tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58255618446216826432024-03-14T00:47:51.679-04:00The Decorative DreamerI am a home decor, embroidery, and lifestyle blogger. I enjoy sharing tablescapes, seasonal interior decorating and gardening in addition to my own embroidery, sewing and crafting projects.The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.comBlogger563125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-24584286959521109832021-03-05T08:42:00.008-05:002021-03-05T08:51:27.839-05:00Simple St. Patricks day Vignette<p style="text-align: center;"> Hi Again! I really do enjoy St. Patrick's day, I really do y'all! But, I'm not gonna lie, decorating for St. Patrick's day is a bit a challenge for me. It's one of those holidays that for me does not require I decorate the entire home. Because it falls in between when I would typically be pulling out spring décor and prepping for Easter décor so I struggle. I am still debating if I will create a St.Pattys day tablescape to enjoy this year. I have a lot going on right now so if I do it may look rather simple. But sometimes simple is simply fine, right? I think so!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9TWexU2Zi8KR4zd__sE_AAplN7nWznJKm58S62oxETcGqOFenUGW4P8fKOgQmHh4MtanMWbwOKxRcvpwG_n8P5iPnccKllZoKM4FsrdzMr7qmaZDNAOQmGo98VoF2jpLoQgJQ3NZMiY/s2016/final+%252854%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9TWexU2Zi8KR4zd__sE_AAplN7nWznJKm58S62oxETcGqOFenUGW4P8fKOgQmHh4MtanMWbwOKxRcvpwG_n8P5iPnccKllZoKM4FsrdzMr7qmaZDNAOQmGo98VoF2jpLoQgJQ3NZMiY/w480-h640/final+%252854%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year when I pulled out my St. Patty's day décor I noticed one thing. I have woefully a very small amount. Most of what I have is centered around tablescaping. I have adorable placemats, napkins, and embroidered towels. But not much as far as knick knacks go. This is fine with me because I prefer less knick knacks these days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvVn0h98fsIELIAJSg8K9Smd7DHFONp_zxik2quQW_jw1r16_SlGc80vObfTxHmoEww8LNSCgqs4JxtVPI02z4ALke0lxnXWYQt3uRZQiYLpHQ0DNWoTSKDJb8BT1vcpLFJ23GcBMF9U/s2016/final+%252856%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvVn0h98fsIELIAJSg8K9Smd7DHFONp_zxik2quQW_jw1r16_SlGc80vObfTxHmoEww8LNSCgqs4JxtVPI02z4ALke0lxnXWYQt3uRZQiYLpHQ0DNWoTSKDJb8BT1vcpLFJ23GcBMF9U/w480-h640/final+%252856%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year I decided to focus on my kitchen shelves where I enjoy changing out the décor for different holidays and seasons. I had already brought out my greenery with burlap covered pots. I love those little plants bought years ago. When originally purchased they did not have the burlap on them. I added that years ago and still love, love, love the look. When setting up my vignette I decided I really like having this new cutting board on the middle shelf so it stayed as well as the metal container with flowers on top. These two pictures above are what I thought I would share. When creating this post I noticed that the top shelf looked so unportioned to the rest of display. It didn't look quite that off when looking at in person but in a picture it looked so off to me so I added a few dishes to balance the look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8SanDHE5p7JU8H3xl7Hcc48oUo78WEb4Iao1CJvhi2sq-82bLa937OTI03JnZXsERktpptTbRkwQYpj_nQwraWqmrlkV8CZ8hwBJm4GlAYpr3t8Tb1JKR_5aA-ibmFIK5ev5ruR4yAg/s2016/final+%252861%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8SanDHE5p7JU8H3xl7Hcc48oUo78WEb4Iao1CJvhi2sq-82bLa937OTI03JnZXsERktpptTbRkwQYpj_nQwraWqmrlkV8CZ8hwBJm4GlAYpr3t8Tb1JKR_5aA-ibmFIK5ev5ruR4yAg/w480-h640/final+%252861%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vACUS-Fu0QLp5j1kKHadZc7T54Otl7v8Jt-dXbzEDPElsMwsxMiIV0tK-x-JK4s1K-5tfraF8BhYf6ZVqdTWgttyU8Rkv8h7m4fiMYpGICcz17CkWyaos-tz3pZ_lVazRD0PU_NLzhc/s2016/final+%252862%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vACUS-Fu0QLp5j1kKHadZc7T54Otl7v8Jt-dXbzEDPElsMwsxMiIV0tK-x-JK4s1K-5tfraF8BhYf6ZVqdTWgttyU8Rkv8h7m4fiMYpGICcz17CkWyaos-tz3pZ_lVazRD0PU_NLzhc/w480-h640/final+%252862%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So there you go! Much better now right? I think so. I've had these cute little cabbage leaf plates for awhile now but always seem to forget about them when the perfect season rolls around to use them. I love how the brown background trim works well with the cutting board below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYFHpcDlymBleAD0JUsbgIpgVoxuW0V7osKsaGCixt6ZzPlw2st9VycFolDpUXqDi-c52HE65EAd6jx7YaIFUdhss4jzyOyfBnNiEofog6NsCqEKV0jm6bYscSIMcTVXS9U8T5-B7GBQ/s2016/final+%252857%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYFHpcDlymBleAD0JUsbgIpgVoxuW0V7osKsaGCixt6ZzPlw2st9VycFolDpUXqDi-c52HE65EAd6jx7YaIFUdhss4jzyOyfBnNiEofog6NsCqEKV0jm6bYscSIMcTVXS9U8T5-B7GBQ/w480-h640/final+%252857%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The adorable little leprechauns are actually floral picks and I would definitely say they are vintage. I say that because I have owned them for a very long time, and they are chipping their paint color but I still love them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNB37EzG9IsAyYsapTtLTlDn0wC8ttXLA38E8f2hUV8FV37l8fioAdHRkidZxFb80U-RaaUr70vAabrE_QNJ31ZlKVCmMYrNnYGqgTfGSDYxfZFbl2OWJ7jWoPUEWYsMKfDCT3r0SKuQ/s2016/final+%252858%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNB37EzG9IsAyYsapTtLTlDn0wC8ttXLA38E8f2hUV8FV37l8fioAdHRkidZxFb80U-RaaUr70vAabrE_QNJ31ZlKVCmMYrNnYGqgTfGSDYxfZFbl2OWJ7jWoPUEWYsMKfDCT3r0SKuQ/w480-h640/final+%252858%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just picked up this cute little wooden shamrock yesterday at Joann's. I was there for some fabric and saw their St.Patrick's day décor was 60% off so I browsed a bit. I also purchased the glittery floral pick with the three open shamrocks. I think I may have a thing for floral picks. They are inexpensive and work great when you just want a small touch of seasonal whimsey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRmmx-SOusV3_e2bKpyl1OAAcrB7xlQNu5Ogn7tz13brY76k1Gyq3fIyMEGfv-fJCkE8QSX6w1CqJd1oGXgJhrOiox1IZBQop-oBVXw7ucMN0hvyND5MFZcmgvj2LKiP18IL3FykPenI/s2016/final+%252859%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRmmx-SOusV3_e2bKpyl1OAAcrB7xlQNu5Ogn7tz13brY76k1Gyq3fIyMEGfv-fJCkE8QSX6w1CqJd1oGXgJhrOiox1IZBQop-oBVXw7ucMN0hvyND5MFZcmgvj2LKiP18IL3FykPenI/w480-h640/final+%252859%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the top of my hutch, I decided to display this adorable glass tray I've owned for quite some time. It rarely gets used but I love it! I'm not sure why but for me it's one of those feel good pieces that just makes me smile. So why not display? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwkJTRMtlIVnzj4nLxLXJeoGgvjcCLRrL4XXMWlZoCNpSC60t20ZlWFNo-EPP7GfE5zXSxsoopWAkxAd13EzM7rPqtwc6yPONRm4eWQMMP5XGPQEKELqiQVG-FtlhGLE18UQ_6fgGoIk/s2016/final+%252855%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwkJTRMtlIVnzj4nLxLXJeoGgvjcCLRrL4XXMWlZoCNpSC60t20ZlWFNo-EPP7GfE5zXSxsoopWAkxAd13EzM7rPqtwc6yPONRm4eWQMMP5XGPQEKELqiQVG-FtlhGLE18UQ_6fgGoIk/w480-h640/final+%252855%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, this little bunch of Hydrangea greens is another old trick that I've used for several years now. Still works for me to celebrate this holiday. I'm not hitting it out of the park I know, but guess what, it makes me smile to see this crazy green collection of stuff I already own. Isn't that what decorating should be all about, enjoying the things you love? I think so!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks so much for popping by! Hope you enjoyed the little leprechauns smiling at you like I do. Mostly I wanted to share the idea to always use what you love, and what you brings you joy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great Friday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mary</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-42032287469755432512021-02-28T16:52:00.000-05:002021-02-28T16:52:06.430-05:00My Fruit table Redo<p> Hi All! I have owned this narrow side table for several years now. It is just an inexpensive little table that I picked up for a deal from Ross one year. I love that is narrow in depth which allows me to have it placed on walls where I do not want a deeper piece of furniture to get in the way. This is why it is placed here in my den near our everyday dining table. Having a table here allows us to have an extra light because there is no hanging light here in our den only pot lots. Anyway, back to my table, it's very shabbily painted with a fruit motif on the top that I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with for some time. It's always had a blah look to it to me, yet every time I have considered repainting the table to something else, like a solid color, I have wavered to be rid of the fruit. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzjD6RduUFr0ypI3jj-N6eICrSxE7SLOqFSAqI3ikPJZqAFT8CHdbIYZcZIGsgZIC7s1ELHgg5ZXKlNSnytzQtAc9T0SROc-Hef0m8-PToCn0v5etkY55uZ0WeQHzmF2WlMz5-wbwsRs/s2016/final+%252853%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzjD6RduUFr0ypI3jj-N6eICrSxE7SLOqFSAqI3ikPJZqAFT8CHdbIYZcZIGsgZIC7s1ELHgg5ZXKlNSnytzQtAc9T0SROc-Hef0m8-PToCn0v5etkY55uZ0WeQHzmF2WlMz5-wbwsRs/w480-h640/final+%252853%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7xoXr5z9knPXzhDEUdnxW436CPlcZ3NjA7qp3GV1WVwEO4BIzoX-FZqDO-xDoBeQiK1eahuR6NLCQ6NL3RMkuG2viZoEC_T8RXL4J8HsieLiWGxrw56ylb4lXuSWEDJS_TFf9L0k2os/s1031/final+%252852%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="773" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7xoXr5z9knPXzhDEUdnxW436CPlcZ3NjA7qp3GV1WVwEO4BIzoX-FZqDO-xDoBeQiK1eahuR6NLCQ6NL3RMkuG2viZoEC_T8RXL4J8HsieLiWGxrw56ylb4lXuSWEDJS_TFf9L0k2os/w480-h640/final+%252852%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p>The two pictures above show that the table was originally painted with a an olive type green trim and very muted olive/golden colored leaves as well as very muted plum and blue grapes. The basket painted in the middle was a brownish gold color. Nothing was painted with super fine detail which is what I liked yet it just seemed to lack something. I have toyed multiple times with the idea of painting this table all black, gold, turquoise or green. But as I've said previously everytime I think I'm going to do it I waver. This weekend it finally came to me why not just brighten up the fruit on the table and bring in colors that will pop a little more. I decided the worst thing that could happen was I wouldn't like it and it would then be time to paint the whole table a solid color. So I got out my acrylics and went to work. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueMOh3_99aOrrEAB-mLTsbDD60sqFAz9x0qXQyZZCdJPTlCWOxJhItHgAkDLNKo_z8D5TQCKDX1yCtlfe59XVuDOKK3KV-_2fw5DflWnPc0ODXd08c5gn67o46oBYpw1nX5i3PtBwF14/s2016/final+%252851%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueMOh3_99aOrrEAB-mLTsbDD60sqFAz9x0qXQyZZCdJPTlCWOxJhItHgAkDLNKo_z8D5TQCKDX1yCtlfe59XVuDOKK3KV-_2fw5DflWnPc0ODXd08c5gn67o46oBYpw1nX5i3PtBwF14/w480-h640/final+%252851%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I couldn't be more pleased with how my table has turned out so far! The only thing I may eventually do is change the gold trim around the top to black to match the black trim I added to the legs and the bottom edge of the table. That I am still deciding on but feel happy enough to wait on that decision. I would love your opinion on that if you have one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeutit-XHTRxSnUK1knJCibcpYDHRYNPyoAT6IkPt-HcpbVUSTinpKgfxAbItgL0sViQ6rhKPtbW7dyyDYUvd59S2LpCD0Au9982QooN44xMpNkMtr1XEJ0fLPgVbJzjysFh2zr5C8aCQ/s2016/final+%252850%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeutit-XHTRxSnUK1knJCibcpYDHRYNPyoAT6IkPt-HcpbVUSTinpKgfxAbItgL0sViQ6rhKPtbW7dyyDYUvd59S2LpCD0Au9982QooN44xMpNkMtr1XEJ0fLPgVbJzjysFh2zr5C8aCQ/w480-h640/final+%252850%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first thing I did was change out the colors of the blue and plum grapes to a more vivid blue and purple. I started with the edge on the front of the table and then moved to the top. I also decided rather then having green vines and stems to go with a dark greenish grey. I literally mixed up some colors to get that combination. Next I decided I wanted all the leaves to have a more Kelly green color as opposed to the muted olive greens. I left all the fruit in the basket and in front of the basket alone and kept their original colors. I did however change out the color of the basket to black so it would coordinate more with the trim on the legs and and the front of the table. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkD2jg6hU6tvBC4MivbBxNVoKZyxGTYIs_u65_k68InUsc7J91l888pYqEwYkbwOP56RkqIPadgQHVY81xxYpEfwbrqf8WJFKzCPwQvI29Qq-DILSMt3POaLHwmtkwsremk7nI9bAcgc/s2016/final+%252849%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkD2jg6hU6tvBC4MivbBxNVoKZyxGTYIs_u65_k68InUsc7J91l888pYqEwYkbwOP56RkqIPadgQHVY81xxYpEfwbrqf8WJFKzCPwQvI29Qq-DILSMt3POaLHwmtkwsremk7nI9bAcgc/w480-h640/final+%252849%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So much brighter and adorable now, don't you think? I have a lot of black in my den and now this table works well with the rest of the furniture in the room. Just a few weeks ago, I found the tall black lamp at an antique store for a great price. I knew I wanted it to go here in my den on this table but it just wasn't working with the colors the table was originally painted. Now with the legs, trim and black basket it works so much better. The next change was on the wall. I love my lighthouse print but it seemed a bit off with the newly vibrant fruit table underneath so I knew I was going to change that. After sharing my project with a group of FB blogger friends the comment was made to maybe add a fruit still life above. I was thrilled with that comment because I actually had a picture I had painted many years ago for the kitchen in my old home. I've had it above the stove in this house many years ago but eventually moved it to the hall upstairs. So I went upstairs, grabbed it and hung it up.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH-cTYS90eJI-TF9Q6VZ60X31Ay6_BbIo2VJnXaOQRvJZJ372W5o0h8VXpdU36iInK-sOb8g2Kt94rwricSYoQGxk34ajQtk5PRPmi7G5oTERu2OLanxzJ1cQd913A49JjNX6p6NYEl8/s1280/final+%252844%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH-cTYS90eJI-TF9Q6VZ60X31Ay6_BbIo2VJnXaOQRvJZJ372W5o0h8VXpdU36iInK-sOb8g2Kt94rwricSYoQGxk34ajQtk5PRPmi7G5oTERu2OLanxzJ1cQd913A49JjNX6p6NYEl8/w480-h640/final+%252844%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my original painting and I was quite pleased how well it worked. I had been worried it might be too much fruit to add above the table. Turns out I liked it more then I thought I would, but it seemed just a bit to dark to me. That darker brown just had to go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MaofIApiN-jYC7Ylxs8ogyhClRFDb6ePx8SDDkC9HBFLGrwPGAR1B1xJuNQDMIg5YwyzUbpwFJ-iuizeeldoJw0WtY-iR2OY3tIvanpvVH6BUtYn8pVyRhwthKenwjTxTb_s_QZ5Vsc/s2016/final+%252847%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MaofIApiN-jYC7Ylxs8ogyhClRFDb6ePx8SDDkC9HBFLGrwPGAR1B1xJuNQDMIg5YwyzUbpwFJ-iuizeeldoJw0WtY-iR2OY3tIvanpvVH6BUtYn8pVyRhwthKenwjTxTb_s_QZ5Vsc/w480-h640/final+%252847%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Good thing I hadn't put up all my paints yet. So I pulled out a little linen color and went to town on the brown table. After I finished with that, I stood back and decided the wine decanter was quite dark as well and could use a pop of purple to lighten it up as well. Lastly I stood back and looked at it one more time and then added a little coastal blue to the top half of the backdrop. Subtle bits of light totally gave it the lighter look I was wanting. Now it's got a much fresher look to me!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KUateK-oxUlp-ioPvpz0AVvs7jTolw_50eB72g49LzflC8V5L2qXSVhgB7TGVJ17-fZMV5xBSYeZklU6RDWV-d1khkstXhylV8dC0Na-mrYiYCe1v6J-yMXId5Hnqs7F_DHW7hTq4C0/s1280/final+%252843%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KUateK-oxUlp-ioPvpz0AVvs7jTolw_50eB72g49LzflC8V5L2qXSVhgB7TGVJ17-fZMV5xBSYeZklU6RDWV-d1khkstXhylV8dC0Na-mrYiYCe1v6J-yMXId5Hnqs7F_DHW7hTq4C0/w480-h640/final+%252843%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I certainly wasn't expecting to do this much touch up painting this weekend but I am so glad I did. I especially love that I already had everything I needed to make these changes. The wrought iron scroll was upstairs just sitting there waiting for a new home and coordinates very well with some sconces I recently added above my fireplace. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWPegE8CYXhJftnQ3F1kNxsNVIWgDjNTcbU4mBw3t-xGlqNkymtHuSq0fK3Y-ikxGmwCfYv0ryAEsR6M3lGbE-GylVwFh2YndJtrwDBqpOk12ksLoqRps0vHDqp-9tXXQ9qj-LIxk_IU/s2016/final+%252845%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWPegE8CYXhJftnQ3F1kNxsNVIWgDjNTcbU4mBw3t-xGlqNkymtHuSq0fK3Y-ikxGmwCfYv0ryAEsR6M3lGbE-GylVwFh2YndJtrwDBqpOk12ksLoqRps0vHDqp-9tXXQ9qj-LIxk_IU/w480-h640/final+%252845%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My basket under the table is temporary to hold the surround sound speakers until I find a better solution. There's always something more to be done isn't it? Like decorating for the holidays! Should I focus on Easter now or just spring. Oh, and of course there's St.Patricks day too! <br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSprj9ohjwApGQ59FeB_la8yG4jZWl5NupMZ5eNSoZLN8Q0GDjD0MYUEmSDP0zWRNbyiLS6L-SE66_zCCYlX4bgyo7hOPMbWmABbiUimV22tp77SMQ8rapnrYXx6Zj6uzCFHPV6fJ-E0/s2016/final+%252848%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSprj9ohjwApGQ59FeB_la8yG4jZWl5NupMZ5eNSoZLN8Q0GDjD0MYUEmSDP0zWRNbyiLS6L-SE66_zCCYlX4bgyo7hOPMbWmABbiUimV22tp77SMQ8rapnrYXx6Zj6uzCFHPV6fJ-E0/w480-h640/final+%252848%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Regardless, I'm so glad to have tackled and finished this little project this weekend. It makes this little corner of the den so inviting now. No more drabby little fruit table. And the big bonus is I get to enjoy and old painting of mine once again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_qUZDoQ6mIrBVPLMo5ZrYWyhOST9lyB-nlMWvz-hil8K-smp55U-nVwur5nOZXWyVBscmRxsvcJCj2qkANj9jHArVD76hzaEFjV6ff-ngnRxw5QIoD7JIQdHAYJUOyLomao3iJl6f9Y/s2016/final+%252846%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_qUZDoQ6mIrBVPLMo5ZrYWyhOST9lyB-nlMWvz-hil8K-smp55U-nVwur5nOZXWyVBscmRxsvcJCj2qkANj9jHArVD76hzaEFjV6ff-ngnRxw5QIoD7JIQdHAYJUOyLomao3iJl6f9Y/w480-h640/final+%252846%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am so grateful for all those ladies who offered their advice in the FB group to help me wrap this up. It is so true how sharing ideas can spark new ideas as well. That's what friends are for, even online friends too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you so much for visiting! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take care,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mary</div><br />The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-47040363452556889702021-02-14T17:53:00.008-05:002021-02-14T17:56:45.166-05:00Our Valentines Table 2021<p> Hello All! It's been a rainy wet weekend this year for Valentines. We spent the weekend being snuggly and cozy at home working on an indoor project we have put off for three years now. Well to be honest it was an indoor project but for one of our favorite outdoor activities. We made a custom cover for our sailboat hatch, to help keep rain from dripping in. We already had all the supplies on hand, but just have been batting around the design, dimensions and well the sewing. Since we were stuck inside WE decided to tackle the project. I say we because hubby wanted to be involved in the sewing this time. So fun watching my husband learn to use my sewing machine. Needless to say, yesterday was a long afternoon, but fun and we finally accomplished a long put of project. So today we ran a few errands in the rain and are planning a nice dinner at home. </p><p>Of course, I couldn't let this day pass without creating a special tablescape to celebrate the holiday. So, without further delay, here it is! I love how the overcast weather makes the perfect setting for the little lit candles. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTALRyVNR4MBUpllTAyd2U1VMblhjYrG5bLo2kcwcTgweyLnWxCMAMpNCGovK85XXZSgwJPSue8lZ_kjkZVuyX9BEyqirB1eC46KBPlr3F9zxjZ2RU4OCd700dupuA3gW0AO1vwEIDXo/s2016/final+%252839%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTALRyVNR4MBUpllTAyd2U1VMblhjYrG5bLo2kcwcTgweyLnWxCMAMpNCGovK85XXZSgwJPSue8lZ_kjkZVuyX9BEyqirB1eC46KBPlr3F9zxjZ2RU4OCd700dupuA3gW0AO1vwEIDXo/w480-h640/final+%252839%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div>This years tablescape is more feminine then masculine, using more pink, gold and rose. I really do try to rotate that from time to time.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgsOHKhgqIXWWKz4o8KUlXR9FMLX5Ig6ZRPjSfiTZWekeO9wOG5uDFU9gvF4B1wIslPd6NkRhVNp64DhMvTQZpgHzjnHkg1TqTDPeilydSFS5oqCJWSLdwEPwC8k2q1kz0ZTuJicMExM/s2016/final+%252838%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgsOHKhgqIXWWKz4o8KUlXR9FMLX5Ig6ZRPjSfiTZWekeO9wOG5uDFU9gvF4B1wIslPd6NkRhVNp64DhMvTQZpgHzjnHkg1TqTDPeilydSFS5oqCJWSLdwEPwC8k2q1kz0ZTuJicMExM/w480-h640/final+%252838%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My centerpiece was kept at a minimum since our setting is at the table in the den facing the TV. I used a pottery pitcher that I had already added some simple red and white heart picks from Hobby Lobby. It was displayed in my kitchen and was just the right size to move to the table. Well, almost the right size, just needed a little more height so I set it on one of my Tyler candle holders. The candle holder and the X and O added a little more gold to match the plates. My small votive candles are red candles inside of pink mercury glass holders with white pearls attached to the outside. So sweet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9t_BKYd_8WvFTK-qxg9rhZGnUhEoAbv55BAhnCmZMl3GycPoKEV-oFZNkeziM5CQffFrVXQkv7jUlevdsfFxw_pn6sHVBE-qMQ3x905sut-4H8vraFJmYAOQ9FAEyHKai5TWDU3bpFo/s2016/final+%252833%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9t_BKYd_8WvFTK-qxg9rhZGnUhEoAbv55BAhnCmZMl3GycPoKEV-oFZNkeziM5CQffFrVXQkv7jUlevdsfFxw_pn6sHVBE-qMQ3x905sut-4H8vraFJmYAOQ9FAEyHKai5TWDU3bpFo/w480-h640/final+%252833%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcJF83NieoHRzm2fkW40UNg5df3VufSOM9AeXCYIhyphenhyphenresTySSfjOSbFCeypUhA4H2PYA7MTiJhSYc5kITONi_d1tNP38dOKWDaX3rNUS-RF_p5WsgSmKxQObx4Y-awDJ87gQXjSAs4wA/s2016/final+%252827%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcJF83NieoHRzm2fkW40UNg5df3VufSOM9AeXCYIhyphenhyphenresTySSfjOSbFCeypUhA4H2PYA7MTiJhSYc5kITONi_d1tNP38dOKWDaX3rNUS-RF_p5WsgSmKxQObx4Y-awDJ87gQXjSAs4wA/w480-h640/final+%252827%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided last week to embroider new dinner napkins for my husband and myself for the occassion. The white napkins were just an inexpensive set of two that I picked up at Walmart and added both the gold border and the monogram in the heart frame. I had already picked out the plates I was going to use so I made sure to match the colorings in my dinnerware.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HUrruIEQwc4HIsgDk8Qk4KhYXF_i7GccF3FvqVuU64RrwZKJ94Mp7N2mprpokvcLFqqrXE1hcNBw3t7CdHFBiG8QBV01ZcGf-0eYbUI1NDgqzEL4dxSlpby6n10aXZEA7yICXTRMkKY/s2016/final+%252826%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HUrruIEQwc4HIsgDk8Qk4KhYXF_i7GccF3FvqVuU64RrwZKJ94Mp7N2mprpokvcLFqqrXE1hcNBw3t7CdHFBiG8QBV01ZcGf-0eYbUI1NDgqzEL4dxSlpby6n10aXZEA7yICXTRMkKY/w480-h640/final+%252826%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My plate selections this year include some new dinner plates purchased last year at an Estate Sale, My grandmothers china, and a Pampered Chef heart ramkin.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6i5EzoTeNl4vRFxdydv3bpnFcG6dzhKkf7tC-BfHRHkQmEZkQkeDfJEgitd7ODbv3jsaRVuh1LgaVRCxKwpX3Lo6dSkxgZyxOJls0rkkxcXhWeP3p9W-aZPyrqzxXY5XD3__v-8hwXM/s2016/final+%252829%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6i5EzoTeNl4vRFxdydv3bpnFcG6dzhKkf7tC-BfHRHkQmEZkQkeDfJEgitd7ODbv3jsaRVuh1LgaVRCxKwpX3Lo6dSkxgZyxOJls0rkkxcXhWeP3p9W-aZPyrqzxXY5XD3__v-8hwXM/w480-h640/final+%252829%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dinner plate is actually a Christmas pattern I believe. I found 8 of them at the sale and knew at the time I would be using them for Valentines but thought they would be great backup plates if I needed them for Christmas as well. I love how they are more of a rose color then red. The pattern is Old Country Roses from Royal Albert.