Grrrrr, part 2~

I'd love to be here with a happy little post...but it's been one of those weekends. And I want need to vent a little.

The hubby spent a good part of the day yesterday in the emergency room. His leg was the size of an elephant's leg. And I'm not exaggerating...much anyway.

Turns out he has a nasty clot in his leg. Yep. Seems like everytime we start to think he's really on the mend, he's not. It's been six months since his accident. I knew it would take a long time, but jeesh!

Needless to say, I'm a wee bit frustrated.

Here's praying this clot resolves quickly. Sigh.

Okay...back with happy stuff tomorrow...pinky promise.

Love Notes~

Today the Hubby and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary.

We went in together on an anniversary gift a couple of weeks back, but I wanted to do something to surprise him anyway.

Can I just tell you how hard it is to surprise your husband when he is still home recuperating from his accident?

So a couple of days ago, I called and ordered 15 helium balloons. (1 for each year we've been married.) Luckily, he had a physical therapy appointment this morning. So I dropped him off and while he was there, the little boys and I went and picked up the balloons.

A little side note here: when you are carrying around 15 helium balloons everyone you see smiles. I mean really, everyone. Balloons are just magic like that.

Last night I stayed up late after the hubby went to bed and printed out 15 photos from our wedding and engagement. Then I wrote one reason why I love him on the back of each photo. When I got the balloons home today, I tied one note on each balloon and left them in our bedroom for him to find when he got back from his appointment.

I pulled it off...he was really surprised. And he loved it, that old softy.

Then the hubby and I headed off for a lunch date to the Cheesecake Factory (mmmmm good! I highly recommend the avocado egg rolls...oh yeah!) where we ran into one of my fabulous readers who stopped to introduce herself - hi Emily! That was fun. And a lunch date was quite the luxury. We enjoyed some kiddo-free conversation and alone time which made the whole day special, mainly because it doesn't happen very often.

Happy Anniversary Babe! Here's to many more!!

A Good Weekend~

I had one of those weekends that just make a girl smile.

Friday night, The Hubby and I took the three younger kids with us to Costco. My life is nothing if not glamorous. (Our oldest was busy at a classmate's house working on a school project so he didn't join us.) But, let me tell you, that trip to Costco was amazing. I ran into one of my high school besties that I haven't seen in probably 17 years. I was so glad to see her! And it's amazing how quickly the years can melt away when you see one of your dearest friends!! We were back to our old selves almost immediately and making plans for lunch! What fun!!



Then Saturday night John and I went on a date. A real date!! Our first since his accident! Now that's progress. (Oh, yes, and by way of a little update...he had an ultrasound last week, and the blood clot in his leg is gone. Can I hear a "woot woot!"?)



So, yes, a good weekend! And I'm thankful for that!



And I have a pretty pillow tutorial coming your way...hoping to post it Monday...so check back!

(What does the photo have to do with this post? Nothing. It's just a photo I saved of an actual inn somewhere....wouldn't it be fun to stay in a tree house?)


That is all. Over and out.

Have a great day~

Well, Hello There November!

My goodness, this year is flying by!! You'd think I wouldn't be saying that since I've spent the last two months nursing the Hubby back to health from his accident. But I can't believe it's November already!

Speaking of the Hubby, it's been a while since I've given you all an update on his condition. For those of you who are new around these parts, or who just haven't heard, John was in a very serious car accident at the end of August. He fell asleep at the wheel and hit a light pole totalling his car, and breaking his leg at the femur, the knee, the shin and the ankle. He also broke eight ribs and punctured his lung. But, they say he shouldn't have lived through it, so despite the injuries he sustained, we are really thankful. Annnnd, now, two months later the Hubby is doing pretty well. He got his knee brace off last week, and now only has a boot to deal with. He has also "graduated" from a walker to crutches, although he still used the wheelchair when we do anything as bold as going grocery shopping. His Orthopedic Surgeon is hopeful that he will be able to walk without crutches in about a month. Here's hoping!

And now that's it's November, I have a bunch of projects lined up.... a little spruce up of the Princess' room, a pretty pillow tutorial, autumn inspiration and more! So keep visiting for lots of fun!

