THE TATTERED NEST

going away for awhile...

2009-05-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been gone so long...I am going away for awhile...see ya when I get back!

lemonade anyone?

2009-03-01T14:13:00.001-08:00

my kitchen this morning...

2009-02-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's day...................

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

2009-02-11T05:44:00.001-08:00

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Geneology - Pedigree

Words...

2009-01-30T14:23:00.001-08:00

I ordered these rub on words from fruitful vine creations and I think I really like them! I added them above my mantle in the dinning room. I wasn't so sure about it, but I think this is good fit. Fruitful Vine has the best prices around! and you can order any phrase or font you want...I like the simplicity of this one... oh and I can't forget to say these words today:

Happy Birthday to my husband Mark!!! Addi decided it was her birthday today, so she said no Markie it is mine's! so she picked out Hello Kitty cupcakes and a my little pony card...He loved it!

long winter days...

2009-01-26T15:46:00.001-08:00

I had to get the tulips out! I know it is early but it just felt good..... Addi has the right idea by just lounging in auntie's bed with her sippy cup!

I hope you are enjoying your winter days....

Meredith to cut 250 jobs, close magazine - Forbes.com

2009-01-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

Say it ain't so....my favorite Magazine is closing it's doors!(click here to read about it) ----->Meredith to cut 250 jobs, close magazine - Forbes.com It is a sad day...I know,I know this picture of Matthew has nothing to do with it...but I thought it might cheer you up!

Karissa opening her gift from us...

2008-12-22T19:05:00.001-08:00

thank you Archivers!

2008-12-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

Addi and I have been racking our brains trying to figure out what to do with this pencil sketch that I did on this website called Picnik... I have been carrying it around in this folder for weeks trying to come up with something creative to do with it as a Christmas gift for her Mommy....

I finally figured it out...I bought this frame at Archivers and some scrapbook paper and rub on words and this is how it turned out(not the best picture ,sorry)...I hope her Mom likes it!

I love this girl...

2008-12-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

Addison and Santa, one year ago....2007

today 2008!!!! she is so sweet...I have never had one of my nieces or nephews thank me after I change their diaper! Addi looks up at me and says done? and when I say yes, there is always a thank you Dale.(she has a hard time with her G's.) I have been holding her a little tighter the last few days because she lost her only Grandma on Friday...My sister was her other Grandma and passed on before Addi was born. Addi loved her Grandma Fran and shares her name: Addi Fran. She is so young not to have a Grandma....

I hope you are able to hold your family near you this holiday season....

Merry Christmas......

and have a very happy new year! Love, Gail

Christmas house 2008

2008-12-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas! I kept it simple this year...lots of cheapo red ornaments in jars and I love my red bird plates from Pier One!

this sign hangs in my kitchen...

a sad clowny looking snowman....

Happy Ho Ho HO to you!

like I said...lots of red ornaments and big candy canes from the dollar store!

my mantel in the dinning room....JOY!

one of my old horses is the centerpiece on my dinning room table..

love him...remember the day we found him Lynn?

I got the last plates at Pier one...don't walk, run! to get them before they are sold out at your neighborhood store!

Expect Merriment during this holiday season!

I did pops of red throughout the house, red pillows, throws, ornaments, etc.

Keeping it simple......

Happy Holidays everyone!!!!

Addi !!!! have you seen my glasses?

2008-11-23T14:17:00.001-08:00

Farmhouse soap update...

2008-11-15T12:12:00.001-08:00

Now that wasn't very nice of me not to tell where I purchased this sweet soap! (see below post)I saw a ad in Country Living and looked it up online...It is called Sweet grass farm Just click on the link and their website will tell you where it is sold...their slogan is House-work transformed to House-Joy! The scent I chose was Holiday greenery....it filled my house with scents of lush spruce, pine and cedar! Happy dish washing! Here is the website addres...sweetgrasssonline.com

A little bit of Christmas...

2008-11-14T15:28:00.000-08:00

Have you tried this yummmy dish soap? I am glad I did! I thought I would treat myself and try this soap by Homestead...( I am the last person in America who doesn't own a dishwasher) I dread doing dishes! but not so much anymore...I bought the holiday scent. It smells so good...like a little bit of Christmas every time I fill up my sink.

Off to Addi's birthday party...

2008-11-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Addison!

Out of my window...

2008-11-08T06:23:00.000-08:00

the view from my window of my neighbors home on Wed. afternoon................

the view on Thurs.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hello November.

yes. she has her own laptop

2008-11-04T15:12:00.001-08:00

last day of October...

2008-10-31T05:50:00.000-07:00

off to a Halloween party...

2008-10-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Addison and big sister Karissa all dressed up and ready to go party!

they were so excited to be cheerleaders...Mom dressed as a football player and Dad was dressed as the coach...what a sweet family!

a girl and her truck

2008-10-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

I Thought I would hit the road this morning to do a little estate sailing....I got skunked. Don't ya hate that when that happens? especially now that the weather is turning chilly,( tomorrow's forecast: 39 degrees and snow flurries) there won't be many sales coming up...oh well, maybe Spring!

another gorgeous fall day...