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADbgyKfogdlstjsLDlg-05M-KGu7f0c4_kESnqVUICIa-ALJxHu6sNAuN4EQ3fms2F1bvvfEpQ0w35vQL7-fYc65ini2z-yft9ueGDd9e4Vtdh2nloFF4pEATQTWIjBwst3VYKnBYboE/s2016/final+%252828%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADbgyKfogdlstjsLDlg-05M-KGu7f0c4_kESnqVUICIa-ALJxHu6sNAuN4EQ3fms2F1bvvfEpQ0w35vQL7-fYc65ini2z-yft9ueGDd9e4Vtdh2nloFF4pEATQTWIjBwst3VYKnBYboE/w480-h640/final+%252828%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The salad plate is from my inherited Grandmothers collection. It is from Meito China, made in Japan. I believe the pattern is called Chace. I thought the roses and the greens complemented the dinner plate well and both had a beautiful gold trim.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAJqbUlUIoEkvPjbsX5UrQ74eT1vcv-qeB-pcyM2Xh1NPsCDxQgjlqPBdU9zH_JDxNNM05lcxqnDgoj9iAralPNGyfhdVa5bmNbtRrH7ukoxzZfkRLEegLlZgJU_8pokLTwnpTnVoTjQ/s2016/final+%252830%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAJqbUlUIoEkvPjbsX5UrQ74eT1vcv-qeB-pcyM2Xh1NPsCDxQgjlqPBdU9zH_JDxNNM05lcxqnDgoj9iAralPNGyfhdVa5bmNbtRrH7ukoxzZfkRLEegLlZgJU_8pokLTwnpTnVoTjQ/w480-h640/final+%252830%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Topping off the stack I decided to place my pink heart shaped ramekins from Pampered Chef. They will make a great dessert dish. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVvebVsZ7ItaUHn4glT20-6iQMoOXW2iB1fWI3u-nLMMTuUOKPK1hTE472jWz7DXl68pf28OScmdl5LSUsB_lqVdbUrcOgXtu4e_Y9zUBZf_cOX8pnNxz57U8E-Q-YC9xxxMTIEuEJh8/s2016/final+%252831%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVvebVsZ7ItaUHn4glT20-6iQMoOXW2iB1fWI3u-nLMMTuUOKPK1hTE472jWz7DXl68pf28OScmdl5LSUsB_lqVdbUrcOgXtu4e_Y9zUBZf_cOX8pnNxz57U8E-Q-YC9xxxMTIEuEJh8/w480-h640/final+%252831%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I brought out my pink wine glasses and my gold trimmed glassware inherited from my other grandmother. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1wqMT0_hcx_caP2dJpp32GL9BkNPS3GLm2O90bKA9Hvp1zQC29Q-IVp70YACNvtq-uEppe-OMmRP_b1FAnab0GlgZZd5zBCzeJX6xK4SWiOlAH3eVbIFlrdra4NP3CrVPWug6t7Wjew/s2016/final+%252842%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1wqMT0_hcx_caP2dJpp32GL9BkNPS3GLm2O90bKA9Hvp1zQC29Q-IVp70YACNvtq-uEppe-OMmRP_b1FAnab0GlgZZd5zBCzeJX6xK4SWiOlAH3eVbIFlrdra4NP3CrVPWug6t7Wjew/w480-h640/final+%252842%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also used some beautiful sterling silverware from Grandmothers collection as well. The knife blade is showing stainless but this set is sterling and marked as so on the handles. This makes me wonder if just the blades were made as stainless and the handle is sterling or if the whole knives were stainless. Also makes me wonder if that is always the way sterling is made or was this just done during this time period these were made. Interesting isn't it? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi63MGfOsqiPuh4Ds0S6w3Qb-VOkpm6ZLmulzuCGV-kwzwHChUHo_yr-94WrqpIfT6v8kkHeF1xWI3cqE9JafiGIR-47gkDgyME2iT8g5gWghLuHxLFdZQGqUfnggRfLJ0Omp_th1D8Rw/s2016/final+%252840%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi63MGfOsqiPuh4Ds0S6w3Qb-VOkpm6ZLmulzuCGV-kwzwHChUHo_yr-94WrqpIfT6v8kkHeF1xWI3cqE9JafiGIR-47gkDgyME2iT8g5gWghLuHxLFdZQGqUfnggRfLJ0Omp_th1D8Rw/w480-h640/final+%252840%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, it's time to get busy helping my husband cook tonight so I've got to cut this short. I hope you too have had a wonderful day enjoying all that you love and those you hold near and dear. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you so much for stopping buy and I hope you enjoyed your visit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Valentines Day Y'all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take care,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mary</div><br /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-61362329588318581702021-02-08T10:04:00.001-05:002021-02-08T10:59:42.562-05:00Seven Embroidered Dishtowels full of Love<p style="text-align: center;"> Good Morning! This Monday has me feeling well rested after the weekend and thinking ahead to the coming weekend. It's almost here y'all! Valentines is Sunday! Are you ready? Do you have all your treats for your sweets in order? Are you even celebrating? </p><p style="text-align: center;">Today I am thinking of all I need to get in order to make the day special. Admittedly I'm not quite ready. I am inspired but not quite sure how I'm going to pull it all together yet make it special. I was thinking about the years past and all the different ways I've decorated to make it special. It occurred to me it might be kinda fun to showcase some of the beautiful and fun dishtowels I've embroidered for my home over the last few years. Please keep in mind I do not pull every towel out each year and most likely would not use these in every setting shown. One things for sure though, no matter how many I have I will likely embroider more.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKez15voktTfJZVK6DLdVBqfSpfYEJGhBU1tiW5g3rOsjYf8sMxF3YjNWQ9433wQ1KHkwzSauORqxz4FWhc04kl-HVGd2XvhdFhZOe-FaHptXDA1JxNM2aPTzlG08OIprAiXaTqF-xi0/s2016/final+%252819%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKez15voktTfJZVK6DLdVBqfSpfYEJGhBU1tiW5g3rOsjYf8sMxF3YjNWQ9433wQ1KHkwzSauORqxz4FWhc04kl-HVGd2XvhdFhZOe-FaHptXDA1JxNM2aPTzlG08OIprAiXaTqF-xi0/w480-h640/final+%252819%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My first picture is proof, that I love creating beautiful embroidery. I made this towel just this year after digitizing the design myself. I'm trying very hard to get my weight back under control so having lots of real cookies around just isn't a great idea. There was a time when I enjoyed baking and decorating beautiful sugar cookies. This year I decided I wanted to decorate some again, only these are so much more Keto friendly, don't you think?</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTOAWtc6A6JjhzKAa_YxFjjC4A_IFlfyBaTnPh9qf3-1Fb03xjZxyjpr_U28cWNKmxCwAZ0XvbPSc0L4KuVeylnZUxuaGoWQFC-vFgiR_JycZ76O2Z5LdH_gmJMq5wGmKSEhg-wLhdoM/s2016/final+%252825%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTOAWtc6A6JjhzKAa_YxFjjC4A_IFlfyBaTnPh9qf3-1Fb03xjZxyjpr_U28cWNKmxCwAZ0XvbPSc0L4KuVeylnZUxuaGoWQFC-vFgiR_JycZ76O2Z5LdH_gmJMq5wGmKSEhg-wLhdoM/w480-h640/final+%252825%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though this is an older towel, it is one of my favorites. I made this one by painstakingly moving each letter around to create the heart. This was on a sign I saw in a store one day and just knew I had to duplicate it on a towel. I just love the sentiment of this towel!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGY571eRDKhxlaP_aSiDI0_7EvQHvZ6GgkrQWXjV44kcK57trOz3efyiPkFC1kjOYVQuBZYF4INVCEzfkWMVoWvsh9zYZEiu9XHp-4FTnTcbev-ASy3D_iRMz9rX7Jsmxifeyo5iS4Ms/s2016/final+%252820%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGY571eRDKhxlaP_aSiDI0_7EvQHvZ6GgkrQWXjV44kcK57trOz3efyiPkFC1kjOYVQuBZYF4INVCEzfkWMVoWvsh9zYZEiu9XHp-4FTnTcbev-ASy3D_iRMz9rX7Jsmxifeyo5iS4Ms/w480-h640/final+%252820%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is another favorite. I don't use the Roosters for decorating in my kitchen as often as I used to but I do still pull them out from time to time. I made this towel to complement my roosters that year. I came up with the idea for the wording on this one. I have a few items in my kitchen that also have the diamond pattern shown on the rooster. I think the diamond pattern especially in black and white is so classic. When I saw this design I knew it was going to show up in my kitchen eventually, and it did!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjykDtNuXAOK6V_-_8iP4QFtLdGyKHEL4SCgBD42AOLYrKe9pL3uQ-y1O0EMYm_kfwR8xixnxUXFgkc-c5myjeuhoivVlgFAdcyiPs1DPBwYLN-BcoP6ciSPDn4-MrySmbQk22aWIPgdA/s2016/final+%252823%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjykDtNuXAOK6V_-_8iP4QFtLdGyKHEL4SCgBD42AOLYrKe9pL3uQ-y1O0EMYm_kfwR8xixnxUXFgkc-c5myjeuhoivVlgFAdcyiPs1DPBwYLN-BcoP6ciSPDn4-MrySmbQk22aWIPgdA/w480-h640/final+%252823%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is there anything more Valentines-ish then this little cutie? There is just something so enjoyable about nostalgic decor for Valentines. I loved everything about this design when I saw it and knew she had to find a way into my home even it was seasonally. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZVxOcn_DV90-nJXCreEVlWGbiOOC_2R6Le0cFz107Y42MeYtOVUlRlWteFBH2Hd3TEFfb5sXmXNpkcOOFbhPd9BFqOta-h31ezgAlJ6QFt2Un6C96uyLcSXfmRnm28nDuzXHSgpYkaQ/s2016/final+%252824%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZVxOcn_DV90-nJXCreEVlWGbiOOC_2R6Le0cFz107Y42MeYtOVUlRlWteFBH2Hd3TEFfb5sXmXNpkcOOFbhPd9BFqOta-h31ezgAlJ6QFt2Un6C96uyLcSXfmRnm28nDuzXHSgpYkaQ/w480-h640/final+%252824%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I confess the year I made this towel and a for a few after, I have taken lots of beautiful pictures with it. I just love every single detail on this one from the beautiful flowers in the wine glass to the border fabrics I used to line the towel. This is definitely a towel worthy of decorating with. Just look how easily it pulled together this little wine vinette? So inviting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhgBdzVfYX8gcYkY_54rzTbKiwb8SZBefyVQ7Z7NXHuAFdSRvc4Yn8Tpg2hOqrgHMWtTD_AZkVW6cLvco-CgbQODywJkzRY8e6eREKfWiv_nGQ8VaUebgo44ePm5MM1GDoio4CYUj63U/s2016/final+%252821%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhgBdzVfYX8gcYkY_54rzTbKiwb8SZBefyVQ7Z7NXHuAFdSRvc4Yn8Tpg2hOqrgHMWtTD_AZkVW6cLvco-CgbQODywJkzRY8e6eREKfWiv_nGQ8VaUebgo44ePm5MM1GDoio4CYUj63U/w480-h640/final+%252821%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along those same lines, this is yet another beautiful towel worthy of decorating. Makes you just want to slow down and serve up a nice cup of joe with a friend, doesn't it? I created this one as a hanging flour sack towel because I absolutely cannot get enough of those. I'm a bit obsessed with flour sack towels y'all! Anyway, looking at it here it really should be on a tea towel too. It's way past time to bring back tea towels and teal time with friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjxPt9MZLcv-juSpRgwW4gbB0xhdFkd5fAWgFU0f6RlbQmHswOFsa5esr1mkZ5Cc_QFXMdyAnrIVCgzIkGqHw3Ebiv4gZoFmvTNQN1U4j5IMhcrnVmirhjY7nMuvkFhASPQJy7FyNA_k/s2016/final+%252822%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjxPt9MZLcv-juSpRgwW4gbB0xhdFkd5fAWgFU0f6RlbQmHswOFsa5esr1mkZ5Cc_QFXMdyAnrIVCgzIkGqHw3Ebiv4gZoFmvTNQN1U4j5IMhcrnVmirhjY7nMuvkFhASPQJy7FyNA_k/w480-h640/final+%252822%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last but certainly not least is this dish towel I made a few years ago. I created the design layout of this towel all on my own using purchased fonts I own as well as design elements I own from other designers. One morning I had vision of what I wanted this verse to look like so that's when I opened up my software and began to pull it all together moving everything around until I found the look I wanted. I love, love, love this towel! I think this will be the years that I stitch this out to go in a frame. After last year, this is just the encouragement I think I would like to see on my wall year round.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed your visit. I'd love to hear which one is your favorite, because I certainly cannot just pick one. LOL! I hope to share a little more LOVE again if I can pull it all together by next weekend. It's always fun to share my work and maybe some of my ideas too. I hope you'll come again soon, have a great week! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Mary</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-39728057179029177432021-02-01T10:49:00.015-05:002021-02-08T11:00:34.784-05:00Tea Anyone???<p style="text-align: center;"> Happy Monday! Today is the first day of February and even though its still technically winter I'm so ready to freshen up the décor from Winter to something more Springy. What about you? It's too soon I know! Luckily. we have Valentines just around the corner so we can get away with bringing in a few flowers, right?</p><p style="text-align: center;">I hadn't intended to post again today, but I just couldn't help myself after getting a little inspiration from some recent home décor books I purchased. I was going through them this morning oouing and ahhing, and wishing once again that I had a small table for my kitchen sitting area. I love having my black cabinet in the kitchen and really want to keep it there. However, I feel like even with the two chairs it needs just a bit more something. I do have a smaller round dining table but it is 40 inches and just too large to have in here along with the cabinet. I have been dreaming about getting a smaller 30 inch round tall bar table so I can pull out my beautiful French barstools that are in the attic. I wanted to use those instead of the chairs I have. I almost purchased a bar table online this Christmas. Well anyway, as I was thinking about all this again I remembered I had this little round table in the attic. This was an inherited table that I have had a love, hate relationship with from day one. I am not a fan of the laminate top but love the bottom with the wicker. The size works sometimes and sometimes not. I had it on the screen porch but finally moved it to the attic after worrying it was getting to weather worn outside. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeCWOWAPI0pYDUuSNXKyUvltgNOa42mcMRiYCQAU1A1RUvhiKla3fpYJLYaKundjCIHfhY4_5qVc-hYmUEMLbfzwkUG6ARZ6STU0ETcbATn1Kzzkukp1qr8oy5vP8kvWftZqVndJYp40/s2016/final+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeCWOWAPI0pYDUuSNXKyUvltgNOa42mcMRiYCQAU1A1RUvhiKla3fpYJLYaKundjCIHfhY4_5qVc-hYmUEMLbfzwkUG6ARZ6STU0ETcbATn1Kzzkukp1qr8oy5vP8kvWftZqVndJYp40/w480-h640/final+%252814%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I brought it out thinking it's probably not going to work, but WOW! What a surprise it actually fits the space very well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuJRP5r3_ozi-PAGWuWwyrS3ycltGin470HldzS9-mQcc7OK8uxPlM1ZdW6HuoQLinuUG8rQymdzY0TUBuESVBHREHAwzFhCLYzhGQhpbVMVhMDTkzxKAPpnZL9FJoUhLeP8u95ASCgU/s2016/final+%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuJRP5r3_ozi-PAGWuWwyrS3ycltGin470HldzS9-mQcc7OK8uxPlM1ZdW6HuoQLinuUG8rQymdzY0TUBuESVBHREHAwzFhCLYzhGQhpbVMVhMDTkzxKAPpnZL9FJoUhLeP8u95ASCgU/w480-h640/final+%252815%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is 27 inches around, which makes me wonder if a 30" tall table will work. Maybe, maybe not. Anyway, I am really loving this so much right now. I need to give it a little touch up paint on the legs and I am thinking if I can find a glass round to sit over the laminate it might look a whole lot better. We will see. I was standing there looking at trying to decide what to put on it when I looked over at the cabinet and saw the Pioneer Woman cream and sugar bowls I already had out. So, I moved them over and started playing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzBkdRP3zyeKz9jeTbvmxyLlzf9JRbNZ7dMWQD1xsJZDMz6JlEdDcpUaadvolufNoX53TugwhbGEK1Enn-VAv4zLCxoT7ndWCwt7MLzE-mPPUU1R8sO2Jh49Tpd4ErK-baNKIAfCvGMw/s2016/final+%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzBkdRP3zyeKz9jeTbvmxyLlzf9JRbNZ7dMWQD1xsJZDMz6JlEdDcpUaadvolufNoX53TugwhbGEK1Enn-VAv4zLCxoT7ndWCwt7MLzE-mPPUU1R8sO2Jh49Tpd4ErK-baNKIAfCvGMw/w480-h640/final+%252816%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I first added several other knick knacks, trays and faux plants. I was almost settled on one arrangement when I remembered I already had this sweet little rose tea pot that I've used for Valentines décor for many, many years. I always forget about it because I don't keep it with all the other Valentines décor I keep it with my floral arrangements in the attic. Soooo, glad I remembered it! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisA_ef5oaQGMhwaWgQ79dsSyqnlyXEz-Tje2vVBoND4ATlg0F197_PRY2VCo0X_RD6efCYNryU2KmRdP5JjY-0artUw99niBRZFYZvpa2msEgN1L37lQz0QwCWAl5Up6bBhYqRK5Ol36k/s2016/final+%252817%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisA_ef5oaQGMhwaWgQ79dsSyqnlyXEz-Tje2vVBoND4ATlg0F197_PRY2VCo0X_RD6efCYNryU2KmRdP5JjY-0artUw99niBRZFYZvpa2msEgN1L37lQz0QwCWAl5Up6bBhYqRK5Ol36k/w480-h640/final+%252817%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I finally settled for now on this little melamine tray that I had after playing with multiple other platters, plates and baskets. I like the size of this tray the best for this table. I have to confess I am now dreaming of finding the perfect sized wooden tray for this table. I'm thinking it's going to be so fun rotating my other cream and sugar bowls here with the seasons. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2t8fPMzJc60PQuO-MG5Zc8T7RVmIAj-EpFaT1uci9SWcQMvTxKgl08A0VWP3zBjzAcGsGQOlCT5Z6-ehouSKmdvVeJXpoTyzuVGiqT9BkmJvfZWfRxz7YUwTr4BqYGUOwue_WyB9Tn0/s2016/final+%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2t8fPMzJc60PQuO-MG5Zc8T7RVmIAj-EpFaT1uci9SWcQMvTxKgl08A0VWP3zBjzAcGsGQOlCT5Z6-ehouSKmdvVeJXpoTyzuVGiqT9BkmJvfZWfRxz7YUwTr4BqYGUOwue_WyB9Tn0/w480-h640/final+%252818%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I still see more tweaking I can do in here, but for now I'm lovin it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I especially love when you already have what you been looking for right under your own roof, don't you? How awesome is that? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, thanks for popping by y'all. Hope you have a wonderful Monday too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take care!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mary</div><br />The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-34018424993028563702021-01-30T14:03:00.098-05:002021-02-08T11:01:31.872-05:00Will you be my Gnomie for Valentines?<p style="text-align: center;"> Hi friends! I can't believe I'm doing this again, but here I am! After last year life has shown me not to neglect doing the things that I love. I am absolutely sure 2020 has shown many of us that life is so short but more importantly so precious. I am blessed to have many hobbies which helped ease the transition of social distancing. I don't know what I'd have done if I didn't have hobbies to keep me occupied. Blogging is one those hobbies I have missed, so here I am, once again.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Last year I found myself combing through many blogs I used to follow. With everything going on in our world I wanted to find things that were pleasing to look at as well as inspirational. I realized I am very fortunate that I am able to daily create a beautiful environment for myself, my family, and my friends to enjoy. So it was with that focus that I decided to share my home, my embroidery, my tablescapes, my seasonal decor, crafts, gardening and all the enjoyable things in my world with others once again. I don't have an endless budget, or a designer home but I do have a desire to create something enjoyable to see. So with that said, I hope you will enjoy coming here again if you are an old follower or consider following along if your new to my blog. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> Welcome everyone, to The Decorative Dreamer!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9gwu1HnJGJ74Xje4DwhTUKappO5wYjRcqK8WGQ5Gz6C-dzYOhOQyfbGcV1yOIEVdRBAlcF5mS0kHNYLrVuCzAD0Tf1iHMcemJLdAU8lF4Jnl4mEnPZAlnW4dbJfQNENG_GPErtugUHs/s2016/final.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9gwu1HnJGJ74Xje4DwhTUKappO5wYjRcqK8WGQ5Gz6C-dzYOhOQyfbGcV1yOIEVdRBAlcF5mS0kHNYLrVuCzAD0Tf1iHMcemJLdAU8lF4Jnl4mEnPZAlnW4dbJfQNENG_GPErtugUHs/w480-h640/final.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love seasonal decorating! Do you? If you do, will you be my Gnomie? LOL! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made this little dishtowel last year. I am especially proud of this design as it is one of my very own. I personally digitized the gnome design with the heart balloons, ect. Every bit of that is design is my own work, with the exception of the font. The lettering is a purchased font I own. Digitizing is another one of my favorite passions now as it has allowed me to be creative in a whole new way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oaPlKOc1xuaQdXPHYhg_EEdERm25_B8BH7mbPmDPJZH7ZW7vCB-avV06-FfnyvcfzXrBMnZgbVyyaliPpiRZc5RrWssNZgFubHirF56q_xddcJbYuvZ2B-2YsLzD8F9ac3OoLG7Jbfs/s2016/final+%252810%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oaPlKOc1xuaQdXPHYhg_EEdERm25_B8BH7mbPmDPJZH7ZW7vCB-avV06-FfnyvcfzXrBMnZgbVyyaliPpiRZc5RrWssNZgFubHirF56q_xddcJbYuvZ2B-2YsLzD8F9ac3OoLG7Jbfs/w480-h640/final+%252810%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Have you noticed a trend with decorating with Gnomes for Valentines? I sure have! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKfAGJSq8LYbIFiD6qBN5n0mkSQJ5mM801K_ce7zpd_E0OhxLys-M7OPZqJ_TGTSFX0X-Fi6WqVVFj6ZyTYtkFeOHBascxiRsqGgZ2Cx9qKtiFBM2f6ekBsJXzvnrYBLnm3qVEZfrZGg/s2016/final+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKfAGJSq8LYbIFiD6qBN5n0mkSQJ5mM801K_ce7zpd_E0OhxLys-M7OPZqJ_TGTSFX0X-Fi6WqVVFj6ZyTYtkFeOHBascxiRsqGgZ2Cx9qKtiFBM2f6ekBsJXzvnrYBLnm3qVEZfrZGg/w480-h640/final+%25283%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLUqiTzBOp77b_HLqcVJ59iV6_n0pifZZITr1Ub6IzuLYX-Ulhtu-wYGe8L29xZhiPzEGuUguI0bY7dMqkkj3iI5wro1lc4JR-prdIsyon3kjkIcmnKtR3XaX9AgUh2uNePEhhA4ZOHs/s2016/final+%25288%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLUqiTzBOp77b_HLqcVJ59iV6_n0pifZZITr1Ub6IzuLYX-Ulhtu-wYGe8L29xZhiPzEGuUguI0bY7dMqkkj3iI5wro1lc4JR-prdIsyon3kjkIcmnKtR3XaX9AgUh2uNePEhhA4ZOHs/w480-h640/final+%25288%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got on board with the gnome trend last year when I found the kissing gnomes applique design and knew it would be perfect for a sweet little pillow. I added the wording to make it even more fun. This year, I added to my gnomes after finding this design for a stuffed gnome. She was fun to make but not so fun to stuff with those skinny legs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl1TDqikU93Y1YuL8pEg96pggXG4KQvMfaoOZDlm6ZRjnYJq2cmypbGPbK3HGuBEuW1qiNtXmpO_Yez23IYeI897uda-2NInX9eHCNjcgvyN2UTmy9wfUhJFjuYVdOH6208DthofQVIE/s2016/final+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl1TDqikU93Y1YuL8pEg96pggXG4KQvMfaoOZDlm6ZRjnYJq2cmypbGPbK3HGuBEuW1qiNtXmpO_Yez23IYeI897uda-2NInX9eHCNjcgvyN2UTmy9wfUhJFjuYVdOH6208DthofQVIE/w480-h640/final+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>She is sitting here on the shelves in my kitchen. I have pretty much limited my Valentines decor to the kitchen. Its one of those holidays I tend to do more groupings with either one location, or only a few items here and there. This year I focused on the kitchen sitting area. It's so fun to see this every morning and brings a smile to my heart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WSjv9DY0Bk_TQdQlytCjkvMSjOrd4AYn7FRXkOpB96PA7FMIUMg-FcESiRy39kgu3D1g9TjDRfpvq0oFo7g2XGmZ769aPioC1K11ZIo7oSpDJfeCRmWYh3stEU1dVUl4od8rsf4mNHU/s2016/final+%252813%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WSjv9DY0Bk_TQdQlytCjkvMSjOrd4AYn7FRXkOpB96PA7FMIUMg-FcESiRy39kgu3D1g9TjDRfpvq0oFo7g2XGmZ769aPioC1K11ZIo7oSpDJfeCRmWYh3stEU1dVUl4od8rsf4mNHU/w480-h640/final+%252813%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I first set up my shelves I just had the hearts hanging there without anything on them. One morning I looked at the shelves and thought now wouldn't that be cute to have mine and my husbands initials on them with arrows pointing at each other. Sooo, I made some decals with my silhouette machine and put them on there. Isn't that so sweet? I think so!