Coffee Shop Makeover

What have I been up to for the past few days? I've been covered in paint working like crazy, along with my family, at my sister's coffee shop. Although it was a lot of work, we had so much fun.

We gave it a much-needed makeover with paint (mustard + gray = fabulous), new lighting, and, of course, some fun decorations.

I painted this verse onto the wall and really like how it turned out.

The long windows came from an old barn that a friend of mine was renovating. The plates on the wall came from HomeGoods and Pier 1, and I painted the "featured art" sign using an old piece of wood.



Can we just talk about how awesome this clock is?? I mean, really. Sara & I saw it at Hobby Lobby and decided it just had to be in the shop. We had lots of fun shopping for the makeover. 

The shop is now updated, fresh, and fits my sister's style perfectly. If you're local, you must visit soon and tell her I sent you (maybe she'll give me free drinks in return, thankyouverymuch).

Now it's time to get started on painting my studio! Sheesh. I need a vacation!

The Studio {let the renovation begin!!}

Ok, so...my art studio. We are finally starting to work on it.

Words can't adequately describe how excited I am about this. For real. I. AM. STOKED.

The space we are using is attached to our house. It is an efficiency apartment that we have been renting out for the past 4 or 5 years. It connects to our family room through a door that we had closed off. The apartment has been a great source of extra income, but it was time for us to use the space. 

It really is ideal for what I need. It has a small bathroom, a closet, and another closet with a sink that will be perfect for cleaning paint brushes.

Want a little tour? Here you go...

The other day husband knocked down the wall that separated the kitchen area from the bedroom area. Now it's all one big open space.

And here's what it looks like now...



Makes me kinda tired just thinking about all the work we'll be doing to get the space ready.

:: clean like crazy

:: paint ceiling & walls

:: paint floors and do a stencil treatment

:: paint cabinets

:: install new windows

I'll be keeping the kitchen cabinets and using them for storage for my supplies but moving the cabinets to go against the back wall. Husband will build me an island and some portable easels.

This room will also be a playroom for the kids, so I have some fun ideas in mind for that part of the space. And also a cozy seating area to hang out in.

I'll keep you updated as we do the renovations!

Another renovation is on tap for this weekend. I'm helping my sister Sara, along with my sister-in-laws and mom, re-do her coffee shop. Lots of painting in store for my immediate future!! Wish me luck!!

What I Wore Wednesday {Thrift Store Edition}

I actually took some "what I wore" pics this week for a change. With the hot weather, I haven't felt like putting much effort into what I'm wearing, much less taking pictures.

As much as I LOVE summer, I'm missing the layering that comes with the other seasons. But I'm not complaining! Summer: please DO NOT END. Please.

Top: Target

Skirt & belt: Goodwill

Flips: yard sale

White top: yard sale (Forever 21)

Cardi: yard sale (J. Crew)

Jeans: Target

Shoes: yard sale (Born)

Necklace: made by me

(it was cool enough for me to layer!)

Dress: Plato's Closet consignment

(I added lace trim to the bottom for extra length)

Shoes: Goodwill (NY&Co.)

Hello Monday

Hi friends!

On Saturday we took a trip to the NY wine country with our friends Mark & Mary. Mark is a pilot, so we flew up in his little plane, which made the trip a lot quicker and much more fun, of course.

We headed to Cayuga Lake and took in some wine tastings. What a beautiful place! We want to go back again sometime and spend a whole weekend.

Hello pretty vineyards! We sampled wines and had some amazing local cheese.

Hello sailboats floating on the lake. I want to go sailing. Someday.

Hello beautiful flight home. Fluffy clouds, sunshine, lakes, mountains, and an amazing sunset.

Hello to a brand new week!

Hello to being more BALANCED. Less WORK and more PLAY!

Hello to getting my blogging mojo back.

What are you saying hello to this week?

I'm saying hello with Lisa today.

Just snooping

You know how I like to snoop through people's houses to see what they look like? You probably do the same thing. There is something about seeing the inside of a person's home that makes you understand them better. You can see their personality better. What they enjoy. What they are passionate about.

I took some photos recently of my neighbor and friend Chandra's home and thought I'd share them. They moved in a few years ago, and I've been helping her update her home a bit and add more of her style into the space.

