Category Archives: Homelife

Making “Country” Home

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As we approach the closing of another year, I was just reflecting back to when I left New Jersey, the only place I’ve ever known as home, and headed to make a new life in South Carolina.  Scared, lonely, happy and relieved were my first emotions that flooded me.  Scared of the unknown, lonely because I knew no-one except my husband, children and hubby’s 81 year old grandmother, happy because we were moving into our first single family home, and relieved to leave the hustle and bustle of northern living.  I wish I had started my blog back then-but I had not even heard of the word “blog” chuckles. Things may have been different had I known about Urban Compass, because maybe then I would have headed more north. Urban Compass is newer company that looks to connect those looking for NYC Apartments to their perfect place and neighborhood based on their personality and they’re starting a new project called Starter Stories.  At one point in my life I was definitely in a New York state of mind.  But truthfully speaking, I’ve grown accustomed to the southern lifestyle and  totally acclimated to small town living.  Whitmire, SC may not be among the best place list, but it’s the best “kept secret” little town and a place we call home. Over the years, I’ve taken this  100 years old home on  the Wallace Journey of making this starter house our permanent home.  In Jersey, we didn’t have a backyard with grass, so I couldn’t wait to get started and take the empty backyard from this:

To this:

Oh-the countless hours I spent making flower beds around the house.  I had no clue about gardening or making landscapes.  I was a brick-city girl and closest thing I was to gardening was having a few houseplants.  I amazed myself on how I blossomed into a gardener with “some skills”.  Another project that I enjoyed was taking that clutter closet from dead space to a valuable “Office” space was truly a rewarding moment.  I always wanted an office and this was perfect.

 

After 2 attempts of getting the right color and look for our dining room, I finally found the look I love and was so proud of it that I entered it in a contest.

I could go on about the home’s makeover history  (you can click the link) but you all know how I like to keep things short and simple.  Opening the boutique was definitely a highlight that made this year a little more special.  Moving here not only changed my address, but it also changed my life.  So making country home has actually been a pretty good life.

So you see, our house is small, no mansion for a millionaire, but there is room for love and there is room for friends… That’s all I care.

But, if I ever decide to “break bad” and move back up north I’ll definitely contact Urban Compass to let them help me find the right place.  Here’s wishing you wonderful happiness in your home..

Leaves me Alone!

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Hey everyone…it’s been quite some time since we’ve spoken.  Fall is dreadfully upon us  (and I’m still trying to figure out where did summer go?)  I love reading all the blog posts about Fall and the beauty of the colors and warm tones this season is filled with. But for me all I see is this!

Leaves!!!

Leaves!!!!   and more

Leaves, leaves, leaves… too bad they can’t leave me alone.. lol… but that’s a big wishful thinking.  Needless to say, I just walk past them with blinders on until the last one has fallen..  We had someone come blow them but a couple days later – it didn’t even look like he was here..  So in the meantime I get my joy looking at all the beautiful posts everyone is doing to make me appreciate the beauty of Fall. My neighbor, Cassie, who is also an online DJ hosts Soul of the Blues posted some beautiful Fall pictures to try to inspire me to get into the Fall spirit.  I really enjoy listening to Cassie’s station.  You can check her out here.  She’s on every Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun.  So join us, she’d love it.. and she’ll give you a shout out too – just listen and log on to Facebook to let her know you’re on.  Tell her Kim sent you  :-).

 

I enjoyed seeing all the Halloween costumes people were posting..  My little munchkins looked so adorable…

Anytime you say “picture time” to Ms. Ava – the hand automatically goes on the hip – chuckles… what’s up with that???

The painting of the shop has been completed and the light fixture has been hung..

Things are moving along pretty well.  I lucked up at the fabric store and found the perfect fabric to hang at the window.  I’m so glad I kept my old dining room curtains.. They were perfect to hide the back area (which will be a small storage area)

Pulled out the Brothers to get the window curtains done… (how do you like the fabric? – I thought it was a perfect match for the chandy)

With so much bamboo in this area…. I used a piece of bamboo for the rod  (I’m no way near a bonafide seamstress – so panels are always the easiest).  I used the same fabric for the front and back because I couldn’t decide which side I wanted to face the outside..

I hope all you seamstresses out there aren’t cringing because I used a black thread (which is noticeable up top)  but I kinda like it.. (forgive me) but I can take constructive criticism (tell me if it looks REALLLLLY bad).

Our small town had  some excitement that took place .. I know some of you might know the show American Pickers..

Well guess what –  they came to Whitmire!!  Yes, we all were very happy about that.. They came picking in our town.. 🙂

 

Steve can be a bit of a flirt..chuckles..  but it’s all good.. We were happy they came…

Too bad my shop wasn’t open – but at least I got a picture with him standing in front of it .

The grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 29th.  So wish us luck for a successful event.  Oh and a big THANK YOU to American Express for sponsoring ShopSmall Saturday and sending of all the materials to make it a great event.