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwASEwab8h1QLbmSjhQVVwMHwP6FEMQ7TzqkCptzRF18EV4KQZbE9Q_fH77e84oX4XU2HtiAXuO0m_iMvGIvN8H_9mxiFQbScDNI2EwVektZ3NEFwWzXt1rTvrRARrCnyIp81Tqnyi-0/s2016/final+%25285%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwASEwab8h1QLbmSjhQVVwMHwP6FEMQ7TzqkCptzRF18EV4KQZbE9Q_fH77e84oX4XU2HtiAXuO0m_iMvGIvN8H_9mxiFQbScDNI2EwVektZ3NEFwWzXt1rTvrRARrCnyIp81Tqnyi-0/w480-h640/final+%25285%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you tell how much I love personalized decorating? I made sure they were placed centerstage to the rest of the valentines decor on my shelves. Also centerstage are the cute little Pioneer Woman salt and pepper shakers that remind me of my dogs. Even though these are meant to be labs they really, really, look like my two Cavachons to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6M2OuNBGSET4BiAUCEA07i3nO6uRhlLTB3DYUnOLvrBiEd_8NXsrv7b8-3cmWGn4LZyHRXxi07zkvY1W2_gyXmR3Km0ki3KmiRMmj0XzpKa21hjAZ6IM9MahvRPlNxS6mDBL7gVqcAiQ/s2016/final+%25286%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6M2OuNBGSET4BiAUCEA07i3nO6uRhlLTB3DYUnOLvrBiEd_8NXsrv7b8-3cmWGn4LZyHRXxi07zkvY1W2_gyXmR3Km0ki3KmiRMmj0XzpKa21hjAZ6IM9MahvRPlNxS6mDBL7gVqcAiQ/w480-h640/final+%25286%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIdpApo0vjuvFpN8vxKjNyMHs3hGk9UqI2t8rjKCrVXCewsQaBfdE8RuqUkDs8_Ls2otIN1uIPyMuY27tEcwgp6yBZye5I0BVHVyIH0MOH1hfGuHAo-Ofde0NDlZnZBHXeFqpL_AEx68/s2016/final+%25287%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIdpApo0vjuvFpN8vxKjNyMHs3hGk9UqI2t8rjKCrVXCewsQaBfdE8RuqUkDs8_Ls2otIN1uIPyMuY27tEcwgp6yBZye5I0BVHVyIH0MOH1hfGuHAo-Ofde0NDlZnZBHXeFqpL_AEx68/w300-h400/final+%25287%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKXhyphenhyphen9Y9i8K3i_LFo9PDipfWepx00m1O6kzXdDTaYE6snWLybnKjNOwtBybuZ_GfUYxrlpRBTmfbBqTWrbI5rV2Ho7AYBwnbPy0p_Bs4Iq8HkzuLWJJ6OLlnSNKONeRDYKpcxBrDnl9k/s2016/final+%25289%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKXhyphenhyphen9Y9i8K3i_LFo9PDipfWepx00m1O6kzXdDTaYE6snWLybnKjNOwtBybuZ_GfUYxrlpRBTmfbBqTWrbI5rV2Ho7AYBwnbPy0p_Bs4Iq8HkzuLWJJ6OLlnSNKONeRDYKpcxBrDnl9k/w300-h400/final+%25289%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFuUAI4rjD4q8LJ06N8iBEB1qU6ZYMvvN8epTt1_Xb6ZmNNsKiFrTjMfcx220UbSyzsPackL4be9K4r2gJQOJ497S6BfiTOGJMjuikkGeCzNqpttvj18ABz-enfO41d8WaFXKT8dIaxA/s2016/final+%25284%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFuUAI4rjD4q8LJ06N8iBEB1qU6ZYMvvN8epTt1_Xb6ZmNNsKiFrTjMfcx220UbSyzsPackL4be9K4r2gJQOJ497S6BfiTOGJMjuikkGeCzNqpttvj18ABz-enfO41d8WaFXKT8dIaxA/w480-h640/final+%25284%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of Pioneer Woman products. I decided to pull out the first pattern of dishware that I bought of hers and the matching accessories pieces. I thought they had enough red on them to to work well for Valentines decor. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweqhKida4Z70sjxHd5_f_B3JQeJCLFEMsitznNJMg6g3qCLR6qmiiurbsZWE7ZRSR_fYaSdOShnujWd51foE8trm4-Pr3WLWqxKVVlBy3_VC_2gr26xMzy5uYENnzme3L76rv3YCCE5g/s2016/final+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweqhKida4Z70sjxHd5_f_B3JQeJCLFEMsitznNJMg6g3qCLR6qmiiurbsZWE7ZRSR_fYaSdOShnujWd51foE8trm4-Pr3WLWqxKVVlBy3_VC_2gr26xMzy5uYENnzme3L76rv3YCCE5g/w480-h640/final+%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD1Z4UefBbdzG9Smlhv4eBVXaB1PsZs1uMoHpDUQWiaq-qgA7pBKJ05FeA7n4Z2a6QYEolEpRxq2wjJKpzB5g_eLorpJTE7IW9mz9JVrcp8t-apZihFdG3YRLmnN6fpZHk6ojoVMiLZg/s2016/final+%252812%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD1Z4UefBbdzG9Smlhv4eBVXaB1PsZs1uMoHpDUQWiaq-qgA7pBKJ05FeA7n4Z2a6QYEolEpRxq2wjJKpzB5g_eLorpJTE7IW9mz9JVrcp8t-apZihFdG3YRLmnN6fpZHk6ojoVMiLZg/w480-h640/final+%252812%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2q0zFUWalxOMEeukLnUZpLniYNGTU-yP3oGNEvdUGgKpQhDwO8PG_NpCZu1mG4la5B5uWWeeWBwIUc-4yedMuX3PpKqzGzmsnQPjR6DmAifjXGDF9SJqcSdCnOODebvRzy15ZI9tXto/s2016/final+%252811%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2q0zFUWalxOMEeukLnUZpLniYNGTU-yP3oGNEvdUGgKpQhDwO8PG_NpCZu1mG4la5B5uWWeeWBwIUc-4yedMuX3PpKqzGzmsnQPjR6DmAifjXGDF9SJqcSdCnOODebvRzy15ZI9tXto/w480-h640/final+%252811%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I hope you enjoyed this little tour of my kitchen sitting are all decked out for Valentines. I'm so glad to be back sharing and recording the pretties in my life. If you enjoyed your visit please feel free to drop me a comment if you wish. I'd love to hear about what you are doing for Valentines as well. Otherwise, thank you for stopping by, please drop in again sometime. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a beautiful day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mary</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am joining these fun and beautiful beautiful blog parties;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thehouseonsilverado.com/2021/01/31/sundays-on-silverado-26/" target="_blank">Sundays on Silverado</a></div><br />The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-77355128079275947372021-01-28T18:01:00.000-05:002021-01-28T18:01:28.308-05:00My Very first Homemade Doll<p> Hi friends! This post is to share my very first doll that I made for a very special little girl. What makes this little girl so special to me is that she is the grand daughter of my late best friend who was born just after my friend passed away in 2019. I feel very blessed to be able to still connect with her even though it's been far too limited in 2020 due to this horrible pandemic. I finished this doll just in the nick of time for her very 1st birthday. What a joy to be able to deliver this little cutie to another adorable cutie!</p><p><br /></p><p>My doll making began when I found a pattern online that I could use to make the doll on my embroidery machine. After searching locally I found this material at Hobby Lobby for the skin. I liked the way it had a texture as well. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekFuFYC3PxQOMFfiLADI9Tze8TWQ46aj1MnaUfwdF86oV7uRkMe7iSINPaacficAYH6XDgfFlC6eyXeCn07LtHBA8It7OtyTGX40B_dHDkHhEKNgwJC648FpPMwJrRtnsPlzremGnkgY/s640/IMG_2775.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekFuFYC3PxQOMFfiLADI9Tze8TWQ46aj1MnaUfwdF86oV7uRkMe7iSINPaacficAYH6XDgfFlC6eyXeCn07LtHBA8It7OtyTGX40B_dHDkHhEKNgwJC648FpPMwJrRtnsPlzremGnkgY/w480-h640/IMG_2775.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>After carefully following the instructions for a doll with sewn in limbs, (arms and legs) the doll was read for stuffing. I got to choose the face from several designs. I am in love with this face! Just look at those adorable eyes!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblcn-jCJPxezvOSywFgDyURF8Y5o6wHszTYW1wb8pEejXfuSTQZdKKC20SQXsmhSd-YI4jb6xhpD4ZDZiDuK8crV8ogoor15EFR21C6XdN8dJyMFrl0K4AIUdiDbIc3Nk2lkwRcp7e9U/s640/IMG_2793.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblcn-jCJPxezvOSywFgDyURF8Y5o6wHszTYW1wb8pEejXfuSTQZdKKC20SQXsmhSd-YI4jb6xhpD4ZDZiDuK8crV8ogoor15EFR21C6XdN8dJyMFrl0K4AIUdiDbIc3Nk2lkwRcp7e9U/w480-h640/IMG_2793.jpg" width="480" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUzFR9hC-0jYYKAewal1gCsKr8uwd3_i9iExxjJtXjHnxw8GXyQCoS_1KZZJovzjoaFDRQmtcbLx5BHFxkqtO7v4MZ9_Pg5Pax2A_3F_1G_gtj4DCOo4a3zla_3COpde2Sa_xG6EO6aI/s640/IMG_2797.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUzFR9hC-0jYYKAewal1gCsKr8uwd3_i9iExxjJtXjHnxw8GXyQCoS_1KZZJovzjoaFDRQmtcbLx5BHFxkqtO7v4MZ9_Pg5Pax2A_3F_1G_gtj4DCOo4a3zla_3COpde2Sa_xG6EO6aI/w480-h640/IMG_2797.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pattern I used had the option for a doll joint for the head that I chose to use. I didn't realize at the time that I should have waited to stuff the body and the head after I had the doll joint in place. I had to wait for some time for my ordered doll joints to arrive and thought I was being ahead of the game by prestuffing the head and body. I knew not to sew it together yet so I could insert the joints but I hadn't thought so far ahead to realize I couldn't get the joints in with the stuffing inside. So I had to unstuff them again. Ugh, lessons learned right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjjAYhN-xlDBMOKqLkJQlzwYJ1ZO5y8bMFGwzEZpnSu-EsXUfAunigUvJpAYugJbniuNlJtWbOR_ux6GVR4sKIifSOKdpErnAblaCDQLDApDiJQgek9WtsAqhrgUJazIizx1fZS_kA78/s640/IMG_2859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjjAYhN-xlDBMOKqLkJQlzwYJ1ZO5y8bMFGwzEZpnSu-EsXUfAunigUvJpAYugJbniuNlJtWbOR_ux6GVR4sKIifSOKdpErnAblaCDQLDApDiJQgek9WtsAqhrgUJazIizx1fZS_kA78/w480-h640/IMG_2859.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Another fun adventure on my first doll was finding different types of fur to use for the hair. I first purchased a few different fur types from Hobby Lobby but they were shorter lengths. After seeing how big my doll was I knew I had to get some longer fur. I found a great little shop on Etsy after reading about them in a Facebook group. I decided to let Mom and Dad decide the color of the baby dolls hair. They chose blonde after deciding it might be the closest match to their daughters hair.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAjPgzHykrbniTvaCv4v7IfPTwm9BqnZWU6GUJ6C1lJTtml_bar0x8EGL-mGJJfWRWbh35J2QoZbJjI1HNLUuzCP80CN2-EO1dwtUT16qlHw9QO-npbIpibY4w9SfzuC13HgMNIm56mc/s640/IMG_2881.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAjPgzHykrbniTvaCv4v7IfPTwm9BqnZWU6GUJ6C1lJTtml_bar0x8EGL-mGJJfWRWbh35J2QoZbJjI1HNLUuzCP80CN2-EO1dwtUT16qlHw9QO-npbIpibY4w9SfzuC13HgMNIm56mc/w480-h640/IMG_2881.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At long last the neck joints came in and I was able to complete the doll. Isn't she just too cute?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkK0QRzLkQLNO-fKT7344x0kzTYarJPbVru2p5iGkKvuR7ri2ThWsQUneJh7cZbJQbBKW1sPAospU4nXIF-QmfKwJWrxaOoOl6TGQ2PJeBRuAVoMCh0z38WLiKKLoAWXVTvVwBZbcW_8/s640/IMG_2878.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkK0QRzLkQLNO-fKT7344x0kzTYarJPbVru2p5iGkKvuR7ri2ThWsQUneJh7cZbJQbBKW1sPAospU4nXIF-QmfKwJWrxaOoOl6TGQ2PJeBRuAVoMCh0z38WLiKKLoAWXVTvVwBZbcW_8/w480-h640/IMG_2878.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was able to find this adorable little outfit for her at Walmart. The size of the outfit is for a newborn. There are different sizes you can use to make the doll. This was the next to largest size. It might be a bit big for a one year old but its big enough for her to grow with. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally I was able to deliver the doll just before her first birthday. I received a photo tag later with these photos of her loving on her new baby. Isn't that just the sweetest? I think so!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8mG_hvYoyNMaUQx9Y2M6DqNIdf5BSMyEIC2Wiku_z-N6pWaXAK7l0dqH2GaOMoOP1vaa2hTHVUNyJAQZswYvgnS93EwCHuH0hgeAVjZZfauAbC8FSPIasCqsRq_e-cPcBmCq1SRGdlg/s2048/140265206_3638173166228237_3236221631758791526_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8mG_hvYoyNMaUQx9Y2M6DqNIdf5BSMyEIC2Wiku_z-N6pWaXAK7l0dqH2GaOMoOP1vaa2hTHVUNyJAQZswYvgnS93EwCHuH0hgeAVjZZfauAbC8FSPIasCqsRq_e-cPcBmCq1SRGdlg/w480-h640/140265206_3638173166228237_3236221631758791526_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn02XmjfE3D7NLcCQ9rmmWFQd4QKQGn3bq-RsVdW1PkDb8dTnPTXLXlINbLUPzv7xuKOfLRpKTKnAKjaW-B3jLxMohzMf_v6jdgC3nCShTfIZhkTY5JBrou97y_mazpV-AT6hwL6rLqo/s2048/141024677_3638173352894885_1234794228046312708_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn02XmjfE3D7NLcCQ9rmmWFQd4QKQGn3bq-RsVdW1PkDb8dTnPTXLXlINbLUPzv7xuKOfLRpKTKnAKjaW-B3jLxMohzMf_v6jdgC3nCShTfIZhkTY5JBrou97y_mazpV-AT6hwL6rLqo/w480-h640/141024677_3638173352894885_1234794228046312708_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>This makes my heart smile! What a joy!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not so inclined at this time to start selling homemade dolls as there is so much involved with compliance laws that I would need to sort out even though I was very careful to make sure everything I used for this one was safe. I can see making a few more gifts though, as this was such a fun and enjoyable project. This one especially because it was the very first one made with love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mary</div></div><br /><br /><p></p>The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-67886255055837015582018-07-28T15:17:00.049-04:002021-01-28T10:46:58.350-05:00A sampling of my earliest Embroidery creationsHi followers! This page was updated to share one of my passions, the love of embroidery and sewing. My blog will share tablescaping, seasonal decorating and my embroidery and sewing projects. Much of what I do is on a more personalized, homemade and decorative style. Here's a little sampling of some of my earlier embroidery projects, it's a peek at what you'll get to see on the embroidery side, as I reopen the blog and jump back in to share my life passions.<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA8f7SzwsVpPil8usVeP5DgVcmClLKX2TbuRKbs8Zh4oPNQujwAS9OLdr_2qM_RrLjhgFNVty_2KjpyMfDh1f0h10u6IFl5B1coDPXb43PzHLbuY7_z5-PAaKK2LveUFdnAmh88An5iw/s1600/19437725_1774461742582038_5064427452769333451_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA8f7SzwsVpPil8usVeP5DgVcmClLKX2TbuRKbs8Zh4oPNQujwAS9OLdr_2qM_RrLjhgFNVty_2KjpyMfDh1f0h10u6IFl5B1coDPXb43PzHLbuY7_z5-PAaKK2LveUFdnAmh88An5iw/s640/19437725_1774461742582038_5064427452769333451_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> My love for Embroidery has allowed my creative spirit to flourish and I cannot wait to show you what I have been up to over the last few years. </div>
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The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-28833156492560113252017-09-05T10:27:00.003-04:002017-09-05T13:29:21.611-04:00Lets start the Fall decorating shall we? Still Tweaking!...<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi Yall! Labor day has passed and I have finally allowed myself to begin decorating for fall. I've actually been really wanting to get started for a while now but I've been holding back because well, it's still just so very warm here in the south.</div>
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I love the warm rich deep colors of fall! I have been so pleased over the last few years how well, the browns, oranges, and plums of fall accent the teal I have throughout my home. Its so fun to see the warmth just begin to spread so smoothly with the cool hues of teal and grey. </div>
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I recently picked up two handmade pottery pieces for a steal at one of my favorite consignment resale stores, called Almost Antiques. I have to say it's bittersweet because they are going out of business. Not just the booth but the whole store. This store was where I once also had a booth of my own. I really did enjoy having a booth and often kick around the idea of doing another one someday. I guess I will have to find another location if I do though. </div>
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These two beautiful pieces were actually for sale in the very booth (space) I had vacated several years ago. They were in a booth full of beautiful handcrafted items such as handmade pottery, afghans, pillows and such. I will share those later. When I first spotted the small pitcher, I knew it was coming home with me. Then when I saw the small plum and teal jar and I decided immediately that I would use them together for my fall decorating this year. I even knew immediately where they would display. I've plopped a few orange flowers in with some glittery copper apple looking ball thingys, and that was all the color needed for this space. </div>
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I then decided to play on the copper a little more and swapped out my trio of white candlesticks for this sparkly beaded pair of candlesticks. I went back and forth a bit trying to decide if I wanted to use candlesticks or fat candles in them. Finally the fat candles won out.</div>
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Then my pretty little glass pumpkins found their spot this year. I don't know about you but I can honestly say I've had a very hard time not buying more fall decor this year. There are so many new adorable pieces out that I am seeing and would love to use. But, I am being very good and waiting until I pull out what I already own first to see what all I have. This may be a good year to purge some of the old before adding any new. These glass pumpkins are definitely on the keeper list though! I know you cannot really tell in these phone photos but I am just loving the reflections of light off all these pieces. They are all so sparkly and shiny!</div>
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It's just a small start, for sure. I know it doesn't come close to what I am seeing everywhere already, but it's just enough to get me in the mood. So whoohoo, let the fall decorating begin! <br />
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Ahh, well isn't it funny how just a few hours can change your mind. Yep, I had to do it. The plain little orange flowers were just not cutting it. I still need to find a better floral arrangement but I pulled this one out to see if I would like it better. Umm, yea but it still needed more so I added the little orange flowers again. Well, it's a little better.<br />
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Let's just say I'm still tweaking for now....geez! </div>
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Sharing today with the following:</div>
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<a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2017/09/390th-inspire-me-tuesday.html">Inspire Me Tuesday</a><br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/a-gazillion-little-tweaks/">Metamorphosis Monday</a></div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by today, hope you enjoyed your visit!</div>
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Mary</div>
<br />The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-91535998572535448172017-07-26T09:54:00.001-04:002017-07-26T10:06:45.809-04:00A Puppy Changes Everything!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi All! Last time I blogged I was all excited to be back on Blogger and ready to dive right back in. Obviously, that didn't quite happen. I recently read a blog post from someone I enjoy tremendously that reminded me how to find my joy in blogging again. I think I may have lost it until I was reminded that just simply being "in the moment" was blog worthy. You see, I've kinda been caught up in the idea of needing to have something "decorative" to share. It's not that I don't have anything decorative to share just not a lot of new things, new remodels, new tablescapes, or this or that. I have made a few changes around the house since I last blogged but nothing I've felt really blog worthy compared to what I see some of my favorite blogs sharing. Sooo I decided better to not blog at all. I know it's sad, but yes sometimes I do get caught up in comparisons and feel unworthy. I am so grateful to be reminded that I do have something to share even if it's not the latest and greatest. I know I will enjoy looking back at this post as time goes by and remember the moment as one of great joy.</div>
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In my last post I mentioned I worked on a few changes in the kitchen, well I certainly did. This post will not show you those changes but it will show you one big change and here it is.</div>
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I've had a little rearranging to do, because we added another member to our family. One that required a little "safe space" of his own.</div>
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This little one whose name is Skipper will soon be 4 months old on August 2nd. I cannot believe how much he has grown since we got him on May 25th. Please pardon the scruffy look but he has yet to have his first haircut.</div>
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He is the same breed as my first dog love, Maizey, a Cavachon which is a cross between a Bichon and a King Charles Cavalier. I won't go back and share younger puppy photos with you because today I'm sharing where we are right now. We are in the moment.</div>
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My beautiful new traditional style reclining sofa that I fretted over choosing the right style and color is now covered in a quilt for protection from those sharp little puppy teeth. I hate the sloppy look here but I'd hate to loose this sofa even more. I won't lie, I am counting the months.</div>
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The new accent chair I was hoping to add to the den this year has been put on hold. I just cannot stress myself with adding new furniture until this puppy outgrows the teething stage. My first Cavachon chewed up so much furniture, I've vowed that will not happen again. Luckily this one seems to enjoy tearing up all the existing puppy toys almost as much as the furniture. We are living in a constant state of puppy toys everywhere all over the house. If I pick them up and pile them all back into the toy basket (which will also need replacing from chewing) he is right there, immediately pulling them right back out. Such a stinker!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiBJ_1hyphenhyphenjLYygrmNHwvH9Deq2di5BeD2VHt81WRnXFHyMcqLVVNJzLXu2F36vjKeqywOFPBVwdVD8CKmXlr9BZVFwkdxK6lqrfWtPh63SUa-ZgjHdr5REZ5Vj8DWx2L00ZtG2p1huq0s/s1600/IMG_1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiBJ_1hyphenhyphenjLYygrmNHwvH9Deq2di5BeD2VHt81WRnXFHyMcqLVVNJzLXu2F36vjKeqywOFPBVwdVD8CKmXlr9BZVFwkdxK6lqrfWtPh63SUa-ZgjHdr5REZ5Vj8DWx2L00ZtG2p1huq0s/s640/IMG_1972.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is just one of three <strike>baby</strike> puppy gates that have gone back up again. I've blocked off the foyer and dining room to keep this little one from venturing upstairs or gnawing on my dining room furniture.</div>
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I look forward to the day when these items go back in cabinet for good again. Thank goodness for Amazon for making these expensive must have items so much more affordable.</div>
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As adorable as this little one is, the reality is he has turned our quiet home life upside down. I knew this would happen and I struggled with did I have it in me to go through the puppy stage again. I still have days when I keep thinking, why did I do this? I know why I did but I have yet to see the rewards I was hoping for. I know they are coming, I just wish it would happen soon. The joys of companionship I was hoping for is slow coming, not for us, but for our other Cavachon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DeKmfyRROykrPsZHT-zSwxWYU4cHdCqSCYAKA4ut9C718QsAlLH2GzzU17REJXFxU_QcgZgZO1inHjV3PFa9EnrNfUBaYRKZDKxcniCH2knAA4jZR4bOnjwHM1rwOtG94pztWukh5Yw/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DeKmfyRROykrPsZHT-zSwxWYU4cHdCqSCYAKA4ut9C718QsAlLH2GzzU17REJXFxU_QcgZgZO1inHjV3PFa9EnrNfUBaYRKZDKxcniCH2knAA4jZR4bOnjwHM1rwOtG94pztWukh5Yw/s640/IMG_1976.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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More often then not this is the extent of their interaction. Maizey has yet to actually play with Skipper unless you call taking toys back and forth from each playing. Skipper wants nothing more then to play with Maizey. Unfortunately his idea of play is nipping, tugging on her ears and climbing on her back. She tolerates him only occassionally and then retreats to the bedroom or sofa near me. I feel so sorry for Maizey and Skipper both but keep reminding myself that all will be well with time. Correction, I pray all will be well with time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCA1NKNa56cZPHQyQGRC9e3FGZ5P9-JDEzzO-iCz30cHW6AsUY5z_GcGYQyetHAYJ4VFeqd2WLgqVamFPt4liUEDD9dLbE1nNgxVg_6NM5csT4OMUf2wrSaVrEKSqUs12-tFdICAtm9o/s1600/IMG_1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCA1NKNa56cZPHQyQGRC9e3FGZ5P9-JDEzzO-iCz30cHW6AsUY5z_GcGYQyetHAYJ4VFeqd2WLgqVamFPt4liUEDD9dLbE1nNgxVg_6NM5csT4OMUf2wrSaVrEKSqUs12-tFdICAtm9o/s640/IMG_1975.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have some hope I cling to. Because occasionally and I do mean occasionally they will sit peacefully together just long enough for me to enjoy the possibilities or to grab my camera and take a snapshot. Please ignore the ugly outdoor cushions on this loveseat. That's another replacement down the road. Again, after the teething phase.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKNCBZPmXHlAgaOd6Pv_pELSvQjvmG5xeIN9PPmQh8bOeNbgdy90aSwU3eF__ulJXExSOsBo_x1ntuzGOW6OWmUcODv95revB8-k3icWqfJVar9TfO_AysSz4mq88MzniehJGtF004W0/s1600/IMG_1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKNCBZPmXHlAgaOd6Pv_pELSvQjvmG5xeIN9PPmQh8bOeNbgdy90aSwU3eF__ulJXExSOsBo_x1ntuzGOW6OWmUcODv95revB8-k3icWqfJVar9TfO_AysSz4mq88MzniehJGtF004W0/s640/IMG_1981.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I do have much hope for these two after seeing their interaction last week on our vacation. I know I must be insane to take a puppy on vacay, but I did. I felt we were making great progress and maybe we did. I so want to be the happy people in the picture below all day and everyday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyzPoN83tvbJNiZShG1pGnwAWiytiwZY6nrkzaWqC8WbSyD6LnkOKxJmEU6O5ir6PqsrzE6OVodDRNYb_pCKNb9mruZI8fQ8ysowb8x8l0sKz5qhPugz3TNgljVT_Wnvh4X_kAXd-2fs/s1600/IMG_1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyzPoN83tvbJNiZShG1pGnwAWiytiwZY6nrkzaWqC8WbSyD6LnkOKxJmEU6O5ir6PqsrzE6OVodDRNYb_pCKNb9mruZI8fQ8ysowb8x8l0sKz5qhPugz3TNgljVT_Wnvh4X_kAXd-2fs/s640/IMG_1978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But we need more time..... and a lower bed which we are getting. This one is so very high off the ground and Skipper has figured out how to get up here. I myself have a step I use to get in and Maizey has a bench at the foot of the bed she uses. I can't get rid of the bench in front of the bed because then it will leave Maizey stranded an unable to come and go as she pleases. So our solution is to get a lower bed so when Skipper jumps upon it he will not break his neck jumping off. We are starting with a metal bed frame only for now, I'm sure I don't need to tell you why. Poor Maizey! Little does she know her safe space is about to change. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWRM73VRcehKL4Y4YHIjggVkP56lEP01MaFuumjol2imFNI-nqlwp9tiAkWxeVyKeYoKIjZsiL-Ha4Y_yjPiPEd3wqr0kqZhklA_tAkkbzPTiPGSB3bvyfKx45uuhf2U9iDqZRjEB_dw/s1600/IMG_1986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWRM73VRcehKL4Y4YHIjggVkP56lEP01MaFuumjol2imFNI-nqlwp9tiAkWxeVyKeYoKIjZsiL-Ha4Y_yjPiPEd3wqr0kqZhklA_tAkkbzPTiPGSB3bvyfKx45uuhf2U9iDqZRjEB_dw/s640/IMG_1986.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Who would have thought one little creature could turn a whole house upside down?</div>