Finally, in the spirit of Thanksgiving which we celebrate this month, each day of November I am going to share something that I am thankful for. Today, I am thankful that the Hubby is healing well. I hope you'll join me in a daily remembrance of the many things we have to be thankful for. Because despite the trials, there is always something to be thankful for, and finding those things makes life a lot more bearable. :-)

Have a great day~

Frugal Friday~

Here is my poor, invalid Hubby. His new home is our living room which is now decorated in what I like to call "Hospital Chic". Ha! But seriously, we live in, what is quite possibly one of the best neighborhoods in the entire world. They have really rallied around us since John's accident. That cushy chair you see him in is a lift chair that our neighbors brought over to us. It's amazing...reclines all the way back...lifts him almost all the way up when he needs to stand.

Today at his follow up appointment, we discovered he still has some fluid in his lung. If it's still there by this time next week, he'll need another chest tube. Here's praying that all our hard work this coming week will prevent that from happening. That means lots of lung exercise, and trying hard to get up and walk more. But, despite all his pain, he's a trooper. When I told him I didn't have a post for Frugal Friday this week, he told me I could post his picture and say that my carpenter was "out of order". I thought it was funny. Thank heavens he still has a sense of humor...we're going to need it.

It's your turn! INSPIRE ME this week folks...I sure could use it!!!

You know "da rules"

1. Please link directly to your post and not just to your blog.

2. Please link back to the Shabby Nest so that others can enjoy the frugal goodness.

3. Please comment! Show our participants the love!

Oh, and don't forget...you have until midnight tonight to enter the Rusted Chain giveaway...click here.

Frugal Round-up and another update~

Welcome to this week's Frugal Round-up!

Today I have some fun projects to share...I just love all the inspiration I receive from Frugal Friday!!

First up, craft eNVy shared her fun branch mural. I'm always so impressed by people that can freehand these sorts of things!

Paisley Passions shared a darling chalkboard dining table...I'd love to use this great idea for a dinner party!

Aimless Tangents shared a simple and pretty luminary tutorial. I love this idea.

Next, Creative Little Daisy posted about her DIY birdcage pendant light. What a fun and creative lighting option...I need to find me a little birdcage!

Finally, Inspired by You shared her lovely French Text Pillows. So pretty.

Don't forget, Frugal Friday goes up tonight at 10:00 pm EST. Can't wait to see you all there!

And last but not least, I've had people pointing out that I haven't given any updates on John or my dad in a bit so here it goes...

John is home, and, to be honest, things are very difficult. He is still in a lot of pain, so his doctor prescribed some different painkillers that he hopes will work better. John has an appointment today for xrays to make sure his lungs are okay (he had a chest tube for his collapsed lung, and they are worried about the possibility of pneumonia.) After the difficulties we had even getting him in the house, I was extremely worried, so I had to call for medical transport to get him to his appointment. It's a bit pricey, but I really didn't have any other choice. (And don't even get me started on insurance complaints...I could probably go on for years!) So we're plugging along as best we can. But it's so hard to feel so helpless.

As for my dad, he is suffering from pneumonia and is still in ICU. He did overcome a scary bowel obstruction, however, so we are counting our small victories. He also seems in better spirits, and is determined to get through this. It's good to see a bit of my old can-do-anything dad reappearing. It gives me a sense of comfort in the middle of the craziness.

I want to thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers and for your sweet emails and genuine concern. You are helping more than you can ever know.

xoxo

Wendy

A Few Things~

First of all, I want to send huge thanks your way. You will never know all the good your comments and emails have done for me. I thoroughly and completely believe in the power of prayer, and all the prayers being said on our behalf is humbling and I am forever grateful.

The hubby was released from the hospital last night. And now I know that my work is really just beginning. It was so hard just to get him in the car...even with three people working on it. If it were just his leg, it might be doable, but with 8 broken ribs (yes, I previously said 4...that was my error...it's 4 on each side...yep, I can add...4+4=4...ahem...8) he can hardly move without excruciating pain. Then once we got him home, just getting him up the 2 steps into our house took 4 people. Heaven help me. He's supposed to go back for a chest xray on Thursday. At this rate, we'll need our own entourage. I must admit, I'm scared. So keep those prayers and positive thoughts coming! I thought I needed them before.....now I KNOW I need them.