 

We’ve also been approved for  Neighborhood Champions – which means Pieces of Time is listed as a Neighborhood Champion in South Carolina on their site.  Yipppeeee!  This is a great start..  and we’re excited.

I hope all of you are doing fantastic and since you probably won’t be hearing from me until after Thanksgiving.. I wish you all Happy Thanksgiving and may God bless you a wonderful time spent with your loved ones.   Smooches and Hugs…

 

 

It’s All Set!

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Friday is finally here and your thrifty gal was on a roll this week.  Began the garden weeding (which I hate so much – I wish the plants would grow as fast as the weeds.. uggghhhh!! WEEDS BEGONE!! but the beds are looking fuller.  I finally painted the porch swing and completed that cozy space and last but not least for this week’s projects… I found the paint color to match the chairs.  Remember these – my thrifty score for $25.00

They were paired with my lonely table.

Well.. I found the matching color which is “Lafonda Mirage” by Valspar and now it’s all a set. I’m too thrilled about this set.  I’ve developed a love for rattan and this set was all thrift store deals.  The table base was $30.00 purchased years ago.. the glass top was taken from another table that was rickety..(perfect fit).. the chairs completed the look.  Total cost for this look $85.75

The outdoor rug was purchased on line from World Market  for $19.99 but it’s actually on sale for $9.99 (drats).  I should have waited.. oh well.. my lost.. chuckles.. can’t win them all..

Remember the wall vase? (you can see the before here) I  added some faux seasonal flowers and sprayed some tree branches

I was on a spray craze, and also did the placemats.. What the heck.. they were only $0.75 cents.. chuckles..

 

The adorable little vase was another Goodwill purchase.. for $2.75.  I fell in love with the color and how it’s accented with the little white dots (it was made handmade pottery by someone name Amy Sizemore in 2002  – how I know – she signed the bottom)

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I know, cute little toss pillows are missing but that’s ok… they’ll come in due time…but in the meantime, it’s perfect to enjoy breakfast, smoothies, lunch or dinner on the deck.  Time for me to take a little rest and I hope you all have a smooth-ie weekend!  Ciao!

Swing Along

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I can’t believe how fast summer is going.  It seems like yesterday I worked on this corner of my porch, but it’s been over two weeks.  I finally got the paint for the swing on other half.  I found it in the “oops” section at Lowes.. It’s a pretty mint green.    Here’s the swing that needs updating.  I bought it a few years ago at a yard sale for $20.00.  I never painted it but realize it’s time for a new look.

So, I cranked up some mood music to get me going and let the paint party begin.  Two hours later and this is the new look:

Added a few extra items to cozy up the space and here it is completed;

 

 

 

 

 

The chain and iron arms were spray painted silver metallic.  The little marble top table (belonged to my belated grandmother) use to look like this but was updated with a quick white spray paint.  It use to have a glass top but I broke it..(uggghhh) luckily I kept this marble piece that was on another table that has been disgarded.. (the hoarder in me) – so I married the two and they look pretty good together.  The blue bottle (Italian made glass) was a Goodwill find for $2.75.

It’s a perfect place to kick your sneakers off and gently swing while reading a magazine

The wicker stool was picked up at a yard sale while I was in Jersey last week  for $3.00

The vintage macrame plant holder was a thrift store find for $2.00.   I’ve been contemplating to have the caribbean  art framed.. I decided I will once I find the right frame for the right price.

The only thing left is to find the perfect light fixture to complete the look.. I’m still hunting and will be happy when I find it.   But in the meantime, I’ll just swing along in another cozy (thrifted) space.

 

 

$2.00 Tuesday – What A Difference

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I’m running a bit behind on a few posts, but, remember a few weeks back I had the house powerwashed?  I want to show you the before picture of my side porch.

I know.. YUCKKKKK!!!  See the big discoloration and dirty gray???

This is after the powerwash…  This is a big difference.. I still need to paint the steps… but that’s another project.. at least the porch looks cleaner and brighter.

 

I’m glad we had that done.. At least now I can continue to spruce up the side porch.  Remember the vintage rattan chair I picked up for $10.00 last year..( I know..I waited longer than I wanted to change that hideous fabric), this chair was a steal!  The average price of these suckers are about $199.99 (see here)I love the shape and look of it.

 

Since the porch is all clean, it’s time I update her look.  The cushion was recovered with an inexpensive outdoor fabric ($6.00).  A trip to Goodwill paid off because I snagged two pillows for $2.00 ea.  Washed the dust off and this is the new corner area for my side porch.

The Franco Albini rattan ottoman (circa 1950 was gifted to me) is the perfect match for this chair.

 

After digging deep it the basket barrels at Goodwill, I couldn’t believe I found these – in perfect condition- and they match!

 

 

Scrap fabric from the cushions here was used to make the ties for the seat cover

 

 

The corner now has a modern, yet, vintage charm – and I love it 🙂

 

This week – I hope to choose the right color to paint the swing and this side porch will be completed. Yayyyyy!!!