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But gosh, he's so stinking cute while doing it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC3buLL95qdJywgYcUwBNB5pSBXNe6AGQg8zzIiJ_YvI2Mq3nJkZV9mxDJy13zSZWxndTd0WVSMeeLPLok4L6mCxdi0jnVmRnscwDESy33bwDnZzASFRbvGQFa1JaIzsL3AtFE4lmcXE/s1600/IMG_1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC3buLL95qdJywgYcUwBNB5pSBXNe6AGQg8zzIiJ_YvI2Mq3nJkZV9mxDJy13zSZWxndTd0WVSMeeLPLok4L6mCxdi0jnVmRnscwDESy33bwDnZzASFRbvGQFa1JaIzsL3AtFE4lmcXE/s640/IMG_1973.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We love you Skipper!</div>
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Thanks for popping by today, that's my moment. I hope you enjoyed it.</div>
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Hugs and Waves,</div>
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Mary</div>
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The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-84289859407789651042017-05-02T10:46:00.000-04:002017-05-02T10:46:57.418-04:00Decorating with Measuring Spoons<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi Again! I love when you finally make the time to tweak those little things you've been meaning to get done, don't you? If your like me you sometimes put them off thinking, "oh, that's just a small thing that won't take long so I'll do it later. And I'm sure I don't have to tell you those little things can add up pretty quick. So, I've been on a bit of mission to focus on getting the little things done. I call it tweaking!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ne7g7W0y5umzPygUpbmp8jK9-pRzE8Bbf3KD0tnY_m83ZpwalHYDu9m6XZ9bKadtgTZIvTBraaq5Z0KMOckB8zb_rrIa7w3NUJfrHYP0x_Czqj2Gktrr6kMcg9npucqRCuYvARPFVrs/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ne7g7W0y5umzPygUpbmp8jK9-pRzE8Bbf3KD0tnY_m83ZpwalHYDu9m6XZ9bKadtgTZIvTBraaq5Z0KMOckB8zb_rrIa7w3NUJfrHYP0x_Czqj2Gktrr6kMcg9npucqRCuYvARPFVrs/s640/IMG_0916.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had this wonderful, Family Prayers sign my son gave me for Christmas. As much as I loved it, and I really do, I just wasn't sure where I wanted to put it until I started tweaking the kitchen. After I started making a few changes I decided this was the perfect spot for it but there was only one problem.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lKRlE2fHn0iIcnNgy1Z68VVEbrVX5q3J8NHFm7Gf5u0tV_1e5-I4bi1l6SljiMf5HCDEsJjo9yZ3en8Dz_rn3moYimEN7_p4kB04ZDD0fb4Q1GV8-Hz1Pzr6qrCJK4E3jWgppiALd5A/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lKRlE2fHn0iIcnNgy1Z68VVEbrVX5q3J8NHFm7Gf5u0tV_1e5-I4bi1l6SljiMf5HCDEsJjo9yZ3en8Dz_rn3moYimEN7_p4kB04ZDD0fb4Q1GV8-Hz1Pzr6qrCJK4E3jWgppiALd5A/s640/IMG_0924.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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As wonderful as the sign is, it didn't come that way. It came with the clips shown above. Sorry, I am a slacker and didn't take a before picture of the sign with these clips but trust me they were on there. I think it was most likely the clips that were throwing me for a loop. You see, I had no clue what to do with a sign with clips. I tried, I really did try to think of how it would fit in somewhere. But it just didn't.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlmLlsp9FuRiebW4JWdMJNqAXKSAhvgwZyPzs9HL2_yD1AEzew7rH0ea9epXPMyJfBpu2rZ1b118lj6aoF2DK7qoZ_neXpxpXnzOtzZ2Gl-PEXDi4lzc54AzVCEWfpmj33_UDaN5UkP0/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlmLlsp9FuRiebW4JWdMJNqAXKSAhvgwZyPzs9HL2_yD1AEzew7rH0ea9epXPMyJfBpu2rZ1b118lj6aoF2DK7qoZ_neXpxpXnzOtzZ2Gl-PEXDi4lzc54AzVCEWfpmj33_UDaN5UkP0/s640/IMG_0917.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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After deciding I wanted the sign here in the kitchen I sat down determined to remove the clips and just put the screws back in the predrilled holes. As I removed the clips I remembered I had a box of these small hooks in my kitchen drawer. I have these hooks on several places of my cabinets to hang coffee mugs and always keep extras on hand. I was quite thrilled to find my hooks fit the screw holes perfectly and just like that my new sign had hooks. It didn't take me long after that to figure out what I wanted to hang on those hooks either. I am missing my regular measuring spoons in this picture because, well, they were in the dishwasher at the time. I know shame on me for not setting up my props better. LOL!</div>
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Once the sign was hung and designated a holder for measuring spoons I decided I needed a few more decorative ones. I already had the heart shaped set but wanted something a little more fancier too. Would you believe after all those years working in retail that I have never bought myself any of those pretty metal measuring spoon sets that come in all sorts of patterns? I've restocked them more times then I care to remember but never bought any for myself. I guess I just never wanted to spend the money on them, even with my discounts. Anyway, I really did want something a little more decorative here now. Thanks to Pioneer Woman, I found just what I wanted at Walmart. Aren't these just wonderful? The metal is really nice and thick too y'all. These are very sturdy and so pretty. I love them! I still have room for one more decorative set. I've decided I will just wait to see what I find "someday" for that set. I know one thing, it will be definitely be a set that has to hit me just right and will be fun to be on the lookout for.</div>
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Before you go, I have one more final tweak to share. Do you remember my last post when I shared the sideboard in the den and all the tweaks I did with it? Well, if you don't remember just jump back or keep scrolling when your done reading this post and you'll see. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85pEslrqAUxXWOHESsFaVIfcuYR2s2mS5kmnQT0TGNpMADMyXZ0sxvYaVYDIy9wmP82hpiPTQcsBPygUarM4ZG4UvDqj2nCFB1BrV1FqqVArJ_hm-eD07tAnfI1_lmKahthAYRvTEGOs/s1600/IMG_0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85pEslrqAUxXWOHESsFaVIfcuYR2s2mS5kmnQT0TGNpMADMyXZ0sxvYaVYDIy9wmP82hpiPTQcsBPygUarM4ZG4UvDqj2nCFB1BrV1FqqVArJ_hm-eD07tAnfI1_lmKahthAYRvTEGOs/s640/IMG_0923.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I had shared where it was staying and the few tweaks I did and how I wanted to also find a new runner. Guess what? Yes mams, I did! I found just the runner I was looking for. Its so pretty so see a beautiful pop of color now on this sideboard in my den and it was a perfect match to the rest of the teal in this room. Love when an idea becomes a vision, don't you?</div>
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That's all I got for today, but I'm still tweaking away here. So come back again another day and check out the latest if you like. Have a great week dreamer friends!</div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by,</div>
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Sending waves,</div>
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Mary</div>
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<br />The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-36490339350869371682017-04-24T15:25:00.001-04:002017-04-24T15:25:07.249-04:00Feels like Home Again!Hi Yall! Well, If you caught my post last week you may remember I discussed making a few changes in the den. If you didn't catch that post you can read it <a href="http://thedecorativedreamer.blogspot.com/2017/04/moving-back-to-blogger.html">HERE</a>. One area that I really wanted to focus on was the large wall in my den. This is how it looked last Monday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Y6riDjj_SepMXH2yvfiXPiFU7jV3JKo9CYuBamt_4Ar-wuU6ZKmYIUNnwhrlEOFg-GQbFHMXFXbdJqBN1nTj40XNcTzouB4UdIf-aeW98ErQ3OAruJaeYDrgTu6COnWjOm9Dl3LQ4So/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Y6riDjj_SepMXH2yvfiXPiFU7jV3JKo9CYuBamt_4Ar-wuU6ZKmYIUNnwhrlEOFg-GQbFHMXFXbdJqBN1nTj40XNcTzouB4UdIf-aeW98ErQ3OAruJaeYDrgTu6COnWjOm9Dl3LQ4So/s640/DSC_0361.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wasn't happy with they way I had things set up and wanted to make a change. I got a wonderful suggestion to move the large picture above the the sideboard. I thought this sounded great because I never even thought of that. I mentioned I wasn't sure I was going to keep the sideboard in this room. One thing I did was try out a different piece of furniture, which I really didn't like so I put the sideboard back in this room and then moved the picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSk5IK_twuMDiJEwz1VI6a_scFL8qxTL0mOVtwDw8dly-EkJ43z8FTPSLrSvkrmf5yERrn_FzqErQB9wziUDyu6oMRCSOfmWwlNfZanW95XfZWzsKNitJibUw1AQHXQjgRGMNx5I1R74/s1600/IMG_0877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSk5IK_twuMDiJEwz1VI6a_scFL8qxTL0mOVtwDw8dly-EkJ43z8FTPSLrSvkrmf5yERrn_FzqErQB9wziUDyu6oMRCSOfmWwlNfZanW95XfZWzsKNitJibUw1AQHXQjgRGMNx5I1R74/s640/IMG_0877.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The idea was to have the picture above the sideboard and to add additional pieces of art over the chairs. Artwork that could either be stacked or staggered was what I was envisioning. I even went out shopping but didn't find anything that really inspired me enough to make the leap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfX0HqWf_NXGLdqOABE3TTFOoM26PNix9y65OZAMroNmmWrT7Ia9BCgaM3k5EzD2gkC5A-PmsPIffk1aKDtECyqVB-sncMIBAUMvx_FosxgVkdUoQFR4juPvmDrHu-wag3SWa3b6yPSU/s1600/IMG_0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfX0HqWf_NXGLdqOABE3TTFOoM26PNix9y65OZAMroNmmWrT7Ia9BCgaM3k5EzD2gkC5A-PmsPIffk1aKDtECyqVB-sncMIBAUMvx_FosxgVkdUoQFR4juPvmDrHu-wag3SWa3b6yPSU/s640/IMG_0878.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I let this idea test out for a few days and over the weekend but then this morning I knew I just didn't want to give up my trusty mirror that I had here to begin with. I love mirrors and I especially loved having this one here. I felt even more compelled to keep this one here for last minute vanity checks (i know that's so bad to say, but true). You see I've made a few changes in my kitchen over the weekend and one of those changes included getting rid of a mirror I had in there by the coat rack. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEjDCpmo5W-sCz_cT4oOXQsiVwNFo1B_pgre_uYLIjm49r5r49c6KNWM40RvNcQuRM5sg7JBT4Rb8pxXpnHbe87XbBsAlxvVmjyyTN93mEAgv9Z2Bme9CtvX9FsfQ6Q8EsWS9OIYU_j8/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEjDCpmo5W-sCz_cT4oOXQsiVwNFo1B_pgre_uYLIjm49r5r49c6KNWM40RvNcQuRM5sg7JBT4Rb8pxXpnHbe87XbBsAlxvVmjyyTN93mEAgv9Z2Bme9CtvX9FsfQ6Q8EsWS9OIYU_j8/s640/IMG_0875.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Since I didn't want to be short two mirrors, I decided to move this mirror back where I had it. A girls gotta be able to check on that lipstick y'all. Mostly though, I really love this old bamboo mirror and I feel like it actually enhances the casual Mediterranean tropical look I lean towards.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsKtYzAnFXxq28Ydok8jQGPW38Tzpx7GRpMFl1PbOuHi6CoYXu9uYn2oU2M2L71ZoG0JWmwU1CRCfN-1OFW9rXChqe4kx71yV6c6T84TDeYtQJCBcBEVkOaQKx52deCYZnzMGvX4ttz8/s1600/IMG_0870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsKtYzAnFXxq28Ydok8jQGPW38Tzpx7GRpMFl1PbOuHi6CoYXu9uYn2oU2M2L71ZoG0JWmwU1CRCfN-1OFW9rXChqe4kx71yV6c6T84TDeYtQJCBcBEVkOaQKx52deCYZnzMGvX4ttz8/s640/IMG_0870.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also swapped a few lamps around in this room to make things a little more balanced. I moved this crystal lamp over from the side table by the sofa, and that side table now has the large turquoise lamp. I decided this lamp looked really good here and balanced out the room a little better because it was still a bit too big to remain on the side table in between the chairs without blocking the picture. You'll see what I mean on that in a bit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QZ7dsE4M4JyNnaP2NbPDxEw6Gvi70t63JoCrehyphenhyphenIr7_vcSrtqw8JbLr7KwulfXzm_8TP0Q-u_cXZZu_yyjaGfZV6S_zhCLqWnA7xM_YHBkhck4JWnZxisr6h0Bzi53uu0xojlX9zNjo/s1600/IMG_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QZ7dsE4M4JyNnaP2NbPDxEw6Gvi70t63JoCrehyphenhyphenIr7_vcSrtqw8JbLr7KwulfXzm_8TP0Q-u_cXZZu_yyjaGfZV6S_zhCLqWnA7xM_YHBkhck4JWnZxisr6h0Bzi53uu0xojlX9zNjo/s640/IMG_0869.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next, I pulled out a few more pieces of seasonal type decor and was very pleased with the look. That's the beauty of having this sideboard in here. It gives me room to pull out those fun decor pieces and swap them around from time to time. I still want to replace the table runner shown here and have a few ideas on that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKu8lIdd4EhRrB1qiuNDwfkQsO_7Er9TV2mvKF0bZkG1eKed5jC7fiQzDwakI5Dj4CjzUXM6w9ti52xS-Pm_f0Zws09uFJVfV2Wm-Q90BUczDnPYn8sqOGJlTkBfAvsT9CnskiDoJyrw/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKu8lIdd4EhRrB1qiuNDwfkQsO_7Er9TV2mvKF0bZkG1eKed5jC7fiQzDwakI5Dj4CjzUXM6w9ti52xS-Pm_f0Zws09uFJVfV2Wm-Q90BUczDnPYn8sqOGJlTkBfAvsT9CnskiDoJyrw/s640/IMG_0868.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is the table where the large Turquoise lamp used to be between the two chairs. While I really liked having it here I knew it was just a bit too big after I made the decision to move the print back on this wall. So, I tried the crystal lamp here and decided it was still a bit too big and distracting from the print above. I decided to dig around upstairs and try out one of my smaller lamps. This was the ticket, and fit nicely without distracting from the print.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBbkv7j5nKbvfe5prlhE1Hk_lcsL77ytHMpzYF8Te3uyz1mWzHQPUgSNQDl9-VcPJAPqFXDjmMrPe2MO13DE3y81k3rYnowEYE_DI-gsM-UzZsQzuEmc28LbVOiGUx4DRcundxazmDJg/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBbkv7j5nKbvfe5prlhE1Hk_lcsL77ytHMpzYF8Te3uyz1mWzHQPUgSNQDl9-VcPJAPqFXDjmMrPe2MO13DE3y81k3rYnowEYE_DI-gsM-UzZsQzuEmc28LbVOiGUx4DRcundxazmDJg/s640/IMG_0876.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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When I decided to put my print back on this side of the wall one thing I did that I hadn't done previously was I centered the picture exactly above the side table. Previously in last weeks post you can see the picture was more centered on the whole wall itself, more to the right of the chairs. It was centered there because that is where I use to have our old sofa when we had it on the wall on this side of the room. The other change I made, or change back in this case was I added the sconces back on each side of the picture. I say back because that is how I had them when the sofa was here but had moved them on each side of the mirror when I rearranged the furniture. I think that was what was bothering me the most as seen in last weeks post. I really didn't like the cluttered loof of the scones on each side of my mirror and really wanted them back on each side of the picture. The reason I moved the sconces in the first place was because the picture wasn't aligned above the side table and the sconces were in the way with the larger lamps. Little details like that drive me nuts. Why oh why I didn't just think to center the print above the table first is a mystery, but oh well. Maybe I was just being lazy or just being crazy who knows. LOL!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsqURToLS6HRlClx9mIDWD-jGpolD0MXOPuOVZMRsvufbL-OW8CqCDs_qSHc4Ephb0Zyx4_ka1pDA770savS3RAY9FyCWyAFYCeBv2iEpVDOvVVNIicuFTdwTx0n7B2k9IwWJ50xUCxU/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsqURToLS6HRlClx9mIDWD-jGpolD0MXOPuOVZMRsvufbL-OW8CqCDs_qSHc4Ephb0Zyx4_ka1pDA770savS3RAY9FyCWyAFYCeBv2iEpVDOvVVNIicuFTdwTx0n7B2k9IwWJ50xUCxU/s640/IMG_0871.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I am feeling so much more satisfied with the look on this wall now that I paid a little closer attention to the important details. I didn't want to have to find new artwork, I like what I have. I didn't want to loose my mirror in here. I didn't want to loose my palm sconces in here either. I know the look I enjoy is not a popular or trendy look, but it's what I love and what I enjoy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoFsvdZutgcEl8kKTwsK2XsVrBVcKPVHd-Zm0OKaRQ2__n3bxxtLuKDM_cwOi5JAcUuce7WT_or4yNF2kk5v8F1f_rqa88MSG0YJGCObBqa3kCpwDcDAomOInc9Icf6vP-BLHQRBiD_M/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoFsvdZutgcEl8kKTwsK2XsVrBVcKPVHd-Zm0OKaRQ2__n3bxxtLuKDM_cwOi5JAcUuce7WT_or4yNF2kk5v8F1f_rqa88MSG0YJGCObBqa3kCpwDcDAomOInc9Icf6vP-BLHQRBiD_M/s640/IMG_0872.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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And now finally, finally, this room again feels like home!</div>
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Today I will be joining the following two parties to share my changes;</div>
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<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/how-shout-color-catcher-saved-my-favorite-shirt/">Metamorphosis Monday</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.oursouthernhomesc.com/spring-outdoor-project-ideas/">Inspiration Monday Party</a></div>
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Check out the links above to see more inspiring changes.</div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by today. I'd love to hear from you if you did, still hoping to reconnect and share a little home decor love with others.</div>
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Sending waves,</div>
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Mary</div>
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<br />The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-9821058981205770882017-04-19T10:39:00.001-04:002017-04-19T10:39:19.642-04:00Thrifts and Bargains<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey again! Doesn't everyone love a great deal? Silly question, I know right! Well, I've got spring fever for sprucing up so I hit a few stores yesterday and came home with a few great finds. I am sharing my fantastic finds today just in case they might be something you've been thinking about too.</div>
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My destination of choice yesterday was Hobby Lobby. I have been eyeing these framed iron pieces for years. Okay maybe not these exact ones but certainly they have carried very similar styles for years now. I haven't ever really had a place I knew I would use them until yesterday when I decided to start making some changes in one of my rooms at home. (More on that in another post to follow later) Funny how you can have an idea in your head that remains dormant until one day the light bulb comes on! As usual I took advantage of their 50% off sale to acquire two of these. I cannot wait to start the changes for the room I'm going to use these in!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VeHWlE7HUylR8ILojLRkqrR-yoqtZXfzeTsoKrN3U11IZEj0Ksa7ST8oirdrZgV5ZwILwTMKkpIYHTHUV7tI0D-U7BZTjHeWMtEIzkhOkgcrnXX8fqW_JjFFFuTze2-hTaxvpenmK8s/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VeHWlE7HUylR8ILojLRkqrR-yoqtZXfzeTsoKrN3U11IZEj0Ksa7ST8oirdrZgV5ZwILwTMKkpIYHTHUV7tI0D-U7BZTjHeWMtEIzkhOkgcrnXX8fqW_JjFFFuTze2-hTaxvpenmK8s/s640/IMG_0792.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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"Silver and gold, silver and gold, everyone wishes for silver and gold! How do you measure it's worth? Just by the pleasure it is here on earth."</div>
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Love that song by Burle Ives! But as you can see above I'm certainly not dreaming of Christmas y'all. There is a Carolina Pottery near the Hobby Lobby I shop at and I always stop in there when I'm over on that side of town. I was so thrilled to find these silver placemats in a beautiful coral looking pattern. I purchased some similar gold placemats just recently from Bed, bath and beyond and have been wanting to add some silver ones as well. You can see those later if I can ever get my old posts loaded onto blogger from Wordpress. Uggh! I almost purchased the silver ones like my gold ones from BB&B the other day but put them back. I'm so glad I did because I like these even better and they were less $$$. These are going to be wonderful for everyday use this summer as they are easy to wipe down. This is how you liven up your summer table with a some bling!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAngUuWBQnjCrKhG0keHzKQzcoQNG2v5fCWAjZ45h46QpXnTtUO5fltE_9wuyFxFSCkdP7Ft9CvaX2X4pkhb1VoQoZSbEFdWJ-ddv-0ChDyEz2eDMZT8inwHnwGItdNJGk8nGFRUIaCMs/s1600/IMG_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAngUuWBQnjCrKhG0keHzKQzcoQNG2v5fCWAjZ45h46QpXnTtUO5fltE_9wuyFxFSCkdP7Ft9CvaX2X4pkhb1VoQoZSbEFdWJ-ddv-0ChDyEz2eDMZT8inwHnwGItdNJGk8nGFRUIaCMs/s640/IMG_0791.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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And speaking of bling. I wanted to add some colorful candles for the summer to a pair of mercury glass candlesticks I have. I was looking for teal candles and about jumped for joy when I spotted these. With my new gray sofa in the den, my colors are changing in that room to gray, teal and yellow (or golden yellow). These are going to look great and have a sand & sea smell to boot. Perfect! I will share that another time, when I get the whole look pulled together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvMCmWBbciEFh2sBqQll5PyMeIL1xElfcx1E2APmFUggHt_3X-o2WS-0Cw0H5LMjy8CWALRiKLGeGzsZ3YLQ7S4vgFNaj3Vp35iB8uQOQhk7e-hbyMtjJJkdlRk0w7yn1Sd9h-j-UW9A/s1600/IMG_0793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvMCmWBbciEFh2sBqQll5PyMeIL1xElfcx1E2APmFUggHt_3X-o2WS-0Cw0H5LMjy8CWALRiKLGeGzsZ3YLQ7S4vgFNaj3Vp35iB8uQOQhk7e-hbyMtjJJkdlRk0w7yn1Sd9h-j-UW9A/s640/IMG_0793.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Finally, "Here comes the sun, here comes the sun and I say...it's all right!" </div>
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Lots of singing going on around here today huh? You would be too if you snapped up this bargain. I have wanted a sun mirror for sometime now. I just had to grab this when I stopped in at one of my favorite local furniture consignment stores on the way to HL. For any local peeps it's called Main Street Consignment. They have the best stuff. This was priced way lower then it should have been (even the manager commented so) and there was not a ding or bang on it. Now where to put this is another story for another day because honestly I really am not quite sure on this one yet. But you know me, I will find a place eventually.....and it will be soooo fun dreaming where!</div>
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Thanks for popping by again y'all</div>
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have a great day!</div>
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sending waves,</div>
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Mary</div>
