tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034205508911175672024-03-13T09:56:14.971-07:00life and wanderlust designswanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-88113876753514440272015-05-15T06:34:00.001-07:002015-05-15T06:36:32.776-07:00Bungalow Betty<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MIxXqzqIANk/VVX1x3GaN5I/AAAAAAAAAos/2k83oiu3sQw/s640/blogger-image-2028311532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MIxXqzqIANk/VVX1x3GaN5I/AAAAAAAAAos/2k83oiu3sQw/s640/blogger-image-2028311532.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's Estate sale Thursday which usually means that I'm getting ready to brave <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">a mob of fierce competitors on the hunt for lost treasure and vintage bliss. Well not today nothing peaked my interest enough to brave the elements (it's cold here in Michigan again) and the seasoned hunters who will do almost anything for a good buy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So I sit in my cozy house with a warm cuppa looking out my window to a meadow of heavy wet grasses and chilly raindrops and remember a few weeks ago when we were having unseasonably warm weather and I dressed in my usual estate hunting garb to attend a funky little sale of retro treasures and provocative art. Luckily I wasn't alone. I was accompanied by a very stealthy and sometimes ruthless hunter who unlike myself wears sensible shoes that allow her to run thru the premesis and score the coolest find of the day. Unlike my stealthy friend, that I will call Dee Dee for this article, I have a ritual or obsession with getting dressed in just the right attire for a day of treasure hunting. I say right attire but honestly there's nothing right about it. I don't know why or what it is about sale day that makes me gravitate to my chunky old ( more like clunky) pair of clogs with 3 inch thick wooden soles and what was once cream colored suede uppers but now resembles a paint splotched mess. They look like something right out of the eighties and they're not far off I think I've had them for 15 years or more. Crazy I know but I think it's something like carrying a lucky rabbits foot or wearing a lucky fishing hat. I don't feel ready for the sale unless I'm wearing them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Well now that you've witnessed one of my many quirks, or eccentricities which a little sounds better, let me tell you why the shoes are a bad idea. It has to do with my pushy competitors and the fact that many of these sales take place in old houses with very steep stairways and rickety floors that have you walking or usually running down hill. I have been pushed down the stairs and almost trampled at some of the heavily attended sales. The shoes of course survived. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So by now you may be asking "what does Bungalow Betty and the picture above have to do with this story?" Well, you know how I mentioned Dee Dee and her sensible shoes? She was my saving grace at the funky retro sale and the very reason Betty now has a prominent place in my "Studio Pink" office. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Here's the story that I've been trying to tell, I am easily side tracked; Dee Dee and I arrived at the sale early and put our names on the number sheet that one of the other veteran hunters had created. We waited in line patiently, I think we were about fifth or sixth in line, when an unfamiliar competitor showed up wearing her lucky hat with a logo I can't mention for fear of being banned from a certain well loved vintage store that I haunt from time to time. This lucky hat wearing woman that I will call #47 showed up with attitude. She was late which put her at the end of the list but after signing her name and taking a look around she placed herself in front of me in line and started complaining about how unprofessional some estate sales were run. All the while #47 rambled on I was thinking "how dare she cut me in line and act like her hat made her entitled to go first." I was stemmed and trying to come up with something clever to say about her place in line when it hit me. She is after the very same thing that I got up extremely early for and skipped my morning shower to simply drag a comb thru my what was now a bit on the wild side hair from all the unseasonable humidity in the air. She would be headed to the basement to snag my Betty from the vintage dress form pictures I drooled over in the estate sale ad. I knew it had to be so because Betty would have fit in beautifully with all the other kitschy cool merchandise in her shop. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I whispered to my friend who unlike me tends to speak her mind and was just about ready to blast #47 with an earful when I suggested that we not let on about our interest in Betty but instead stealthily beat her to the basement. I thought for a moment as I looked down at my shoes and realized that there was no way that I would be able to outrun even an 80 year old woman to the basement wearing these shoes let alone this forty something woman with shall I say I strong stature and a kill or be killed attitude. