Desk Skirt

The mess beneath the computer desk , the 15 wires , the big black hard drive , it is all ugly, I thought I would try adding a skirt just to see if it would look alright .

I picked up 2.5 meters of linen fabric from the bargain table at the fabric store , and simply stapled it underneath and voila , it is just what the doctor ordered. Perfect with the new old little bench { this was a dumpster dive item from 10 years ago } this has been a great solution for this desk area because of the tightness of the space , two kids can even sit together here now and use the computer, it's been perfect.

Oh what is that I see here ? , two copies of Flea Market Style , while I have been waiting for my mailed issues I have been trying to track others down , it took 2 weeks , but finally yesterday after talking to the girl who restocks the mag's and books for The News Group here in our area , she was happy to help me track it down , I called The News Group and they were able to tell me exactly what stores it had been invoiced to , I live in a city of 150,000 and it is only in three stores , for those locally or in Ontario I did find it at a Shoppers Drugmart , and I do know Chapters was getting 7 , that's right only 7 copies, but it is out there now , as of just yesterday in Ontario .

I gasped when I saw it sitting there front and center yesterday , what a pretty magazine , such beautiful photos it is one you NEED to get, I still can not believe I am included , it is very thrilling , page 28 .

Thanks again Linda MacDonald and Matthew and Jenny Mead for letting me play a part , it is a real thrill for me. Flea Market Style

Forever grateful,

Chris

Looking back for inspiration

I wish I had some new fresh DIY projects or a great makeover to show , I don't , so let revisit some former makeovers I would surely do again like making a door into a chalkboard

How about adding character to a basic bathroom

How about making a desk from salvaged furniture pieces

Perhaps you are ready to tackle recessed paneling you can start here

How about a chair makeover , see how I took a curbside chair and made it new

Fresh baked muffins

I woke up bright and early at 6:30 to bake fresh carrot muffins for the girls , they looked shocked and enjoyed the special treat , alright they were from a mix I'll admit it .

A nice fresh hot cup of coffee in my pretty pink cup from Ikea , I need to go get some more of these , I love it , this was the perfect way to start my day .

For some this is the start of spring, for us it seems to be the start of winter , February is always the longest part of winter , it is COLD and it is not that often that the sun shines , making it gloomy and depressing . We haven't seen much snow this year at all , last year it was hip high , this year happily just a few inches or so , we haven't even been able to try out the new snow blower I bought for my husband for Christmas , things could be worse.

Even the puppies are snuggling up on this dark and foggy day .

At this time of year my thoughts go ever so hopefully to the coming spring , which is probably a good 8 weeks away still , this is my next real project , building a lovely structure over our deck , I want to add some real style to the back of the house.

Does the winter put a damper on your home projects? or is it just me ?

Say it again Sam

I have been a little out of the loop this week , see I thought I would do a real clean of the computer desk , this is a well used space , it was looking awfully grubby , but when I was giving it a good old scrub up came a whole section of paint , I needed to just deal with it and redo the desk. I scraped most of the paint off and then sanded away , not as much as I should have because of the mess it would have cause actually, I will do a better job some other time , but for now it has a fresh coat or three of paint , including the wall , isn't it amazing how kids can make things so grubby .
Fixing this desk meant taking the computer apart , there was some serious computer withdrawls going on with a couple of us so it had to be only a quick fix kinda of freshen up.
Back to the chair , this was the computer chair , and when not in use is pushed in as much as possible to allow for good traffic flow , which is why I hadn't noticed how damaged it has also become , dark blue denim had stained the front fabric and frame , someone has oh so kindly overly distressed the paint right off this chair frame , it is time for an over haul, a fresh start . I am going to thoroughly sand down the frame again and refresh the paint , and recover it with this vintage fabric .

A fresh start , just what it needs.

Check those magazine stands

Don't you just hate waiting , and waiting for something you really want ? Well I am waiting for my copy of the long awaited Flea Market Style magazine , you may be too .
But I have been keeping a secret , I am actually mentioned in this magazine , Just beachy blog, I am dying to see what the Lovely Linda of Restyled Home has written about me , from the sneak peaks I have seen I am more excited than ever to get me copy.
I have decided today I will track it down , I WILL find it , no more waiting , its not like I can have too many of this magazine , right!
This is a dream come true for me to be in a decorating magazine , I am thrilled and honoured .
So please check your magazine stands for Flea Market Style's Premiere edition, sure to be a great success.
And most of all thank you Linda and Matthew for including me , I am so excited you can not even imagine.