2008-10-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

Addi and I can not get enough of the beautiful fall colors all around us!
a perfect day for a swing on the big maple tree....
these days are numbered, it is getting chilly.....
so we venture out as much as possible...
Happy autumn from our little nest to yours!!!

This is my hometown...

2008-10-09T09:18:00.001-07:00

Come and join Addi and I on a walking tour of our home town....
the beautiful colors behind our garden gate....
notice my bay windows? they are clean! put the storm windows on yesterday and washed everything in and out...I love that fresh clean vision out my front windows! fall is the best.
Out the front door we go......

Our church on the hill....
Main street u.s.a. (sorry this is so blurry)
beautiful mums adorn the shops...
this is the old store I used to sell antiques at, now a floral shop...
A quaint little homestead in the middle of town...just blocks away from us.
I hope you enjoyed our little tour! Have a great fall weekend! take care, Gail

I want this book!

2008-10-08T05:33:00.001-07:00

Do you know this man? a genius.He is Matthew Mead....He just came out with a new book and I want it...just in time for decorating for the holiday!
These luscious pictures are from his new book...which can be purchased herewww.entertainingsimple.com/index.php?option=com flipping book&book id=2&Itemid=1

How to reupholster a ottoman

2008-10-05T13:54:00.001-07:00

It was the perfect day to recover my ottoman....above is the before photo.
I took off the old cover and used it as a pattern to cut out my new fabric...
pinned it together and sewed it up! I just copied the old one....
tipped it upside down and stapled the fabric to the bottom.....I like it!
I put my feet up with my favorite book and snuggled up next to the fire, a perfect ending to a dreary Sunday! I hope your Sunday was a pleasant one!

bits and pieces of fall,,,

2008-09-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

a nest filled with little pumpkins on my side table.....
monogrammed pumpkins on the front steps....
table and chairs in my garden, waiting for a harvest feast...
old cupboard door with harvest moon inn painted on it...bought at mustard moon in Carver...
Happy Halloween!

It's here...

2008-09-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Autumn!

Pumpkin Patch!

2008-09-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

Bittersweet

2008-09-16T05:33:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year! bittersweet picking time! I got my boots ready...

I have Junk lag...

2008-09-12T14:13:00.001-07:00

Howdy!!!It was a very early morning yesterday! I'm tired..but it was oh so worth it! My posse and I headed out early to get in line for the Junk Bonanza in Medina Mn. The doors opened at seven am to all of us early birds!once again owner Ki Nassauer and vendors pulled off a amazing sale! We were in junk over load! All though it has only been a couple years since I quit the junk biz, it was like a reunion of junk vendors !!! it was so nice to see everyone.... A cute pumpkin on a old downspout...too cute, Jan!
All of us were so excited to get our gift bags...
I knew I couldn't get my friends to jump up on this truck for a photo, they were getting tired of me taking their picture, but this truck was here for a great photo op.
Donna, Lynn and I with Junk Bonanza owner, Ki Nassauer. Ki was busily running around greeting everyone...thanks for the picture Ki!
Loved this booth...it just grabbed you when you first walked in....
The first 500 junkers received a gift bag! one of the best gifts included was a year subscription to Country home...hands down my favorite magazine!

Have you gotten your latest Country home yet? this is what the cover looks like..
I am so disappointed we missed Matthew Mead,(brunch was calling...) he was there signing his new book!
Another well styled booth...I loved this counter!
My posse...Lynn and Donna! we had so much fun together. Look at the great cupboard behind them...
One of my favorite dealers and friend,Jan and her husband Jim! they had their cute Junk Bonanza t shirts on and their booth was gorgeous!

images of a flea market

2008-08-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

Bright and early (4:45am) yesterday morning,my friend and I headed off to Oronoco, Minnesota to find the bargains at their annual flea market. I got ready the night before and got out my flea market bag... that by the way I made myself from a Amy Butler pattern...I love it! it is a perfect hands free little over the shoulder bag! I loaded it up with my cash and other flea market essentials. The morning started out really foggy which you can see in my pictures. After a two hour drive we arrived in Oronoco, which is the name of a little town nestled in the hills of Minnesota, it basically shuts down it's little streets and the whole town becomes the flea market. I have a picture of our trucks parked in some one's back yard up against their house! and you can see how the antique vendors set up in the resident's back yards also...it is so much fun! We spent the day looking for bargains and doing a lot of chit chatting with our antiquing friends...it was so nice to see everyone again! Here are some of the pictures I took yesterday...enjoy!

my pretty girls...

2008-08-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

a day of flea marketing and marketing!

