his office with a spring touch....  

RED GERANIUM-- Bought a few things here yesterday! ((Be sure and sign up for gardening classes here as well!) 

Fern, geranium, little bird feeder in a beautiful black urn.

Have a great week!
Valarie 

I love a little bling!!

Wow!! Thanks for your kind comments yesterday on my roosters! A few of you asked about my chandeliers in an email.  Yes, I do LOVE a chandelier!! I have a total of 8 in the blue cottage and have a few in storage that have not hung yet... SO you think I am a chandelier snob?   :( 

The 5 arm chandelier are my favorite! I find them at thrift stores, junk piles, Goodwill, wherever.... 

This one hangs proudly over the sink area. I painted RED and I love it!! 

Love the all black with the bling and the black bobeche with black prism! 

This one hangs proudly ... all crystal prisms! 

A glimpse of all 3 in the kitchen area!! They are perfect for the blue cottage!

Happy Monday!!
Valarie 

ROOSTER LOVE...

A new little rooster rug for the kitchen..... (Tuesday Morning find) 

Sharing my rooster lamp ... Mama gave it to me one year... still love it!  (Thanks Mama!!) 

My rooster love addiction... click here to see more (of course, if you love roosters!!)  

Happy Sunday!!! 


Hugs! 
Valarie 

look what i found today.....

Thrift store find.... $4.94. She was already chippy and I could not grab her off the shelf quick enough to bring back to the blue cottage!! I found the perfect place for her on my bathroom cabinet!! Drawers hold my earrings and pearls!

love her!!! sitting with my angel on the shelf.. more of my bathrooom pic's here.... 

Happy Junkin'
Valarie

Nesting today...

do you love these beautiful fresh willow and honeysuckle bird nest??? 

You can find them here..... At the spring market... See you there!! 

A DELIVERY FOR ME???

A BEAUTIFUL DELIVERY FROM THE CEO OF SKY RANCH -Thank you Linda! 

 

Beautiful roses, pink hydrangeas, tulips 

Tulips are stunning! 

Pink iris...

Thank you Sky Ranch for the honour of chairing the gala! I love what you do for the children!

sharing a goodwill find....

I found this worn caddy today at Goodwill. I love the water stains and the character of it! Can you believe I only paid $3 bucks!!

Brought it home.. filled with a few of my favorite herbs, wrapped the containers in burlap, added my favorite candle "VANILLA RUMBA" from Tyler Candle Company and oh how happy I am to have this little addition to my home!

Happy Day!

Someone "had" to babysit her....

Someone had to pick up the puppy for the Live Auction for Cowboys and Cowboys Gala Saturday night..... One of the perks for being the event chair!  This beautiful, cuddly lab puppy is one of the few fabulous things that will be auctioned off to a wonderful home Saturday night. We loved having her in our home tonight she was so adorable... the "GRAND" boys played with her and we all enjoyed our Thursday night @Mimi's house. 

How could anyone resist not taking her home??

A yellow lab... what a sweet face! 

She was right at home in LOML's chair!  

Hugs.
Valarie