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">That's when I turned to my friend and said " I'm counting on you to beat her to the punch and pull Betty's tag." Dee Dee loves a challenge and because by this time she was pretty annoyed by # 47 and her audacity to cut the line. Dee Dee was ready to put #47 in her place and win the hunt. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Well since you know that Bungalow Betty is mine you know that Dee Dee managed to throw a block in the stairway and dive in for the kill (I mean tag). It was all over in a matter of minutes and I was quite pleased to be able to stand in the check out line with Betty at my side flashing a grin over to #47 who looked rather disappointed with a measly gold frame in one hand and chunky beaded necklace in the other. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Dee Dee and I happily pushed Betty down the sidewalk to the car and then drove off to a little diner for lunch, on me, of course!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Happy hunting,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Kelly</span></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-27156357806093059962015-04-13T18:11:00.001-07:002015-04-13T18:11:06.696-07:00Nashville or Bust photo shootI had a blast creating this gypsy photo shoot. The girls did a great job!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GXIy_1NNXcs/VSxpKWHb0NI/AAAAAAAAAnc/HAE3TjdCk54/s640/blogger-image--37316733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GXIy_1NNXcs/VSxpKWHb0NI/AAAAAAAAAnc/HAE3TjdCk54/s640/blogger-image--37316733.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t6xp9osEc3M/VSxpIgstvZI/AAAAAAAAAnM/Ktr6QCe95Vc/s640/blogger-image--1119156300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t6xp9osEc3M/VSxpIgstvZI/AAAAAAAAAnM/Ktr6QCe95Vc/s640/blogger-image--1119156300.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-16p6_aY8teo/VSxpJmsQemI/AAAAAAAAAnU/PM9kDAG_J6Q/s640/blogger-image-795319804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-16p6_aY8teo/VSxpJmsQemI/AAAAAAAAAnU/PM9kDAG_J6Q/s640/blogger-image-795319804.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l3vcbo3sJ6Y/VSxpHlR9F8I/AAAAAAAAAnE/QGPvtu_hMBU/s640/blogger-image--1145888551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l3vcbo3sJ6Y/VSxpHlR9F8I/AAAAAAAAAnE/QGPvtu_hMBU/s640/blogger-image--1145888551.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-72940616465308910042015-03-23T18:25:00.001-07:002015-03-23T18:27:19.645-07:00What I love today<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TOWhVXOUHnM/VRC9HNHzMuI/AAAAAAAAAl0/bE1DNllQiYk/s640/blogger-image--244576846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TOWhVXOUHnM/VRC9HNHzMuI/AAAAAAAAAl0/bE1DNllQiYk/s640/blogger-image--244576846.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I think we made it. Made it through the winter, that is. I'm loving the sunshine of spring. It has been much needed and anticipated. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm also loving this totally awesome dream catcher necklace from Cloud 9 jewels at Etsy.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0nupghjhVEQ/VRC9IProjGI/AAAAAAAAAl8/CRPBcsjiDXA/s640/blogger-image-187237952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0nupghjhVEQ/VRC9IProjGI/AAAAAAAAAl8/CRPBcsjiDXA/s640/blogger-image-187237952.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What are you loving today?</div><br></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-88140595597519254002015-03-16T12:27:00.001-07:002015-03-16T13:06:26.567-07:00Feeling like Spring<div>Did a little spring cleaning and redecorating this weekend. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4W_CG5xukIc/VQcuhSLDEbI/AAAAAAAAAjo/r3OmO9aHZMA/s640/blogger-image-593868386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4W_CG5xukIc/VQcuhSLDEbI/AAAAAAAAAjo/r3OmO9aHZMA/s640/blogger-image-593868386.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I can feel the tickle of spring as the warm sun fills the spaces inside my home. It's just a faint whisper but can definitely be heard. I need warm sun and green shoots. I need blue skies with chirping birds overhead. I need spring!<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_PlJEkdIgTM/VQcuelq5FVI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/2TRHBovM6GY/s640/blogger-image--171104230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_PlJEkdIgTM/VQcuelq5FVI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/2TRHBovM6GY/s640/blogger-image--171104230.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>Spring brings promise of sunshine and blooming plants and it also brings opportunity to hunt for tattered treasures that beg for a breath of new life. Estate sale listings are beginning to hit my inbox. I'm on the prowl for something with good bones or sexy legs to refinish. </div><div>Something like this,,,,</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DRw_Cmj41j8/VQcugQuY4aI/AAAAAAAAAjg/Oqlv45Ffjuw/s640/blogger-image-1010540060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DRw_Cmj41j8/VQcugQuY4aI/AAAAAAAAAjg/Oqlv45Ffjuw/s640/blogger-image-1010540060.