<br />The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-64146680595468246092017-02-28T15:49:00.000-05:002021-01-31T11:55:20.922-05:00Romancing Mardi Gras - A table for twoHello friends and followers! Do any of you entertain the tradition of Mardi Gras? I will admit as a southerner from South Carolina we really don't adhere to this tradition much. About the most you will find of Mardi Gras celebrations here is based more on the religious tradition of Fat Tuesday centered around the observance of Ashe Wednesday. Even then, it is limited more depending on what church you attend as to whether they give any observation to this at all.<br/><br/>I did not grow up observing Mardi Gras, but I do love anything that is seeped in tradition and that which is especially creative and colorful. One cannot deny that Mardi Gras is definitely colorful in more ways then one. So with that in mind, it is what I have set out to embrace with my Mardi Gras tablescape this year. A colorful setting with a colorful tale!<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14986" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0433-1.jpg" alt="img_0433-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/>Tradition holds that Mardi Gras is a time of reveling in ones last evening of indulgence before moving into the season of lent and repentance. While I find all the partying and extreme food over indulgence quite exciting I also can't deny that I also find Mardi Gras to be a bit romantic as well.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-15001" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0448-1.jpg" alt="img_0448-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/>I guess it has to do with the all the mystery that surrounds Mardi Gras with all the masques and costumes. For some reason, the whole idea of Mardi Gras reminds me quite a bit of those historical romantic novels where masquerade balls and opulence ruled with intrigue among the royalty.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-15004" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0449-11.jpg" alt="img_0449-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/>OK, don't laugh y'all, perhaps I do spend too much time in my novels, but you know I'm right don't you? Sooooo.....it is in this scenario I have created my table for two for Mardi Gras.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-15007" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0459-1.jpg" alt="img_0459-1" width="578" height="770" /><br/><br/>Image a house full of guests waltzing in a huge ballroom full of many masked guests where hushed whispers of dinner being served is announced. A giddy young couple rushes to their seats to find that the table is set but exclusively just for the two of them. Or imagine an older couple who have seen many years of Mardi Gras celebrations among the masses who cannot wait to escape to find a bit of solitude before retiring for the evening. Or better yet....imagine a middle aged couple though despite hosting the largest celebration of the ton, sneak off privately to find their own bit of paradise in the mystery that is them.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14989" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0435-1.jpg" alt="img_0435-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/>They adjourn to the dining room where they find the table set in beautiful rich colors of Green, Gold, and Purple representing the royalty that is of their descent and the tradition of Mardi Gras.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14988" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0436-11.jpg" alt="img_0436-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/>A metallic gold medallion style place mat from Bed Bath and Beyond is accompanied by Lenox Butlers Pantry and topped off with a beautiful purple, black and cream toile salad dish from Portebello by Inspire.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14993" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0439-1.jpg" alt="img_0439-1" width="541" height="721" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14992" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0438-1.jpg" alt="img_0438-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/>Each setting also appropriately shines with Louisiana flatware from Oneida. Additionally, there are two glasses of stemware for indulging in both water and wine.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14991" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0437-1.jpg" alt="img_0437-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/>The local embroiderer was even commissioned to adorn the table linens with the family symbol of Mardi Gras Royalty.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-15006" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0456-1.jpg" alt="img_0456-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/>Only a minimal amount of serving pieces are on hand for condiments as there will be footman readily available for serving dishes.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14998" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0445-11.jpg" alt="img_0445-1" width="541" height="721" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-15007" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0459-1.jpg" alt="img_0459-1" width="578" height="770" /><br/><br/>Tonight is a grand occasion with all the pageantry expected of such an affair. The table dressing finery is a rich sparkly green runner combined with a beautiful purple satin wrap to drape the one of the centerpieces. Both are adorned with the familys prized jewels representing justice, faith and power.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-15005" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0455-1.jpg" alt="img_0455-1" width="541" height="721" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14999" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0446-1.jpg" alt="img_0446-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14995" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0443-1-1.jpg" alt="img_0443-1-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/>There is even a peacock to represent her beauty and integrity in addition to a crown of gold representing his family line of nobility. No details were spared in this celebration for two where the masks are left behind, because tonight is all about the two of them indulging in each others company.<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-15002" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0449-1.jpg" alt="img_0449-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14990" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0434-1.jpg" alt="img_0434-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/>Oh yes, these two are all set for a romantic dinner for two to indulge not only in each other but in all that they are together. May they always continue to prosper!<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14986" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_0433-1.jpg" alt="img_0433-1" width="541" height="721" /><br/><br/>Yeah, I spend way too much time in the books, dreaming of other times and other worlds. I have always enjoyed a good story. I hope you did too. I still think reading is as wonderful a pastime as many of our more modern day entertainments and indulgences. Don't you agree?<br/><br/>Happy Mardi Gras friends, from The Decorative Dreamer!<br/><br/> <br/><br/> The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-60691688833405346622017-01-30T06:44:00.000-05:002021-01-31T11:55:20.854-05:00Organizing the Bling!<p style="text-align:center;">Hello! Hello! Hello, sweet friends and followers! I hope you all have had a very happy new year. January has been all about decluttering and getting organized for me. I know many of you have also been doing the same. Today I just wanted to pop out here in blogland and share a few tips on organizing jewelry.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Working several years of retail has blessed me with a beautiful collection of jewelry. If you know me, you know I love my bling! In fact I love all types of jewelry, both genuine and costume jewelry. I have accumulated quite an abundance of costume jewelry that is so fun and which I might point out has come a long way baby from back in the day! I describe wearing jewelry as fun because I like to layer my jewelry when I wear it for maximum bling. Wearing layers means having multiples, and multiples of anything needs organization right?</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14870" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_0124.jpg" alt="img_0124" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I spent this past weekend decluttering many of the extras I had out on my dresser because it had gotten to be too much. I like to keep my jewelry out so I can see it and easily choose what I want to wear each day. I've learned that if I keep it put away in my jewelry box then I tend not to take it out and so it just sits there. I don't know why that is for me, but it is, so out it goes instead. Now I would love to have a wonderful place in my closet to store my jewelry so that is out and well displayed but I don't. I most definitely envy those of you who have those beautiful center islands in your closets. Oh what a dream that would be! Instead of dreaming....I decided to work with the space I do have!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14871" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_0123.jpg" alt="img_0123" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I was planning on searching around for some really cute wall organizing racks with hooks and looking for a stylish organizing system. But then, I was at Walmart and wondered through the closet section where all the hangers are and saw these two items. At roughly, $5.00 each I gave up the idea that I needed cute racks. My jewelry is cute enough so I decided the racks really didn't need to be cute too but they definitely needed to be functional. This may be nothing new to some of you but I think it's worth sharing for anyone who just wants to get organized and doesn't want to spend a lot to do so.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14872" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_0122.jpg" alt="img_0122" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14873" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_0126.jpg" alt="img_0126" width="2448" height="3264" />I was super excited when I saw this belt hanger. I knew immediately I wanted to use it to store my bracelets. When I saw the hoops it was a dream come true because I knew I could separate my bracelets accordingly. I grouped mine by silver, gold, stone, mixed media, and bling. What I love about this is that I can add more hoops if I want. However, the best part of this set up is that when I'm ready to wear my bracelets they are easy to get to now. No more having to pull off tons and tons of bracelets just to get to the ones I want.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14874" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_0127.jpg" alt="img_0127" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14916" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_0125.jpg" alt="img_0125" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Using this pant rack hanger to organize my necklaces was perfect for me because I really have very little open wall space in my closet and this did the job perfectly allowing me to still have enough space to hang the bracelets as well. I even organized the way I hung my necklaces on the different racks by grouping golds to the right, silver to the left and everything else in the middle from top to bottom. I even hung the longest necklaces on the top bar so that they would not hang so low. Again that was because my space is so limited.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14917" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_0140.jpg" alt="img_0140" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I love that I can easily unhook the different bars and spread them out if I want to get a better view of what I have. It really is all about being able to see what you have to get inspired and to see what you can combine to wear together. I have one more organizing tip to share with you on necklaces below. I don't know why I never thought of this before for keeping necklaces untangled and easily accessible while on display. Believe me, I would have saved myself several hours of frustration if I had thought of this sooner when I worked retail and did our jewelry displays. If you've already figured this trick out please just smile okay. LOL! Some of us are a bit slower or maybe just a bit too busy to slow it down sometimes and figure out a better way. Anyway, for those of you who want to know here it is.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14920" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_0139.jpg" alt="img_0139" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">When hanging multiple necklaces on one bar they can easily get tangled and be a real pain sometimes to remove without dislodging all the other necklaces on the bar. I finally realized that by putting each necklace on looped around the bar it keeps them in place and you can undo one necklace at a time easily. First take the back end of the chain and drop it over the bar.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14919" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_0138.jpg" alt="img_0138" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Then you pull your necklace through the loop and push the pendant down. This puts a knot on the bar and holds the necklace in place and keeps it from sliding down the bar if you move it or when unhooking other necklaces. How simple and how sweet is that?</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14918" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_0137.jpg" alt="img_0137" width="2448" height="3264" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14922" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_0129.jpg" alt="img_0129" width="2448" height="3264" />So there you have friends! It's certainly not the most adorable way I have seen to organize jewelry but it works and its very functional and that's whats important to me. I've learned sometimes you really just have to look for simpler solutions rather then waiting for the best all of the time. Learning to work with what you have, space, resources and money is always wise. I'm all for dreaming you know, but I'm all for logic as well and this to me was the best combination of the two. But best of all , it's done and it feels so much cleaner and more accessible. Now I'll spend less time searching and deciding and more time getting my bling on!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Hope you enjoyed todays post and todays jewelry organizing tips. You may want to check out a few more inspiring posts @ <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/organize-and-keep-your-entry-tidy-with-a-stylish-boot-tray/">Metamorphosis Monday</a>.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">So glad you stopped by today. Have a great day!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Hugs and Waves,</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Mary</p><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-25660016774410315452016-11-21T13:00:00.000-05:002021-01-31T11:55:20.785-05:00Hard Candy Christmas in the Kitchen<p style="text-align:center;">Hi sweet friends! Yes, this is really happening! I actually decorated the kitchen for Christmas today. If you follow my FB page you know that I have been struggling with getting in the mood. Today I was touch by the spirit, and decided it was time.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">So without a lot of chit chat because honestly, I'm a bit tired now. Let's just jump right in and let me share my "Hard Candy" kitchen with you.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14816" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9259.jpg" alt="img_9259" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I'm calling it a Hard Candy Christmas because my kitchen is always decorated with a candy theme. I love the candy and gingerbread look for kitchens. It's just so warm and inviting as all kitchens usually are.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14815" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9258.jpg" alt="img_9258" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I started with my very thin pencil style Christmas tree and moved right on to the chandelier. Did I mention I also have a thing for elves in the kitchen?</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14818" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9255.jpg" alt="img_9255" width="2448" height="3264" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14814" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9257.jpg" alt="img_9257" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Next, I worked on my shelves. They are so fun and I am enjoying changing them out regularly. I've got it set up pretty good but I've got a bit of tweaking to do. I need to paint the wood block for the background of my embroidered sign (it's going to be black) and I want to find a cute little mini candy type Christmas tree to replace the plain little tree beside Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I think they need their own miniature Candy tree as well!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14813" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9256.jpg" alt="img_9256" width="2448" height="3264" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14825" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9248.jpg" alt="img_9248" width="2448" height="3264" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14823" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9250.jpg" alt="img_9250" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Next I worked on spreading out a few of festive servicing pieces and positioning my baking Santa's around as well.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14817" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9260.jpg" alt="img_9260" width="2448" height="3264" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14826" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9247.jpg" alt="img_9247" width="2448" height="3264" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14819" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9254.jpg" alt="img_9254" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I had to set up an area to display more dishtowels. Oh mercy, do I ever have so many embroidered decorative dishtowels! I don't have my newest ones down from the sewing room yet, but don't worry they will make their way in the kitchen soon.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14822" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9251.jpg" alt="img_9251" width="2448" height="3264" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14821" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9252.jpg" alt="img_9252" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">My newest addition to the kitchen is the adorable shabby framed chalkboard. I actually just picked this up recently on clearance at Kirklands and new exactly where I wanted to use it. I did'nt want to do the chalky scene for Christmas though I really wanted to just use it to hang a wreath on. I already had this wreath and was quite pleased to see it actually is sized just right. I was trying to figure out what to do with my adorable measuring spoons to display them when it hit me they would look so cute here on the wreath. Love it! I may add a few gingerbreads or other baking items to the wreath, or maybe not, still debating that one.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14820" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9253.jpg" alt="img_9253" width="2448" height="3264" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14824" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_9249.jpg" alt="img_9249" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">After it was all done, I vacumed and mopped the floors. What an enjoyable day to listening to Christmas music on Pandora, smelling my melted candles and now wrapping up the evening with homecooked Chili from the hubby. Whew! I'm tired, but my kitchen is all decorated now and it's all clean too. Now that's not really the true meaning of a hard candy Christmas is it? I know, so maybe I'll rename it my Sweets for my Sweets Christmas kitchen. LOL!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Thanks so much for stopping by, and wishing you the spirit of Christmas soon!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Hugs and Waves!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Mary</p>The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-65071866263123071212016-10-30T08:10:00.000-04:002021-01-31T11:55:20.716-05:00Halloween Tablescape 2016<p style="text-align:center;">Hallo Everyone! It's that time of year when strange things begin to lurk around! It's a little bit spooky, but a little bit fun here at The Decorative Dreamers house. Once again I find myself under the spell of a very adorable and decorative tablescape.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14682" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/fullsizerender-1.jpg" alt="fullsizerender-1" width="540" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">How about you? Do you enjoy decorating for Halloween? I used to do a lot more then I do now. With my sons being older and out of the house and no trick or treaters anymore, I find myself still wanting to join in on the fun. So instead of focusing on outside decor I focused on creating an indoor treat for us instead.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14676" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8948-1.jpg" alt="img_8948-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">This years tablescape began with my napkins. I've had these checked fringe napkins for quite awhile now and since I have a boatload of them I figured I could spare a few. I decided they would be the perfect background to showcase my carved pumpkin initial applique. Isn't this just the cutest thing? After these turned out so well I wanted to keep stitching. I love doing appliques and I especially love when I can make items for my own decor to showcase my work.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14681" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8960-11.jpg" alt="img_8960-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Next came the new addition of my table runner. I found the orange and black buffalo check runner on sale at Ross. I was thrilled to see that not only was it marked down but that is was a blank canvas that I could customize myself.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14673" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8951-1.jpg" alt="img_8951-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I started with adding this Witch hat initial font to each end of the runner. This was a freebie font from one my sources. I love how it looks though I do wish the hat was up a little higher. Our last name begins with a "K" and this looks like an "R" to me. Oh well! It is what it is, right, and it was free so I'm good! Happy, happy!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14675" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8949-1.jpg" alt="img_8949-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I then decided to center this Boo applique in the middle of the runner. I love this one! Looks adorable next to my witch boot salt and peppers doesn't it?</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14674" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8950-1.jpg" alt="img_8950-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">After adding designs to the ends and the center of my runner I then decided to add two more Jack o lantern appliques in between at an angle. I also flipped these two designs so this runner would be a great look from all angles of the table. It was a little more challenging centering and angling both of them equally the same but I got it. Whoohoo!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14670" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8954-1.jpg" alt="img_8954-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14678" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8944-1.jpg" alt="img_8944-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">After I finished the tablerunner it was time to set the table. I chose to keep my setting a little more simple to keep the focus on my beautiful runner and napkins. I decided to use only orange chargers and black plates with the napkins. The chargers I picked up a few years ago, can't remember where, but the black plates are new this year from the dollar tree. I was pretty happy to see them because I've wanted some black plates for awhile now.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14677" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8945-1.jpg" alt="img_8945-1" width="541" height="721" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14669" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8955-1.jpg" alt="img_8955-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">My hand blown purple goblets were just the right color for this setting and kept with the color theme. One thing I was very focused on when I made the table runner was keeping all the appliques coordinating with each other. I can't tell you how many times I looked at other pieces of fabric I had and thought, Oh this would be so cute with that. Especially on the candy jack o lantern or the hair bow on the other jack. I resisted the urge to mix it all up with multiple fabric choices though, and chose to use only four colors; orange, black, purple and green. I stayed true to keeping it coordinated and now I'm so glad I did!