In other, less worrisome - more fun, news...Wendy is now in the HOUZZ. I am now a contributor for Houzz.com! And I sure am excited. You can see my first ideabook here.

Maybe I should do one on Hospital Chic Decor, huh? That's the new style of my living room. Sigh.

See you all tomorrow~

Big Chalkboard Plans~

Remember this photo of our kitchen wall?

The photo looks lovely, but in reality, the wall is very big...and...very...empty. So I thought. And thought. And thought some more. About what I felt would be the best way to fill that big, empty wall.

I knew I wanted a statement piece.

And then I remembered this photo of Heather Chadduck's dining room.

And this photo from Cottage Living.

And after I told the hubby that I wanted to put a giant chalkboard on the wall (and he agreed, bless his impeccably stylish little heart) I found this image in my latest Pottery Barn magazine.

It seems I'm not alone in my love of chalkboards (she states sarcastically).

I'm so excited!! The hubby and I are going to look for wood today so that he can make me a giant chalkboard.

Just call it an anniversary gift. 14 years today. I am so grateful to be married to my best friend.

xoxo

Wendy

Frugal Friday - the built-in desk~

I've had a project on our to-do list since we moved into the house 2 1/2 years ago. And today it finally got finished. I took some pictures, but the lighting was not very good...so I'm going to take better ones tomorrow. In the meantime, here's a little slideshow of the process...starring... The Hubby (yes, he did all the hard work except the paint job...thanks sweetie!!) I'm posting a couple of little teaser photos of the finished product as well...hopefully they'll make you want to come back.

Edited to add: I've had a couple of comments about the slide show...it does end at slide 10...for anyone who wants to know. (leaves you hangin' huh?) ;-)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Why, you may ask, is this project featured on Frugal Friday? The only things we purchased to finish this were 2 sheets of drywall. Grand total...less than $20.

Teaser photos ...

Come back tomorrow to see the finished project and find out the winner of the Single Stone Studios giveaway!

Have a great Friday night!

40~

The hubby turned 40 on Friday. And, being the milestone birthday that 40 is, you all don't think I could pass up throwing a big soiree for the event, do you?

Black seems like the natural color to go with for a 40th birthday, but I didn't want to be entirely predictable, so I coupled it with tan and accents of galvanized metal...just like the vintage cameras I used as a centerpiece. (Plus, it went really well with my kitchen and dining room color scheme...ha ha!)

Since the hubby is a photographer, my natural inclination was to throw him a photography based party. So in place of my regular banner, I made this little beauty. I started by gathering up a bunch of old photos ...starting when he was just a little tyke, right up to the present day. I scanned them all into the computer (well, those that I didn't already have on the computer), changed them all to black and white, and then printed them all out in a 3 1/2" x 5" size. Then I hung them on some twine (dollar spot at Target) with itty-bitty laundry pins (Michael's craft, $2.99 for 25). (Notice how the twine, and the black and white photos fit with the color scheme...yeah, I planned that...no, really, I did plan it.)





Of course, I couldn't stop with just one banner...not on a 40th birthday! So I used some burlap and some photo transfer paper, and made this fun welcome banner to hang accross the sliders that go out to our side porch.

This little serving tray was a fun addition to the party. Remember the party platter I showed you here? Well, I ran with that idea (and some ductwork from Home Depot) and this is what I came up with. I'll tell you all about how I did it in a later post.

I don't have a picture of the table all decked out with the food, because I was quickly running out of time, and I wanted to get a picture with natural light...so here is one with just some of the goodies. I used these great black serving pieces along with some of my white ironstone, and metal accents of course!


The water bottle wraps were a cinch to make. I used some of the old photos and typed the words "40 years". I printed out 5 to a page on regular-sized printer paper. Then just trimmed them to 1 1/2" wide. I pulled the regular water bottle labels of each bottle and replaced them with these. (I have found that the regular labels usually leave a little bit of glue behind. I use that to secure one end of the paper, then wrap it and use stick glue to secure the other end. )

Black plates and napkins...and a dollar spot galvanized bucket holding plastic forks.