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Definitely this,,,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-138wuBnMLnA/VQc3wHuXpPI/AAAAAAAAAkU/h72N7gY-zIs/s640/blogger-image-221948887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-138wuBnMLnA/VQc3wHuXpPI/AAAAAAAAAkU/h72N7gY-zIs/s640/blogger-image-221948887.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Or maybe this,,,,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X_MsmELJG5Y/VQcufipO7PI/AAAAAAAAAjY/zyucxxLliCg/s640/blogger-image-1759084206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X_MsmELJG5Y/VQcufipO7PI/AAAAAAAAAjY/zyucxxLliCg/s640/blogger-image-1759084206.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>I'm ready to work my magic with a few coats of chalk paint and a little bit of elbow grease. It's not always easy to find the right piece. I love the hunt almost as much as the repurpose. I'm looking forward to the next few Friday's scouting the tag sales. </div><div>Happy hunting!!!</div></div><div>Kelly</div><div><br></div></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-62414607453620103332015-03-02T17:01:00.001-08:002015-03-02T17:39:08.587-08:00The lust and the lure of Anthropologie and a little mystery<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z3Od512wk6s/VPUKfpeYhKI/AAAAAAAAAiE/oZDZInbIKlE/s640/blogger-image--461550459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z3Od512wk6s/VPUKfpeYhKI/AAAAAAAAAiE/oZDZInbIKlE/s640/blogger-image--461550459.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>You had me at Anthropologie. I'm easily sucked in and swept away by the view or atmosphere. This makes me a very dangerous shopper. Unlike most of my savvy shopping buddies who look for the best deal or things they really need and can afford, I am an emotional shopper becoming hooked, more like attached to anything and everything that makes my heart skip a beat or promises to make cool or beautiful. I fall hard for good marketing and stores that have a certain dreamy or extremely cool atmosphere. I know my weaknesses but still I can't help myself. It's an addiction or what I like to call passion. I'm sure my husband calls it something else.<div> Anthropologie is such a place that sucks me in the door and takes over my soul. I wander the store in lust for hours only to exit the store with a cool purchase that I love but don't need. My latest such purchase was a book titled "Gypsy a world of colour and interiors. I pour over the pages and devour images like this one...</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BBkHc-a71S8/VPUP9pSrBMI/AAAAAAAAAic/Tf8DYGjFNCQ/s640/blogger-image--792066108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BBkHc-a71S8/VPUP9pSrBMI/AAAAAAAAAic/Tf8DYGjFNCQ/s640/blogger-image--792066108.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love the rawness and organic vibe of this room. From the chippy paint on the block wall to the pond sailor on the wall, I'm hooked. I can envision myself spending time sitting on that lovely blue settee or gazing out the window with the fabulous fishing net window treatment, love that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I am drawn to a design or piece by the emotion or memory <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">evoked in me. I haunt swanky little decorator shops and juicy antique stores. One of my latest obsessions is vintage photos, not the posed portraits just the candid shots that make you wonder about the story behind the image. I recently designed an art piece "Lost at Sea" using some really extrodinary photos of children by the sea. I can't help but wonder who were these children, where did they live and what was their story. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rerd_Mg_g64/VPUP-FIGXSI/AAAAAAAAAik/fXoWVtUaoOo/s640/blogger-image-1756727356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rerd_Mg_g64/VPUP-FIGXSI/AAAAAAAAAik/fXoWVtUaoOo/s640/blogger-image-1756727356.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mv8HkAWcMeA/VPUQu6a_O0I/AAAAAAAAAis/la5sg4ldwpU/s640/blogger-image--465126854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mv8HkAWcMeA/VPUQu6a_O0I/AAAAAAAAAis/la5sg4ldwpU/s640/blogger-image--465126854.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The untold story and the mystery behind the photos are intertwined with the awesomeness of each and every tiny shell and piece of garbage that gets lost and washes up on the beaches I wander. I love the mystery and the wonder of it all. I'm a curious girl who can't get enough of the romance of the sea and the lure of ambient interiors and love at first sight. Yes, you had me at Anthropologie!