Pardon the interruption- but there are times when you want to stray off the beaten path – and this is that moment for me 🙂
Years ago, my secret desire was to be a dancer. Ever since my first visit to see the world renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre group, from that moment on I use to dream of being one. I love how dancers convey music through movement. But then reality hit.. Ok Kim, you’re 21 and too old to have ballerina thoughts.. But my twin and I did at least practice with the dancers – exercise that is.. WoW & OUCH!!! is all I could say and made me realize – I should have done that when I was a kid. We completed a semester with the Gallman’s Dance Studio and enjoyed every aching moment. But – time has long past and I remember to this day how mentally exciting it was to have at least experienced that just once. My love of dance has never left and when I see performances such as this.. it only rejuvenates the excitement of wanting to dance. My sister shared this video with me and I felt compelled to share it with you. This performance is done by Gallman’s Dance Theatre group. As you watch and reflect – I’m sure you’ll see how the thrill of dance can encompass your spirit to make you want to move. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I did. Who knows – maybe a Dance Angel will be watching over you – and you’ll dance too…
Thank you Amina for sharing this with me and keeping that memory alive. I love you Sis..
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!!!
My oldest son, Jamil, has officially moved into his new apartment and I’ve been searching for items for his bachelor pad. As I reflect back on how time flies, he’s grown and on his own, a part of me was saddened, but the other part was happy. He’s all excited about it and truth be told – I’m excited for him.
I’ve been challenged not to use “antiques” chuckles..Oh boy .. here we go… Jamil said “Mommy – no antiques..” okay, okay, okay… but it’s all good.. I’m having fun doing his place. He knows I’m a thrifty shopper, so far I’ve gotten a couple things from a consignment store – like his dinette set – which was half off, I got it for $198.00. He loved it, in fact, had to give me a high five on that score. It was perfect for his place with a contemporary look.
I also found a coffee table at the same place for $32.00 – He even liked that too!! So now I’m getting a feel for his taste.
He needed something to hang on the wall where his dinette set would be. I had the perfect item in mind. I’ve had this big round rattan object for the longest and just didn’t do anything with it. It was given to me by a friend and she didn’t want it anymore.. it was lying around collecting dust. So, you know I gladly took it..I knew eventually I’d use it for something..(that’s part of my hoarder syndrome 🙂 .
I really like how it was made – it would make a really nice wall hanging.
So, I decided to make a mirror for him. I bought a plain round mirror from Michael’s for $7.99. To get rid of the “baskety look” I spray painted it a metallic bronze. Attached the mirror with hot glue and edged it off with twine. So here’s his finished mirror.
I’m liking it alot and since I’m so excited to show you.. I decided to hang it on a wall at my house to let you see it 🙂
I was contemplating adding a few feathers on it (you know how I love my feathers).. but I had to keep in mind (it’s for a guy) so I left them off (but boy – oh boy- was I tempted.
I’m like… hmmmmm… hey should I pass this up???? Chuckles.. I told him.. “I think you might be beat – because I’m digging it” He laughed and said “Oh really” but of course I’m going to give it to him.. I can’t wait to see it hung at his place. I’ll be showing you his “pad” in a few weeks. I miss having him around, but when I go to see him, it makes me smile.
I hope you guys like the mirror I created.. He hasn’t seen it yet, so I hope he does too.. See ya! Have a great weekend!!
It was a hot, hot, hot day and I decided to work on this “whatever thingy” I found a while ago. It was a dumpster dive found item. I’m guessing it was once a bar stool – what do you think??
I figure…why let it go to the dumpster.. ??? It’s got good bones so I’ll give it a new look.. simple, quick & cheap. So here it is with a new look as a new function. Ohhhh the power of paint!!!!
Pretty simple and now I have another plant stand (for now)… Who knows what it will be later.. I love the triangular shape of the legs. The tips received a dip in gold.
After painting it I added a pretty tile for the topper. It’s not grouted yet. I found the tile at Lowe’s on the clearance rack for $2.50. It was pretty enough to use. I may grout it later, I just didn’t want to buy any grout for this small project and it sits around collecting dust – never to be used again. But, in the mean time.. It’ll do just fine like this.
I’m sprucing up my porch and it sits perfect in the corner
I’m glad it didn’t make it to the dump. :). Have you saved anything from the dumpster pile lately? If so, share your story. Until next time.. See Ya!
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
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 🙂
