April 13, 2013

More updates... because they never end.





I feel like I haven't written a post on here in awhile and that's because I haven't. I've taken a "small" break from the blog and somewhat from furniture and decor to focus on things that really matter. Like being a better "me." I was getting too caught up in staying busy and doing this project and this DIY and this piece of furniture, for a minute, I kinda lost my "spark" of loving this stuff. Sometimes I would wonder... why would I let anything so small effect me and what I enjoy? Well that's a good question and I'm not sure I can pinpoint a direct answer to that but I will do my best. 

You see, we've moved 4 times in the last 5 years. That's a lot. Like really, a lot. But not uncommon either. I'm the girl that will be your best friend the first day you hang out with me. I'm the one that will have your back no matter what. The one that will laugh with you, cry with you and make fun of you too. But I am also the girl that is a doormat. And I tend to let others take advantage of me. Part of growing up is realizing who really matters in your life and who never did. Well let's just say since we have moved to Florida, that has really hit home for me. The only people you can ever really count on is family and I am so, so blessed to have my wonderful family! But sometimes you need a friend. Or two.


I usually make friends easy. I don't think I'm a "hey, look at me" person but I'm not shy either. A good mix I would say. But then you'll come across those "mean girls" who only want to spend time with you  for something that will benefit them. They won't appreciate the good person that you are and that's ok because they probably won't be the last. You should surround yourself with people who won't lie to you, who aren't afraid to tell you the truth either, who will have  your back even if you are wrong and people who listen to you and are just there. And some people won't ever like you. They will be DEAD set against giving you a chance and that's ok. Because it's their loss. 

Why worry about people who don't worry about you? Why expect an apology from someone who is never going to give you one? It's just not worth the time, tears, worry or stress. Something has that has been bothering me (like always) is our home. Don't get me wrong, we have a great looking home. Various nice updates and probably the nicest base housing we have seen and probably will ever see. There really is no reason to complain about anything considering that we have on site maintenance, a few upgrades, detached from other homes, basically a semi normal "home" away from the real "home." But then you see photos on Pinterest, on other blogs, in those awesome Country Living & BHG's magazines and you WANT THAT room. You want THAT look. You NEED YOUR house to look magazine worthy, am I right? Well... I hate to break it to you but that is a mold the most do not fit in. Your home is a direct reflection of you and doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. The sole reason someone's beautiful space is featured in the magazine is because that is just it, it's theirs. They put THEIR stamp on it, their originality, their taste, their touch. We're all capable of loving our homes if we just realize that if our homes are full of love, laughter and things and mementos that we love, it will be not a house but a home. Fill your home with things you love, things you've collected and things that are great reminders and I guarantee you're love your home a little more than you used to.

NOW that I have gone off on my psychological journey, here are some updates to our dining & living room. I still have a lot of plans for these joined rooms but for now I am enjoying it. I filled an old tool box that a dear friend got for me with faux Ikea greens. 




The mirrored faux windows with old hinges on them flanking either side of the windows are from HomeGoods. I've been searching for something the right scale for those walls for sometime now. I really like how much they reflect the light and fill up the space. I'm waiting on some pretty boxwood wreaths in the mail to hang on each one. I'm currently obsessed with boxwood wreaths and plants.



And here's the view from the corner of the room by our windows. It's starting to feel more like home around here and if you haven't noticed yet, yes, there is a new and gorgeous shabby cabinet in the room now... I'll tell you more about it and how I find it at the end of this post.


Here's the view from walking into the dining & kitchen area from our living room below. I hate the light fixture, I think I have mentioned that before. It is modern and doesn't fit in the space but what are ya going to do? I moved some things around as you can see and actually after taking these photos, I moved things around again. Yeah, I know. Totally predictable.



I moved my faux pears, lemons & apples back into my tiered basket from Hobby Lobby for spring. I love the pops of bright greens and yellows against the rustic wiring of the baskets.


Below you'll see I changed out my subway art sign that was kelly green to this smaller scale one from Old Time Pottery here in Florida. I just love the saying, the color and the scale. Perfect trade off.

And here's a few from the left side of the dining area. An old milk can sits by my crisp white Ikea barstools. I changed my table & bar linens again. They are regular bright white for now with silver napkin holders from Pier 1 Imports. Love that store, I get so much inspiration walking in there! The half moon window was hanging in the living room last time you probably took a peek here but I moved it over our garage door. It is originally from HomeGoods. I have an obsession with windows, I think.


And here's a detailed peek of the top of our fridge. I use the calendar daily, it keeps me organized. And I just added some personal touches up there, nothing too special or major.