</div><br></div><br></span></div></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-39356741649883026642015-02-25T15:17:00.001-08:002015-02-25T15:18:28.726-08:00Channeling Marie AntoinetteHey, I found this really awesome Etsy listing at https://www.etsy.com/listing/224073150/channeling-marie-antoinette-art<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-calhvwzaY7A/VO5YQzVxaLI/AAAAAAAAAgw/2AR7jydzKdA/s640/blogger-image--1035955967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-calhvwzaY7A/VO5YQzVxaLI/AAAAAAAAAgw/2AR7jydzKdA/s640/blogger-image--1035955967.jpg"></a></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-54858069593203379242015-02-25T08:28:00.001-08:002015-02-25T09:20:34.393-08:00Lost at sea Hey, I found this really awesome Etsy listing at https://www.etsy.com/listing/224016923/lost-at-sea-altershrine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wo6liWUe--k/VO34JOknFwI/AAAAAAAAAgY/C6nh5ZmnJbg/s1600/IMG_160903141719254.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wo6liWUe--k/VO34JOknFwI/AAAAAAAAAgY/C6nh5ZmnJbg/s640/IMG_160903141719254.jpeg"> </a> </div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-62715756588646902332015-01-31T18:33:00.001-08:002015-01-31T18:33:27.642-08:00Loving the light<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VRBDPqFQ5QU/VM2Qdh9P6VI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/D2GSY3a9kgM/s640/blogger-image-56157651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VRBDPqFQ5QU/VM2Qdh9P6VI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/D2GSY3a9kgM/s640/blogger-image-56157651.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I felt blessed to have witnessed the magic of morning light as it danced thru the trees and kissed the frosty flowers. This photo was taken on a morning of below zero temperatures. The light sparkled brilliantly across the landscape as it warmed the earth. I love the way the light fractured thru my lens and blurred the image. It was pure magic and worth a few moments of wading thru deep snow and the feeling of frosty toes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love....</div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-42015776172584667362015-01-05T16:19:00.001-08:002015-01-05T16:54:34.575-08:00Inspire me if you dare!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-02OuMaW6Ir8/VKsqFyf_l_I/AAAAAAAAAds/GrqmukQ3IDo/s640/blogger-image-2136776528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-02OuMaW6Ir8/VKsqFyf_l_I/AAAAAAAAAds/GrqmukQ3IDo/s640/blogger-image-2136776528.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The light, the yummy colors, the earthy feel and pure organic vibe of this room makes my heart skip a beat or two! I came across this inspirational image on Pinterest (<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">http://johanna-vintage.blogspot.nl/) </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and fell instantly in love. It got me thinking... if only I had a room like this. I would create, write, and get lost in a daydream or simply just be. Inspiration and ideas would flow onto the page, the canvas, the room. This space is so raw and inviting. I could definitely spend some here. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I pinned it, downloaded it and then shared my enthusiasm for this lovely space with my husband. He wrinkled his nose and said "huh, why?") at first I felt crushed and a little hurt but that got me thinking, why do I feel such a visceral connection to this image. After a few moments I realized that this room reminded me of the basement of my grandparents dilapidated barn. I spent hours collecting rusty old implements, making vignettes with an urban loft kind of feel ( this was way before anyone would have dreamed of living in that kind of space) running up and down the crumbling brick steps and sitting against the moss covered stone walls to eat my lunch. It was raw, magical and my secret place.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Do you have a magical space that begs your creative self to come out to play?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hugs,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Kelly</font></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-33654094123628646222015-01-01T14:09:00.001-08:002015-01-02T05:11:27.707-08:00Creative juices and hello 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-buQXRDvaV7c/VKXFekBMy5I/AAAAAAAAAdc/y4qvF1LSNww/s640/blogger-image-1393152685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-buQXRDvaV7c/VKXFekBMy5I/AAAAAAAAAdc/y4qvF1LSNww/s640/blogger-image-1393152685.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This year I made a promise to myself. No more thoughtless gifts. This year everything I gifted would be carefully planned and creatively put together with a little piece of my soul. I'm happy to say that I was pretty successful at keeping that promise. The homemade puppet theater was creative with salvaged and newly bought materials. It came together beautifully. A star was born on Christmas Day. Princess Fairah and her friends have since debuted in many crafty productions. It was as much fun making this project as it has been watching the show. It's nice when an idea comes together and actually meets my expectations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> So now that 2014 is behind us and we are standing on the doorstep of a new year, new hopes, new goals, I ask myself, "what do you want to accomplish in 2015?" I don't do resolutions because I feel like that only sets me up for failure. I use the concept of goals, dreams and focus, somehow these terms seem real and more attainable to me. Hmmm, I got nothing! I guess I'm not quite ready to make a declaration for the new year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Here's a fun little piece of trivia... 