Simplicity

Day 17:

Want to know something a little weird about me?  When I ran across this pic on an Instagram post, it caught my eye.  I am not sure why, but the simplicity of certain things just seems to make life a little less complicated, I suppose.  

I also have a pretty good love affair with polka dots, stripes and geo prints.  In this case, maybe it is the circle, the simple face and the hearts here are just sweet.

Today, day seventeen, I will be planting some love into our marriage as Gary and I will be attending a Marriage Retreat in Galveston, Texas sponsored by The Church Triumphant, Pasadena.

Although married 40 years (!), building loving relationships in a marriage and any relationship is an ongoing project.

Simplify, Uncomplicated, Relaxed...message for this day.

Sleep

Day Sixteen:

Knowing I needed to keep my commitment to my 31 days of writing, my body is telling me I need to re-post an old blog entry on "Sleep".  

My schedule has been overwhelmingly busy and trying to get everything in a day has been challenging.  In spite of all there is on my agenda, I know I have to keep a balance and take care of #1.  That is me.  "Although family, business, clients, church work and home hits the priority list, the truth is, you are worthless to it all if you do not take care of yourself. " 

One of those "take care" factors that makes the priority list is indeed sleep.  I am just thinking I am not the only person who is reading this that needs this message.

      "You will be better for your family and all you do if you take care of number one...YOU."

“The best bridge between hope and despair is often a good night’s sleep.”

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the
bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2

“How can my people expect healing, when they are violating the laws of diet and rest?”

When we are sleep deprived, life loses its luster and can leave us feeling exhausted. Our body needs good solid sleep every night. When we are unable to get the kind of sleep we need, this deprivation accumulates and can begin to create havoc in our daily lives. For example, a lack of sleep may leave you:

• unable to focus during the day
• tired and exhausted all the time
• irritable and short-tempered
• depressed or anxious
• more susceptible to colds, headaches, or allergies
• feeling vulnerable and less confident

Tips to get you a good night’s sleep:

1. Make your bedroom a sanctuary. Check for clutter, air quality, comfortable bed, sheets, comforter, noise level & cleanliness.

2. Drink milk before bedtime...it contains calming calcium, magnesium, and tryptophan.

3. A warm relaxing bath or shower.

4. Soothing herb tea.

5. No caffeine late in the day.

6. Don’t go to bed too early.

7. Exercise regularly, but not close to bedtime.

8. Don’t go to bed angry.

9. Learn to fall asleep without the radio or TV on. Research has shown a radio or TV running while we are asleep will cause us to be more wakeful.

10. Using the stress management exercise is wonderful. Start with your feet, point, hold, relax, then pull your feet up, hold, then relax. Do this going up your body stretching, holding, then relaxing each muscle as you go up. Usually, by the time you are to your shoulders and neck, you are already asleep.

Good night. Hope you have a good night’s sleep.

End of 2015 Tax Returns

In four minutes as I write, will be the close of this season's tax returns.  Married to a tax preparer, I have learned the crucial deadlines people face to get it all in on Uncle Sam's close of business.

Needless to say, this day finished out a super busy one for Gary.  He just got a fabulous hand and arm massage from yours truly.  : )  

Three hours today in a Commercial College Class drawing out egress floor plans, then to Kast Fabrics for a client, answering emails, following up with contractors, etc.  and now I am ready to call it a day.

Just to add a little Fall inspiration to your day, I am posting a simple fall look.  Have a blessed day!

A Day Guided by a Color Palette

Day Fourteen:

I know.  I am posting this two days late!  I was in Austin for a decor job and it was a really busy day.  Plus, it doubled as a fun time because my client is also my sister in law.  The weather was perfect and made the day all the more wonderful.  Meeting with contractors, work room staff for drapes, more fabric and furniture stores, etc. etc.   wrapped up a lot of progress.  Plus we sandwiched in some great cups of coffee and fabulous food.

Finding inspirations for this color palette has been a fun one to follow.

Looking forward to the finish line.  It's going to be amazing!

Blessed on Day Thirteen

Day Thirteen:

Since it is day 13, I will declare this day my lucky day.  I am truly blessed to have a family...a husband who loves me and understands me, a son that is uniquely gifted and a gift from God and my daughter who has made me proud.  And, Abigail Summer, Aaron's little girl, our bundle of great joy!  

