Memorial Day

It was AMAZING!
Our Memorial Day started out at 7 am sharp with Turtle watching. Apparently our yard is a hatching ground.  This is the third one in two weeks.

We had a family breakfast at a local spot that is always wonderful.


Then we were off to a park for some kite flying.

A little spice rub shopping at Williams & Sonoma. 

Home for some cuddle time.


And then back out to splash around in Chesapeake Bay.

Such Hams!

Boo Kitty and Chupi Lupi

BUT the best part was at dinner.  During our discussion of what Memorial Day meant our daughter just stood up, went over, and gave her Daddy the sweetest hug.  It was just one of those pure moments in a six year olds life when she just "got it".  Our family is a military family and we are very proud of that and so she felt he deserved a hug.


Many men and women sacrifice so we can enjoy many freedoms like this day of leisure, for this I am thankful.


Hope you all had a great Memorial Day!

Wood, meet Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Here are a couple of updates to my side of our bedroom.....


First of all, I jumped quickly on the bandwagon for Annie Sloan chalk paint for two major reasons: no sanding or priming required!   


I will get to pros and cons in a bit but here are a couple of 
transformations using Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint in Old White....

Before & After

$6 GW chiar with hard uncomfortable seat

Old White Chalk Paint

New seat cushion

For this chair I had to scrape off some old glue.  I did sand but just lightly for gunk removal, then on went the paint.

CHKD thrift cork board

I should have moved the lamp, YUK

Here they are together.  One day I will learn to take a great photo!

No sanding required for this cork board.  Paint, distress, wax, add nail head trim, buff, hang!  I listened to Kate @ Centsationalgirl.com here on the nail head trim.  Go ahead an order, it's Fantastic.  Even with shipping, per yard it's cheaper than buying individual boxes of nails.  Plus you save the headache of getting them straight.  

Here is what I have to say about the chalk paint so far.......


Pros 

• Goes on easily with virtually no drips, the paint really grabs on and stays put.  
• Dries insanely fast.
• Comes off brushes very easily.
• You can paint over anything, even wax.
• Distresses like a dream.
• One coat is usually enough especially if your going to distress.
• Low odor, you can work with it indoors!
• If it gets too thick, just add water.  If you want it thicker, just leave the top open.

Cons

• Price.  I paid $122.51 for 3 quarts.  $40.83 a piece includes the shipping. Still a lot but I got three colors I knew I could mix together if I want to. 
• Color selection.
• You must seal it.  (Not really an issue for me because waxing is soooo wonderful) 

Now that you know I have three quarts (Old White, Paris Grey, & Provence) you can bet I will be using it as often as I can.

~Kristina


Linked to: 
~Miss Mustard Seed's Feature Furniture Friday
~House of Hepworths

To Do List: Master Bedroom

So here is my to do list for our Master, well at least my side.    Since we are renting no painting of the walls will be happening. BUT I still want to sleep in an Inspired room. 

First I need something over the bed.

Probably going to use something laying around like the artwork on the floor here.  

And the chair will definitely meet some Annie Sloan Chalk paint.

My desk that I LOVE!  Needs something........

Here is an inspirational photo..... find this makeover here @ My Blessed Life

This sad, sad cork board and lamp is killing me!

Stay tuned for some after pics.

~Kristina

A Poem for your Motherboard

I thought this was funny, cute, and insightful.  Especially in this day and age that we are soooo  connected to technology and maintain relationships via text, email, and Facebook, this post is very relevant.

I hope you enjoy!

Every single evening

As I'm lying here in bed,

This tiny little Prayer 

Keeps running through my head:

God Bless all my family

Wherever they may be,

Keep them warm and safe from harm
For they're so close to me.

And God, there is one more thing
I wish that you could do;
Hope you don't mind me asking,
Please bless my computer, too.


Now I know that it's unusual
To Bless a motherboard,
But listen just a second
While I explain it to you, Lord.

You see, that little metal box
Holds more than odds and ends;
Inside those small compartments
Rest so many of my friends.

I know so much about them
By the kindness that they give,
And this little scrap of metal
Takes me in to where they live.

By faith is how I know them
Much the same as you.
We share in what life brings us
And from that our friendships grew.

Please take an extra minute
From your duties up above,
To bless those in my address book
That's filled with so much love.

Wherever else this prayer may reach
To each and every friend,
Bless each e-mail inbox
And each person who hits "send".

When you update your Heavenly list
On your own Great CD-ROM
Bless everyone who says this prayer
Sent up to GOD.com

This Inspired Good was originally sent to me via email from my Hubby's Grandmother Virginia.  I was only blessed to know her a few short years because she was taken from us unexpectedly due to cancer.  BUT her memory is so vivid and this email/poem is something I have always wanted to share.  She was such an amazing person, one of those people that you sat real close to so you can listen to everything they said.  And I remember the day she got her first computer from her kids.  She took to it so well and this poem is an example of how considerate she was.  Virginia was a more traditional gal but knew us "modern" kids needed a good blessing every once in a while!  Thanks V!

~Kristina
this has been linked to....

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I love spray paint!

It truly is the easiest of paint mediums.  Transformations are quick, and as long as you are working in a ventilated area with proper ground cover for over spray, SUPER EASY!

I have been INSPIRED BY Kate of Centsationalgirl (over and over and over again).  Reading several of her posts like this one and this one gave me confidence to give spray paint a try.  Here are a few of my Inspired Goods.......

Before and After!

Brass Lamp from Goodwill

Valspar Vanilla Spray paint on lamp AND table

Blah!

Valspar Mediterranean Spray Paint

Wood Candlesticks

Valspar White

~Kristina

ThriftyDecorChick

Stoney's Produce

On of the things that make living in Virginia Beach great is Stoney's Produce.  The fact that is is only about a mile from my house makes it even better.  If you are in need of some locally grown veggies or beautiful flowers there selection is top notch.  Please enjoy the pictures below and patronize them often!

They grow right across the street!

An old barn is the "store" for Stoney's

Antique scale, Love it!

No need to lug anything around.  Just set your basket down and fill little by little.

       

They have plenty of vintage Radio flyer wagons for you to use as you walk through the flowers, AWESOME!

I saved the best part for last.....Carolyn's Coop

this excerpt is taken from there web site www.stoneysproduce.com: When was the last time you stepped into (if ever) a real authentic chicken coop? When you visit Stoney's Produce you don't want to miss entering Carolyn's Coop, No, it isn't full of chickens although years ago (approximately 80 years ago),  it was authentic housing for chickens. Today you will find it smelling of lavender and full of garden inspiration.

The Entrance with a refurbished planter chair!!

Locally made soaps by Tasha's Own

The "front porch"

I seriously want to buy everything in that coop!

~Kristina