Merry Christmas and a BIG Apology

As if this season isn't crazy and stressful enough, now my internet has gone out! So, I am typing this on my Blackberry! I will keep it short and sweet so I don't get cramps in my thumbs!!!

I have some makeovers to show you, but obviously can't if I can't connect my computer to the internet! The problem should be fixed...just in time for me to leave to go out of town! Whatever! It is a crazy time anyway!

So for now, I just want to say Merry Christmas and I'll see ya when I see ya! Thanks for stopping by!

The Ansley

I am sorry it has been so long since I have had a good furniture makeover for you, but believe me, this one is worth the wait.

Let me show the before...and then I will give you the details.

Over a month ago, I bought this adorable piece at a garage sale! We have some sweet friends from church who are adopting a baby girl, Ansley, from China. They had a MASSIVE sale to help raise money...and they did! Well, if you have been reading my blog long, you know that I have a heart for adoption. I just can't help it! So, I went to their sale and this little beauty stole my heart. At first glance, she is not much to look at, but look closely!

Look at the curves on the door

and the size of the drawers.

This is a solid piece! But it was not in great shape!

It was a labor of love, much like the adoption process! I sanded, and sanded, and sanded some more. Then primed and painted! Then applied a terrific glaze! And believe it or not, that was the easy part! The hard part came in finding new pulls. The drawers originally each had two knobs, which I just can't stand...I don't know why. I tried filling in the holes and using library pulls, but they looked too small. I knew then that it was going to take XL pulls to finish this piece. So, I went to a specialty store in my area and ordered some 6" pulls! Then, I used the drill ALL BY MYSELF (this was a first) and VOILA!!!! They are perfect! So are you ready for the big reveal?


It turned out even better than I expected!



Look at how the details pop now!
And the hidden secret...the best part...

There are 3 more drawers behind the door! And these are painted in chalkboard paint! Think of the storage possibilities...and the labeling!!!! I am in Heaven!!!
And just because I loved these extra drawers so much I had to give them a little extra attention.

I am so excited about how this piece turned out! I wish I had a dining room because it would make an ideal buffet! But, once again, I must sell her! As cute as she is, I just do not have the room! She already has a good home waiting for her and will be heading that way later this week!

I LOVE COMMENTS! So, let me know what you think! Thanks for stopping by!

Oh Christmas Tree!

I LOVE Christmas trees! Next to Christmas carols, trees are probably my favorite part of the season! I love all the extravagant trees the stores put up every year! I love visiting friends and seeing what their family has done with the tree tradition. Every year I see some of the most beautiful trees, decorated to the nines. And every year I think, "Next year, I am going to have a BEAUTIFUL tree! I am going to go all out! I am going to have the BEST tree!!!" Just look at some of the trees I have been admiring this year:

Atherton Holiday House Tour

Frenchflair

Now check out these from Country Living

I love the Rustic Feel of this one!

This one reminds me of my grandmother's tree!

And I love this explosion of red!

Here are some more. These are from Better Homes & Gardens
This one looks so elegant!

And I want this one! It is So Fat and Fabulous!

All of these trees are great! I could look at Christmas trees for days, but this one is my favorite:

It's nothing special. It has no theme or color scheme. It's ornaments are placed in odd groupings (thanks to little helpers). And it leans to one side! But this is OUR tree! These are our ornaments, collected over the years. My kids help decorate it and they don't stop until they are satisfied that is finished.
I LOVE sitting in a dark living room, with a big cup of coffee, and watching the lights! I Love the feeling that everything is right in the world when there is a tree in my house! How weird does that sound? Ok, I hope I haven't bored you or scared you away! Instead, I hope you are inspired to put up your tree, then sit back and enjoy. It is YOUR tree and it is not like anyone else's.

Thanks for stopping by!