2008-08-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a full day...off to the flea market in the morning and then on to the Minneapolis gift market. The flea market was on the grounds of a old farm stead here in Minnesota, Dunn brothers bought the homestead a few years ago and turned the house into a coffee shop...what a great location for a flea market! Here are some pictures of the event...I had to buy this little brown shoe!! there was only one but it was speaking to me. I think I will embellish it with some old buttons and maybe make it into a pin cushion...so cute. Most of these pictures were taken of my friend Jane Hall's (Mustard Moon)booth...I have featured her once a month sales on my blog before...I love her junk! it is always unique and she has the best prices around...Jane is always a day brightener. The picture of the bottom of this post is of Jane and our friend Lynn...I really didn't want to leave this great setting but Lynn had buying to do at our local gift market, We had to shift gears and think Christmas! yikes. I have been out of the business for a couple years now but I still like to go to market and help Lynn with the decision making...the problem was not many decision were made, there wasn't much new to see. We just wanted to find a few new items but only found one! not good. Therefore no pictures of market...maybe next time! I hope a good weekend was had by all!

thank you Connie!

2008-08-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Connie at Magnolia Street style for passing this award on to me! it was so sweet of you! I have never gotten a award before, this means a lot to me! I am off to the gift market this weekend with my friend Lynn...I hope we find lots of new goodies! I will post about it if we do!

seven things tag...

2008-07-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by Lisa at vintagesweetpeas.blogspot.com/ I was asked to post seven random or weird facts about myself... here goes. 1. I have known my husband since I was in the second grade. 2.I live in a town of only 5,000 people. 3. I am a emotional eater. 4. I am mathematically challenged. 5. I color my own hair. 6. I like to listen more than talk. ( I think that is why I am having a hard time with these seven things!) 7. I can't carry a tune! wow. I am glad that is over, that was harder than I thought it would be! now on to more fun items, I just received my necklace that I ordered online from Lisa Leonard...I love it, check out her website! this picture is horrible, my initals are punched into a sterling silver disk with a sweet pearl that dangles from it..Lisa is such a inspiration!

the boys of summer

2008-07-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting a flip video camera for awhile now and I got one on ebay the other day...this is what summer is all about...spending time with family at my nephew Logan's ball game. Now remember this is my first attempt at using this camera so it is a little jumpy! but I will get the hang of it...press the arrow and take a peek.

ruffles

2008-07-08T14:09:00.001-07:00

I should of named this post ruffles on a fence! sorry but this was the only place lit well enough to take a picture...anyhow, I finally had some time to do a little sewing and I made these skirts for my nieces. I found the tutorial at grandrevivaldesigns.typepad.com

til next time...

2008-07-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

Goodbye little lake house(lol, picture provided by better homes and gardens website, tee hee)...tomorrow we will be going home...back to reality.

just chillin

2008-07-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

My husband asked me yesterday "Should I take a nap and then shower? or take a shower then nap? no pressure here at the lake

a little place by the lake...

2008-07-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

We are here! I love blogging up here by the lake! I came down with a summer cold..sniff. sniff. I am getting a lot of rest. This lake place was given to me and my siblings....Our parents especially my Dad felt very strongly about passing this on to the children. They bought this little cabin in 1974. It was my parents passion to fix it up and spend family time here. Now in 2008 they are both gone and three generations are spending lazy weekends here...It hasn't been completely smooth going, it can be challenging, sharing this legacy with six other families. But we will figure it out as we go...I can now see what my parents vision was...that once they were gone there would be something to keep my siblings connected..a little place by the lake!

Happy 4th of July!

2008-06-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

We are off to the lake !!!! yay! I am really looking forward to it....Have a happy 4th of July!

Summertime...

2008-06-20T14:49:00.001-07:00

Yes! It is finally here...so I thought I would share some photos of our summer plantings....I bought more flowers today, that is it. I am done. Yeah right. Enjoy! Have a great weekend! keep cool....

Happy Father's day...

2008-06-15T08:26:00.001-07:00

My dad. What a character.Honestly.He could drive us nuts. But bottom line we always knew he loved his family and was extremely proud of us...he might not of told us this, but we always heard about it through his friends , he loved to brag about us, only if we weren't in ear shot...didn't want us to get big heads. On this father's day it is comforting to know he is sharing it with my Mom but I still wish he were here so I could give him another new shirt , that of course he wouldn't wear..Hold your loved ones tight each and every day and have a lovely Father's day!

Miss Addi and cousins

2008-06-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

She looks kinda sad in these pictures...a long week. She is getting teeth. She is happiest when eating chips! I love her outfit...her great aunt Kathy made it! so cute! Have a good weekend everyone!

How I am spending my weekend...

2008-06-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

We loaded up the Jeep and hit the road! off to the family cabin...I will be spending a lot of time in this chair enjoying the view. We bought new bikes and we are going to hit the bike trail near our cabin , it is only about ten miles long, and it is so pretty! I planted a few flowers this morning ...my husband cut a hole out of this old bow back chair and a I plunked a pretty impatient plant inside, it added the perfect color to our cozy cabin.It is sure nice to get away! we needed this! I hope your weekend is a peaceful one!

Tomorrow...

2008-06-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow at 3:30 we will be saying good bye to our sweet kitty...she has been with us fifteen years. She is very sick. These kind of good bye's are hard... We will miss her sweet purrrrr......and her gentle way in dealing with our nieces ...I caught Miss Addi one day picking her up by her back legs and trying to carry her. The girls love her so...they are very attached. what do I say?

