We interupt this broadcast...

To send a very special Birthday greeting...

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! You're still my favorite.

And I know you're lurking out there, reading my blog...

Ol' Blue Eyes...

Just havin' a little fun with the camera...

...and enjoying these precious last days of summer.

Thrifty Cloche

I've been seeing a lot of "cloches" lately, and wishing I had me a whole bunch of 'em. But, lawsamercy are they ever expensive! (I have a sneaking suspicion that Dave Ramsy would NOT approve.) But where there's a will there's a way, right? I found some very ordinary thrift store items and made my own redneck version of the "cloche".

Trust me, these items are a dime a dozen at any thrift store. An old cheese plate, and a chunky candlestick. Betcha can't guess what I did to them... Did I hear you say oil rubbed bronze spray paint? Very good, class! You've been learning, haven't you?!

One quick coat of ORB and we have ourselves a cheapskate's cloche. And I think it's just as pretty as the fancy schmancy ones.

The best spray paint...EVER.

I've had many questions about the spray paint I used on my lamps since the last post, so let me give you the specs. I did find it at Wal-Mart, although I'd been told that they don't carry it anymore. Maybe I was just lucky, I dunno. Anyway, it's by Krylon, and it's only 3.34. (YAY!)

Here's a closer look at the can ...

The satin brushed metallic is a stunning finish, I love how nice it looks when it's dry. My mind is all awhirl with ideas for this stuff. It's an awesome way to update old brassy light fixtures, towel bars, candlesticks, frames, mirrors, wire baskets...ooohhh, I think I'm gonna need some more paint.

Lamp Revamp!

Are you ready for the great lamp reveal?

I'm quite hyped up about this project. It took all of 15 minutes. No, I'm not joking.

Here's the ghastly brassy before photo:

And after. Beasties meet oil rubbed bronze spray paint (the new love in my life...)

Add a couple of snazzy red shades, and they're pretty chic.

Some of you are probably cringing because I PAINTED over MARBLE! Now, I don't exactly have anything against marble...it just looked dumb on the lamps. I tried to get a good close up but failed miserably. So you can't really see the true color. In these photos, the lamps look black, but they're actually dark bronze with a little of the old gold color peaking through in spots. You'll just have to take my word for it.

Here's the bigger picture, where you can actually see them at work. I think they compliment the living room quite nicely.

And here's a shot of the other side of the living room, just so it doesn't feel left out or anything...

I had heard a lot of wonderful things about oil rubbed bronzed spray paint, but this was my first time to try it myself. After 30 seconds with it, I was a hooked. The stuff is amazing. It only took one quick coat. How cool is that? I still have most of the can left. I must go find something else to paint. Hmmm.....

Classes are now in session...

...in my kitchen.

Jackson made it through his first day of Kindergarten, and so did Mommy.

He was literally glued to his video teacher, hanging onto every word.

I thought it was so sweet the way he folded his hands for prayer time.

Very proud of his first day's accomplishments!

I just hope the excitement will last through the rest of the year...

Love me some CUTE SHOES!

I'm not ashamed to admit it. I LOVE shoes. As a matter of fact, as a small child, I would rather get new shoes and purses than a toy any day of the week. Trouble is, I have ridiculously small feet, which makes finding shoes a complete pain. I've been looking for some comfy leather shoes for walking (translate - shopping), so while on vacation, I hit the outlets. I have always loved Born brand shoes, but they don't carry any small enough for me. But last week, I found my new best friend...Don't LAUGH...the Stride Rite Outlet store!

I found these kids Born sandals dirt cheap. Aren't they so cute?! I love 'em!

Finally. A perfect fit. Happy Day!

Then we went to the Unclaimed Baggage Thrift Store, where I found another pair of kids sandals...

Cha-Ching! I am officially on a roll.

And how cute are these? I found these for fall.

And here's a project that's in the works...

I got these lamps at a local Thrift Shop for 3 bucks each! I have big plans for them. And yes, it involves spray paint. I'll show you how they turn out when I'm finished.

So have you found any good deals lately?

Love those Summertime Vacations...

I'm finally reconnected to the world after having been "unplugged" for a week, and I'm starting to get over my withdrawals! Let me catch you up...

We got to attend our church camp meeting in Tennessee. We really enjoyed seeing friends and family that we haven't seen in a while.

The campgrounds were beautiful. so many pretty places to take pictures...

Carson would have stayed in that creek for 3 days if we would have let him.

It's always fun to visit with fellow bloggers!

Connie (from The Snodgrass Family), Me, and Chari (from Fresh from the Chari Tree). I was even standing on my tippy toes ...it doesn't seem to have helped much.

Steve Robinson gave the kids a wheel chair ride. There are many forms of entertainment when you look for them...

From camp, we went over to Pigeon Forge for a little R and R.

Here's my handsome hubby and my little peanut.

Two silly boys with their Granna.

Here's a picture of us riding the train...not that you can even tell we're on a train...

Oh, THERE it is!

Is a caption really even necessary for this one? You can just see the excitement on their little faces.

All tuckered out...

Just as we were leaving, a young man gave this basketball to Jackson. He had won it in an arcade game but didn't really want it, so he asked Jackson if he'd like to have it. That just made his day. It also made a great pillow on the way home :)

I also managed to sneak in some outlet shopping and a goodwill trip while we were gone. Shocking, isn't it!? I'm still excited about some of the bargains I found. I'll be sharing them a little later on, as well as some projects that are in the works.

TTFN...Ta Ta For Now!