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14671" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8953-1.jpg" alt="img_8953-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">The little ghosties were a fun and whimsical choice for my candle holders, though I did manage to add a few votives for a nice glow. The orangish colored votives were a summer clearance from the $1.00 bins at Michaels. I love those bargains bins, don't you?</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14664" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8961-1.jpg" alt="img_8961-1" width="578" height="770" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14672" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8952-1.jpg" alt="img_8952-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">After I finished my tablescape I couldn't help but notice how my shelves on the side table that were decorated for Fall just didn't quite match. So even though I wasn't planning on doing any last minute Halloween decorating I just couldn't stop myself.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14668" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8956-1.jpg" alt="img_8956-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I'm so glad I pulled out my Halloween box. It's always so enjoyable when you see some of your decor you have forgotten you had. I knew I wanted to use my witch, aka Miss Abigail, I bought one year while working at SteinMart. She was a must. I had totally forgotten all about the wreath I made too. I was so excited to see it and even more pleased that it was a smaller size. I made this wreath smaller one year to sit inside of a simple larger fall wreath of berries so you could easily pull it out when Halloween was over. That was a great idea, even if the berry wreath didn't last. LOL!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14666" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8959-1.jpg" alt="img_8959-1" width="541" height="721" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14667" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8957-1.jpg" alt="img_8957-1" width="541" height="721" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"> Doesn't Miss Abigail look so cute next to the broom parking sign, bad blood and poison wine mixes? The witches sign and more ceramic ghosts I've also had for awhile now . I just love how this side table turned out. So fun! I had a straw broom propped up here, but had to move it because it was freaking the dog out. LOL! Ooops!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Funny, I just noticed I have a rooster sitting here that didn't get moved. It must have blended in and i didn't see it until the picture. Oh Lord, I must be loosing my touch!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Well, that's it y'all! I hope you enjoyed your visit and I hope you have a whimsically wonderful and fun holiday celebration.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Happy Halloween!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Hugs and Waves,</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Mary</p><br/> The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-90989991349635443062016-10-07T08:53:00.000-04:002021-01-31T11:55:20.650-05:00Autumn Decorating - Part 1<p style="text-align:center;">Hi friends! Once again I find myself absolutely behind on blogging. I've decided no more promises, from here on out it's whatever will be will be. I'm tired of apologizing and feeling guilty all the time. I will be the one who blogs off and on as I pretty much always have so no more apologies okay, I am what I am. LOL! Now one thing I will apologize for is two of my photos have my embroidery watermark on them. I shared these pictures earlier on my Facebook page and used my watermark app on my phone. I have two watermarks that I use, one for the decorating page and one for the embroidery page. I got mixed up and watermarked these with the wrong one. Mulit-media tasking not my best thing.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Well here we are in SC about to be hit by Hurricane Matthew and I am sitting here blogging. How's that for crazy timing? Luckily, I don't live on the coast but have family who are making their way up and have made as many preps as we can for what may come our way where we live. We are also praying God will protect all in the path of what looks like a very terrible storm. Please pray for all in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Last week we finally started to have a bit of a cooling streak and I was inspired to put out some more of my fall decor. I have put a bit here and there but never did the full fall decorating until last week. I have also decided I really like a more simple approach to fall decorating.</p><br/>[gallery ids="14599,14600,14601,14603" type="rectangular"]<br/><p style="text-align:center;">I love the warmth of Fall Colors this time of year. However, those bold oranges, reds, browns and golds can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming to to me.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14599" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8785.jpg" alt="img_8785" width="2448" height="2448" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">In the den I only did a small splash of fall on the mantle using what I had and reworking a few older floral designs. I am so very pleased with the simplicity and sparkle of it this year.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">The bamboo floral arrangements I've had for several years now after purchasing them from resale. I pulled all the old cattails and leaves out and add these wispy looking grasses with feathers that I've had for a few years as well. I think I may have actually stuck them in with the older floras that were in here one year. Anyway, I decided to just use the grasses and feathers alone with some copper berries that I had from Christmas. I used to use these berries on my Christmas tree in the dining room but stopped using the copper a few years back. I hung on to them and recently put them in my fall boxes. I'm so glad I did because I think they look perfect for fall.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14600" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8783.jpg" alt="img_8783" width="2448" height="2448" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"> I added a little more bling with my mercury glass candlesticks and a splash of autumn color came to life with these orange electric candles. You can't see it in this photo but there are tiny crystals around the edge of the candlestick by the candles. So glam! I love the contrast of the orange against the backdrop of my teal plates on the wall. So pretty!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14603" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8835.jpg" alt="img_8835" width="2448" height="3264" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Speaking of orange and teal. Do you remember my orange pillows I bought last year at Kirklands? Well their back! Perfect next to the teal pillows don't you think? This color is so lovely but definitely not something I like year round. It's just too bold of a color for me to use year round but I do believe it would definitely work in here year round.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14601" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_8809.jpg" alt="img_8809" width="2448" height="2448" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">The coffee table got a little bling and orange and teal as well. I just adore pulling out my beautiful glass pumpkins every year. They were such a wonderful find back when glass pumpkins were all the thing. Now, it's white and gold polka dot pumpkins, you know the Kate Spade look. I like that look too very much. I also really love the copper pumpkin I have too that I purchased from Stein Mart of course. I keep toying with the idea of changing out the raffia on this vase. I've had this way for a few years now. I really like it but I think I'm ready for something new. We shall see!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">So there you are! That's it for my fall decor in the den. Not much too it but when you have a large open room like this one is, it really is quite enough, at least I think so.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Thanks so much for popping in for a peek. Hoping to get back before Christmas to show you some more fall goodies because I really have done a splash more here and there all over the house. It feels great!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Take care everyone! Linking up to a few Friday Parties today if I can find them @....</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2016/10/foodie-friday-and-everything-else.html">Foodie Friday and Everything Else</a></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Hugs and Waves! Mary</p>The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-33354356973536634342016-08-11T09:18:00.000-04:002021-01-31T11:55:20.460-05:00My 10 Personal FavesHey blog friends! I have challenged myself to get at least one blog post out a week. It's quite a struggle right now with all that I'm juggling. I've made a promise to myself so I'm really going to work on being more committed to this. I love blogging, taking photos and most of all I love sharing, so I hope there are atleast of few of you who are still following.<br/><br/>Today, because I just kinda feel like this might be fun or useful to someone out there in this big old world of ours, I'm sharing some of my personal faves. If you don't find any of it useful to you now atleast you will now know a little more about me the woman behind the blog.<br/><br/>First up, is this;<br/><br/><b>No.1</b><span style="line-height:1.7;"> </span><strong style="line-height:1.7;">Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara by Rimmel</strong><span style="line-height:1.7;">. </span><br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14476" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/img_8330.jpg" alt="IMG_8330" width="1224" height="1632" /><br/><br/>I found this product last year after experiencing a loss of eye lashes. I am serious! I don't know exactly why, but for some reason on both of my eyes I literally had a gap right in the middle where I had no eyelashes. This freaked me out quite a bit because you see, I have a double row of eyelashes. Anyway, I researched quite a bit and found that it can happen from hormonal changes as you grow older or even under stress, both of which I was experiencing. I also tend to think it had something to do with a different mascara I was using to lengthen my lashes.<br/><br/>After doing more research I wanted to find a product to get my lashes back to normal. I found several that were a bit more expensive but this product was also listed and was readily available at Target. It is listed as having a natural grow lash complex with procapil that helps to grow and restore lashes. I can vouch for this 100%, that it works! It does not smudge or clump and is fabulous and is why it is my number 1 pick to share with you.<br/><br/>In keeping with the makeup end of things my second fave pick to share is;<br/><br/><strong>No.2</strong> <strong>Neutrogena Skin Clearing oil free makeup</strong><br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14477" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/img_8331.jpg" alt="IMG_8331" width="1224" height="1632" /><br/><br/>I have worn this makeup for years now and absolutely love it! I used to only wear Clinique for many years and switched to this after wanting to find a lesser expensive version of the same product. This is it! The salicylic acid in this makeup does not dry out or irritate my skin but does help to control shine for me. It stays on and fresh all day long without ever looking to over done. It's a great product!<br/><br/>My number 3 pick is the Oil of Olay Cream cleanser products. I personally prefer to use the product on right shown below.<br/><br/><strong>No.3 Olay Total Effects 7 Nourishing Cream Cleanser</strong>.<br/><br/>[gallery ids="14483,14506" type="rectangular"]<br/><br/>However for some reason I am having a very hard time finding it in stock at my local stores. Believe me when I say I've tried. I usually start looking for it weeks before I run out so I won't have to find something else. This past month I started looking early and had a very hard time. Needless to say I had to get something else so went with the Olay Regenerist Luminous Cream Cleanser. I like it very much as well, though it does have microbeads. I prefer a smoother cream mainly because I have contacts and don't like to take a chance of get anything gritty in my eyes while washing my face. I rarely use a moisturizer and I truly believe a cream cleanser is why I don't need too. It is moisturizing enough. Usually I only use a moisturizer if I am not wearing makeup and thats so I will have an SPF 15.<br/><br/>My next favorite pick is shown above and below. It's less about the products but more about the acrylic container.<br/><br/><strong>No.4 Bino Acrylic Makeup Containers</strong><br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14484" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/img_8339.jpg" alt="IMG_8339" width="1224" height="1632" /><br/><br/>I first came across this container and the one above just a few summers ago. I actually saw the one my hairbrushes are in first at TJ Maxx but didn't buy it. When I went back I couldn't find any. I looked for months on end and couldn't find it so I bought the one the q-tips are in. Finally this one above started showing back up in the stores and I got it. What I love about the Bino line is their acrylic is very heavy duty. It's not thin like some of the others can be and is very durable. I love that about their products and I love these in particular because of the depth and the shapes of the containers themselves. They don't spread out all over the counter and are deep enough to hold my brushes, hairspray etc. Storage space is very limited in my bathroom and this keeps my everyday items handy and organized.<br/><br/><strong>No.5 Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion</strong><br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14480" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/img_8335.jpg" alt="IMG_8335" width="1224" height="1632" /><br/><br/>You have heard me speak before about loving my lotions, especially my bath and body works lotions. What I haven't ever said is how much I love a good daily moisturizer too. I have very dry skin and absolutely have to use a lotion every day. It just doesn't feel right if I don't. I also have keratosis pilaris on my forearms and thighs. It's a hereditary condition of small red bumps. This lotion was recommended by the dermatologist to help control that. I had been using other products because I was trying to save some money but have recently gone back to this because I found a two pack at Sam's Club that made this so very affordable. I've feel like I am already starting to see an improvement on my arms as well. It's a very light weight feeling moisturizer going on yet stays moist all day. So worth the money!<br/><br/><strong>No.6 Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen</strong><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14479" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/img_8334.jpg" alt="IMG_8334" width="1224" height="1632" /><br/><br/>As I said above I am very choosy about my skin products. I have been using this sunscreen lotion for the past several years as well. It is also another one of those products that can be hard to find. I love how it makes my skin feel so nourished, doesn't cake or clump, smells tropical and truly works. I love to be in the sun and reapply often because I prefer to use the 30 as opposed to a 50 so I can get a tan.<br/><br/><strong>No.7 Martinique by Tommy Bahama</strong><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14485" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/img_8341.jpg" alt="IMG_8341" width="1224" height="1632" /><br/><br/>If you like a light tropical smell then you will love this product. It's almost a fruity floral if you will but its very subtle and light. Perfect for summer socializing. I recently went though a few weeks where I was on a quest to add a few scented products. I rarely wear a perfume or cologne and usually my bath and body products are as scented as I get. But I do occasionally like to spritz on a little something. Two of my older favorites are Jessica McClintock and Far Away by Avon. This summer though I wanted to find something new to me and Martinique by Tommy Bahama is what I came across. It was instant love and a great price at Ross of all places. I first found it first at Marshalls but then went next door to Ross and they had it also for a few dollars less. Our Ross keeps their colognes in a case and they are wrapped so I'm glad I got to smell it first at Marshalls where it was not wrapped or else I may not have bought it there. I'm kinda funny about buying from department stores not just because of the extra costs but I always feel like I am being pressured by sales people when smelling the colognes. I know I'm not really and that they are just doing their job to help but I often feel over encouraged at times. Buying expensive perfume when I don't really like it is just something I avoid at all costs. LOL! I'm guessing perhaps this scent may have been around awhile now, but if your like me and a little behind, a little on the thrifty side and want to try something new. This is a good one!<br/><br/><strong>No.8 Wire Rotating Earring Tree</strong><br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14481" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/img_8337.jpg" alt="IMG_8337" width="1224" height="1632" /><br/><br/>If you are a jewelry hoarder like me you will love this earring stand. I actually have several different types of jewelry stands, cases, ect. These shown here are some I keep out on my dresser. I find that having a selection right on my dresser helps me decide quicker, is convenient and is a great reminder to wear that jewelry I have invested in. Working retail and buying wholesale I have been able to acquire quite a bit. I love throwing on bracelets, earring and a great necklace when I go out. Now that I am home I've slowed down quite a bit on what I wear but it's here looking at me and calls out to me every morning. Yes, yes, yes, I love jewelry...that really should have been my no. 8 pick but I had to narrow it down so I focused on the earring tree.<br/><br/>I love the wire rotating earring tree because it is more vertical in space and holds quite a bit. I purchased this from Michaels, this year and I think they also had a larger rotating tree as well. This is the smaller one. It holds quite a bit and doesn't take up a lot of space on your dresser. If your looking to organize your jewelry a little more this earring tree is a must.<br/><br/><strong>No.9 Zukes Skinny Bakes</strong> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14478" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/img_8332.jpg" alt="IMG_8332" width="1224" height="1632" /><br/><br/>Sorry ladies, but this is for dogs. You will understand why I decided to put this product on my personal faves list in just a bit but for now let me tell you why I love it. First off, it is low calorie and my little baby girl needs low cal just as much as her mama does. She has low level pancreatitis so she has to be careful what she eats.<br/><br/>I found these snacks at Pet Supplies Warehouse and bought them on a whim. I can tell you the berries in the them smell wonderful and my little one just loves them to death. I hope these are not just a seasonal flavor because were going to be in trouble if they are. We call them her "skinny girl" treats. We can say to her, Do you want a "skinny girl?" and she will bark and squeal. So funny! It feels good to give her something she likes that is also good for her. Your dog will love these if you can find them too!<br/><br/>No.10 Maizey the Cavachon<br/><br/><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14578" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/img_7045.jpg" alt="IMG_7045.JPG" width="2346" height="3128" /><br/><br/>And finally my No.10 (most personal fave of all) is my adorable little dog Maizey. She is now 2 and half years old. She is a Cavachon, a cross between a Bichon and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This little one has filled my heart with so much joy, I can't even begin to express how much.<br/><br/>Having a pet to hold, snuggle, care for and spoil after your kids have left the nest is a wonderful thing. As you can see above we take her lots of places with us. She goes sailing with us, she goes visiting, she goes on vacation with us and even enjoys just riding in the car. Try and try as we have though, she just doesn't care for the pool. Maybe one day. She is now loving her Mommy being at home with her. When I go upstairs to work in my embroidery room I will tell her I am going to work and ask if she wants to come. She now immediately goes to the stairs and waits for me to carry her up. Yes, I said spoiled, didn't I? While upstairs she snuggles up under the desk where the embroidery machine is and lulls off to sleep with the noise. When I'm finished I tell her its time to get off work and up she'll pop and we go downstairs. Crazy little thing!<br/><br/>I feel so blessed by this little dog and I can honestly say it's been love a first sight for the both of us. If you are ever feeling lonely, get a dog, it's the best therapy you could ever have.<br/><br/>Well, that's my faves my friends! Sorry to be long winded but I hope you enjoyed your visit. Thank you so much for dropping by and for reading all the way if you did. I'd love to hear from you too if you'd like. I love to hear a few your faves along the same lines as the ones I've posted here today. Hope your having a great week!<br/><br/>Hugs and Waves,<br/><br/>Mary<br/><br/> The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-21637399955889072002016-08-03T10:19:00.001-04:002016-08-03T10:20:27.893-04:00Wanna see the new bedroom color?Well....if you do your going to have to go over to my new blog! Follow me over here now at;<br />