Summery Sunday

2008-06-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

Today was beautiful...82 degrees and summer is in the air! After doing a little shopping (yay! we bought a couple bikes!) we spent the afternoon out in the screen porch reading the paper and blogging! I love my new laptop...especially relaxing with in on my screen porch. A great invention.

bugs, dress up and other such things...

2008-05-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

Wow. Long time no post. sorry. Life has just been moving along way to fast lately. Tomorrow is June! May was a blurrr...glad it is behind me! The picture of my chalkboard in this post says it all..my mind has just been blank lately. Miss Addi's sister has now joined us full time and our days are spent playing dress up and finding lots of bugs! Here is Karissa with her new friend...he is a worm and she named him inchy!!! to cute. They love their playhouse. Every year I seem to gravitate towards a certain flower, this year it is the trailing verbena! I bought three of these pink lovely hanging baskets...so pretty! We also have been busy hitting the garages sales on Thursdays...the girls are excellent sign spotters! they can see one a mile away! Got to train them in early...I hope you have a great weekend! Hope to blog again soon!

spring ritual...

2008-05-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful spring weekend, so we spent it doing our spring ritual... 1. fresh coat of paint of the garden gate (check) 2. buy flats of flowers to plant next weekend. (check) 3. sweep out the screen porch and add plants, wash curtains in screen porch too.(check) 4. Rake the yard (check) 5. take off storm window and put up screens(check) 6. straighten that potting shed sign (again) (check). Straighten up the playhouse...those girls didn't pick it up when they were done on Friday! (check) . What are your spring rituals? Next on my list is to sit down and make out a list for next weekend!

Playhouse

2008-05-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I kept myself busy by turning my garage into a playhouse for my nieces. Miss Addie's sister Karissa is joining us for the summer! so I white washed the walls and painted their names on door panels and did a chalkboard on the walls...the other side of the garage is auntie's harvest table and chairs to sit and blog on her laptop while they play...they love it! We added a screen door for those hot summer days...I wonder if it will be as cool a summer as our spring has been? These two little girls have been keeping me busy these last few days, which is just what I need! I am so blessed to have them in my life....

THank You!

2008-05-08T04:41:00.001-07:00

I want to thank everyone for their kind supportive comments that you have left on my blog...It is such a good feeling to know that so many friends are out there in bloggerville thinking and praying for me and my family! I can't tell you how much your comments have comforted me....You are the best! These pictures were taken of my Mom and I in 1961 and present...I was the youngest of six but she always made me feel like I was her favorite! and my other brothers and sisters will say the same about themselves! now that is a great Mom! Have a great weekend...Mother's day is Sunday,If your Mother is still with you give her a big hug! Thanks again for your thoughtfulness!

A sad time.....

2008-04-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

My Mom unexpectedly passed on....

Grandma sweetheart update....

2008-04-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

I am happy to post today that my Mom's surgery went well, it took six hours and the surgeon said it was a challenge but she did well. She is still in icu and they are watching her very closely....I hope her rehabilitaion goes well, she has a long road ahead...

looky looky

2008-04-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Looky what I bought...I have been dreaming of a laptop for about a year...and finally got my pennies together and bought one...I love it! I am on the go so much with Addi...I will be able to blog from her house and the playground! and it will be really handy when my Mom is going through surgery and rehab. On my way to my Mom's on Thurs. I saw a garage sale sign! the first one this season...yay! I had to stop, and boy am I glad I did. I found this sweet side chair for 25.00! It is old and had just been recovered in a black linen fabric! I stuck it in my dinning room in the corner by my mantel for now...very comfy! I looks ok with my black harvest table and bench but it is a little crowed in there,I might have to move to the spare room...Enjoy your weekend!

Grandma Sweetheart

2008-04-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken of my Mom (88) last June at our cabin on the lake...My great niece Emma affectionately named her grandma sweetheart! the name fits...See the watch on her wrist? It was my Dad's...he passed last year...I think that is so cute.I look at this picture and I hope we will be able to bring her to the lake again this summer. Mom will be going into surgery on Monday for bypass on her leg...I hope and pray everything goes well and that she weathers yet another challenge. She has been through so much ...She will be hospitalized for a week and then she will go to a rehab unit in her as sited living. I spent the day with her today, she is worried..so am I. I love you Mom...

Martha Mirror...

2008-04-15T08:47:00.001-07:00

Look what I found on Martha Stewart.com...A mirror plate! Take an old chipped platter and glue a mirror to it and add a ribbon...so cute. I am going to do this in my little bathroom downstairs...photo provided by Martha Stewart .com

You've got mail!

2008-04-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

I came home yesterday to find a package in my door...yay! my sweet friend Heidi from Celebrate the Seasons sent me this box full of yummies from the Netherlands...some dutch chocolates, 3 magazines from her country, ribbons, and a beautiful fob made by Heidi! and she was so sweet to remember Miss Addie..with a teddy bear! Addie will love it..thank you Heidi! We decided it would be fun to do a swap of our local magazines and such...this was so much fun! 70 degrees today! I got my flip flops on and ready to go...Have a great one.

Long time no post...