2015 was the year Marty Mcfly traveled to in Back to the future, I guess I will have to revisit this movie to know how much they got right about the year 2015.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hello Mcfly I don't see kids riding around town on a hover board, " what's up with that?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy New Year to all</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kelly</div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-38835260481123892972014-12-24T19:01:00.001-08:002014-12-24T19:01:53.708-08:00Warm wishes<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UJYAMR6l6f0/VJt-H9ZnxlI/AAAAAAAAAdM/Pdp-uXT1K7o/s640/blogger-image--1664015442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UJYAMR6l6f0/VJt-H9ZnxlI/AAAAAAAAAdM/Pdp-uXT1K7o/s640/blogger-image--1664015442.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Sending you warm wishes for a very happy holiday. Be safe and stay warm. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Hugs,,,, Kelly</b></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-23585819234063608262014-12-12T09:38:00.001-08:002014-12-12T09:38:32.979-08:00Vintage wedding topper<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SPdMNxF56ew/VIsoFY0UWmI/AAAAAAAAAc8/iuKjJ52Ssp0/s640/blogger-image-827833619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SPdMNxF56ew/VIsoFY0UWmI/AAAAAAAAAc8/iuKjJ52Ssp0/s640/blogger-image-827833619.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I found and fell in love with this vintage wedding topper still in its Drexel box. It's in beautiful condition with the perfect amount of patina. I filled the bottom of this terrarium jar with the vintage cotton that lined the topper box. I love the way it yellowed in some areas and stayed crisp white in others. The jar is decorated with a sea horse charm because the bride and groom are getting married in Hawaii. I found the gorgeous cake plate at Home Goods. I'm in love and hate the thought of parting with it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sigh...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kelly</div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-84420359967320960072014-12-04T04:52:00.001-08:002014-12-09T04:26:04.195-08:00Vintage holiday<div>I love Christmas and one of my favorite activities of the holiday is decorating. I like to decorate with vintage ornaments. Speaking of vintage I mailed out my package this weekend for the vintage secret Santa gift exchange. I participated in an exchange hosted by chronically vintage. </div><div><br></div><div>Below is My tiny little vintage tree with old ornaments from my childhood scattered around the base.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EvbnCM90uaw/VIZOi1UIzII/AAAAAAAAAcs/VveX3SBycv4/s640/blogger-image-1708676297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EvbnCM90uaw/VIZOi1UIzII/AAAAAAAAAcs/VveX3SBycv4/s640/blogger-image-1708676297.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>This little guy is one of my favs and always takes center stage when decorating for Christmas.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dJBF-swbjUQ/VIBc6pK1IoI/AAAAAAAAAcE/Q7lAUXwun18/s640/blogger-image-999997941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dJBF-swbjUQ/VIBc6pK1IoI/AAAAAAAAAcE/Q7lAUXwun18/s640/blogger-image-999997941.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love my vintage pieces and prefer the old christmas bulbs and decorations over the new. I have my favorites from Pinterest pinned to my Christmas Kitsch board. Like this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qpt-abSD08E/VIBc7ZI_OMI/AAAAAAAAAcM/4I3aky_DtC0/s640/blogger-image--832844029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qpt-abSD08E/VIBc7ZI_OMI/AAAAAAAAAcM/4I3aky_DtC0/s640/blogger-image--832844029.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jn7HkggfF44/VIBc8mlx4WI/AAAAAAAAAcY/KmNswGlv-TA/s640/blogger-image--1680980314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jn7HkggfF44/VIBc8mlx4WI/AAAAAAAAAcY/KmNswGlv-TA/s640/blogger-image--1680980314.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is my version of the snow globe....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbZcHGEWMJg/VIBc8JVismI/AAAAAAAAAcU/T6iZMYPP4-c/s640/blogger-image--661812479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbZcHGEWMJg/VIBc8JVismI/AAAAAAAAAcU/T6iZMYPP4-c/s640/blogger-image--661812479.