Okay, I'm not sure the hubby was completely thrilled with the little pixie I made out of his baby photo. But it is so STINKIN' cute I couldn't resist!!! His birthday hat, wings, and little sign are all glitter-y. (I didn't hear any of the men ribbing the hubby about this little pixie at all - probably because they're all used to me and my little quirks - and all the women at the party thought it was adorable!)

Happy Birthday to my sweet Hubby!!

Have a great Monday~

He Loves Me~

Okay, so this post is a little belated...but better late than never.

The hubby was out of town on Mother's Day. And if I'm being honest, I have to admit, I was a little resentful. As a matter of fact, I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. Home alone with my four kiddos on Mother's Day...

Then there was a knock at the door and a delivery man with these...

Okay, I guess I can forgive him ;-) Yep, that hubby of mine, he's a keeper!

And I am happy to announce that the Shabby Nest is now accepting sponsors. I only have a few available spaces left... but, if you have a web-based shop you'd like to promote here at my l'il ole blog, contact me for rates and information.

Have a great Wednesday~

Thoughts on a Wednesday~

Here are a couple more images I have been working on.

I especially love this next one!

Both appear on new cards in my Etsy store.

And, I hope y'all will indulge me, I just need to say a little something to the Hubby...

Sometimes it's just good to tell the world.

Have a lovely Wednesday~

Two LOVE-ly Projects~

I have been a busy girl this week! With Valentine's Day right around the corner, my "spare" time has been filled with LOVE-ly projects.



First of all, the Princess' kindergarten class is having their Valentine's Party on Friday, and they have been requested to wear something Valentines-y. In my book, that is an invitation to create something fun for her to wear. So I tried my hand at applique. A very long time ago, I asked the lovely ladies at Little Birdie Secrets for a tutorial on easy appliques...and they came through for me. So here is the link. It was actually very easy!And I love the results. (So does she...she can't wait to show up at school gettin' her Valentine on!)

Because we are on a budget this year (as everyone seems to be) I was looking for something I could do for the Hubby that wouldn't break the bank. Inspired by a couple of different things that I have seen in my blog wanderings, I came up with this little project...

I found a photo on-line of the building where the Hubby and I had our wedding reception and I played around with it on Picnik (if you are at all into photography, and you've never been to this site...you should hop over right now...don't worry, I'll wait). I made the photo a little more sepia-toned, softened it a little so it would look a bit more like a painting, then added the text. Then I just used some Mod Podge (yes, by now you should know that I have a bit of a love affair with Mod Podge) to affix it to a pre-stretched paint canvas that I bought a long time ago. So my cost for this romantic little gift...FREE!

Well, I'm off to put the finishing touches on the kiddo's Valentine's teacher gifts...a mother's work is never done. ;-)

Have a lovely Thursday~

Sad then Happy~

I was having such a sad day yesterday. Just one of those days when the weight of the world comes pressing down, and the pressures of reality are all too...shall we say...real. I was also lamenting the fact that another one of my favorite magazines has bitten the dust. You've probably all heard by now that Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion is no more. I had heard the rumor. Then my card came. The card telling me that it had ceased publication. Sigh. Let us all now have a moment of silence for the demise of another lovely publication. Tick. tick. tick...etc. MEHC you will be missed.


But then what should arrive in the evening? A package! Pour moi! Hooray! I knew what it was because I have been waiting ever so patiently (okay, not patiently at all) for it! My QUILT!!!! It came! A HUGE thank you to cute Camille for hosting the giveaway of one of her beautiful quilts, and to wonderful Lissa who made this beauty that came to live at my house! (I hope these two uber-talented ladies will forgive the horrid photography, but I was so excited to share it with you all that I couldn't wait for morning and natural light.)

The quilt is spectacular! I wish you all could see the beautiful patterns in the stitching (forgive me because I'm not a quilter and I think there is another term for it). I promised the Hubby that I'd crop out his feet when I posted the pictures, but then I thought it was so cute that he humors me the way he does and was willing to hold up the quilt so I could get a photo of it for my readers. He even reminded me to take a photo of the back...which is lovely too! Sorry, honey...the feet are staying!


