Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Moving On

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Dear Readers,

After months of contemplation, I’ve decided to say goodbye to my blog.  *sniff, sniff*  I’m finding that blogging about design has settled further down on my priority list…if that’s not been obvious by my lack of posts.  My time is taken up more than ever before…three teens now in the house (delightful so far, but time consuming…lots of eye-to-eye conversations involved that I wouldn’t miss for the world),  ramping up homeschooling of our special needs daughter, and of course, I can’t leave out the two middle girls who need their Mommy’s attention as well. 

I’ll still be decorating obviously, and will forever be rearranging, tweaking, and will continue to be inspired by your projects and pictures.  You can still keep up with what’s going on over here at our fixer farmhouse via Pinterest and Houzz.  I still want to share, but just in a way that works better with my life.  Hopefully I’ll see you over there!  This blog led me into a fun, surprising journey, and I’m so glad you were all a part of it with me.  Thank you!

Love to all,
Rie

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Puddle Park Splash

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The country kid’s version of Slip ‘n Slide.  :)

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Home…

The girls and I are home now.  The construction project isn’t done, however.  We even had many extra helping hands from loving friends, but unfortunately it was an even bigger job than we anticipated (hmm, that’s becoming a theme ;).  But it doesn’t matter.  I’m happy to be home with my whole family again. 

As I sit here with sweet Bailey in my lap (he missed me), there is not one ounce of pretty around me.  To be more specific, there are metal ladders hovering over me, the furniture is displaced, construction dust covers every conceivable surface, and the yard is littered with debris from last week’s demolition.  But I’m at peace. 

There truly is no place like home.  I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again… a peaceful home is not how it’s decorated.  Aesthetics merely add to what’s already there. That’s why I named my blog “Home & Harmony”… there is so much more that goes into creating a happy space besides the pretties you put into it. 

It’s about the people that inhabit it, and the way they interact… the way those individuals are secure because they know that everyone around them loves them deeply and has their best interest at heart.  It’s about Who they serve, and understanding that life isn’t about serving oneself, but about serving God, and thus each other. 

The fact of the matter is, this world is passing, and our eternal home awaits.  I’m thankful for the beautiful home that God has given me on this earth, and I’m not talking about the physical structure…but about the seven other people He has placed in my life, and for Him being the center of it all.  That is home.  Amen.

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Chalk Paint Birthday

You probably know all about Annie Sloan’s chalk paint by now… it’s been reviewed and pictured through tutorials galore all over the decorating blogosphere.  I’m late to the party again, but I finally got a chance to try it out.

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Because my three older girls and I share many of the same interests and passions, we are able to enjoy working and creating together.  So when I found out there was a chalk paint class nearby, I thought it would be the perfect birthday outing with my second daughter Haley.  The class was taught by Barbara at the Melville Trading Company… a terrific antique store in the quaint town of Mebane, NC.

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I’ve blogged before about how we try to give “tools” instead of toys for gifts, and I’ve gotten many emails asking for more examples.  In a nutshell, we try to think of gifts or trips that will teach them something new, further develop a skill, or create a lasting memory of time spent together. 

haleyHaley with her painted samples from class

This chalk paint class created both memories and new skills.  It turned out to be the gift that will keep on giving… since it has given Haley the motivation to start a little business for herself…refinishing some pieces and selling them.  Here’s her first piece listed on craigslist: 

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Chalk paint is so simple to use, it’s actually quite ideal for a child.  There is no priming necessary, and no toxic fumes.  It also dries incredibly fast.  I really do think the finished result looks more professional and finished (in a distressed non-finished kind of way!). 

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The stool was first painted with Annie Sloane’s Old White, the second coat painted with Paris Gray.  After some light distressing, we followed it with a clear wax.

Here is our table leg I originally painted with latex paint:

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And here is a leg painted with chalk paint in Paris Gray:

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I used the Annie Sloan clear wax after painting this leg, then used some Valspar antiquing glaze I had on hand to add some age.  I could have bought the Annie Sloan dark wax to give the same affect, but I had already blown my budget and couldn’t afford a second can of wax that day.  I think the antique glaze worked out pretty well. 