2008-04-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me sometime last week that I hadn't posted in awhile...I would like to say that I have been busy in my garden with my little tool apron on...but no not so much...it has been raining and snowing and 35 degrees all week. They are predicting 70 degrees by next Wed!!!! I have my arms and legs crossed that this time they are right and that we will turn the corner into spring!!! Have a great weekend! I hope you are in your garden....(apron picture provided by Romantic Home sewing...author, Christina Strutt)

so sweet.

2008-04-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

The Painted Porch Purchase

2008-04-03T04:49:00.001-07:00

Don't laugh. These little red shoes were my big purchase of the day at the painted porch....I have been spending to much money on painting and decorating...have to cut back. Maybe the next trip..

A Good day...

2008-04-02T04:31:00.000-07:00

Lynn and I had a good time at the Painted Porch yesterday...It was nice to see Diane (the new owner) and some of our antique dealer friends! The sun came out on the drive down and the snow was melting fast! The shop was put together so well...it is in a outlet mall so Diane had a big challenge to make it look warm and cozy and she nailed it...Even though it was 35 degrees outside, it felt like Spring had arrived! Here are some pictures of her beautiful displays... I love this NEST plate! a old ironstone plate and some rub on letters! beautiful.

Gorgeous Green cupboard popping with Spring nests!

Diane added many architectual elements to this store, it really warmed it up! This little porch in the corner was sweet. Geraniums and dark green paint..always a great combination! A cupboard full of ironstone plates... all monogrammed and ready to go to that perfect owner.. Display area behind the check out desk....see my friend's check book open and ready to go! wow. this is a long post. keep on scrolling! The new owner Diane on right being helped by Nicole... Congratulations !!! you did a great job..keep drinking that coffee! Had to sneek a picture of my friend Lynn writing out her check...cause I know how much she hates me taking her picture! tee hee. I hope you enjoyed the tour...have a great Wed.!!!

A day off...

2008-04-01T06:39:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine is opening a new shop today! I decided to take the day and visit her at her grand opening! My friend Lynn will join me...We are going to make a day of it. The new shop is located in a outlet mall so there will be a lot of shopping going on...We are going to get a late start because guess what? we got seven inches of snow yesterday! ugh..I hope I have time to get some pictures of the new shop and I can post them soon! bye! I am off...

Creating my own spring....

2008-03-26T04:13:00.000-07:00

I just heard the weather forecast....Winter storm watch. 5-8 inches of snow expected. What to do....I can go back to bed and eat comfort food til I burst or I can create my own spring in my house by putting together a flowering bulb mantel....This picture is from Martha Stewart.com. She suggests pansies, crocus, Hyacinth. We will see, that left over Easter candy is calling me...

Porches...

2008-03-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Blog Buddies! Has everyone recovered from the weekend? I was so flattered to be featured on Rachel's blog....A Romantic Porch. Check it out! Rachel features some one's porch on her blog every few week's...I really can't wait until I can sit and watch the sun come up on a warm spring day! Have a good Tuesday!!!

Monday already?

2008-03-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

Weekends fly by when you are busy...My sisters and I gave my niece to be a bridal shower on Sat. and I was asked to do the centerpieces...I painted some gift bags with polka dots and monogrammed their last initial on it in sage and brown(their wedding colors) ...very quick and simple. Addi was there with one pink shoe on most of the time and her sissy Karissa looked so sweet in her matching dress! Easter Sunday was spent at my sister's for brunch. A very nice day! I hope everyone enjoyed the day..

Easter

2008-03-21T04:34:00.001-07:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter! We will be spending the day at my sister Katie's house with all of our family...I can't wait! Easter is one of my favorite holidays. Enjoy the weekend everyone!(this picture was taken at my house,two years ago)

Nesting

2008-03-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

Here is another nook in my office that I just added...I covered these letters with scrapbook paper in blues and browns...I think they turned out ok. It brightened my office up a little. I can't believe it is Easter on Sunday! it sure doesn't feel like it around here...snow in the forecast and temps in the thirties! We will have to hide those eggs in the snow banks...Have a good Wed. everybuddie!

If only....

2008-03-15T07:37:00.001-07:00

all of us could find this much JOY! in doing the dishes...

What a difference .....

2008-03-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

Wow. What a difference a year makes..Sweet Addi has changed so much! We love her so...

Friday and a Friend...

2008-03-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

All I can say is YAY! It has been a loooooooooooong week...My sweet friend Lynn gave me this nest, isn't it nice? I love the color of the eggs, I have it perched on my mantel in my bedroom...Thanks Lynn! and if you happen to read this, thanks for the cute t shirt you surprised me with yesterday! You are a great friend. Not much planned this weekend, just a lot of catching up around the house...how about you? whatever you do...enjoy!

Monogram!

2008-03-04T04:27:00.001-08:00

Monograms seem to be what's going on lately...so I jumped on that band wagon right away...I had our guest room pillow shams done at my local embroidery shop and I love them! I really changed this room out from cottagey and feminine to a more simple look. I even caught Addi admiring them! ya right...she was up to no good when I caught her climbing over the foot board of the bed...Have a good Tuesday!

