There's ALWAYS a Story With Me!

My family will be the first to tell you this. No matter what tale I am relating, there is a story to go with it...and it is usually a long story. So goes my week this particular week.

When Monday came, I had a pretty appointment free week ahead of me and a list a mile long of things I wanted to do each day to be ready for all of the company arriving for Easter. I think I have posted about what a fabulous winter we have had weather wise. I guess Mother Nature wanted to show us she could still get the last word because, suddenly, it got cold, And not just at night-the days are only getting into the high 50s. I know for those of you who live further north, that seems to be balmy. But for those of us in Florida with thin blood after all these years, it is a bit too nippy to spend the whole day outside on hands and knees weeding, planting, etc.

And so, I changed Monday's plans and headed out to purchase new umbrellas, table etc. My first stop was Target where I saw the table I wanted but was told they didn't have any in stock. They told me the Lady Lake store had 4. I coiuldn't get to Lady Lake that day but thought that after lunch with my daughter and grand daughters on Tuesday, I would head down. Lady Lake is about 30 miles south of us but the store is in "The Villages" which is kind of a Disney World for retirees. It is miles and miles and acres and acres of beautiful homes full of mostly retirees and just about EVERY store or restaurant or church or doctor or theater-you get the idea-you could ever want. But, more to the point, it is full of PEOPLE! Everywhere you go, there are lines and traffic jams. And, for whatever reason, these people are aggressive! They push in front of you, butt in lines, etc. Okay, that may be a huge generaliztion, but it has been my experience.

In any case, I enjoy going down there only when time is not an issue and that was not the case this week. But, my husband surprised me by saying he wanted to come along. Tax returns are piling up on his desk, so this did take me by surprise but off we went. Looonnnnggggg story short-no tables down there! Back we go to our Target-speak to a nice young man who says one will be in on the truck this night. Come in first thing tomorrow. So now 2 days of the week are gone but I had fun today and we ended up going to Bonefish for dinner, so no harm, no foul.

Yesterday morning sees me in Target. My plan is to snatch up the table and head home to still spend most of the day in the yard. You guessed it-no table came in, but there are 3 in Lady Lake. No there are not I say. I was there yesterday. Yes there are. Their mistake. Please call for me. Call made. One on hold for you. Off I go again-and today, being one day closer to Easter, brings out even MORE crowds if possible.

Have a funny feeling the whole way down but persevere I must. Get there. Finally find the man who knows what I am talking about. Grabs box and starts to put it in my cart when I realize that my rectangular table could not possibly fit in that square box. Box opened. YEP-wrong table. No coffee tables here!!!!! This store manager and asst. manager spent 2 1/2 hours with me trying to figure out what was going on and where these tables could be. One in Clermont-where the heck is that? The manager lives near there. He would pick it up for me and I could come back to get it on Friday...I don't think so. Looonnnnggggeeeerrrrr story short, 4 hours later I am heading back to Ocala to pick up table they have on display on the floor that they had told me more than once that they WOULD NOT sell me after several long phone calls between both store managers.

Finally figured out that some Ocala store employee had put the wrong price label and skew number on the sample table and all of the looking and "finding" had been for a completely different item. I had now wasted 3 days of my time-not to mention gas-to get this silly table. In the scheme of things, it was dumb but I was on a quest. Can you believe that when I finally got back to Ocala at about 3 that afternoon and went to pick up the table, they were going to charge me full price? I am a pretty patient person where things like this are concerned-no sense getting upset at the people who really aren't the cause-although I would like to get my hands on the original guy who put the wrong label on to begin with but....-and definitely not confrontational, but I did ask to speak with a manager. I thought some sort of compensation should be made for their mistake and my 3 days. He agreed and gave me 10%. I probably could have gotten more, but I wasn't going to push the issue. Besides, hubby felt so sorry for me that I got dinner last night at Outback so all's well that ends well.

Thought I would throw in the last of the Easter decor photos after that long, wordy tirade.

Yes, I know, those pesky poinsettias are STILL there. That is only because I haven't had a chance yet to plant the beautiful new purple baskets I have keeping warm in the garage. It WILL happen today!

 And, it looks like my grass will be fine by Saturday. I probably could have started it a few days earlier but I am hoping it fills in a bit by the time we need it. I have had the pots sitting on the floor to get all of the sun they can get. My grand daughter calls them my "chia pots".

Today I AM heading out to the yard. In a bit of a panic because I only have today and tomorrow to do all of the yard work, cleaning, shopping and cooking but I seem to work better under pressure any way, so we shall see. Stay tuned.

Tempus Fugit!

Wow! Easter is only a few days away. That means I had better hustle if I want my yard, decks and house to be ready to accept all of our guests this weekend. Just a few days ago I was breathing a huge sigh of relief as our new lawn company had been here for hours and the yard was looking pretty good. Then on Sunday, a big wind and rain storm blew through and I think EVERY small branch and clump of Spanish moss that was hanging in all of our trees decided to rain down with everything else. What a mess! And, unfortunately, it is the kind of mess that will need more than just the leaf blower!