With Thanksgiving approaching, it is just not hard to look around and see the multiple blessings from God and it hugely starts right in my own home!  Love these people who are my closest companions.

Have a blessed week!

Next Up

Day 12:

Super busy week coming up.  Looking forward to working another day in Austin this week. This gorgeous home is about to get even more beautiful.  More to come when we are done!

Have a great week!

"My" Flea Market Flip

Day 11:

Today marked the day of our first Flea Market Flip for our Heartstrings Ladies Ministry at my church.  I am the Ladies' Director and this is a major event planned and kicked off for the first time.  We who opted to do so, competed in a mock up of TLC's Flea Market Flip trying to find some awesomeness to flip, reinvent and make a profit.  

On November 16, with the help of our Frontline Men's Ministries for a little "man power" to flip our items,  we will be auctioning off our flipped items.  All monies will benefit our Heartstrings Ladies Department helping fund another annual event, A Table in the Wilderness.  

Here is just a peak at what I found at Larry's Old Time Trade Days, Winnie, Texas.  

Here it is on Etsy:

Chinoiserie Peacock Chair. Hollywood Regency High Fan Back. Home Decor. Rattan. Wicker. Tiki. Patio Chair. Garden Decor.

Overview

• Vintage item from the 1980s
• Materials: rattan, straw, wicker

Vintage Peacock Chair. 

A fantastic peacock chair with a black woven trim in wonderful vintage condition. Very similar to the style featured on the front cover of Rue Magazine in July! These fan back chairs were manufactured between the 60s and 80s. I would love to see this chair painted a bright color to make a statement in your bohemian chic decor. Left as it is it would be the perfect addition to your bohemian chic space. One spot on left side of fan back where black rattan is missing. 

Please let me know if you have any questions that would help you decide if this chair is the perfect fit for your space. **More photos available.

53"tall

20" deep (seat 19" diameter)

34.75" wide

**Cushion not included. Check out Etsy handmade sellers to have one custom made.

Their Price:  $350.

The flea market vendor was asking $20.  I asked if they would take $10. and...they did!!

And, mine will include a cushion once done.  It will go on an auction bid on November 16, following our service and dinner.

So, I still had 10 more dollars to spend!  I went to the outskirts in the rain and told that vendor I only had $10.  Looking at this piece, I said "I am sure this is more than $10." He said you might be surprised.  With one phone call, he said, it's mine for 10 bucks!  Now, you have to be believing with me on this one.  It is a possible diamond in the rough.

I have not found anything to compare this with since it is pretty rough shape.  Below, I did find one similar on Etsy.  Mine, indeed has some character marks and if it could speak, I am sure it could tell you some stories.  : )

I am open to your suggestions.  I have some of my own.  I do think I can get more than ten dollars.  It has the porcelain top.

This was the best I could find.  Also from Etsy for 

Antique Art Deco Red and White Porcelain Enamel Top Kitchen Table Chrome Hairpin Legs Two Extension Leaves Store Inside

$195.00 USD

Only 1 available

Overview

• Vintage item from the 1930s
• Materials: porcelain, enamel, chrome, wood
• 

Mine is missing the extension pieces on the sides.

Their description:

Incredible Art Deco style antique table with a top of porcelain enamel. It has two built in extensions on spring-loaded supports which still work just fine! Supported by wood frame with original white paint and original chrome hairpin legs. The top is white with red edging.

I have seen dates for these tables from the 1920's to 1950's, probably because they were so sturdy and practical - they just kept making them! 

Measures 40" by 25" with the extensions stored, 40" by 45" with them extended. You can just extend one side but I have shown it with both open and both closed. It is 31" tall.

Condition is fair. The top has several areas where the enamel is missing, these are the black areas in the photo. Also there are many scratches in the top. The paint of the base is chippy and the chrome legs are rusted. 

I cannot provide shipping but can recommend a site like www.uship.com which is easy to use. An interested potential buyer in Brooklyn got quotes to ship this table to them which ranged from $120-$240. Just to give you an idea of what shipping could be to that area. Or, you can pickup from Silver Spring which is in the Washington, DC metro area.

In spite of my crude findings, I think I did pretty well.  I will be posting by November 16 the end results for both pieces.