A little retail therapy...

2008-03-02T08:28:00.001-08:00

First I want to thank all of my blog buddies for their kind words and uplifting comments! You are the best! How did you know that was exactly what I needed to hear! I love Blog land..I do have to apologize for my last post...a new day and a little retail therapy helped. (plus a 1/2 bag of Dove chocolate eggs.)I know this can be dangerous,(to my hips and my pocketbook) but I stayed within my budget. I got this sweet bird and nest plaque at TJ Max, it is made out of a heavy plaster. Perfect hanging on my wall in my Tattered nest office/studio...Of course I had to pick up a new purse for spring and I also found the sweetest little nest full of eggs rubber stamp...do you see a pattern here? Kinda obsessed with anything related to birds, nests, eggs, lately. So all in all it lifted my spirits a bit...today will be even better! My three sisters are taking me to lunch for a belated birthday celebration! My oldest sister ( retired) has been gone for a month to Mexico, so we waited for her to come home to celebrate...I am off to lunch toting my new purse. Have a nice Sunday!

Got the bloggin blues.....

2008-02-29T04:49:00.000-08:00

I am a sad sack today, just got the blah's....aren't you glad you stopped by ? Not much to blog about. I was suppose to go with my girlfriend's this weekend to a cabin up north but it got postponed...so I am pondering what to do. The weather here has been so cold... WE NEED A CHANGE! I can't wait to go walking again with Addi. And I really need a good garage/estate sale to get my blood movin again... I think I will go look in the paper and see if I can scope one out! Sorry so negative today...I hope everyone has a great weekend!

bits and pieces of Easter...

2008-02-27T03:54:00.001-08:00

Happy Wednesday Blog buddies! just thought I would share some pictures of my Easter decorations...Although it is one of my favorite holidays,I don't do a lot of decorating for Easter, just my harvest tables...this is what is on my dinning room table this year. How about you? do you go over the top for Easter or keep it simple???

Another before and after post...

2008-02-24T11:39:00.000-08:00

I am getting pretty close to finishing up my studio/office.
This is the before shot, ugly treadmill is now gone! bye bye... and the black bench went away also...so did the yellow walls and now it is a fresh robins egg blue! I like it much better with the black accents. Below is my inspiration board and my dress form (her name is Nettie). Mr. Tattered nest built my work table for me, the top is made out of an old door I refinished and the legs are square posts from Home Depot.

I added a few stools and I love it!

Kitty Kitty....

2008-02-24T11:38:00.001-08:00

A Heat wave!

2008-02-23T09:44:00.002-08:00

Spring is in the air...I think. It is going to be 34 degrees today! So I thought I would add some Springiness to my nest. I was at my favorite once a month sale Mustard Moon on Thursday and I picked up a few things to lighten my mood. Here is a bunny from my favorite artist Suzanne! She is in a new shop next door to Mustard Moon and the shop is called Carver Creek Dry goods...Isn't this bunny sweet and glittery? thanks for lifting my spirits Suzanne! I am busy today redoing my studio/office...pictures to come. Have a great weekend!

My HL stash!

2008-02-18T15:20:00.000-08:00

Here are my bargains that I purchased in the 80 percent off isle at HL. The little suitcase on the top of this stack was 5.00! and the picture that says Ladies shoes was 12.00...these are now in my guest room that I repainted...I used Ralph Lauren English tan. I will take a full picture later, my pillow shams are at the embroidery shop being monogrammed. I bought this little black picture frame and added our initial to it. I got the picture frame and mat for 12.00 and the tin shelf below it for 6.00...the K was 5.oo! I like it on my wall going up my open stairway! I had so much fun decorating yesterday.

"Find where joy resides, and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all" Robert Louis Stevenson

Joshie

2008-02-17T06:36:00.000-08:00

My little godson Josh is turning seven today! We are off to his house to give him his gift...I love this boy! I have one other godson Jake who is in his thirties and is getting married this spring...Time flies-----------------they will always be my little guys. It has been a nice quiet weekend around here, I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday and found a bunch of bargains in the 80 percent off section...I will post about it later. I love that store, but I think they should change the name....one of my girlfriend's always had to chuckle a little when I would say I was going there. She stopped chuckling when she got a chance to visit...so much fun! Have a good Sunday bloggers!

He got it...

2008-02-15T07:12:00.001-08:00

After a long day looking after Addi...This is what I found when I walked through the door! He got my hint! He is so smart...the best! I hope everyone had a chance to show or receive a little love yesterday! Enjoy the weekend...

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T04:09:00.001-08:00

Check this out!

2008-02-09T15:38:00.002-08:00

Hey blog buddies....A couple posts ago I showed a picture of my chalkboard reminding my hubby of Valentines day, hanging from the hook on my chalkboard was picture my latest purchase..My new Wrisklet! I am now officially a Wriskey Girl! I love this new key holder! no more digging in my purse for my keys...I just conveniently have them on my wrist. Check out Tara's website, you will love it!

Wordless Wednesday....

2008-02-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

I am sooooo subtle....