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I added lights later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well I'm off to the studio to finish the puppet theater I'm making for a special little girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Be warm, be safe and enjoy the Holiday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hugs... Kelly</div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-28671918973387139902014-12-03T10:12:00.001-08:002014-12-03T18:33:26.301-08:00The plan<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mBxsl3G0j7A/VH9Sk60RwJI/AAAAAAAAAb0/qXSrCg0W7qs/s640/blogger-image--1139138735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mBxsl3G0j7A/VH9Sk60RwJI/AAAAAAAAAb0/qXSrCg0W7qs/s640/blogger-image--1139138735.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The plan was perfect and well thought out or so I thought. I was going to fill my shop with the most delicious treasures for holiday gift giving. Although I have a difficult time parting with my unique <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">finds, I get so excited like a little girl on Christmas Day, when I share my salvaged treasures. My plan to fill the studio with as found and artfully altered items didn't turn out quite like I thought it would. The shelves of studio pink are far from full but I did find the most amazing antique mortar and pestle set. I loved it so much I decided to keep it until my hubby reminded me that I already had one and then he asked if I really needed another set. I hate it when he's right. :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> It's simply amazing how fast time goes by and how little time is left for treasure hunting and carefully curated projects. I have managed to get started on several Christmas gifts. They aren't completed but I have begun the process. That still counts, doesn't it? Although it gets a little crazy at times I do enjoy the holiday, decorating, shopping and spending time with family. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> What is your secret for keeping it all together and getting everything completed in time? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Do share!</span></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-4670072843946311462014-12-01T07:12:00.001-08:002014-12-01T08:07:20.350-08:00Breath and just be...It finally happened. A moment when I could take a deep breath and just be. As I gaze out the window my stress melts away with the morning frost. Each and every worry is somehow like the tiny crystals intricately and beautifully packed into every flake. The morning sun glistens through every facet and highlights the uniqueness of each. Every flake mimics my thoughts, so complex and individualized. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zCWtiOOqNA8/VHyFYbrPVMI/AAAAAAAAAaM/BNMRcHlidFs/s640/blogger-image-237486579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zCWtiOOqNA8/VHyFYbrPVMI/AAAAAAAAAaM/BNMRcHlidFs/s640/blogger-image-237486579.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I need this time, this moment to melt down and slowly recompose. The rush of the holiday and the hurried ness of everyday life sometimes takes it's toll. I look forward to a little quiet solitude this morning. There is so much on my To Do list but I am taking this morning and this moment to concentrate on rest and contemplation. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9dEyXPDzRto/VHyFZEn5ArI/AAAAAAAAAaU/iibGAsNRMVA/s640/blogger-image-1845720453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9dEyXPDzRto/VHyFZEn5ArI/AAAAAAAAAaU/iibGAsNRMVA/s640/blogger-image-1845720453.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No worries, no stress, <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">just time to savor a moment to breath in waves of calm and feelings of thankfulness for this day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Wishing you a blissful day of calm and tranquility.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Just breath....</b></font></div><br></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-80494768842756843872014-11-23T04:51:00.001-08:002014-11-23T04:51:32.742-08:00Secret Santa gift exchange<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FSU6HxA-Fz4/VHHYUsbYetI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/pM6N4HvJSpU/s640/blogger-image-777536584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FSU6HxA-Fz4/VHHYUsbYetI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/pM6N4HvJSpU/s640/blogger-image-777536584.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've been missing from the blog world while away tending to other business this week. I've been trying all week to find a few moments to share a quick tidbit with you. I am so excited and couldn't wait to tell you about an upcoming event. Jessica over at chronicallyvintage.com is having a Secret Santa Gift Exchange. If you've never been to her world you must pay a visit to her site. She always has something incredible interesting to share. I love secrets and can't wait to find the perfect little something to share. Let the hunt begin! Thank you Jessica for allowing me to participate in the fun. I can't wait!