And, goodness, it's been fun! Chandra is probably the most out-going, vibrant, positive person I have ever met in my life. No exaggeration. You can't not have fun when you're with her.

:: the playroom ::

:: entry / hallway ::

We found so many great things at Ikea for her house, like the red linen cabinet (above) and the side table and picture frames (below).

:: family room ::

:: front entry ::

:: sun room ::

I love Chandra's style - lots of white, beach, cozy, and liveable (she has three young kids)...her sun room makes me want to curl up with a magazine and a cold lemonade!

Hope you are staying cool wherever you are!

Just a few things



 Life just keeps marching right along, and I haven't had a chance to post as much as normal. I skipped "what I wore" this week, because, really, who wants to bother looking cute when the temperature goes over 100? Not me.

So here are a few randoms...

My sister Sara with my littlest reading a book (I think they look alike, don't you?)...

 Playing games with cousins at a birthday party for my neice Anna...we love our families!

 Feeling like big stuff in my brother Matt's old Jeep...the perfect summer vehicle.

 Always ready to pose for a picture...high buns are the ticket when the weather gets hot!

Here are a few custom signs I've done lately. I'm not taking orders again until September, but that doesn't mean I'm not working my little tail off. I'm getting ready for the launch of my new website (gulp) and making lots of signs to fill my new store.

More details to come, I promise!

What a great verse...

And for a sweet little girl's room...

I have lots of new things going on right now with the business - things that make me both excited and nervous at the same time. I'm really looking forward to seeing where God takes all this!

On a shallow note, have you seen Downton Abbey? I'm completely sucked in. I watch it on Hulu through my laptop, because our tv is the size of a postage stamp and it is 15 years old (what can I say - we're cheap). I'm loving the amazing costumes on this show. It is so inspiring. You must watch it if you haven't already.

Ok, I think that's all the important news I've have for you. I'll give you a breakdown, in case you were too lazy to read my post:

:: It's hot out.

:: I don't have anything to wear when it's hot. Husband would probably not agree.

:: Kids are loving summer and playing outside. Understatement of the year.

:: I'm working a lot, in between diapers and lunches and squabbles and laundry...you know the drill.

:: But I'm also playing a lot, I have to add. In case you get all judgey and think that I'm neglecting my kids.

:: Well, maybe I neglect my kids sometimes. But I don't want to be too perfect of a parent or I might make you feel inferior.

:: I cannot wait to move into my art studio. Because my kitchen is becoming increasingly filled with my painting junk and it's just about making me lose my mind. Did I mention I'm going to have an art studio?? Yes, you could say I'm excited. And you would be very, very correct. I cannot wait to fill you in on all the details.

:: And finally, you should watch Downton Abbey. Because a British accent is just so very cool.

THE END.



Hello Monday {Hello Beach}

Last Friday we decided last minute to throw out our weekend to-do list and head for the beach. My parents' beach house near Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to be exact. It's about 2 1/2 hours away.

I literally threw some food in a cooler (essentials like cereal and hot dogs and soda), packed our swimming suits, summer clothes, and diapers (totally forgot shoes and sunscreen and toothbrushes) and, we ran out the door and headed to the relaxing place that we love.

Hello Lewes, Delaware. You are a beautiful little historic town. And you have a great little beach that our kids loved. We will be back.

 Hello boy who is growing before my very eyes.  I am so proud to be your mommy.

Hello insanely HOT weather. We didn't venture out to the beach until 6pm.

 Hello little girl who loves all things sand and water.

Hello monster fish (a tuna) caught by my fisherman Dad. The kids loved it. Jack said that the eye balls felt squishy like a trampoline. Gotta love it. Some of my earliest memories are of going fishing/boating with my dad. It's been his hobby ever since I can remember.

Hello full-fledged cold in the middle of a heat wave. Not fun. Please go away.

Hello boating in the ocean on a beautiful summer day. Apparently it was exhausting for Violet.

Hello brand new week with lots to do!

Hello tackling my overflowing email inbox. Seriously, it's crazy right now. If you've requested a sign in the past few days, hang tight. I will answer your email shortly.

Hello beautiful, COOLER temps for the week. I love summer and all, but 105 degrees is a bit much.

What are you saying hello to this week?

I'm saying "Hello" with Lisa this morning.