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Above, on the left is chalk paint with clear wax, and on the right is chalk paint with clear wax and antique glaze.  It darkens it a bit and gives more dimension to the finish.  

A closer look of the latex painted leg:

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And the chalk paint leg:

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I’m so excited about this new medium, and I envision an abundance of projects in my future… and Haley’s future too.  :)

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Girls’ Room Grown Up

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Two years ago, I posted about our girls’ room for the first time.  Back then, they were all sharing, and still little:  

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But now our oldest two are going on 11 and 13.  Too old for pink pom-poms and rag dolls, they say.  So we’ve been doing a little here and a little there to make their new bedroom grown up. 

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It all started with these little Anthropologie frames I’ve had for several years.  I used to have the pair hanging in our old dining nook.  They are sweet, but sophisticated.  Grown up!

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We painted the walls “Sea Salt”, a Valspar color.  I love the combination of gold and bluish-green.  I found the perfect gold fabric to drape the ends of their beds.  I simply hemmed a yard of fabric for each bed.  Easy.

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I contemplated coordinating pillows at the head of the bed, but we chose to keep it simple.  Pillows would have detracted from the detail of the headboard, and taken the focus away from the little framed mirror.  The absence of throw pillows means their beds are quick to make each morning.

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Their matching bed frames came from craigslist for $75 a pop.  I painted them a creamy white, and found some matelassé coverlets from Homegoods to match. 

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Space is at a premium, so we use baskets under the bed for storage.

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We found the bird cage picture hanger from World Market. 

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The girls are infatuated with birds, so it was the perfect addition. 

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We played musical pets during this photo shoot :)  Here’s Paris trying to get her lovebird to pose on the bed post (it was unsuccessful, as he didn’t want to leave her elbow)…

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The curtains we kept simple but romantic with $13 patterned sheers from Target.

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I used $2 strings of beads from the craft store to drape the curtains back. A bit of a bohemian vibe.

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We used an old cubby to hang above the other bed…

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but switched out the original hooks for these World Market knobs to hang their necklaces:

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After telling my mother approximately 1000 times how much I liked this particular dresser, she finally gave it to me.  :) 

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It’s here only temporarily though.  I’ve been picturing it in our downstairs bathroom.  Can’t you see a sink in it with a wall-mount faucet?  Yup, me too.

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The lamp was a thrift store find, and I like the vintage flair it gives to the space:

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I gave the girls my “watch dog”, along with the loan of my watches. 

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Seems my whole wardrobe is on loan these days.  My oldest daughter is starting to outgrow my shoes.  Like I said, a lot can happen in two years!

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I wonder what the next two years will bring.  :)

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Lazy Man’s Applesauce

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It’s become an annual tradition… truckin’ to the mountains of North Carolina to apple pick with friends.  This year we went back to Justus Orchard- it’s family-run and lots of fun. 

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the gang minus the boys

Each year we have a serious and competitive contest for “Best Apple”.  This time, our son Gavin took first place.  Makes a Mama proud.  ;)

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So what do you do with bushels of apples and not a whole lot of time or motivation?  Cook up some Lazy Man’s Applesauce!  I call it lazy since there’s no tedious peeling involved.  Which makes it more nutrient rich too (I like to use that excuse):

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Cinnamon Applesauce
(Slightly adapted from allrecipes.com)

2 lbs of apples of your choice
1.25 cups of water
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 lemon

1. Core and roughly chop apples (I left skin intact for a boost of nutrition)
2. In a medium pot, add apples, water, juice of 1/2 lemon, and cinnamon stick.
3. Cover and bring to a boil.
4. When boiling, turn down to a simmer and partially cover. Let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until apples are soft and begin to break apart.
5. Remove from heat completely, and allow to cool.
6. Remove cinnamon stick. In a blender or food processor, blend apple mixture.
7. Top with additional cinnamon (optional)

Makes about 4 cups.
Recipe and photo found at
Tori Takes a Bite.