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Be warm,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kelly</div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-32536272929988503272014-11-18T10:03:00.001-08:002014-11-18T10:05:46.677-08:00Love potion<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ltdflL1f4vA/VGuJ_3GxlCI/AAAAAAAAAYc/-Az3BsBqvnM/s640/blogger-image-81938175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ltdflL1f4vA/VGuJ_3GxlCI/AAAAAAAAAYc/-Az3BsBqvnM/s640/blogger-image-81938175.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have been busy cooking up some potions from my garden herbs. I like to garden. I grow flowers and herbs and the occasional tomato or pepper. My favorite part of gardening is collecting the fresh herbs and using them in salads and other dishes. I am a mediocre cook that gets bored with the same old thing and likes to get adventurous in the kitchen. My favorite things to cook up aren't edible at all. I love to make herbal salt scrubs and lip balms but my very favorite recipe <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">is what I call my love potion. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> It's really just rose water made from dried roses, distiller water and citrus vodka. It's so easy to make ( shhh, don't tell anyone its my secret and now yours) and smells heavenly. I use hand fulls of dried roses from the garden (the heavily scented kind) a jug of distiller water and a few swigs, I mean drops, of citrus orange vodka. I boil the water and pour them over the roses then steep them in a covered glass bowl for about 40 minutes. After the 40 minutes are up and the water is a beautiful rose tint I strain the water and discard or compost the rose petals. I then add the vodka and </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">pour the mixture in decorative jars or bottles with stoppers. I seal a few bottles that won't be used for a while with melted candle wax. No need to refrigerate because the vodka acts as a preservative. It smells wonderful and it's very soothing to dry skin. I keep a tiny jar of it </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">in my home altar as well but more on that later. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> If you don't grow roses in your garden you can buy discarded petals from a florist and dry them yourself. You can also use fresh petals but you want to be sure they haven't been laced with pesticides. I have never used fresh roses and the recipe is a bit different from the one I use for dried petals. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> So even though the weather is a bit frightful here in Michigan I can still enjoy my garden. We are expecting a few more inches of snow and high winds tonight. Brrrrrr!!</span></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-16004391899430344312014-11-15T05:19:00.001-08:002014-11-15T05:37:30.990-08:00Deep thoughts on a frosty morning<div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4N9k4LQc0Hw/VGdS3g_I9JI/AAAAAAAAAXY/bNvp_m3fGCc/s640/blogger-image--806315714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4N9k4LQc0Hw/VGdS3g_I9JI/AAAAAAAAAXY/bNvp_m3fGCc/s640/blogger-image--806315714.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I can't recall when it happened but there was a moment when the thought entered my mind and cemented itself deep within like a pillar of stone refusing to move. I tried to dismiss it, walk around it and even push it aside but there was no denying the obvious. I'm talking about the moment I knew that the level I had worked for and tried to attain for so many years just didn't fit. It wasn't me. It was difficult and even a little bit painful but I had to admit that I was not the super woman I pretended to be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> From a very young age we are told that we can do and have it all. We can balance everything in life, the family, the career, the good, the bad and even the ugly with ease. I told myself this and even pleaded with myself to stay a working woman who was finally making her way up the ladder. I was too embarrassed to admit that I didn't want to be making my way up the ladder. The truth was I didn't want to be on that ladder at all. It took some time but eventually I admitted to myself and then to others that I wanted to leave my job. I needed time to spend with my family and reconnect with myself. Admittance came first but the letting go was key. I had to let go of the notion that I had made it and let go of the money that came along with. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oBgg5hi5kbQ/VGdS4Pw4QwI/AAAAAAAAAXg/BW9jcerRR94/s640/blogger-image-2117140900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oBgg5hi5kbQ/VGdS4Pw4QwI/AAAAAAAAAXg/BW9jcerRR94/s640/blogger-image-2117140900.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That step is behind me now and I am looking forward to time with the people I love, time to create and time to just breath. As I look out across the frosty lawn in my toasty slippers and worn out sweatshirt not fit for the public eye I take a deep breath and head for the Keurig for another cuppa. There is something about the crisp air and magic of morning light dancing across the floor that puts me in a dreamy state and gives way to a moment of reflection. Ahhhh...... So glad to be here!