Thanks again Camille and Lissa! You made my day!


And a reminder again about the Taming Kid Clutter Linky Party next Wednesday, February 4th. Please come link up with your best ideas (or any ideas for that matter) on how to store, hide or camouflage kid paraphernalia! I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Our Anniversary~

Today the Hubby and I are celebrating 13 years of marriage. WOW! Through it all, I am so happy and blessed to be married to my best friend.

This is one of my absolute favorite pics of the Hubby. This was taken candidly on the Princess' blessing day. (I think he looks totally HOT - - he will die of embarrassment when he reads this.) There is not much in this world that is sweeter than a man that adores his kiddos.

Happy Anniversary Honey~

Kitchen Shelf Inspiration~

Oh, I just love blogland! I get so much decorating inspiration from all of you lovely bloggers out there! And especially since so many of my favorite shelter magazines are falling by the way, I look to blogs for inspiration more and more!

I have two shelves in my kitchen that the Hubby built for me to replace a horrible "floating" cabinet which looked terribly out of place. They are great, and I love them. But, I have had a hard time deciding exactly what I wanted to do with them. Until yesterday, when I found this great post by Heather Bullard about her newly renovated kitchen.


You can see in this BEFORE pic how great the shelves are, but the "stuff" I had on them was uninspired to say the least. Can you all say "BORING!" Now, this AFTER pic is much better. I still need a pretty platter for the bottom shelf (all the platters I have aside from the square one on the top shelf are too big...or too colorful). I'd also like a few smaller pieces like Heather has on her shelves. But overall, a WONDERFUL transformation! All Hail Design Blogs!!!


Have a lovely Wednesday~

Friendly Homes Friday~

For today's Friendly Homes Friday we're visiting the lovely home of my darling sister-in-law Betsey! Betsey is married to the Hubby's older brother. They live in a wonderful old farmhouse in Northern Maine! It has so much charm and character that you fall in love with it immediately when you drive up the 1/2 mile dirt road through the woods into the clearing where it sits! And once you come inside, you're tempted never to leave. Betsey is a wonderful hostess who rivals Martha with her creativity! Her home is warm, inviting, and creative...just like Betsey. Enjoy the tour...

This is the sun room...the Hubby remodelled this room for his brother and Betsey about two years ago. It used to be a 70's "greenhouse" addition, and now it is a beautiful room that fits the vintage of the home! My favorite place in the house!
Here's a wider view. You can see that the sunroom sits right off the family room separated by an old weathered beam. So charming!

This chair-and-a-half is so comfy you can sleep in it! Trust me...I have on many occasions!

I'm always looking for great storage ideas...and I just love these boxes! And the baskets? Longaberger. Love them too! Betsey used to be a Longaberger rep so she has many of these lovely baskets throughout her home.

My other favorite room in Betsey's house is the guest room. This wall pocket is found there. I just love the colors and textures in this little floral arrangement...so pretty!

This charming old desk serves as a bedside table.

And here's the bed...love the pineapple finials! Just makes me want to curl up for a nap!

Betsey is the queen of signs...they are everywhere in her house! I am drawn to this little vignette with the dried floral wreath and the sweet vintage-inspired sign.

Another view of the mirror over the bedside table/desk. I'm a fan of using ribbons to hang mirrors.

This pretty stained glass window lights up the room.

This cute chandelier sits over the kitchen table...yes those are flying pigs! How fun is that??

Oops! This one is out of order. Here's another photo of the sunroom...you can see the beadboard detail on the ceiling. I LOVE BEADBOARD!

A bench welcomes visitors just inside the front door. Love the wreath over the mirror (and, of course, the beadboard!)

Another chair-and-a-half in the living room. I love the red and white ticking!

I love this lamp full of sea glass. It sits in the beach-themed bathroom on the main floor. Betsey collected all of this sea glass herself!

Hope you enjoyed your tour!

I have some fun things planned for next week, so please join me here on Monday!!

Have a wonderful weekend~