Around the House...

I thought I would share some pics of around my home with you.  I took these about a month ago, so things have changed a little because nothing stays the same in my house for long!

Here is the family room.  The huge leather sectional got moved to the game room(aka the boy room).

 This little corner of my family room, next to the fireplace is my sewing nook.

 I wanted a "real" entertainment center, but I didn't want to pay the real price for one.  So I improvised and only spent $22 for the piece of wood across the top.  Just used my buffet and two bookcases I already had.  It fills up this long wall nicely.

 I bought this table back in December at my friends' shop, but I didn't get it until May(it was a display piece). I thought I would use it as a sewing table but it was a few inches too short, so I decided it would look neat as a tall coffee table.  And my large crocks fit nicely under it.

 I redid the side desk area in my kitchen into a more practical and functional command center.

 Mudroom entryway. I keep the tiny brown twinkle lights up all year.

 Hutch in my kitchen. My oldest daughter made the cow picture for me for Mother's day.

 Wood kitchen tools in wood box in the kitchen.  My newest obsession seems to be wooden boxes and crates.

 Another view of the mudroom with the half bath on the right.

 Front porch of the mudroom.

 We sold our old patio set at the yardsale and really needed something big enough to seat us all on the deck.  Didn't like the price and quality of the stuff in stores, so I found a local guy who makes outdoor furniture. He built me this incredibly sturdy table and benches(8'long) for a great price. And they came stained white so there was no work for me!!

We are currently redoing our camper and I can't wait to show you the before and after pics of that.  Our goal is to have it done before Labor Day because I already booked a park in Bar Harbor for the long weekend!!!

Have a lovely day,

Tiff

Slipcovers

Just because I'm slacking on my blog does not mean that I'm not doing anything:)

About a month ago I made this slipcover for "my" chair and ottoman.  It's done in brown ticking and target curtains.

Here's the after...

And here is the Before.  My mom gave me this set. It's a tapestry floral and just not my style, but the chair is really comfy.

Another view...

 Yes, the curtains match in the background :)

 Long view of the family room in its current state.

 I am really happy with how the skirted edge came out. Overall, it was pretty easy and it's holding up quite well.

Have a fabulous day,

Tiff

Summering....

Lost my blogging mojo, but wanted to let you know I'm still alive.  We are enjoying summer...beach, storyland, lazy days, sleeping in, grilling on the deck, and driving up Mt. Washington.

Love,

Tiff

When do we start speaking up?

I usually don't make this a political or news blog, but sometimes a girl just has to speak out.  It seems like daily that I read stories about how we need to respect other cultures and be PC about everything.      That is fine and dandy, but what about respecting our own country?  

 Yes, America has had a not so pretty past and many atrocities were committed, I'm not denying any of that.  But I feel for the most part, today as a country, we are a very giving country, we come to everyone's aid and try to protect those who are being suppressed.

 Many try to paint America as evil and greedy and that mentality is starting to seep into Americans heads and we are letting it happen.  This is just one example of the many stories out there that I happened upon today....http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/school_silences_patriotic_song_xdunXcLPbE8S2rAEcZoUiP?utm_medium=rss%26utm_content=Local    This is totally insane, why are we letting this happen?

 People immigrate here because it is a great country. We are a melting pot. Everyone has a heritage, but if you live in America, then you are American. Why is that such a bad thing? Why can't we have pride in being Americans?  We aren't offending other cultures by playing an American song IN AMERICA! They came here because it was better than where they were!!

 If we keep on this new trend of trying to separate cultures to protect feelings, we are going to end up in a lot of trouble.  You will divide people and generate more hate and fear.  We need to respect each other and come back together as a whole country, no distinction in front of the word "American", just  be an AMERICAN.   Stop separating.

Be proud of  where you live and who you are.  Give to those in need, help and be kind to your neighbor, respect each other's feelings, and teach your children history to help prevent the mistakes of the past.

I am American, a  hodge podge mutt of cultures mixed into one strong willed, God loving,  craft making, family centered, very conservative woman who is tired of all the BS out there and is going to start saying so!


Stepping down from my soap box now,


Tiff

Birthday, Prom, Parade, Gardens, and Life....

Hello my dear blogging friends.  I know that things have not been the norm around here and I hope you can forgive me for that and try to understand my life right now.  I know that some of you know what has been going on but for the majority of you, all you know is that I have been telling you that I have been under Major stress.  The most stress that I have ever felt in my entire life and it has been going on for over 6 months now. It's not something I would wish on my worst enemy.  It's even harder because I still have to live my day to day life, keep the kids happy and well, put on a smile for the world, and basically pretend that all is well.  I'm still not ready to totally spill everything here for all to read, but I will say, as of yesterday, things have lightened up a bit.  The problem has not disappeared, but we now have a more fitting alliance working for us.  Best advice to you all, sometimes it's a better choice not to go with the "nice" lawyer but to go for the more cut throat one. 

For the time being, we are not moving, but I  still don't know what the future holds. Luckily, the future has moved a bit farther away right now.

Now onto my life....

We celebrated a 6th Birthday with a  circus theme party.  It was a blast and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

 My oldest daughter attended her first prom.  She chose a style of dress that fits her uniqueness :)

 My daughters were in the town's Memorial Day parade and the rest of watched on the sidelines. My grandfather was in the Army, my father in law was in the Army, my husband was in the Navy, and now my oldest son will be headed to boot camp for the Marines in September(don't ask me how I feel about this, because I'm still not sure... scared and proud, but probably more scared).

 My youngest daughter and I made a fairy garden in an old wheelbarrow.

 We still need to make a house for it.

 Pics from around the yard....

 Mason, hamming it up for the camera.

 The pictures do not do this pot of petunias justice, the thing is gorgeous and enormous!  It was a gift from my 3rd grader's teacher. I'm room mom and she gave me this as a Thank you gift.  I love it!!!

 And the front door. I kept it simple and sweet. It will stay like this through July.

I'll try to be better about posting and sharing pics with you.  I have been majorly decluttering the house and changing my style.  So I may be having a blog sale of primitives soon, would you all like me to offer things on here?

Hugs and blessings,

Tiff

Happy 4th Birthday in Heaven my sweet little boy Nathan.  You will always be loved and remembered.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

You're Invited...

To a massive yard sale this Saturday, May 12th, 9am to ?

I'm cleaning out the house like a crazy woman! This is going to be a huge sale and will have a lot of antiques and prim items in it. I'm changing up my style a bit, so a lot is going!  I hope to see  you there, it's always great to meet people from blogland.

Email me for my address.

Tiff

Bee Nice....

It's a rainy Tuesday afternoon here, but that's fine, yesterday we had sunshine.  Life has been beyond busy around here and I promise to share all the details when everything calms down.  

A couple of weeks ago I had the urge to paint, so I made these bee pictures for the family room.  I know the photos are awful(it's raining out remember), but you get the idea of them.  I was only going to do one bee, and then the other two painting were going to be other insects, but I couldn't figure out what else to do, then the bee series popped in my head.

 This bee(bee-lieve) is my favorite and was the first painting of the trio I did.

I'm not sure I really like them up on the wall in the family room, I may have to paint some birds instead, but I do like the trio overall and they may end up in a mudroom or hallway.

Have a wonderful day and be grateful for all you have and who you share it with,

Tiff