Thursday, September 5, 2013

A Collage Wall to Change with the Seasons

In the spring,  I experimented with a new collage wall.
This is in my living room, just as you step in the front door -- on one side of the armoire.
I wanted to try a new look {for me} by utilizing most of the whole wall space, hanging things
higher & lower than I normally do.
Overall, I am quite pleased with it.
For some reason, I completely forgot to show you this wall right after I did it, so it's changed a bit now,
but this is how it looked when I first arranged it in the spring.
I have now changed out the nest that is hanging on the oval frame & I'll show you what I put
in it's place in a minute.




I didn't buy a single thing for this collage wall -- which has been my plan for a while now --
creatively making use of what I have instead of accumulating more 'stuff'.


This oval frame came from Goodwill & I sprayed painted it this creamy white.
I've had the bird's nest for years & just threaded a strip of burlap through the back in order to hang it.
This was one of my favorite 'spring' things in the house & I really hated to take it down.



This frame came from the flea market & had the polka dot scrap paper in it when I bought it ...
& it's remained there ever since.
A few years ago, I attached a black wooden letter 'P' to the front, but otherwise,
this frame is usually displayed as is.


Here is a look at the whole little corner.
The hook rack on the wall was hung several years ago as a functional piece for hats, jackets, & coats.
The lamp is old, old, old.
I think we got it right after we were married, so let's say it's at least 21 years old.
A spray painting of black updated the brass ... & I even spray painted the shade a few years back
& added the burlap accessory.
I think I am getting ready to replace the shade entirely,
along with replacing all the shades in the living room.
I'm wanting more of the drum-type shades, I think.


The basket is my least favorite part of this corner.
I'm thinking it needs to darker -- so maybe a coat of spray paint would help?
Either that or a new basket entirely.
It's functional though, holding all our throws & quilts.

As for the little green basket with coral flowers, that was a gift from my sweet friend, Jenny S.
It sat there during the spring for a little pop of color.


The antique ironing board ... well, I just haven't found the perfect spot for it,
so, for now, it's here.
It was my $10 flea market find.
In a booth just over from it was another one almost like it, selling for $100.
I think I got the better bargain ;)



When spring passed & summer began, I changed out the nest & in it's place I hung our family tree.
This was a handmade gift from my friend, Stacy H.
I love it so much.
I moved the oval frame to the other side, replacing one framed pic.



With fall quickly approaching, I'm sure this wall with have an update or two
to include something seasonal again.

That's the fun of a collage wall.
Once you get the main layout & components in place, it's easy to switch out a thing or two
for a new, fresh look.

Thanks for visiting, friends.







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Monday         Make It Yourself Monday        The Better Mom       C.R.A.F.T     
Tuesday    Domestically Divine     A Bowl Full of Lemons    Titus Tuesday      A Stroll Through Life
Wednesday   Raising Homemakers        Savvy Southern Style         Adorned From Above
                   Women Living Well    The Thrifty Home     A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Thursday      The Shabby Creek Cottage     Serving Joyfully     Lamberts Lately
Friday    Happy-Go-Lucky     The Thrifty Groove      Farm Blog Hop
Sunday  Suburbsmama    Sew Many Ways



Wednesday, September 4, 2013

18 days left of summer




Can you even believe it, people?!
Summer is almost over.
In fact, we've got 18 days til fall officially rolls in.
You know, the season of pumpkin everything ... & I love it.

I'll be sad to see summer go though ... I will.
It's been a really good one.
We've had mild temperatures, for the most part ... all in all, much better weather than last summer.
I hope this gorgeousness sticks around right into the fall season.

I thought since there are only 18 days left of summer,
I better see how much I can mark off my summer bucket list ...
& check out any remaining activities that can be done while there's still a little bit of time.


buy new sunglasses
amusement park
camping either in our travel trailer or rent a cabin
Gene's Hot Dog & Root Beer Stand .... & Frazier's
drive through Falls Park & visit all our old stomping grounds in Anderson/Pendleton

picnic
fireworks/Fourth of July parade
explore downtown Indy
eat at 3 new restaurants
swim at my sisters every time she invites me over
paint the lower bathroom & laundry room
sit on the porch/patio & read as many mornings as possible
go to the state fair
eat fresh!
drink lots of iced tea

lose 20 pounds
sew more on my sewing machine
play putt-putt
grill often
eat dinner on the patio any evening that it's not a thousand degrees



Ok!
That's not too bad!

