Seaside Summer Mantel

Since summer is soon coming to an end, I thought I better post pictures of my seaside mantel.  I incorporated shells and coral from our honeymoon.  The shells in the ball jars were found on the beaches of North Carolina decades ago by my Great Aunt "Boo".  I never got a picture made for the shell frame,  so that may have to wait until next year.  

Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.  I'm ready for pumpkins and sweaters!

How I spent my Saturday morning...

I haven't been to a garage or estate sale since last year, so since I didn't have to work, my mom and I decided to brave the heat.  We had to battle road work and dig through dozens of unmarked boxes, but I think I found some good stuff.  I only spent $8 on everything I've included here.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Linked at:

white

Photos found here

Master Bedroom Inspiration

Josh has been working hard upstairs and I can finally start to visualize our 2nd floor as livable space.  I want our master bedroom to be light and airy, like a giant cloud I can fall into after a long day.  We found our dresser and chest of drawers, but still need to come across the right bed.  Upholstered or metal?  Here is some inspiration I found on decorpad.com

And a sneak peek of our new furniture, straight from the craigslist ad:

Flea Market Style Fireplace Mantel

The tree and Christmas decor is down, and I've got my mantel setup until I switch it up for spring/summer.  I kept it light and airy with a vintage twist to keep it interesting.  I love to hit up garage sales and antique stores for neutral pieces so that I can mix it up throughout the year while still maintaining a cohesive look (and my budget).  The key to decorating with neutrals is to layer different textures and heights.

Josh & I found the mirror propped against a neighbor's trash while taking a walk one day.  We  snagged that bad boy and slapped on a coat of antique white paint.  I am not too proud to take someone else's trash and turn it into my treasure.  Consider it "green".

I got the mercury glass finial in a TJ Maxx clearance aisle for a couple dollars.  The large glass cloche came from Marshall's and is a staple in all of my decor.  The candle in the glass vase came from a boxed set of decor that included a glass pedestal and river rocks.  Not exactly my style together, but I've re-purposed the pieces.  The glass pedestal now lives in my kitchen and holds my salt & pepper and olive oil.

I purchased the vintage style clock from HauteLook with a referral credit that I had saved.  The metal finial came from a thrift store that I used to love, it's since turned a bit junky.  :(

The "dream" sign was a Christmas gift from etsy last year.  I posted about it here.

I found that old little bird at a garage sale for less than a quarter.  He was a little chipped, but I couldn't pass him up.  The mini cloche that is over him came from an estate sale and I think it probably was meant to house a round of brie.  The large hurricane and candle came from my mom's house.  I'm also not too proud to accept a family member's castoff.  ;)

The white chippy candle holder came from a garage sale and the candle is just a cheapo from Walmart.

I don't know who this lady is, but I adopted her frame and all from a garage sale for less than a quarter.  She used to live in my bathroom etagere but I decided she should be displayed on my mantel.

Christmas Tour 2011

Here's just a little sneak peek around my house.  I only did one tree this year, and left a lot of old favorites tucked away, just not enough energy.

Would love to find some burlap or linen stockings.

Closeup of the mantle.  

Closeup of the sofa table.

Hanging above my stacked suitcases.

Still on the hunt for an old sled.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this special time of year.  

Halloween Decor

I love decorating for Holidays.  I snapped a few pictures of my Halloween decor this year, nothing special but I like it.  :)  

The buffet in the dining room.

The mantle.

Closeup of the mantle.

Saturday, my "Zeesturs" came over to watch Halloween movies.   Here's a shot of our festive drinkware.  We also colored and ate junk food.  Yes, I am 26.

Christmas in July Etsy Treasury