An Act of Love

Meet...the servants (and by servants, I mean those with a willing heart):



The project: My non-functional pantry. If it's one thing I can't stand in life, it's things that don't have a function. I believe I've said this before. I was recently at a cooking class and her kitchen was so organized that it inspired me. I asked her if I could look in her pantry and she said sure. It, too, was equally as organized. The little green monster in me came out and the next day I began the new project. I know that my poor husband will be so glad when my mind stops coming up with all these projects. Don't tell him, but I'm not sure that will ever happen. I took some pictures to show you all the waisted space in my pantry. I had three shelves that were all about 22 inches deep. While that depth was ok for the top shelf (still not practical, but ok), it was completely ridiculous for the bottom two shelves. The front of the top shelf is off so that you can see how much waisted space I had back there. I decided that if I was only using the front portion of the shelf, the I might as well remove it and slide the pantry items back. Then I came up with the idea (and here is where the dear husband comes in) to add shelves on the side of my pantry to add a little extra storage. Here is the completed project. Aahhhh! So much better. Clean and crisp. That's the way I like it! I was even able to clean out one of my cabinets in the kitchen that had baking items in it. Now my spices have a cabinet all to themselves. A HUGE thank you goes to my sweet husband for loving me enough to take the time to make me happy. What an act of love.

Lunch Anyone?

So here is my newest project. I was looking for a lunch bag for our two youngest daughters. The preschool they attend does not allow anything other than paper bag size lunch containers. For the past 6 years, I have been sending lunches in plain, brown papers bags. Well, I've had enough. No more boring paper bags for these girls. I had seen these type lunch bags last year and never got one for them. As this school year rolled around, I began the search for these lunch bags and couldn't find them anywhere. Wouldn't you know it. When all else fails, make it! Thus began my search for oilcloth. All my searches came up with the typical vintage fabrics that you would normally associate with oilcloth. Not really what I was looking for if you know what I mean. Then I ran across this Micheal Miller fabric that is laminated. I found the best price at a place called Crafter's Vision. The laminated cotton is similar in looks to oilcloth, but is only laminated on one side. A much cuter alternative to vintage oilcloth if you ask me. These are my first attempts at the lunch bags. I must admit that they need A LOT of fine tuning, but they are just so fun in so many ways. Oh, and can't you just see a monogrammed name on the front. Love it! Just say "NO" to plain brown paper bags.

My Lil' Pretties

Finally, I have found everything I wanted for the antique server (used as a nightstand) in my bedroom. While in Target last month, I came across some apothecary jars ON CLEARANCE. I had been wanting some, but was waiting for just the right deal. Voila! They have sat empty and lonely on the server until just this past week. I went into an antique store in town, recommended by a friend, that has a lot of architectural salvage and found some really neat items. Now I am totally unashamed to tell you that I stole this idea from something on the Nester's site (who got it from Holly Mathis). Actually, one of them is almost completely duplicated. What can I say? I loved the way it looked. As I was saying, while in the antique store I ran across some items that I knew would feel right at home in my apothecary jars. Most of these items were only $2 each, so it was a pretty inexpensive project. I found a little tin, an old book, a key, an old "stamp" (I didn't even realize Holly had one of these in hers until I posted this), a finial looking thing, and an old piece of wood. The glasses use to be mine and the shell was found by my daughter at the beach this summer.

So that these apothecary jars wouldn't feel lonely, I found these old books for $2 a piece. I love to decorate with old books. I don't know what it is, but I feel like they complete the look. It's a no brainer. Find books that look good together, stack them, and you're done. It's just that simple!

Now I just have to figure out how to refurbish the old ceiling tin I bought. I'm very excited about it, so I hope it ends up being "post worthy".

A Better Place

It is with much sadness that I let you know Gracie went home to be with the Lord early this morning. I know that she is in Heaven right now with a perfect body and no longer has to struggle to live, but I also know that her family has a void in their heart right now. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.