The trip to an amusement park will probably not happen.
We just haven't been able to fit that one in.

As for camping, that's going to be shifted to the fall bucket list, along with exploring downtown Indy
& playing putt-putt.

The picnic is scheduled for next week & I am happy to say that it's going to be a picnic extraordinaire!
Can't wait to tell you all about it & show you all the pics -- stay tuned.

Last but not least, while I did not lose 20 pounds over the summer, I did lose about half of that.
Our summer was filled with eating healthy & exercise.
Overall, we feel much better than what we would have otherwise & are continuing on
our journey to weight loss & good health.
By the end of the year, we will be happy for the struggle.

I'm currently planning our fall bucket list & if it's half as successful as the summer one,
I'll be tickled pink =)

How about you ... have you had lots of summer fun?!
Let's get out there & make these last 18 days of the 2013 summer count!




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Monday         Make It Yourself Monday        The Better Mom       C.R.A.F.T     Sunny Simply Life
Tuesday    Domestically Divine     A Bowl Full of Lemons    Titus Tuesday      A Stroll Through Life
Wednesday   Raising Homemakers        Savvy Southern Style         Adorned From Above
                   Women Living Well    Southern Lovely     The Thrifty Home
Friday    Happy-Go-Lucky     The Thrifty Groove      Farm Blog Hop
Sunday  Suburbsmama    Sew Many Ways



Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Family Reunion & Outdoor Movie Night

Whew ~ are the days flying by or what?!

We've been super duper busy around here & I just haven't had a second to spare.
But, since I already know how much I dislike taking too long of a bloggy break,
I thought I'd stop in for a quick update of sorts.

I've been feeling the push to get my to-do list completed ...
you know, those final check offs before the fall season rolls in.
This enables me to enjoy my very favorite season without a whole host
of unfinished activities hanging over my head.
And besides, I work well with a deadline ...
so I am happy to report that things are getting done around here!
I have, however, resisted the urge to drag out my fall decor.
I guess it'll be a few more weeks before it makes an appearance.

Even though we've been working a lot, there's been a good amount of fun stuff going on too.

The Ely reunion was this past Saturday & a good time was had by all.
It was a good turnout & is always great to see family that we usually only see once a year.

We also attended an outdoor movie party!
That was lots of fun & was the perfect ending to the weekend.

Here are a few pictures to tell the story, first of the reunion.

My momma & her 3 siblings ~ she has 4 brothers that have already 'made it home'.
Aunt Wathina, Mom, Aunt Marie, & Uncle Lennis


 How I love these people!


Here they are sitting together enjoying lunch & fellowship.






This is my cousin, Macel Ely, II.
He authored the book, Ain't No Grave ~ The Life & Legacy of Brother Claude Ely.
What a blessing it's been to our family & a host of others whose lives were touched
by my Uncle Claude's ministry.


 Here he is with his lovely family.


My brother-in-law, Allan, & my brother, Bryan.


 Mom & her boy.


Riley & Gunnar, with their cousin, Daniel in the middle.


Gunnar & cousin, Hannah ... photo bombed by Al  ;)


and Gunnar with new baby cousin, Paislee.


My handsome nephew, Ben & me.


Sweet Garrett & Carissa


Baby Aubriana ... she wouldn't be still long enough to get a good shot, but how cute is she?!

Cousins telling secrets ;)


My Aunt Marie's large family -- and that was with several families missing!


My Aunt Wathina's family ... again, missing several.


My Uncle Claude's family -- missing several.
Imagine if every single person in every family had been there ... what a crew!


Wish I had gotten pics of everyone, but I was sure happy for all who came.
Love my family.

Now for a few pics of the outdoor movie night:
Here's the screen ... we watched Time Changer when it got dark.


Enjoying fellowship -- met lots of new people.


 What a perfect country setting for this event -- large yard for the many kiddos to run & play.


My handsome fellas visiting with a new friend.


Thank you Haase family for a fun evening!

Hope all of you had a nice Labor Day weekend, without too much laboring going on ;)