I also moved some things around on my counters. The topiaries now flank either side of the stove and I moved my faux Ikea greens back in the living room on the TV stand. I like that they have height in here. A few other personal touches and mementoes along with my large glass jars that hold my sugar, flour and noodles. I bought a cutting board on clearance at Target that sits on the stove. After this picture, I took a white utensil holder that matches the containers on the top of the cabinets and I sat it in the cutting board with all of my wood utensils in it for cooking. I use it frequently and it's actually really nice to have it out. Of course, there sits my dachshund statues as well. 



Below you will see that I FINALLY found a rug for my kitchen. I knew that I wanted a 5x7 because of the size of the kitchen and the tile floors are so not comfortable to cook on for long periods of time. I've eyed this beautiful rug at Target for sometime now. It is from their Threshold line and is 100% hooked wool. I ADORED it but at almost $200, I continue to just "look" at it & wave goodbye. Pouty face. Well it just so happens that this past week, I got my weekly email from Target that they were having a 20% off home decor sale so I decided to go check it out.  So I got it cheaper because I used my Target card as well. It feels so nice on my little piggy feet and I just adore the colors. For all of you that think I can't do color, I can ;) I just don't want to break the bank because usually the things I LOVE with color, well, let's just say I might not have a husband if I bought all of them. I also bought the matching little rug to put in front of the garage door. I am really enjoying having both in the area and it's proof that a small change can make a world of difference. EEK! 



And now what I've been wanting to chat your ear off about...

I recently took a mini-road trip and used the whole day to attend Fancy Flea in Lakeland, Florida. It's almost 2 hours from us but it was SO worth it. I enjoyed spending time with a dear friend and we got to meet some lovely vendors, see some awesome crafts, painted furniture & vintage stuff! I scoured the crowd and only had bought a few little things when I spotted this old, rustic but yet so shabby bottom to an old hutch. Oh. Em. GEEEEEEE. Seriously, that is exactly what I thought when I saw her. I just adore this piece. We probably walked by it about FOUR different times. Each time, I spoke with the vendor, who's named was George and was just the sweetest old man. He came down on price every time I walked back up. At the end of the day if she was still there, she was meant to be mine. 

So, at the end of the day, I walked up to George and asked him what he wanted for me to take her home and we both walked away happy because I took this gorgeous baby home! And did I mention that this is all original? I love the inside, the deep drawers and the cute little doors with the original little locks on the front. Ryan swears I'm going to get sick of it and sell it and maybe I will because I don't put it past myself but right now, I am just enjoying this beauty. I plan on doing a planked wood top on top to give a more "finished" look. I also am planning on changing the hardware to something more vintage and rustic and something with age. I think adding a top will definitely give it some much needed contrast and will just MAKE this lovely piece of furniture. SWOON.





I just love everything about her. And I don't even think the photos do her justice. If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to click the "pin it" button at the very top of this post. I would appreciate any pins on Pinterest of my images. Do you have a favorite piece of furniture? And what updates have you done around your home lately? Did you enjoy ours? 

OH! And if you haven't entered our HUGE $500 in gift cards giveaway, you can find the POST HERE! It ends on April 15th at 12:00AM. ENTER before it's too late! FREE $$$$$$$$$$.

Linking up to Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday here.
Linking up to Liz Marie Blog's Inspire Me Please Linky party here.



XOXO,
Ally



36 comments:

  1. Loving that cabinet Ally! And I agree, a new top would make it look even more beautiful!
    As for what you said at the beginning of the post, I know exactly what you mean, and I've found myself doing the same thing since coming to stay with family. I recently saw this quote, and it made me feel stronger in my decision, maybe it'll make you feel better too!
    "Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company." -Booker T. Washington

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sarah! I always love hearing from you. And that is a great quote and a great reminder. Thank you for visiting! XOXO

      Delete
  2. Great blog post! Always love reading your stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  3. New Follower from Brittany Floyd!! :)
    Loving what I see!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's appropriate time to make some plans for the long run and it's time to be happy.
    I have learn this post and if I may I wish to counsel you few attention-grabbing things or tips.
    Perhaps you could write next articles relating to this article.
    I desire to learn even more things about it!

    my page volvo brake caliper

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello there I am so grateful I found your weblog,
    I really found you by error, while I was researching on Aol for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a marvelous post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the
    theme/design), I don't have time to browse it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the great job.

    my site - vinyl floor tiles

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's awesome in favor of me to have a web page, which is useful designed for my know-how. thanks admin

    Also visit my blog :: hot rod art prints

    ReplyDelete
  7. I absolutely love your site.. Very nice colors & theme.
    Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as I'm attempting to create my own personal blog and would love to find out where you got this from or what the theme is named. Kudos!