2008-02-04T16:57:00.001-08:00

I decided to add this diddy to my chalkboard in my kitchen..It is my feeble attempt at hinting that I want tulips for Valentine's Day...Do you think he will get it? I hope everyone has had a great start to the new week!

Project # three...

2008-02-02T09:40:00.001-08:00

Just taking a break in between coats... on project number three. The room I am painting today is our guest bedroom. I am going for a completely different look, it is called the hotel line. Very simple. My sweet friend Lynn inspired me to go with this change, she saw it at Pottery Barn and is going with this look in her bedroom. We have had fun shopping for bedding and picking out paint.While I was painting I was thinking about all the guests that have stayed in this pretty soft room. My dear little nieces who called it the princess room...a teenage niece going thru some growing pains who needed a break from Mom and Dad . My girl, my adult niece who stayed in this romantic room the night before her wedding ! I laid a monogramed hankie with a locket pinned to it on her pillow that night, like her mother did for me many years ago. And A dear friend who also needed a break from reality.I could go on and on.. But it was back to reality for me...my niece is going to be married six years! I redecorated that room a year before her wedding!Time for a change! Good bye cottage look! Here is to a new fresh start and many more memories to come!

And the winner is....

2008-02-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Blog Buddies! Today is the day for the give a way drawing! And the winner is: Gordostyle. Congratulations! I hope you can take some time away from your little kidlets and curl up and enjoy this book!Please email me with your address and I will send it off to you! Have a great weekend everyone!

A chilly day...

2008-01-31T14:11:00.001-08:00

Nothing else to do but go to the mall! Miss Addie loves our trip to the mall....nothing better than a cozy fire and nugget's and fries!

Birthday wishes from Addie

2008-01-31T04:30:00.001-08:00

I love you Uncle! Happy Birthday! XOXOXOXOXO

Birthday Boy

2008-01-30T04:10:00.001-08:00

Today is my husband's birthday! I don't speak of him much on this blog ...sometimes there are people so close to you that words for them do not come easy...but I will try. I have known him almost all my life, he has always been a constant. He is a strong man with a gentle soul. Once I read a online survey that he had filled out and one of the questions was What is your favorite scent? His answer was: my wife's hair. Don't u love him already? and he cooks too! Sometimes I think my family likes him more than me. He has been called the Mr. Rogers of our family...we have 30 nieces and nephews! and they all gravitate towards him...that says alot about a guy! He reminds me everyday of how he loves me, not always with words but by his actions, he has gotten into the habit of tucking me in at night when I go to bed before him...what a way to end each day....what a blessing. Happy Birthday!!! I love you!

One Year old!

2008-01-27T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Blog Buddies! On Jan. 29th my blog will be one year old! Yay! so to celebrate I am having a give away...I will be drawing the name of someone who leaves a comment on this post. The prize is the book CREATIVE VINTAGE STYLE. I will draw the lucky winner this Friday, Feb.1st!! good luck! and thank you for your kind comments and friendship throughout this past year...

Miss Addie and friend

2008-01-23T04:47:00.001-08:00

A little more detail...

2008-01-21T15:55:00.000-08:00

Hi. Heidi asked a very good question about my last post.She wanted to know if my headboard was made out of a door? I just take for granted you would know these things but why would you? The answer is yes! my hubby made it quite a few years ago out of an old door, I think I found it at a sale for a buck or two...He added some trim work and I still love it to this day! Heidi also asked what the white bucket by my fireplace mantel was? It is called a firkin or sugar bucket and was used to store sugar...I love the old white worn paint! the picture on the right is a table and mirror I painted black and added to the top of my stairs..I really like the black with the new blue paint. Keep those questions coming, I am more than happy to answer them!

Project complete...kinda.

2008-01-20T07:11:00.000-08:00

Project number two complete! well, not exactly but close, I need to buy some brown pillows and add a few more things but at least the painting is done! My husband and I are really having fun working together on these weekend projects...who knew? painting could be fun? now wallpapering, that is a different story, I won't even go into the nasty details of our wallpapering experiences. Below is a picture of the room tore apart yesterday morning, and then this morning. It is hard to tell the difference in wall color in these pictures but before it was a tanish green color and now it is just tan.It may be -15 below this morning but at least the sun is shining! I think it is time to relax a little...we are thinking of going to a movie this afternoon. Juno? Bucket list? Have a good Sunday blog buddies!

What to do?

2008-01-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

It is suppose to be -30 below wind chill today! What's a girl to do?I don't want to leave the house and I will go nuts just sitting around... LET'S PAINT! Here goes project #2 for the winter. We (notice the We part? dear husband is helping) are painting our bedroom...Ralph Lauren. It is called Cotton wood. Pictures to follow....wherever you are, I hope you have a warm fun filled weekend!

Been tagged...

