Repainting the Kitchen

Hi Friends!  I know it's been kinda quiet around here lately but I promise I'll have more to show you soon.  I have been down and out with a summer bug of some sorts.  I'm still not quite 100% but I'm working through it.  It's one strange virus though I have to tell you.  It started with a headache for days, then a stomach illness, then a sore throat.  Ughh!  I hate being sick!!!  We are thinking that the stomach bug was something all together different though as my hubby had it too.  Anyway, as my throat is easing up a bit so is my energy.  Yesterday I decided to get started on repainting the kitchen, scratchy throat and everything.

I have wanted to redo the kitchen color ever since I redid the den.  As you can see in this picture here it was not quite a great flow of colors in between rooms.  Not terrible, just not great.

I bought two gallons of color from Sherwin Williams; Lucent Yellow and Chamomile.

The color on the right is Lucent Yellow.  It's the same color I used in the den.  The color on the left is Chamomile, it's one notch up above Lucent Yellow on the paint chip.  This photo does not show you the best representation of these colors but at least you can see the contrasts.

I played with these two colors in several locations all over the kitchen before making my decision.

My final choice was......(drum roll, please)....Lucent Yellow!

I know you were expecting something new right?  Sorry to disappoint, but let me tell ya!  This Lucent Yellow is no "yellow" color, it really more of a green shade.  Let me also warn you that it's also true to it's name.  The word lucent means; glowing or giving off light.  That's exactly what this color does especially at night.  So, if you tend to shy away from colors that glow you may want to rethink this one.  

 This picture above actually shows the same color on both walls.  It's just the lighting from my camera making it look so different.  I promise it will look a lot better after I have two coats on the wall and the whole room is done.  I love this color because for me it feels so fresh and bright.   What a change so far! I am half way done and need to finish the other side of the room today. I will be back later with a full kitchen reveal after I am done.

As for the other gallon, not to worry!  I had another intended space for it.

You see I just knew that the other color, Chamomile was going to look great in here!  

I have needed to repaint this half bath for almost a year now after we installed this new light fixture that I picked up at the same resale store where my booth is.  It's quite embarrassing that my half bath where all the guests go has looked liked this for so long.

Anyway, I thought I'd go lighter in here and thought that the Chamomile would be perfect.

Only, it's NOT!  Can you see how it looks a little too minty for this room?  Well, that's not going to cut it so I'll be needing more paint for this room.

  I am open to any suggestions on a more neutral linen or cream color to coordinate with the wall paper in here.

As for the Chamomile...well, it's found a perfect room, maybe even a few!  More on that later though.  Well, I gotta do something to encourage you to come back ya know!

Hope all of you are doing well! Be sure and come back again for the full reveal, kay?

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Have a good one!

French Provincial End Table

Lately I have been looking high and low for some extra bookcases for my booth to display all my smalls.  I am trying very hard to find a good deal with some style.  Unfortunately, the past two weekends of yard sales have been a bust and the thrift stores have a very high premium placed on the shelves they have for sale. I guess they are in high demand.  The Mr. is hinting around about building some sooo, I'm hoping that pans out soon.  Meanwhile, the hunt for new shelves has brought me across a few good finds.

Good finds like this older French Provincial end table.  You know the ones I'm talking about don't you?  This sure looks a lot like one that belonged to a bedroom set that several of my friends had growing up.

Only this one was quite dirty and starting to see some wear and tear though very minor.

I knew right away that if I were to restore this sweetie she would require a coat of primer first.  They just did not make this furniture without a laminate.  I can't help but wonder if all French Provincial furniture has laminate.

While deciding whether to bring her home or not I couldn't help but ponder on the one big and obvious gaping hole in the whole picture here.  Do you see it?

That's right the poor dear was sitting around the thrift store topless!  Had she no shame?  Add to that horror was the fact that she had been reduced to being just plain "cheap".  Poor thing!

Well, let me just say, I just couldn't leave her there in all her unworthiness.  I honestly felt so sorry for her.  Once she was a real beauty, popular and loved.  I vowed right then and there she would return to her former glory and I would help wash her clean and hopefully give her a new life.