Just a quick jump through the family room today. This particular room was one that really got my "simplify" message-didn't realize how much so until I started to take these photos.

So here is where Peter Cottontail ended up. His spring green background kind of set the color scheme for the rest of the room.

Love this mirror because I can stick in vintage greetings for any occasion and call it a day! I used these flowers in this vase for St. Pat's Day and had planned to change them out but before I did, I realized that they look enough like mini Easter lilies (if there is such a thing) so I called it a day-don't really need more faux flowers around to store through the year any way!

This is MY chair side table. Between that table and the basket on the floor under it, I am pretty much set for an evening of TV without having to get up-except of course, to refresh that glass of wine water. And now, it is even better. See that egg shaped box?

This little lovely came as a surprise in my mailbox yesterday from my cousin (thanks Diane). I love surprises! She knows how much I love vintage and handmade and she got both of them in this gift. She decoupaged the vintage Easter card on to the paper mache box. And, since it is sitting on MY table and easily within my reach, the fact that it if filled with fabulous chocolates doesn't hurt! And, quite honestly-shhhh-I haven't told hubby what is hiding in the box.
 

Those darn poinsettias are still popping up in my pictures because they simply REFUSE to die! I am going to lunch at my favorite cafe today with daughter #2 and my lovely grand daughters. They are coming down to deliver my grand dogs for a week here as their family travels to Atlanta to go to the Maroon 5 concert-and, perhaps more importantly-prom dress shopping. When they head home, my plan is to head out and buy a bunch of beautiful new plants to say welcome to spring at my house. Had to buy 2 new sun umbrellas yesterday as ours were much the worse for wear after last season. Also needing to buy a wicker coffee table for the new deck area. Isn't it amazing how bad your home can look when you view it with "new eyes"? Or maybe it is just the idea that spring is here and we will all be out this weekend enjoying the promise of beautiful things yet to come. Stay tuned.

Sometimes It Works.....

....sometimes it doesn't. When I posted my living room Easter decor last week, I didn't show you the couch because there was a huge, gaping hole right in the middle of the pillow arrangement. In the back of my mind I had been hoping to get an Easter pillow cover or two whipped up and nestled right in that spot. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I had pinned a few ideas and kind of thought I wanted just a simple linen look with a simple line drawing of a rabbit. But, I wanted a large pillow to fill this large area. That necessitated more on the pillow than just the bunny. Long story short, I found an idea I thought would work on "Confessions of a Plate Addict". I love her PB and Ballard inspired ideas. This being the time of the year that it is and all of the crazy goings on at our house that there are, I just finally got out to buy the supplies.

Let's just say that things did not go as planned. Remember, I am a measure once and suffer the consequences kind of gal. I planned to make one pillow and once I had it down, I would whip out 4 or 5 more to use as gifts. Let's just say, that isn't happening. I am not good at measuring. Between my poor eyes and the fabric slipping and stretching, the taping off took an eternity. Then, when I went to color in the first line with the recommended "Tulip Big Phat Fabric Marker", it WOULD NOT give me full coverage no matter how hard I tried.

After several minutes of that attempt, I either threw the whole thing in the garbage or move on to a new plan. Since I just spent $32 on the fabric, a new plan was in order. Decided to just use some black acrylic paint mixed with a fabric medium. It wasn't until I headed to the paint supply that I remembered that I had used up all of the medium. So, straight paint it would have to be. Which I knew would be O.K. except that the paint was so much thicker that I had to use a stiff stencil brush and actually "scrub" it in.

Then, after taping off, painting and waiting for it to dry, I had to do the whole process over again for the second line.

O.K. Now I was ready for the "easy" part. Print the picture on the transfer paper, iron it on and sew together the cover. Becasue I was so short on time, I grabbed the transfer paper while I was in HL instead of going to Staples to get the brand I usually use. This stuff was easy to use, but it gives you a shiny transfer and it is not my favorite. I will probably never use it again but it was too late to turn back now. When the light-or my flash-hits it the right way, you can see the shine.

I made the one large pillow and cried "uncle". I then modified all of the fabric I had already cut and moved on the plan #3-make some small pillow covers without the painted lines. I made these about the same size as the Valentine covers so we could use the same pillow insert. I say "about the same size" as I had so much trouble measuring, cutting and even sewing a straight line on these things.

Since Easter is just a few days away, I'm not even sure I can get them off and delivered in time for this year but my heart was in the right place when I started. Sometimes it works, sometimes it just doesn't. Stay tuned.

In Keeping With the Theme...

...most of the dining room is a bit pared back and done in lots of naturals with greens and purples predominating. I was actually going to put all of my mercury glass away but when I put out the foil wrapped bunny that daughter #3 gave me several years ago, I noticed how nice it looked next to the silver and green mercury glass, so I left it out.