Sunny days and cookies

Compost Cookies , I saw Kelly Ripa make these cookies on Regis and Kelly last week , I had to try them , they have Ritz crackers and Frito's as well as Rollo's , sound interesting ? go here to get the recipe

I had to take some new photos of my dining room with my new/old buffet , it is such a nice addition , I am so glad I went ahead and bought it , funny this room used to give me the most stress , it was just not right , now I couldn't love it more , it looks so pretty on a sunny day flooded with sunlight.

You almost can't see the stripes on the walls on a sunny day like this .

It is pretty and comfortable , just what we needed .

I had made the kids some cupcakes for Valentine's day parties last week , they were so cute .

I had a very nice Valentine's day at home with the family , followed by family day , which is a new national holiday , can't complain about that huh! we all hung out , I made a big breakfast and then later I made some cookies , stayed in bed a lot of the time , it was perfect really.

And the Winner is...

The winner of the City.Cottage giveaway is Elizabeth of blue clear sky . Congratulations.

City.Cottage

Simple,casual living , what a beautiful bed.

Jenny brings you beautiful character painted pieces , a little shabby chic and a little beachy for sure and a great deal of vintage appeal , pieces to use and love, decor to warm your home and add some real character and beauty.

check out her website here City.Cottage

Have you been looking for just the perfect piece for your home? well I think you can stop looking , City.Cottage likely has just what you were looking for , the pieces in store offer charm , aged appeal and a pretty touch of softness. Affordable and one of kind , what could be more appealing. Its worth the drive to the small town of Bowmanville just east of Toronto.

Thank you

all the kids gathered around for cake time , even the fur ones

I wanted to say thank you for all the birthday wishes , I had a great day , lots of treats and cards and wishes from people all over , my husband brought me my favourite chicken parmesan on a bun with tomato mushroom sauce and mushroom soup from Teddy's my favourite restaurant since I was 10 years old, I received some beautiful tulips and had a nice piece of cake , I felt the love .

thanks,

Chris

Flea Market Style

The count down is on 14 more days until it officially hits the stands , but here is a sneak peak so you will know what to look for when searching for Flea Market Style magazine I can not wait to have it in my little hands...this is a long awaited arrival , only a little bit longer.

I did it , I really did it.

My first attempt at fondant and my very first "for me" birthday cake , Oh my I am so happy about it .

We also celebrate the 18 th anniversary of the day my husband and I met , my hubby said I made the cake for my readers and my blog , no , it was nice to have some new content yes , but I was so happy taking these photos I was shaking , it was selfish I made this cake for me. thank you me .

I got a great card from my mom yesterday , it has a great message

"Don't sit around waiting for somebody else to make you happy.Happy is a do-it-yourself kind of thing"

This is also a great Valentine's message.

Ah heck Happy Birthday to me

My darling daughters bought me this key holder i have been eyeing for my birthday, it's so motel chic.

The cake is nearly finished , turns out I love fondant , making it gets easier each time , it is fun to work with , I made extra so i can have cut outs for the valentine's cuppies I will make for school.

I had to crack out the happy birthday coffee cup , small fan fair... hope you have a great day , thanks for stopping by .

How could I forget decor ?

Oh my I nearly forgot this was a decorating blog , I was getting annoyed with the paint on my new buffet , it was chipping off with no force , in some spots , I followed all of my steps , TSP , light sanding , high adhession primer , paint , but there is not telling what the previous owners have applied to this piece.
My solution was a rub on of polyshades {antique walnut} , it enahced the paint sooo much.

It gleams now and glows with loviless.

I also was able to find the perfect lined basket for my re-done landing spot , thinga majiggy.

Also the mirror turned out very well , good bye ugly bamboo paint finish , hello beachy white mirror.

I wanted to show you my daughters decorating , she did this arrangement all by herself , she did such a great job putting this together .

Frosting , crumb coat, and fondant application

That's all it takes for basic butter cream , a touch of vanilla too if you like. I don' measure I just add sugar until , until it is the right consistency .

Peek-a-boo!

I strained this melted jam over a double boiler.

In my case covered by fondant.

Making a great cake takes many little steps that stretch over many hours , chilling can not be missed or rushed.

Powdered sugar prevents sticking.

This was very immediately gratifying.

You can also pipe frosting to hide edges.

Tomorrow : finishing touches , including piping and detail application.