I freeze my applesauce in gallon sized Ziplock bags.  Easier than canning.  Just make sure they are Ziplock brand.  I ruined a ton of applesauce last year using cheapo bags… they all opened up and created an applesauce skating rink in my freezer. 

Sorry it’s been more recipes than decorating here lately.  But the décor side of my life is slow going at the moment for obvious reasons.  Rest assured, in a few months there should be lots of material!

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Chilly means Chili

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There’s a  chill in the air and the evenings are getting shorter.  We’re breaking out the sweaters and socks and having  bonfires over here in Mr. Roger’s neighborhood.  Two in one weekend!   Conversation with friends, hot chocolate and s’mores… marking the change of seasons.  There’s nothing like it! 

I’d like to share my favorite chili recipe… perfect for fall!  Every time I make this, I get rave reviews.  And like every other recipe I post on my blog, it’s easy too.  With almost 1300 five star reviews on Allrecipes.com, you know it’s gotta’ be good!  Using Verde salsa is key to this recipe. 

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Our favorite brand of salsa is Pepper Dog Salsa, you can find out where to buy it here.

Debdoozie’s Blue Star Chili

Ingredients
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 2 1/2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 (8 ounce) jar salsa
  • 4 tablespoons chili seasoning mix
  • 1 (15 ounce) can light red kidney beans
  • 1 (15 ounce) can dark red kidney beans
Directions
  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the ground beef and the onion and saute for 10 minutes, or until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain grease, if desired.
  2. Add the ground black pepper, garlic salt, tomato sauce, salsa, chili seasoning mix and kidney beans. Mix well, reduce heat to low and simmer for at least an hour.

 

Another weekend treat was seeing the movie Courageous in the theater with our boys.  I know people’s opinions of movies are so subjective, and because of that I don’t usually recommend any.

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But this one is different.  If you have a man in your life…whether it be an older son, a father, a brother, a husband, a co-worker, or a friend… please bring them to see this movie.  It’s the type of movie that will affect everyone in one way or another.  It very well could be life-changing.  Go see it!

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Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood

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It’s not just a hop, skip, and a jump away to the nearest neighbor out here in the country.  That’s why we never expected to get to know anybody… not in a real personal way.  So imagine our surprise when in the first week of moving in, we got not one, but TWO full-out dinner invitations (which we accepted).  For our family of eight, it’s no small feat having us over. 

When a neighbor saw our moving truck hurtling down the road, he and his son sped over on their bikes to help us unload. Another neighbor brought us a plate of home baked cookies, and another brought us a box of chocolates.  That sweet couple even brought a pen and paper to write down all the children’s names and ages so they wouldn’t forget.  

As someone who likes everything just so before inviting people in, it’s been a humbling experience for me.  Everyone wants to see the fixer upper in its “before” state.  Oh my!

I never expected how much this house would stretch me… physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.  I also never expected the blessings we would receive through the kindness of strangers we now call friends. 

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Coming up for air

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Last week, in no specific order (because there was absolutely no order), we:

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-rerouted laundry plumbing to a new room

-tore up three rooms worth of carpeting

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-replaced main drain line to septic field

-added three inch vent through the roof for new laundry line

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-removed the old laundry room walls, pipes and hot water heater

-hardly slept

-showered much

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-installed a new hot water heater

-ripped out a closet

-ripped up rotten flooring in foyer and old laundry room

-took out the old front door

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-installed new front door

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-laid new plywood over exposed floorboards

-tore off the living room’s ceiling tiles

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-insulated two walls

-rewired and installed new porch lights

-ripped aluminum siding off front of house

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-painted a bedroom

-painted a bookshelf

-uncovered some character (wood paneled walls and ceilings-yahoo!)

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-met the nice neighbors…human and non

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-were asked about a hundred times when we could get our own horse

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-moved 90% of our belongings into the house

-wondered if we had officially lost our marbles

-filled a 17’ truck with construction debris (2.5 tons worth)

-bled a little

-sweat a lot

-cried a little

-cried some more

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-and when it got too overwhelming

-we went outside

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-enjoyed the views

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-and counted it all joy

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