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<br />The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-79112450189401316162016-08-03T05:49:00.000-04:002021-01-31T11:55:20.313-05:00New Color in the Bedroom<p style="text-align:center;">Hi Friends! I am hoping this post will serve dual purposes here today! I am conducting a trial post on the new blog to see how I like it and I get to update you on my master bedroom.</p><br/>[gallery ids="14392,14393,14394,14395,14397,14398" type="rectangular"]<br/><p style="text-align:center;">Well I have to say as far as posting goes, I am struggling quite a bit but I am optimistic. Figuring out how to add pictures to a post is easy, figuring out how to get rid of duplicates in the Media picture file is a challenge. Would love a tip on that if anyones out there. Anyway, enough of that let's get to the good stuff.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14391" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/dsc_0327.jpg" alt="DSC_0327" width="1096" height="731" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I wanted to share my new bedroom color with you today because well, I love it! What a change from the parakeet green I had in here. I still have some very dated furniture and a few unmatched linens now but we will get there eventually. The new color is called Breaktime from Sherwin Williams. It is a bluish greenish color that is just so perfect in this room.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14392" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/dsc_0329.jpg" alt="DSC_0329" width="1096" height="731" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I am not sure why, but I am guessing it has to do with the exposure from the light of all the windows certain colors can be really off in this room. I tested at least five different colors in here before this one hit the mark for me. Most colors came out either to blue, too green, or too gray. Blah! I will have to show you a color that I tested in here that is in my sons bedroom. It was so gray in here and in his room is a tranquil blue-green. Weird!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14393" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/dsc_0332.jpg" alt="DSC_0332" width="1096" height="731" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I also went on a search for a new quilt that would compliment this new color. This one works though it's a little bright. I really wanted something with a pattern but couldn't find what I wanted that would pull in the coral from the cornice boards. They are definitely staying. I have a beautiful very large quilted white bedspread I normally use but since Maizey has decided she loves our bed I didn't want it getting ruined. It wasn't cheap so in the closet it went until winter when we can use it under another quilt. Oh the sacrifices we make for our pets right?</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14395" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/dsc_0338.jpg" alt="DSC_0338" width="1096" height="731" />I certainly don't mind though, she is my heart!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14394" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/dsc_0335.jpg" alt="DSC_0335" width="1096" height="731" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I have kept the white pillow sham out that has our initial embroidered on it. I love this idea I had to do this back when I worked at the embroidery shop. I am thrilled that I can now do this for others as well on my machine. I decided to just put one large last name initial on the sham instead of having two different sets of initials on shams. With my white bedset I used three standard shams instead of the two king sized ones. This blue quilt set sold the king shams with the quilt so that was that but the white still works here. Eventually I may get a white bed skirt as well, or something with some white in it.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"> For those who want to dress up their linens without spending a lot on embroidery this single initial is a great option. Even if you were to do both shams with a single initial it's a great choice because lets face it, most men really don't care if their initials are on their shams or not. I have listened to so many ladies struggle with whether to put their husbands initials on the shams or just theirs. Then there is the whole font issue. Hubby doesn't like script but wife does, he want's his masculine she wants hers feminine. I know to each his own, but here's a nice compromise just in case!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14397" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/dsc_0340.jpg" alt="DSC_0340" width="1096" height="731" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I think this shot shows the best real shot of how the color actually looks in my room. The camera and outside lighting in here is doing funny things to change it up a bit, but this is pretty dead on. It is such a relaxing and tranquil color in this room. I cannot tell you how much I love our room. As you can also see I've been very hesitant to put anything on the walls in here too. I want to keep it breezy and light and uncluttered.</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14398" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/dsc_0346.jpg" alt="DSC_0346" width="1162" height="775" /></p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">I would love to hear what you think of the new color? In fact I would just love to hear from any of you in general. Just drop me a quick reply to let me know if your here, that would be great. If you're so inclined I would love ideas on what color to repaint my hutch in here. My dream is to one day replace the furniture with soft white washed or grey washed furniture but that's further down the road. Tips, ideas, suggestions, I would love to hear them all!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Thanks so much for stopping by y'all!</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Hugs and Waves,</p><br/><p style="text-align:center;">Mary</p><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-90995310561752333532016-07-19T10:12:00.000-04:002021-01-31T11:41:56.973-05:00You bring the Seafood...<div style="text-align:center;">....and I'll bring the rest. Cause restins about all I can dooo....on my stay vay-cay-shuuunnnn!</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div style="text-align:center;">Sounds like the beginning of sad ole country song doesn't it? Haha, I thought so too. No worries, dreamer friends, this post and the beautiful summer tablescape I have set to join some of my friends over at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/flatware-for-all-seasons-holidays-flatware-storage/">Tablescape Thursday</a> promises to be anything but sad.</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"> True to my pen name, I am dreaming, dreaming, dreaming of the beach though. This is the first year we have not booked a vacation in I don't know how long! We decided not to make any plans because we've got one son doing an out of state internship for the summer (in very pricey downtown Atlanta) and another who has made a very hard earned recent job change. This summers scenario made for a very difficult family vacation plan to come together. Additionally, with me not working and being at home again it seemed like a good year to cut out that one big expense. You see we are beach people, those local SC people who as close as we are, still have to go to the beach prime season despite that it's the hottest, busiest and most expensive time of the year. But not this year, and while I am missing those beautiful waves it's actually also feeling like a bit of relief. So don't be sad for me because I do have a beautiful boat on the lake just a stones throw away, a pool in my backyard, and time at home to enjoy it this year. Who knows maybe we will catch a weekend down there at some point. Life is still pretty darn good here you know, in fact it's really pretty awesome! I am so thankful!</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"> I have been enjoying my beachy decorations quite a bit more this year since I've been missing the ocean. It's so fun to have a beachy attitude. I also really enjoyed putting together this beachy tablescape in "The Mermaid Lounge", and I hope you'll enjoy it too. So enough of the chit chatting and woes me, let's get beachin gals!</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/e2ee7-dsc_0315.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/e2ee7-dsc_0315.jpg?w=200" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Welcome to Mermaid Lounge! It's ever evolving and has just received a few more shifts of furniture this week. The table got moved over to make room for the bakers rack which meant the chandy had to move too. It's always in progress out here!</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/01081-dsc_0276.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/01081-dsc_0276.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">There was one single element on this table that inspired the setting. I will get back to that in a bit if you don't figure it out first but I'll give you a hint. It has a lot to do with the location. Heehe!</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/11255-dsc_0278.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/11255-dsc_0278.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div style="text-align:center;">One of my most favorite things about tablescaping is when you start off with a bit of inspiration that just leads from one element to the next. That's how this one came together for me. It was so exciting to have everything I needed right in my cabinets to pull it all together.</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/4bd1c-dsc_0280.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/4bd1c-dsc_0280.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I knew right away somehow I was going to use my iridescent oyster plates. I just had no idea it was all going to pull together so well until it was all done.</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/54cdb-dsc_0301.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/54cdb-dsc_0301.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I started off with two layers of placemats to add a bit more texture and color. I then added the white shell embossed dinner plates bought from a thrift store a few years back.</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/233e4-dsc_0303.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/233e4-dsc_0303.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Then I decided to add my blue and green swirl melamine luncheon plates. I can't recall right off the bat where I purchased these but will add it later if I remember.</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/1d26b-dsc_0304.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/1d26b-dsc_0304.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Finally, it was time to top it off with the beautiful iridescent oyster plates purchased several years ago from either TJ Maxx or Marshalls. They were sold as a set of four. I have seen these in many different colors over the years but still love the clear ones I got because it reminds me so much of shells and beach glass.</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/10c57-dsc_0305.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/10c57-dsc_0305.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I started thinking the plate looked like it need a little something and since I had no seafood, I then remembered I have these beautiful silver pickling forks maybe? IDK! Anyway, I thought they would be so cute as an oyster fork. They have our initial on the back because they are part of many pieces of silver from both sides of our family that were engraved and handed down to us. It's a southern thing, yes, and it's true, I did come into monogramming very naturally.</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/38f80-dsc_0282.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/38f80-dsc_0282.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/133da-dsc_0298.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/133da-dsc_0298.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">For my flatware, I knew my bubbly looking, hammered stainless was going to perfect.</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/26043-dsc_0284.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/26043-dsc_0284.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I am especially thrilled to finally be able to pull out these glasses I've had for years. The bubble glass tea with multi colors on the bottom came from Stein Mart. Kinda looks like a coral reef doesn't it? Well, maybe if your a dreamer like me you'll see it. Haha!</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/11770-dsc_0299.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/11770-dsc_0299.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">My stems are also blown glass with embossed shells in a teal blue. So refreshing!</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/ee039-dsc_0287.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/ee039-dsc_0287.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">The little vintage mermaid fits in perfectly don't you think? I love her sweet little self with her adorable little headband. I thought the rope styled napkin ring pulled it all together even more for me, don't you? Yes, you think so too, don't you?</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/e1931-dsc_0306.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/e1931-dsc_0306.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"> And because you all are so smart I bet you already guessed that this adorable little Mermaid was my inspiration. I know you did! If you follow either of my FB pages or my Instagram page you already knew because I shared this adorable set of napkins with everyone as soon as I made them. That's right, I stitched this out myself on my machine. I am still stitching away and enjoying it so much. I've added lots of lighter weight and smaller designs to my collections for linens. I am doing embroidery for others now as well. Because I am enjoying my embroidery so much is part of the reason why I have been so absent on the blog here lately. It's all good though. If you'd like to follow along on either of my Facebook pages, just click on the links here at:</div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheDecorativeDreamersEmbroidery/">The Decorative Dreamers Embroidery </a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">and/or</div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thedecorativedreamer/">The Decorative Dreamer.</a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"> Please make sure you LIKE the page when you get there so you will get my updates. If your interested in anything yous see on those pages, send me a message if I can help you. You can also find me on Instagram and Pinterest too as The Decorative Dreamer.</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/35da8-dsc_0288.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/35da8-dsc_0288.jpg?w=200" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/2716e-dsc_0291.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/2716e-dsc_0291.jpg?w=200" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/f74f7-dsc_0294.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/f74f7-dsc_0294.jpg?w=200" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I stalled for just a small bit on the centerpiece because my space was so limited on this smaller sized table. Then I remembered I had this very tall stem glass my son gave me when he worked at Home Goods one summer while in school. After I had the stem in place, I remembered several other pieces and then it came together so fast.</div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/f8400-dsc_0323.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/f8400-dsc_0323.jpg?w=200" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I even had everything I needed on hand to fill the stem. Well, okay it's not quite filled but its just enough. I layered a bag of white sand, then a few shells, sea glass and more shells. The shells were a bag from Stein Mart a few years back and the sand and sea glass were from the dollar tree.</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/91ae6-dsc_0289.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/91ae6-dsc_0289.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">My old ceramic beachy S&P shakers from when we had our camper are still so adorable.</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/7d28e-dsc_0317.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/7d28e-dsc_0317.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">The willow basket candle holders were from Wisteria several years back and were the perfect heights for the sides of the tall stem. I pulled out the clear glass that is usually inside of them and added my mercury glass jars for extra shine in between the wood.<br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/17da2-dsc_0283.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/17da2-dsc_0283.jpg?w=200" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div><br/></div><br/><div class="" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/d4786-dsc_0308.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/d4786-dsc_0308.jpg?w=300" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"> And here it is, and that is how it all came together!</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;" href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/36ccc-dsc_0310.jpg"><img src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/36ccc-dsc_0310.jpg?w=200" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div class="" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"> Thanks so much for stopping by today and if your feeling kinda beachy and you'd like to bring some seafood...well, come on over!</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div style="text-align:center;">I hope you all are having a wonderful summer! If you happen to have a moment I'd love to hear from you too!</div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"></div><br/><div style="text-align:center;">Hugs and Waves!</div><br/><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><br/><div style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iFPSwRYgBZ4/TlwuXNEf79I/AAAAAAAAJhE/s3xohxB4JvU/s144/My%252520signature.jpg" align="center" /></div><br/> The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-89161268448643488052016-06-05T07:44:00.000-04:002021-01-31T11:41:55.131-05:00Give me a Sunday Morning Full of Grace<div style="text-align:center;">...a simple life and I'll be okay, here is small town USA.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">Good morning dreamer friends! How are ya? This Sunday morning I was up early and enjoying all the beautiful visions out in blogland. Y'all sure do have it going on and looking good! I am always so amazed at how much others are able to accomplish when I barely am able to keep up with what we have. I sure haven't been keeping up with blogging like I had hoped to. One reason I haven't kept up with posts is because I've been waiting for something great or something inspiring to show you. You know, something pretty to see!</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/65b0b-dsc_0259.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/65b0b-dsc_0259.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">So I ran outside to take a few shots, because I think there is beauty in my backyard. Then I stood there looking around on this dreary morning and thought beauty? Maybe....for me, maybe not so much for you. Last night we had a few rains that came through and well, our backyard looks much like the morning after today.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/35a4b-dsc_0254.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/35a4b-dsc_0254.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/c126c-dsc_0260.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/c126c-dsc_0260.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I couldn't help but notice I had left my beach towel out and it got soaked in the rains, The chair cushions are a little damp but not as much as they could be because they usually end up staying in this position all the time because we don't like the cats getting cat hair all over them. And then there's the puppy float below that sits around the pool all summer but rarely in it just waiting to take our dog (who never wants to get into the pool) for a ride. It sits out because even with all this decking we have, we still don't own a deck box for storage.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/23068-dsc_0249.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/23068-dsc_0249.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Storage that is well needed to store things like floats and the pool brush that is laying on my patio table. Yes this one here below. Thats right, that the one with the paint project that still needs finishing, the one with 3 white chairs and the last black chair sitting there like an outcast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/6b812-dsc_0256.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/6b812-dsc_0256.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Even with the sun just now starting to peek out as I type, I resisted the urge to wait on a post. I could have waited until the sun was all the way out and shining, and I could have waited until I cleaned things up a bit more. I could have waited until I finished all the little things I want to get done. But friends, I if I wait, and I stage, and I make sure everything is spot on, well then, your not getting the true picture here and that is what I want you to have today. I want you to know that as I live and breathe in a dreamers world, I also stay grounded in reality that is full of grace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/4c969-dsc_0262.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/4c969-dsc_0262.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">At first glance, I thought my deck was looking quite enjoyable,even after being soaked in the precious rains. I thought with all the color I've added this year I'd go up the steps to get some closeup shots.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/4725a-dsc_0263.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/4725a-dsc_0263.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I could have moved the camera just a bit so you would see only the ferns and the beautiful Ivy geraniums. I could have angled it just perfectly so you wouldn't see the small deck planter I insisted my husband include on this deck when he built it. You know the one, that I now dread because it has thrown off the whole balance of the deck for me with the planters but we are too thrifty to just yank up all those boards and replace them until they actually need it.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/376f2-dsc_0264.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/376f2-dsc_0264.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I could have zoomed in close on the Tomato plants to show you only the green parts. You didn't need to see that they are struggling did you? </div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/ded68-dsc_0266.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/ded68-dsc_0266.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Or that the small leftover florals I stuck in the these pots aren't really going to take off like I had hoped they might, and if I'm going to add more to them, well then perhaps I should.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/33b38-dsc_0265.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/33b38-dsc_0265.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">You might find these flowers quite pretty and doing very well if you overlook the fact they are still in their original containers. The truth here is I intended to leave these in their actual containers but I had also intended to cover the containers with burlap and twine. Hasn't happened yet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/ab204-dsc_0261.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/ab204-dsc_0261.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Nor have I found the perfect pot for this beautiful plant even though I have found the perfect spot for where I want it to sit when I find that beautiful new pot I want.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/3097c-dsc_0271.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/3097c-dsc_0271.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Yes, honestly I know what you are thinking now. How much more of this do we need to see right? </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"> I could have skipped sharing this photo too. What is there to look at here? A ladder laying in the side yard, that the Mr. needs to put back up. Never mind the fact that its there because he stores it under the house and it's near the entry underneath. It's not pretty to see is it? But it has a story. He pulled it out because we can hear something through one of the vents in the house...something like a creature moving about. EEK! We are pretty sure it is a possum that has figured out a way to get in and out near the heating and air conditioner units but we cannot catch him yet. Well let me rephrase that...hubby cannot catch him yet. I want no part of it! I want to call the exterminator.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/68987-dsc_0251.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/68987-dsc_0251.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Sorry, I get sidetracked, let me refocus on the backyard again. All righty now, yes I could have cleaned up all the spent blooms that have fallen off my beautiful hibiscus plant before taking pictures...</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/82eb7-dsc_0252.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/82eb7-dsc_0252.jpg?w=200" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">...and cleaned up all the ones from gardenias too. Could have, should have, right? </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/3046d-dsc_0258.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/3046d-dsc_0258.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Lastly, (because I know your getting a little disappointed or bored by now) I could have angled this shot a little better as well right? You didn't have to see the dirt we piling in the corner behind my newly planted palm to try and level it off from the slope that happens beyond the fence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/da366-dsc_0272.