2008-01-12T15:49:00.002-08:00

Hello blog buddies! I have been tagged by my sweet friend Heidi over at Celebrate the Seasons! I am to answer these four questions about myself...Here goes. 1. 4 jobs I have had... worked in a pickle factory (age 16)Display assistant at The Limited, Retail clothing sales and Antique dealer. 2. 4 movies I would watch over and over again...Little Women, Legend of the fall, Miss Potter, Love Story. 3. 4 places I have lived....Minnesota, Mn, Minnysota and Minnesnowta! 4. 4 people who email daily.....Mary, Heather, Debbie, Katie 5. 4 favorite things to eat.........Chocolate, seafood, pasta and pumpkin bread. 6. 4 places I would rather be....Canal Park, At our cabin on the lake, in front of the fire or laying on a beach 7. 4 things I look forward to this year.... watching Addi grow. Spending time with my husband on the north shore, 3 Going out to lunch with friends. Spring! 8. 4 people I will tag... Martha at Elizabeth Hill Cottage, Colleen at Main St. Memories, Kari and Kijsa, Penny at Lavender Hill Studio...

Mall Rats......

2008-01-10T04:55:00.000-08:00

Yup. Miss Addi and I are pretty much mall rats...It is the only thing to do when the weather is chilly. About once a week we head to the mall and Addi plays in the play area and we window shop (well o.k. I tried on a pair of pants at the gap) and then we have lunch in front of the fire in the food court ( can you believe it?) It is a very nice food court...Addi is exhausted and falls asleep before I get out of the parking ramp.

this weekend's project...

2008-01-06T07:28:00.001-08:00

I painted my living room last fall in a blue grayish green color and ever since then the color of the walls in my entry hall, open stairway and upstairs hallway have been driving me nuts. So that was this weekend's project...my husband and I had it finished by noon yesterday! Don't tell him but I think it might have a little bit to much blue in it! shhh. I will have to secretly paint it over myself...He says I need to stop reading these blogs, they give me to many ideas! whatever. Next room...my office. Oh before I forget, I wanted to share with you what I found in the dollar section at Target...these cute magazine files in a black and white design, right now they go great in my office...maybe I won't change my look just yet. They also had picture frames and notepads in the same design! love that Target...

Rearranging...

2008-01-01T09:04:00.001-08:00

Doing a little rearranging today...Does your house have the blues? mine is looking pretty bare. So with a fresh new year, I started with clearing everything off my mantel's and starting over...not really buying new stuff but mixing it up a bit. I am taking things from upstairs and mixing them in downstairs. I used my ironstone on my mantel in the dinning room. And I added some fret work I had in my back entryway to my living room mantel. Next on my list ... the dinning room harvest table! Sometimes it just feels good to clear everything out and start over again.

Just one more...

2007-12-31T13:02:00.001-08:00

O.k. just one more picture of Christmas, then I promise I'm done...Look at those beautiful eyes on little Josh! sometimes he has a hard time seeing, his eyelashes are so long! everyone says what a waste, on a boy! I disagree...those eyes are going to melt a lot of hearts. His cousin Addi thinks he is the best! I can't believe it is New year's eve...What are your plans for tonight? We are going to my brother and sister in law's for a family party....Have a safe and Happy New year!

Ahhh...it's over.

2007-12-30T06:43:00.000-08:00

It is so nice to sit back and relax! My nieces and nephew gave me a basket full of movies, a book and best of all a subscription to ROMANTIC HOMES! well,maybe not the best of all there was chocolate in the basket too! So guess what I am doing today? yup. I am so excited. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and now you are able to sit back and recuperate! Happy Happy New year blog buddies! Here a few pictures to share of my Christmas...

my godson after opening his favorite thing COSMIC BROWNIES! Ya think he likes them? we keep telling him some day those front teeth will come in!

Two of my favorite guys...my husband and my little godson Joshie.......

I don't think I will ever get a picture of these two little nuggets looking at the camera at the same time. It's just not happening...aren't they sweet in their frilly dresses and patent leather shoes? Addi did well for having strep throat and a ear infection...poor babe. Her sister on the other hand was feeling very healthy and full of the dickens!

Another Christmas has passed... so once again,up the creaky wooden stairs I go to my attic. All my decor is tucked away for another year. It is a good feeling to have that yearly ritual accomplished! It was a good Christmas. My husband had the flu on Christmas eve, so I made dinner with my Mom, while he stayed home and rested. Christmas Day was at my sister's house and I don't think there was a inch of space to spare!It was a full house... for some reason I didn't get around to taking many pictures this year, to busy talking I guess. I am so glad I have this chore done. I just have the urge this time of year to buy totes, to organize...do I need more totes?

Happy Dance!

2007-12-21T05:12:00.000-08:00

I have been doing the happy dance ever since I received my email from Kim over at Today's Creative Blog! Have you been there?I love her blog!Everyday she features a blog that she finds interesting, well yesterday was my lucky day...she featured me. I feel so honored, she picked me? I mainly starting writing this blog with the intention of documenting my daily care of my little great niece, with a little bit of my home decor thrown in. Now it is coming up on a year of blogging and it has been so much fun. I learn something new every day reading all of these fascinating blogs. I really feel the pressure to have something amazing on this post today, but as you can see I am in the middle of the Christmas crunch...wrapping my heart out! thanks so much Kim! Merry Christmas everyone!