    Here is my web-site - adjustable dumbbell

    ReplyDelete
  8. Link exchange is nothing else however it is just placing the
    other person's website link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do same in favor of you.

    my web site: frontline vs advantage for dogs

    ReplyDelete
  9. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
    I don't know who you are but definitely you're going to
    a famous blogger if you aren't already ;) Cheers!

    Here is my web-site multimarca ricambi

    ReplyDelete
  10. No matter if some one searches for his required thing,
    therefore he/she needs to be available that in detail,
    therefore that thing is maintained over here.

    Take a look at my webpage - apply advantage

    ReplyDelete
  11. We stumbled over here coming from a different page and thought I may as well check things
    out. I like what I see so now i'm following you. Look forward to looking at your web page for a second time.

    Have a look at my page; pro style dumbbells

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nice post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I'm inspired! Extremely helpful info particularly the final part :) I deal with such info much. I used to be looking for this particular info for a very lengthy time. Thanks and good luck.

    Here is my web blog :: companion pet clinic hillsboro oregon

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your mode of telling the whole thing in this piece of writing is truly good,
    all can effortlessly know it, Thanks a lot.



    Here is my webpage - psd flyers

    ReplyDelete
  14. What's up to every body, it's my first go to see of this blog; this web site
    includes awesome and truly fine material for readers.

    Also visit my blog - paleolithic breakfast recipes

    ReplyDelete
  15. We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post's to be exactly I'm looking for.
    Would you offer guest writers to write content to suit
    your needs? I wouldn't mind writing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write related to here. Again, awesome web site!

    Also visit my website phen375 slimming pills

    ReplyDelete
  16. I blog frequently and I seriously thank you for your information.
    The article has really peaked my interest. I
    will bookmark your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week.
    I subscribed to your Feed too.

    My page - volvo penta fuel pump

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi my friend! I wish to say that this article is awesome,
    nice written and include approximately all important infos.

    I would like to see extra posts like this .

    Feel free to surf to my web blog ... vinyl floor tiles

    ReplyDelete
  18. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on websites
    I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It's always interesting to read articles from other authors and practice a little something from their web sites.

    Here is my page ... pro style dumbbells

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello there! I could have sworn I've visited this site before but after browsing through many of the articles I realized it's new to me.
    Nonetheless, I'm definitely delighted I discovered it and I'll
    be bookmarking it and checking back often!


    my homepage: paleo cookbook

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hey there! I'm at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the great work!

    Have a look at my website :: cheap rat hot rods

    ReplyDelete
  21. Its like you read my mind! You seem to grasp so
    much approximately this, such as you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you just can do with a few p.c.
    to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, that
    is excellent blog. An excellent read. I'll definitely be back.

    Also visit my web page - free nightclub flyer templates

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am genuinely happy to read this website posts which consists of
    plenty of valuable information, thanks for providing these kinds of statistics.


    Here is my page; stone age diet

    ReplyDelete
  23. After looking at a few of the blog articles on your web site,
    I really like your way of blogging. I saved it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future.
    Please check out my web site too and let me know what you think.


    Also visit my page :: companion pet clinic portland oregon

    ReplyDelete
  24. I constantly emailed this web site post page to all my
    associates, for the reason that if like to read it afterward my links will too.


    Visit my web page: volvo v70 review

    ReplyDelete
  25. What a great find. Glad you were able to take it home. It looks so cool as is, but the changes you want to make sound sweet. Hope you get lots of enjoyment out of it.
    Liz

    ReplyDelete
  26. lovin this vintage treasure in all its peely, lovely glory.

    stop by when you have a moment for eye candy and lovely, we'd love to have you. http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com

    smiles and peace to you.

    michele

    ReplyDelete
  27. Well... I hopped over here from House of Rose, and listen: I might be coveting that little cabinet y'all have beneath the snazzy chalkboard and green wreath! Wow! Your kitchen and dining area both look amazing, and now I have to go look at my dining room and think, "What could I do in here?" You know... other than EAT!

    ReplyDelete
  28. International courier in Mumbai @ http://www.tradelinkinternational.co.in/

    ReplyDelete
  29. Courier services Mumbai @ http://www.tradelinkinternational.co.in/

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is a very good post! Just keep updating much useful information

    ReplyDelete

Featured Post

We SOLD our home!

Not sure if anyone else realized it but its been 6 months since I wrote a blogpost! Not such a large surprise considering our little man cam...