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/da366-dsc_0272.jpg?w=200" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">And just like the poison ivy that is growing up my deck, I didn't have to share any of this with you. I could have kept it all perfectly posh when sharing. I could have shared only that which is the most pleasing. I could have just not shared at all as I have a tendency to do when everything isn't perfect. Yes, I certainly could have let the poison of feeling inadequate, of feeling less then choke out the joys that I do have and that I do see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"> When all I (or you) can focus on is the ugly, something is wrong. It's time for a reality check. It's time for a step back and to take another look. Thank you God for showing me that pesky old poison ivy vine. The one that if left unchecked will grow and grow and choke out everything around it and causing an itch that won't go away untreated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">My life is certainly not picture perfect. I certainly don't have the best of everything and a lot of what I share is not going to take your breath away and I'm not going to pretend it does. </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/b3e20-dsc_0247.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/b3e20-dsc_0247.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">But did you notice among all the chaos, there is life going on? What some of you probably don't see here in these pictures is someone who is living and loving her reality. I don't begrudge those who have finished up this and that because I know how hard you work for it and I'm glad to see it. I work for it too but I've also learned to slow it down more and to focus on enjoying it more as well. It's okay if everything doesn't get finished quickly. It's okay if I seem to be jumping from one project to another before totally finishing one. It's been crazy this summer so far and so much has gotten done really yet all I seem to be able to share with you in my blog is the outside. LOL! </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I guess I'm sharing outside again because even among all the ugly, I can still see the beauty in what is and how far things have come.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I remember when we built this pool I had a vision of this planter area between the deck and block wall being filled with gardenias. It has taken several years to fill in nicely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/754cd-dsc_0253.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/754cd-dsc_0253.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">This year that vision has come true in abundance, and it smells devine!</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/75e0a-dsc_0267.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/75e0a-dsc_0267.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I've also had a plan to save money on plants this year because I'm not working outside the house anymore. My plan included buying less, but also searching for discounted plants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/343ed-dsc_0250.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/343ed-dsc_0250.jpg?w=200" width="426" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I purchased lots of flowering plants that were marked down because they were either neglected or in need of pesticides. I also looked for very large pots of flowers that were marked down so that I could divide them and spread them around. Husband hit them once with the strong stuff but I have also been treating them with a spray bottle of dish washing liquid mixed with water. The combination will kill bugs on contact but not harm your flowers. I'd say they are adapting well wouldn't you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/6b959-dsc_0255.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/6b959-dsc_0255.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">My very inexpensive water feature got a boost this year when I repainted the urn pot blue to match the pool and the containers around it. Suddenly the cheap PVC pipe even looks better to me. Not to shabby for a makeshift fountain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Yes, we have a ways to go outside and sometimes I wonder if it will ever be what I'd like to see. </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/eca8d-dsc_0245.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/eca8d-dsc_0245.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">But look how far we have come! Sometimes that all it takes to see the beauty of things. A step back and fresh perspective and heart of grace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Thank you Lord!</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Have a blessed Sunday friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Hugs and Waves!</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><img align="center" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iFPSwRYgBZ4/TlwuXNEf79I/AAAAAAAAJhE/s3xohxB4JvU/s144/My%252520signature.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div>The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-78962959458052117582016-05-09T07:12:00.000-04:002021-01-31T11:41:55.242-05:00Pretty Pink Front Door<div style="text-align:center;">Good Morning blog friends and fellow dreamers!</div><div style="text-align:center;">I hope you all had a wonderful Mothers day, either celebrating being a Mom or having a Mom. I was privileged to be able to celebrate both. It was such a beautiful and wonderfully relaxing day this year. I really hope yours was as well!</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">Progress has been rolling along very well with new color updates here and there at our house. While there is still yet more to be done on the front porch, I wanted to share where it is now. I've decided to link this up with</div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/refurbishing-kdat-wood-porch-floor/"> Between Naps on the Porch for; Metamorphosis Monday</a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;"> I really feel like the front porch has gone from being stuck in a dull cocoon to a beautiful new butterfly now. Let's take a look back now at how it looked in March when the transformation began.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/069d1-dsc_0616.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/069d1-dsc_0616.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/fb205-dsc_0617.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/fb205-dsc_0617.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">In these two pictures above you can see the decking stain in it's old lighter beige color, Monterray Tan from Sherwin Williams, and how it was beginning to show some wear Below is how things looked just after I restained the deck and steps in a darker shade called Tobacco by Sherwin Williams. </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/a9258-dsc_0621.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/a9258-dsc_0621.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/367f5-dsc_0221.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/367f5-dsc_0221.jpg?w=200" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/8e4e9-dsc_0222.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/8e4e9-dsc_0222.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">With the decking all finished it was time to accessorize. I repainted this small table and chairs from the pool area in the backyard in white and decided to bring it to the front porch this year.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/ac8bc-dsc_0217.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/ac8bc-dsc_0217.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"> Then I brought out a few houseplants, some pillows for the rocking chairs and rehung the hammock chair.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/375ac-dsc_0230.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/375ac-dsc_0230.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/3ad54-dsc_0232.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/3ad54-dsc_0232.jpg?w=200" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;">This small washstand moved from the backporch to the front porch after receiving a fresh new coat of paint. It went from a pretty light green to this more trendier mint. But, I didn't stop there. As you can see below, I decided a few more things needed a fresh burst of color as well this year. </div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/d18d6-dsc_0240.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/d18d6-dsc_0240.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"> Shut the front door right? Oh no she didn't, Oh YES she did! You better believe I am loving my new front door color! Before we talk about the showstopper here though, let's talk about a few other things that got a redo, Okay?</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/26cd6-dsc_0227.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/26cd6-dsc_0227.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;"> My metal initial K wreath went from red to bright yellow. I originally did not intend for it to go on the door but to stay on the siding where the wooden sailboat is now. I intended for the sailboat to be on the door but because of the way the sailboat is made it doesn't lay flat on the door when on the hook. Still needing to rework that, so for now, the bright yellow K is popping off this pretty pink door.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/a2a56-dsc_0223.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/a2a56-dsc_0223.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">The little metal bench beside the front door also went from black to navy and a new colorful welcome mat helped me to start to pull it all together.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/e36fc-dsc_0228.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/e36fc-dsc_0228.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/0899b-dsc_0224.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/0899b-dsc_0224.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/d18d6-dsc_0240.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/d18d6-dsc_0240.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Ok, now since you have been so patient, let's talk about my new front door. Talk about a bold move here. After I repainted the porch flooring I realized my black door just didn't cut it. My house siding is an off white cream color and the black and the brown with the cream was super dull to me and not so inviting. I really wanted something that would pop from underneath the covered porch and would also fit into the change of seasons. Where I live near the lake there are many of us who have fun and brightly colored doors. I seriously considered a beautiful turquoise but knew it would not fit into my holiday decorating at Christmas and I wasn't keen on the idea or redoing all my outdoor Christmas decor. My husband wanted a red door but I new it would really have looked odd with the siding and the porch floor and honestly, I just wasn't into it.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/695af-dsc_0225.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/695af-dsc_0225.jpg?w=200" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">So i searched and searched for a month and finally found the color I wanted. It was called Mom's Lipstick by Olympic paints. I picked up the swatch from Lowes took it home and mulled over it for a few weeks then went back to get the paint and wouldn't you know it was no longer on display. Olympic paints had done a total reset on their colors and I didn't have my swatch with me the day I decided to buy the paint. The poor man who worked the counter wasn't feeling well that day but hung in there looking up the combination and mixing the paint for me. When he opened the lid I looked in the can and saw a very pepto pink. I said, umm, that's not quite right, sorry. But rather then go home and get the swatch and come back I asked him to deepen it up closer to a new swatch I pulled and this is what I ended up with. </div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/1ee2d-dsc_0226.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/1ee2d-dsc_0226.jpg?w=200" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I decided to bring home the paint and see if it was close enough for me with the understanding I could return it if I didn't like it. I am so glad I did, because while it's not quite an exact match to the swatch it's close enough and honestly I really like it even more. I am thinking someone else around here really did too because I noticed a neighbors house down the street whose door and her front porch rockers n have also changed into a color very close to this color just recently. </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/daf69-dsc_0235.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/daf69-dsc_0235.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">While I may not have lots of pretty flowers all over the front yard, I can't help but think of Azaleas every time I look at my door. I cannot wait to see how floral wreath are going to look on the door as well. So pretty! </div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/1d730-dsc_0238.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/1d730-dsc_0238.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">Well, I gotta run now, I am repainting my Master bedroom starting today and I'm chomping at the bit. I wanted to hurry up and get this out there though before too much time goes by again between posts. It's turning out to be a beautiful spring and a very promising summer.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">Thanks so much for popping in today, I hope you liked what you saw.</div><div style="text-align:center;">As always I love hearing from you too. Have great day and great week friends!</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">Hugs and Waves,</div><div style="text-align:center;"><img align="center" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iFPSwRYgBZ4/TlwuXNEf79I/AAAAAAAAJhE/s3xohxB4JvU/s144/My%252520signature.jpg" /></div><br />The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825561844621682643.post-23763939041238643062016-04-26T05:48:00.000-04:002021-01-31T11:41:55.358-05:00Looks whats Blooming Now<div style="text-align:center;">Good Morning! The sun is just barely peeking out this morning as I was sitting inside browsing on my little Chromebook when I saw there was a garden party going on in blogland. Well, immediately, I knew I had to get my butt, um I mean myself in gear and share a little outdoor love myself. </div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/f5741-dsc_0214.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/f5741-dsc_0214.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;"> It seems time is flying by so fast lately and I've hardly blogged at all. I truly intended to do more blogging but time just ticks away so fast. To be honest, I enjoy sharing my photos and projects but sharing them is not on the top of my list these days. I know this is probably one of the most discouraging things I could say as a blogger but its true. I say this because I am more in the phase of just getting things done lately. I am learning to take things slower and not to pressure myself with adding in so many additional responsibilities. For me, adding in the time it takes to snap photos and write a post often comes at the expense of putting aside something else. I am choosing a little less of that right now because when the weather is nice I am all about "living" outside. I wish I could juggle it better as so many do and share it all but I cannot. I don't want to stress either so its hit and miss blogging for me right now. I hope you will understand.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/6fe5a-dsc_0151.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/6fe5a-dsc_0151.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;"> One of my most favorite visions each morning is this gigantic knock out rose. I love seeing it outside of my glass kitchen doors and how it cascades beautifully over the railing. </div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/e538a-dsc_0178.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/e538a-dsc_0178.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">It just blooms so beautifully! Unfortunately, it is also so very aggressive and has almost completely taken over one corner of the bedding area by the deck. I think it's trying to make its way past our rooftops. LOL!</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/50088-dsc_0176.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/50088-dsc_0176.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;">In that same area we have two very large camellia bushes (trees) and a snowball viburnum, shown here. We are relocating the snowball viburnum soon to the back yard along the fence. As you can see here, I also have gardenias in this bedding area as well. I have them all around my house and they are all budding well but not blooming yet. The gardenias are one of my summer delights.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/34327-dsc_0181.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/34327-dsc_0181.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">This is the area I hope to relocate the viburnum too. As you can see it is a very shady area under large oaks. It's problematic because we have red clay and abundance of leaves that fall ever year. We let it go for awhile now and just this year I cleared away years of dead leaves. I am taking a risk putting it here but I think it's going to be fine as we do get a some sun here and I have been able to sustain the gardenias and azaleas that I've planted here as well. I say sustain because that's what they are doing, not quite flourishing though. What really needs to happen over here is amending the soil more and perhaps adding a better bedding base. Again, more work and more time!</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/3c9f4-dsc_0179.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/3c9f4-dsc_0179.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/60553-dsc_0180.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/60553-dsc_0180.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">As you walk towards the gate from the backyard to side yard I have few more budding beauties. First is a little bed near the back steps and deck that I've shared recently but I wanted you to see the mint that is growing so vigorously despite the ivy it is pushing up out of. </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/5aa07-dsc_0211.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/5aa07-dsc_0211.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Smells devine! It's so funny that the cats rarely ever take notice of these. </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"> The jasmine that I planted last year along the fence gate area is starting to take off. I cannot wait to see this spread more this summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/61b5a-dsc_0209.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/61b5a-dsc_0209.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">And though I hadn't realized it until just this morning, my Oakleaf hydrangea next to the side steps and screen porch are indeed starting to bloom. Stacy, I have no idea how I could have not noticed one of the largest bloomers in my yard. LOL!</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/5850e-dsc_0154.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/5850e-dsc_0154.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">Okay, now let's move on into our side yard where we have new blooms popping up everywhere. </div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/3c6ed-dsc_0158.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/3c6ed-dsc_0158.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">I have a row of these bushes that separates our yard from out neighbors drive. They are tall and beautiful when in bloom and then bushy and green the rest of the summer. I'm sorry but I cannot seem to ever remember the name of them.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/2fe58-dsc_0159.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/2fe58-dsc_0159.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/36c87-dsc_0155.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/36c87-dsc_0155.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Along this side of the house where the utilities are is where I have also transplanted Iris several years ago. It was also a great spot for the Christmas amaryllis to end up as well. They seem to love it here!</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/c0f52-dsc_0157.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/c0f52-dsc_0157.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/582f6-dsc_0162.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/582f6-dsc_0162.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/08dc0-dsc_0166.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/08dc0-dsc_0166.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;">This beautiful climbing rose is the only one left from when we bought the house. We had a whole bed of roses in another area that I struggled with. So they all came up and this one I relocated to the side of the house. It was cut back drastically and is now on the mend. I see I will need to find a trellis for it this year. So pretty!</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/e1575-dsc_0161.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/e1575-dsc_0161.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">The Iris are finally just starting to bloom. I have them everywhere but they are no where near full bloom yet. I wanted to share a few with you anyway. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy these flowers. I love everything about them. I love their shapes and variances of colors. I have many different colors but only the purples have started to bloom. Each one is so unique!</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/74c0f-dsc_0173.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/74c0f-dsc_0173.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/c66be-dsc_0170.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/c66be-dsc_0170.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/8a505-dsc_0169.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/8a505-dsc_0169.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/89a38-dsc_0163.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/89a38-dsc_0163.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/a3802-2016-042.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://thedecorativedreamer.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/a3802-2016-042.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">As you can see, I love enjoying the beauty of outdoors, but I still have so much more to do out here. We desperately need to mulch all the outer beds and continue removing more leaves. We have mostly been very focused on getting the pool area ready for the summer recently. I have so much more I could share around the pool area but I will stop for now and make that another outdoor post for another day. If you enjoyed this post be sure and check out more similar posts from so many others by clicking this link for;</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.poofingthepillows.com/2016/04/garden-party-with-my-friends.html">The Garden Party </a><br />hosted by Stacy at Poofing the Pillows</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">Thank you all so very much for stopping in today. If you do I'd love to hear from you if you have the time. If not, that's okay to because believe me when I say I totally get it! If a peek in my yard gets you going to your yard and you don't have time to comment...then Yay!!!! I've done my job here today!!! </div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;">Have a great day dreamers,</div><div style="text-align:center;">until next time,</div><div style="text-align:center;">Hugs and Waves!</div><br /><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img align="center" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iFPSwRYgBZ4/TlwuXNEf79I/AAAAAAAAJhE/s3xohxB4JvU/s144/My%252520signature.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align:center;"><br /></div>The Decorative Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05279782113691828056noreply@blogger.com8