I really don't know what it is about mercury glass but I just can't get enough of it and the fact that they are making in in so many luscious colors these days makes it all the better-I snatch it up wherever I see it!

So, on we go to the dining room.

The first thing you see when entering our dining room is the baker's rack. And, if it is a holiday, it is usually covered in family photos. Easter is no exception. Here we have the overflow (the rest are in the living room and the family room) of Easter bunny visit pictures of our grandchildren over the years. I love putting these out every year and taking a trip down memory lane as I look back at how they have changed. My husband stops and looks at these displays often as well. Hard to believe time goes so quickly!

Next we see the hutch. Keeping it pretty simple this year. Mixed in with my spring time china and serving platter are my glittered bunnies and eggs, the wonderful "chocolate" rabbit my cousin made me and a few other favorite pieces. Like I said, simple!

For this holiday, the wooden box daughter #1 gave me is holding a very old painted bunny that was a gift from my son-in-law before he and my daughter were even married and a lovely green and purple cabbage in case he gets the munchies.

This is what is currently in the middle of the table because I am waiting for my "real" grass to grow. I am hoping I didn't wait too long. I started it about 3 days ago and have yet to see the first blade pop up-keeping my fingers crossed because I really like to decorate with real grass and flowers as it gets just a bit closer.

Lastly, here is a little guy that just spoke to me yesterday as I was out and about. Right now he is on top of the pie safe in the kitchen where I wasn't happy with the look the last time I posted but he is probably not going to stay there as he has the cutest little face and you really can't see it when he is that high-oh the complications life brings-ha-ha!

So, that is it for that room. A few more to go and then the big day will be here. We have big plans. Stay tuned.

Hopping Right Along!

I guess I am keeping it a bit sparse this year. Really only found a few ares in the kitchen to show you this year-the rest of it all has a little Easter, but not enough to "write home about"-and somehow, things that look good in real life just don't show up well in photos. Any way......

All pretty self explanatory and keeping with my more natural theme this year. And, let the tweaking begin...

I really wasn't happy with these eggs in the previous post so I moved them to my trusted rusty urn. It is getting better but still on the hunt for a funeral basket.

And, because I realized I never showed you the finished product of our carnation experiment and I know you were all just sitting on the edge of your seats, I took this picture last night. It was daughter #3 and her hubby's anniversary yesterday, so the kids came to our house for dinner so Mom & Dad could go out.We used this vase of flowers for our centerpiece. The kids were so excited to see how green the flowers had gotten. And, we already have next year's experiment lined up. Seems 2 of them had seen this done with a single, large white rose with its stem cut in to 4 strips and each strip put into a different colored water. When it is done you have a rainbow rose. Ohhhh, can't wait! Might have to try that one sooner! There are so many things on blogland and Pinterest right now using rainbows, that maybe we'll do a "rainbow day" very soon! Perfect for spring break! Stay tuned.

Decorating Disclaimer!!!

I think I have told you before that decorating for Easter is not my favorite. Even though I do enjoy the vintage Easter things, the pastel color palette is just not for me. I seem to have more and more trouble every year trying to get things so that I am happy with them. And, this year is no exception. Add to that the fact that St. Pats just came down and Easter is almost here. I haven't really begun to think about the food I will serve, the table I will set, the egg hunt I will organize, the house I must clean, the yard I must tend, etc., etc., etc.

With all of that in mind, I will begin my Easter tour. I tried to stay pretty natural in feel-lots of greens and purples mostly. I also used lots of eggs, moss and flowers. Changed things up a bit and tried to keep it simple and not so cluttered. There is still tweaking to do but first I must get the basic canvas set.

You may have noticed that I moved my new PB lamp over to the couch table. I think it was too big for the blanket chest but I'm not sure I like it here either, so we will have to see where it finds its permanent home. I do like that it takes up so much of this space I was able to go pretty minimal here and be O.K. with it.

I am also not an "egg tree" kind of girl-don't know why-just never cared much for them. But, my oldest daughter had loaded up on tubes of these foiled eggs last year from Target and since I had missed out on them, she gave me 3 sets. Somehow the bottle of pussy willows just called to me. They were so easy to hang and I really do like this here.

I still have a few empty spaces in the living room. If I can find some time, I have some ideas for a few things to make to fill them in-if not, it will go as it stands.

This basket holds 3 of the 4 glittered rag eggs that I bought last year from Heidi Devlin at "Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly". I love them and have been on the lookout for an antique green funeral basket in which they will be displayed. I thought of buying more this year when I saw a give away on her blog last week. What you usually do is leave a comment and a few days later, a winner will be randomly chosen. I left a comment and then had my fabulous weekend of fun and quite honestly never thought about it again. Imagine my surprise when I was reading her latest post yesterday and saw my name as a winner of one of the sets of smaller eggs. They are on their way and when they arrive, I am going to find a wonderful new way to display them all.

Off to put all of the St. Pats stuff away and then I guess I need to sit down and get some lists going. Be back soon with another room to show you. Stay tuned.