Pocketful of Blue

I had totally forgotten about these pictures that we took when we looked at our house for the first time. Those were the days before blogging so I didn't take a lot of pictures but I'm glad I have these. I thought it would be fun to show the changes we have made in 7 years. I tried to take current photos from the same angle as the old ones. So the before photos show the furniture and decor of the previous owners.  The old dining area was pretty large so fortunately it gave us enough space to expand the kitchen and still have plenty of room for an eating area. I remember how whenever we opened the dishwasher door it hit against the hardware on the cabinets. The old cabinets had been painted white but it wasn't the greatest paint job. I did think the little shelves on the sides of the cabinets were cute, though. With water damage and poor function, we decided to gut the kitchen and start over. The sink was relocated as wel

Lately, I've been itching for something different for a table centerpiece. So when I was in Walmart recently, I saw some bushes of artificial carnations for $8.00 each.  Each bush had 8 carnations on it, so I bought two. I cut the bushes into individual stems to make my arrangement. I simply placed the stems in my Ikea white enamel pitcher and played around with them until I was happy with the look. Then I added a cream colored burlap ribbon around the pitcher, just tying it in a knot. I really like the texture that the burlap ribbon adds and also how the shades of white and cream look together. So easy and inexpensive too! It's also nice that it's lightweight and simple to remove from the table when it's time for dinner. Have you done any quick and easy projects lately? Thanks A Bunch For Visiting!

A couple days ago, I got an idea to re-accessorize our mantel. After taking down the Christmas decorations, I hadn't done anything with it and it was looking pretty blah. I wanted to see how this black wire basket would look and I  liked it so that was my starting point. Then I just pulled things from around the house or from my little  stash that were black and white as well as a little greenery. After playing around for awhile, I came up with an arrangement that I'm pretty happy with. I used a cloth napkin with black stripes to soften the hard lines of the mantel. I like how the colors tie in with the black and white of the fireplace. I think I'll be happy with this for a little while . . . wink, wink ! Thanks A Bunch For Visiting! - joining - SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE ~ WOW US WEDNESDAY FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS ~ TREASURE HUNT THURSDAY IMPARTING GRACE ~ GRACE AT HOME MY ROMANTIC HOME ~ SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY

Happy Saturday Everyone! This is a quote that I really love so I thought I would share it today. I think this is so true and meaningful. It applies to life today just as much as it did when Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote it. It helps to remind me of the important things in life. HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

I have a really pretty kitchen to show you today. It has a ton of farmhouse style.           Farmhouse Kitchen by Chesterland Interior Designers & Decorators Devine Designs Of course it has a wonderful farmhouse sink and the pretty skirt beneath it coordinates with the soft light green walls.                Farmhouse Kitchen by Chesterland Interior Designers & Decorators Devine Designs Isn't this stove incredible?   It's an amazing focal point along with the beautiful  tile and mantel surround. • • cute green and white polka dot accessories too • •               Farmhouse Kitchen by Chesterland Interior Designers & Decorators Devine Designs The island has a unique configuration and I think it really works. Do you like the combination of wood and marble countertops? Notice the beautiful lighting too.                Farmhouse Kitchen by Chesterland Interior Designers & Decorators Devine Designs I just noti

I know I'm not alone in my love for buffalo checks. They seem to go with just about any style of decor and they add that special something that can really make a room. Buffalo checks in the blue family seem to be hard to come by though so when I saw this pillow on Etsy, I had to snatch it up. I love how it looks on our family room chair. And I'll be able to use it in other places around the house too. Here are a few pictures of other rooms using blue buffalo checks. etsy I'm loving the wallpaper in this room too. source I think the blue looks really pretty with the other colors here. source Aren't these rooms pretty? I sure think so. Thanks A Bunch For Visiting! - joining- BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH ~ MET MONDAY COZY LITTLE HOUSE ~ TWEAK IT TUESDAY STONE GABLE ~ THE SCOOP SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE ~ WOW US WEDNESDAY

One thing I'm always trying to work on is my photography skills. I have a long way to go but here are five things I have learned about taking  pictures for my blog. No. 1  Lighting Something I heard over and over when I started my blog was to never use  the flash on your camera.  And yet, having enough light is a key element to good photography.  Natural light is best but here in Ohio, with our gray days, that can be a challenge.  If I have to, I pull in lamps from other rooms to provide enough light. When we do have a sunny day, I try to use it to my advantage and take whatever photos I can that day. No. 2  Look For or Create Interesting  Compositions When I saw this old garage with the vines growing across its weathered shingles, I thought it would make a wonderful picture. You can also create your own composition like the little vase of flowers sitting  on the books and just the edge of the old cupboard door showing in th