Like New Again

Every Spring I get excited about sitting in my “She-Rest Haven” and love finding little items to decorate with.  I try to change a few items every year just for a bit of a new look.  This year instead of focusing on the small items to place around – I became inspired by a shower curtain I picked up from HomeGoods a few months back.  It was in the clearance aisle marked down to $10.00.  The beautiful bold print caught my eye and I thought it would be great in the gazebo with the nice subtle tones of the greens and blues.

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I figured the bold paisley fabric would make perfect pillow cushions for the Better Homes & Garden outdoor set I purchased a few years ago on sale at Walmart.  The set is still in great condition, however, the seat cushions show wear and are not firm anymore, not to mention the fabric has seen better days.  Two years ago I recovered the back cushions made some floral throw pillows from scrap fabric.

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It held up pretty well, but the seat cushions just bothered me.  I saw how another blogger buddy, Brandi, painted  her cushions because the color had faded and they looked really good.  I thought about doing the same, but mine were just a bit too flimsy and needed stiffening.

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So I bit the bullet and made the decision that it was time to really kick it up and get the cushions reupholstered professionally.   I found the perfect outdoor fabric that complimented the shower curtain fabric and headed to the upholsterer’s home to get started.  A few days later I was picking them up and they look fantastic!

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In fact – I think they look even better than when I first purchased them (especially as for the color scheme of them), here’s the original fabric (booooooring)

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I know…..not that exciting… but hey – I got the set at a fantastic price and it was sturdy.

You feel me?..  besides…. the fun part is always changing it to reflect your style.

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The two colors were blended perfect and I love the new look.   It actually looks and feel like I have a new set.  Ta-daaaahhhhh!!!

 

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So much prettier …..  I wanted to add another twist of color and saw a delicious orange/pink fabic (with these little fish pattern) and thought that would be a fun pop of color.  A bit of tropical blue mixed with some orange crush made a nice contrast for the pillows and kinda reminds me of rainbow sherbert.

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I’m so thrilled about the new look.

Found these dainty tealight chandys at Ross’s Dress for Less for &6.99 ea

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I couldn’t resist the yoga cat I found at AtHome store

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This flower pot was a thrifted item for $1.50

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The little vintage tin I picked up from Goodwill for $1.00 holds decorative napkins.  Mixing old and new items gives a space a bit more character

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I kinda have a secret fettish for collecting these type tins.  They’re so useful in so many different ways and they add a decorative touch around your space.   Here are more of my At Home goodies… (I think I’m about to get hooked on that store)

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and at night it looks even more enchanting..

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Recovering the cushions saved money and I’ll have this set a few more years.  I can’t wait to hang out in here with my besties – just us girls listening to some music, having some sips and dips and simply “chillaxing”.  How’s your  “get ready for Summer” going?  You’ll see me post more about my “Rest Haven” this summer, but in the meantime – as always – “Happy hunting while Thrifting your house into a home!”

Smooches!!

Jamala

 

 

 

Inspired By!

Hey, hey!! I hope all is well with you and you’re keeping cool.. It’s been blazing here in SC.. and it’s not even Summer yet — Good grief.. the HEAT IS ON!  I’ve been doing a bit of relaxing since the yard sale last week and started reading the Ebook by Kia Salter @ House of KTS.    I’m so glad she created this to share her tips of the trade with us.  Thanks Girl – So far so good!!   Then there was another quick project I wanted to get done – which I did and want to share with you.  I know you’re probably wondering “Where is the freaking chair??? LOL!! I know – I know… but my instructor took ill again.. poor thing.. she suffers badly with rheumatoid arthritis and has not been up to par.. and we are down to the last stretch.  But she says next week so.. in the meantime, I’m busying myself in the garden and other little projects.   If you remember I had this old lamp around and used it for a quick hat stand to display my vintage hats earlier…

I thought I’d use it in the boutique but then another idea hit me…I’ve been wanting to make this planter ever since I saw it posted here.  While cleaning out the garage for the yard sale I found some of the glass shades that didn’t sell before and bingo!  It hit me.. do the project.  I used the super glue E6000 and boy does that stuff work!