The Mr. thought I was crazy.  He said, I hope you didn't pay anything for that!  It belongs in the dump.  Then he took a second glance and said, I suppose you are going to want me to cut a new top for it too?

Well, that's right Sweetie!  I had him cut a new top out of some ply board we had in the garage.  I then painted it and wrapped it in burlap and modge podge.  Sorry, this project was done rather quickly between rain showers and whisked off to the shop that I didn't get pics for that step.  In fact it's been so hot and humid I just didn't feel like taking pics after working in such miserable conditions. I have my limits ya know! LOL!  

As for Lil' Miss Cheap and Topless, she is now covered in grace!  I gave her a wash job and coat of primer and then debated for days on what color she would end up with.

After giving it great thought I  knew I had to seriously consider what I thought would sell.  I also didn't want to put a huge amount of work into her.  I knew in my heart that as pretty as all these other colors are the design of this sweety leaned towards her original off white color. I considered painting her black because I knew it would be beautiful with the burlap but I also knew it would be even more limited to who would buy it.  Finally, I decided that the off white had a greater following and could be used in multiple styles.  When you have a booth you do have to consider these things.

  I also decided NOT to give her a glaze even though I myself would like it.  Again, I am considering that not everyone wants a shabby look.  Besides, she had seen enough shabby living for a while and was ready to step things up a bit.  I am praying she will find her new home soon!

I also brought several new items to my booth from my online business at Ah! At Home.  

I rearranged things again on one of my feature walls to create a kitchen theme with the new items (with boxes) featured in between some of the older items. I am testing out some of the new products to see how they will do.

This little section (shelf) of the booth has surprised me.  I put in a sprinkling of jewelry and it has been selling.  I have more older items that I need to add but keep forgetting to bring them.  

I am enjoying having a booth so much.  I picked up my first paycheck last week too.  That's right, I actually paid my rent for July from June sales and made a profit!  I really hope that trend continues.  I was told that I am doing well if I get paid.  LOL!  I am very happy about that because my goal was just to pay for rent.  My profit was even $8.00 short of paying the the rent for August.  Woohoo!  I was thinking I would hold on to it to pay for the next month in case July sales don't pan out as well but the Mr. said I should reinvest it into merchandise for the booth.  I'm not sure what I'll do yet.  We shall see!

Well, that's it for today Friends!

Thanks so much for stopping by I really appreciate it when you do!

Have a great day!

15% Off Dish Sale with Mary Keels Ah! At Home

Hey Ladies!  I just wanted to let you all know about a fantastic sale that is going on right now on my online site at Ah! At Home.  We have just added 7 new dishware collections that are sure to please everyone! 

Even better we have also just been informed that all orders over $50.00 from now until midnight on Monday, July15th, will get an additional 15% off!  Woohoo!!!  I am very excited about that!

Make sure you use the coupon code: NEWCOLLECTIONS in the box upon checkout to get your discount.  Be sure and visit my site below to place your orders for any of these new collections shown below.

I made a few collages to feature each new collection to share with you and my other pages.  I know there is something here each of you tablescapers will love.  In fact even if you are not a tablescaper there is probably something here you will adore too.  To order any of these either click on the picture itself or click on the following link;

http://marykeels.athome.com/browse/tabletop-collections.html

I do believe I may have died and gone to tabletop heaven yall! LOL! I am so excited to see we have added several new tabletop collections on my website sales page. The Oceanside Collection is one of my very favorites! I feel a tablescape coming on soon!

This collection is absolutely stunning! I know it well and can assure you it is very sturdy. It's an off white color made with slight variations of light brown etching around the raised embellishments. This collection would will make a very elegant setting as well as an excellent starter set to coordinate and mix and match with many other collections. You will LOVE it!

I know I'm not the only one who loves a good Roo! This collections got it all too! You will love the red,white and black color combination that fits so nicely into all home decor. Check out those adorable polka dots as well. This is 

classic country decor at it's best!

I know there's a few of you who just can't do with out that cup o' joe! Now you can entertain all your coffee buds with this beautiful collection.

This beautiful collection is bursting forth with bold red flowers on either an understated cream or a dramatic black background. Very contemporary and stylish!

