Now my proper greeting…. (my father would roll over in his grave if he knew I said Y’all) Hey everyone… I just thought I’d drop in your mailbox to check-in and let you know what’s going on in my neck of the woods.  First, I’d like to say, I hope you and everyone in your life is still safe and well. I haven’t blogged much because I’m trying to use this time to de-clutter.  Normally this time I would be getting revved up for the i2i Yardsale that our town hosts, but due to the bloody pandemic, it’s been postponed.. so now I’m making small sales online in the FB groups.  So, I figure I’d chat with you and play catch up.  It’s been a while since I’ve shared an update at the Brick Cottage Project.  If you’re new here, you can read more in this post.   There’s a tenant, so no new interior decor updates, except we’ve upgraded the appliances (excuse the photos – I took them with my phone as I was checking on progress )

(also note, the wood shims on the floor were cut down to not be noticed) – Things are still moving along as we continue to make progress.  The next phase was working on the outside.  The back porch that was attached to the house had to be demolished.

And a new deck was built on.

The blue stain on the deck was the crafty idea of Chris’s (the sea illusion.. heeeheeeheee) which was pretty cool.

The perimeter was trimmed with lattice (which will be painted one color (I’m thinking black.. but with the blue stain – not sure if that will blend… but we’ll see)

Then we had all new windows installed.. here’s the before

Another big difference.. right..

A new front door is coming soon and then some landscaping and it’s pretty much done.  The under mounts of roof will be cased off at a later date.   However, we want to wrap this up soon as possible (if ever stops raining.. uggghhhh).  Meanwhile, I had a little visitor who brings nothing but joy.  My little princess is getting so big and growing so fast.

Such a little tootie-pie.. I could play kissy-face all day with her – lol..

Don’t let the angelic face fool you…chuckles.. she packs a powerful cry – LOL

My oldest son, Jamil, was promoted on his job (I’m happy for him) and was re-located to Memphis last month.  So, I’ll be visiting him soon and can’t wait.  I’ve been wanting to visit Memphis, now I have the perfect reason to really get me there.  With him, he took two chair upgrades (thrift finds that were revamped)  and THEY. ARE. FABULOUS!  This was a Bernhardt chair I scored a few years ago for under $25.00

The new look is absolutely fabulous.  I have to give him credit for this one, because he picked the fabric.  I was shocked he picked white (good grief was it stressful to touch lol) but it looks absolutely designer posh.

Look at the details in the fabric… Sure as heck doesn’t look like a $22.00 Goodwill find.

The other chair was a $5.00 chair I scored a few months ago.  I was going to re-sell it, but when he said he needed another chair I decided to give it to him.  It was a very comfortable sitting chair and the silk fabric was in tact but a bit faded.

We used a fabric I already had in my stock pile (which was white – lol).  My girl Jan is a pure powerhouse with re-upholstery (she makes miracles happen).

I wish I’d kept it now- lol.. sike..  I’m glad he could use it.  (I’m cringing thinking how delicate these chairs really are) but .. oh well.. hopefully Scotch Guard will help protect them.

I didn’t sign up for the Spring One Room Challenge like I had planned.  With all this going on, I just wasn’t motivated like I should have been (but I do have another project I look forward to sharing with you next month).   Hopefully by Fall I’ll be ready – my plan is to tackle my kitchen (fingers crossed).  Since this country closing thing… I’ve really embraced the frugality side of life – and spending money frivolously has come to a complete halt.  Seeing how $20 here and there not spent adds up in your savings is quite cool.   Luckily I purchased some items before this that I can use and/or re-sell.   If you recall back in the Fall I added mudcloth to my decor.  I purchased more cloth back in October from an African store and I did muster up the energy to create some Spring like mudcloth pillows.  No big change there, but I do love the look with more white instead of the amber and brown tones for Fall.

I changed the candles back to white and  that’s enough for me.  Besides the normal dusting and polishing – I’m good with things in here.

I moved the bar cart in here to make room for a new piece I added in the dining room.  It was purchased back in this post.   I actually like the cart much better in the living room.

Our state recently “opened up” and I did go out, but to be honest, I felt weird being out there.  I did wear a mask and had hand sanitizer on me, but it was just an uncomfortable feel, so after 2 stores, we called it quits – grabbed a bite to eat and came home.  I mean let’s face it.. I really don’t NEED A DAMN THING – and I didn’t buy much of nothing.  However, I was looking for a frame for my map that I got in this post.  I didn’t find one but, it’s cool.. I’ll wait.  As I see all the folks in my feed getting things done during this time, it’s like seeing the old saying .. making lemonade out of the lemons to make life sweet during the troubled times.   Again, I hope you all are staying safe and healthy.  It’s really scary, but we’re all in this together.  So hang in there and I’ll keep in touch.  Please tell me in the comments how you’re doing/holding up and what you’ve been up to..

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope it brought some refreshing news to your inbox.   I will come back soon and chat some more.  As always, I leave you with peace and blessings  – Please take care and stay safe.