I used a Rustoleum spray paint in mint green and lime green to give it a new look.  Attached the shades with the glue and filled with dirt and plants.. and voila!  It’s a Planterabra now!

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I used plants I already had around – and these are succulents so they won’t be needing much water (and if you’re new here you can see the transformation of the bistro set here)

So basically this project only cost the price of the glue..

It can even be a really cool centerpiece as well for a garden party.  This project was extremely easy and I’m glad The Red Head gave me an even better inspiration on how to use this old lamp.  I’ve been wanting a new edition to the She-Rest Haven and this was the perfect added touch.

It sits on the corner shelf adding just a touch of elegance to blend with the bohemian ambiance

I’m glad I decided to hang the macrame planter (another thrifty find for $1.00) in there.

This plant here, I have to give myself a pat on the back about.. It’s my pineapple plant – grown from the top of a pineapple.  I tried my luck last year and so far – its hanging in there.. so – Woohooo to me!!

 

I just did a few simple changes and this Haven is ready – so let the CHILLAXIN’ BEGIN!!

 

(I’m contemplating on painting the cushions… another blog-buddy did hers and they look great – so I’m thinking.. will keep you posted on it of course) …  But for now.. tah-tah… and remember Go for it! Create and get Inspired..Smooches!

Summer Breeze

Hey there!  Today was an extremely “stay off my feet day” and do little as possible. The 49-mile two day yard sale we had was a great success and everyone looks forward to next year.   My twin sister, sister-n-law, and aunt came down for the for event and we had a wonderful time.. busy, but wonderful.  I’ll post pictures of some of the items we had for sell.   After everyone left,  as I sat back, kicked my feet up to relax in my “Rest Haven” I conjured up the desire to share my down time with you.  It was a beautiful day, the weather was perfect and made me think of the Isley Brothers -Summer Breeze when the sweet smell of jasmine passed through my senses as the wind blew gentle breezes to break the heat.  I thought back how my pallet project was well worth the sweat that day.  The summer chill-out spot went through a slight re-do.   Last year’s rainy weather made me realize I need to lift my set off the ground.  I searched for inspiration pictures and found this:

Of course having this type of flooring requires professional installation.. so I used the thrifty way to accomplish my look..  Pallets!! Free Pallets!! at that.   I laid them to fit the space, purchased a few luan boards and nailed them down to create a flat surface.

Got the boards hammered down and began to re-decorate the area.  It’s time to take a tour of my “She Rest Haven” … sit back , relax and enjoy it with me, while imagining the sweet smell of jasmine in your mind.

I found decorative  hanging tealight holders at Ross for $6.99 and they add a special bohemian touch to the space.

I painted the Rest Haven sign because I realized it just wasn’t feminine enough for me –  see it here.

Did a bit of re-arranging of the furniture

The palm tree plant gives it a more tropical feel.  The glass hurricane was a Goodwill find for $6.50 and the rose balls, I had for years, added the right pink palette touch to the table.

 

I used the last bit of seashells from the yard sale find to create my seashell “K”

Using scrap fabric to make accent pillows kept last year’s re-do very cost effective

I love mixing animal print with flowers

The bar cart is getting ready for drinks

The candle holder – a forgotten item packed away-was going to be sold at the yard sale.   I’m so glad I decided to keep it..  I wanted $8.00.. The person offered me $5.00 – I said for $5.00 I’ll keep it.. – so .. I kept it.. found my animal print candles for it and voila … love it..

 

A warm sunlight glow is always perfect

 

 

Ahhhhhh…….. do you feel the relaxation here????

The $0.50 painted wine glasses will be used to serve drinks outdoors

The raised floor really makes the space feel more like an outdoor room.  Just a few more touches to the surrounding area and this baby will be finished and ready for the Chillaxing to begin!

Thank you for tuning in to join me with my summer breeze – I hope you enjoyed it and look forward to your summer breeze moments..  See you soon   🙂

Peace…  Love… and Bright Moments …