Okay so here's one more! I know this one pretty well too. It's the perfect way to celebrate a birthday or teach your little girls how to host a tea party in style. I know for a fact you won't find all these coordinating pieces in the stores!

Last but not least, it's time to wrap up this dish party in colorful style. That's right everyone it's Fiesta Time! This collection is so pretty and sure to liven up your kitchen any day of the week. Don't wait for a party or a special occasion. Make every night a time to celebrate!

As always, I've placed adds on my Facebook and Pinterest pages with the same info for each picture and thought I'd share them here with you as well.  If you'd like to follow me on either of these sites to keep up with all of our sales, please click on the links below.

To follow me on Facebook, go here;

https://www.facebook.com/AtHomeWithMaryKeels

Be sure and Like this page and become a friend to see all my latest updates!

To follow me on Pinterest, go here;

http://pinterest.com/mlkeels/at-home-with-mary/

Be sure and Follow this page to see all my latest updates.

I hope your as excited about this sale as I am!  In any case I really would love to have you shop with me anytime my sweet friends!  Hope your having a great day too! Thanks so much for stopping by!

4th of July Tablescape - 2013

Hi Friends! I am very happy to say I was able to create a beautifully festive tablescape for the 4th this year.    I say this because the last few years I was working I had been so pressed for time at family gatherings that I often resorted to paper plates. I know shame on me right?  Let me assure you there were no paper plates here this year!

We had a very small gathering with only one son, my mother, my brother and his girlfriend and the Mr. and myself.  It was a small crowd but a wonderful afternoon!  We were even able to get in a quick dip in the pool in between afternoon showers which have become an everyday event lately.

I love creating a 4th of July tablescape because for me it's like enjoying the fireworks.  It's when I let my go of the matchy-matchy look and go for the element of pure surprise.  I get such a kick out of combing different patterns, colors and textures this time of year.  I discovered how much I enjoyed mixing it all up several years ago when I created one of my most favorite tablescapes after the 4th.  I called that one American Country because of the elements I used.  Click HERE or on the name to see it.  This year I wanted to stay focused more on the 4th but still mix it up.  Since I have so many pictures to share the rest of my post will be minus the chit chat with a few comments towards the end.  I hope you enjoy!

We enjoyed all our favorites; BBQ, rice and hash, green beans, rolls and sweet tea.  The menu was fairly light because there were so few of us and I wanted to make sure we saved room for the dessert my  brothers girlfriend brought.  

Oh boy, am I glad we did!  This is what is left of what she brought, Strawberry Upside Down Cake.  It was positively delish!  She got the recipe off of AllRecipes.com.  

Because we were going to be outside for a bit I wanted to also provide a little extra refreshments.  I got this very simple recipe off of Pinterest and decided it was the perfect solution.  It's called Spa Water, doesn't that just sound refreshing to you?  I thought so too! 

All you do for this water is mix in fresh strawberrys, pineapple, ice cubes and water.  That's it!  It eventually has a pinkish tint and taste ever so slightly of the fruit.  It's very refreshing to say the least.  I chose this because you could easily add in a bit of wine for a spritzer if you'd like.

I really enjoyed the 4th this year because I didn't get stuffed and had a very nice time visiting with the family, catching up and relaxing.

How about you?  I hope you had a great 4th of July too.  I'd love to hear all about yours!

Here's a list of the accouterments from above to the best of my recollections... 

Lady Bug Dinnerware; Hausenware designed by Libby Wilke - Ross Stores

Lady Bug Cream and Sugar; Hausenware - Ross Stores

Blue Calico Dinnerware and Salad Plates; Queens - TJ Maxx

Burgandy Salad Plates; Toscana Burgundy - Pier 1

Star Shaped Melamine Dishes - Michaels

Hammered Flatware - Gibson - Stein Mart

Green Goblets - Walmart

Star Shaped Salt and Pepper ; Dollar General???

White Placemats with striped borders; Dollar Tree

Yellow Tablerunner; Pottery Barn

Hurricane Vase; Merino's Furniture

Bread Basket w/Fabric Insert; recent thrift store find

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 

  Have a wonderful weekend!