</div><br></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-41910560454987051462014-11-14T05:22:00.001-08:002014-11-14T06:08:53.268-08:00Horsing around<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7rBPgjjHL84/VGYCJVl28vI/AAAAAAAAAU4/RoTdnpWeGf8/s640/blogger-image--864539588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7rBPgjjHL84/VGYCJVl28vI/AAAAAAAAAU4/RoTdnpWeGf8/s640/blogger-image--864539588.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I decided to share a little fun on a cold grey day. It's already snowing here. I shouldn't be surprised. You know what they say about Michigan weather. We'll maybe you don't, it's unpredictable and if you don't like the weather blink your eyes and it will change. Ha ha.... So true!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The air is cool and crisp and the garden has been put to bed for the season. Every season has its perks but I love the warm sunny days of summer. Fall is beautiful and the spring is magical but I am a barefoot girl already longing for the long days of summer. Not everyone or everything feels the way I do. My minnie horses love the coolness of fall and the frosty winters. This pic was taken when we still had green grass and leaves on the trees but the air was beginning to cool which inspired a little ruff housing between the boys. I wish I shared their enthusiasm for cold weather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cheers to the weekend.... Enjoy!</div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-16056936394198391142014-11-12T15:42:00.001-08:002014-11-14T04:03:07.095-08:00Altered junk with chalk paint DIY<div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FvtBW_IeUVs/VGSoX2tbkYI/AAAAAAAAAUg/IvWvaVeu1jg/s640/blogger-image-994003835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FvtBW_IeUVs/VGSoX2tbkYI/AAAAAAAAAUg/IvWvaVeu1jg/s640/blogger-image-994003835.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have become addicted to repurposing with chalk paint. I first started transforming out-dated pieces of furniture with name brand chalk paints, like Annie Sloan, only found in specialty stores or on the internet. They were great and came in several colors but very pricey about 40 dollars a quart. I was limited by a small color palate and had to make a 35 mile trip to find it. I should probably clarify that chalk paint and chalk board paint are different. Chalk paint is used on furniture to leave an old world appearance similar to milk paint. It is quite often aged to give a beautifully worn patina. It's often used in shabby chic decor. Chalk board paint is used to make chalk boards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chalk paint allows me to take a piece that needs a little love or a major face lift and transform it into something fabulous. In the beginning I was spending a small fortune on paint and wax. Eventually I decided to take a leap of faith and start making my own paint. There are several recipes posted on- line. I have listed a couple inexpensive recipes to try. My go to mix is the plaster of Paris recipe below found on Inmyownstyle.com.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c3G5QEwp96U/VGSs4-XKEQI/AAAAAAAAAUs/Cv9ThI5iSrk/s640/blogger-image--907386175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c3G5QEwp96U/VGSs4-XKEQI/AAAAAAAAAUs/Cv9ThI5iSrk/s640/blogger-image--907386175.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's easy and all you need to get stated is a little paint (color and brand of your choice) plaster of Paris and a soft wax like Johnson's or Minwax paste finishing wax. There are many techniques to try depending on the finish you want in the end. Pinterest is a great resource for ideas and wonderful pics of the end result. I usually go for the more distressed look with a little sand paper at varying grits. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The best thing about chalk painting is that you can cover almost anything and you don't have to sand or strip the piece first. I love that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The chest above was a sad piece buried under frames and chairs in the garage of an estate sale. It was dirty (including mouse droppings) and broken but I could see the potential. After a little wood glue was applied to the drawers and trim pieces and the broken door was removed, we ( my dad) cut a piece of wood for a new top. I loved the chippy paint and aged look of the chest already so I applied only a thin layer of oatmeal colored paint. I wanted to preserve the original patina as much as possible but you can create your own with a little aging wax that's readily available at your better paint or hardware store. After achieving the color I wanted I waxed and buffed to a satin finish. I painted inside the drawers and open shelf (created by removing the door) with a pop of sunny color. Then I stacked several colorful boxes in the open space. You could also use a cute little basket for storage or stack of old books. I love how this piece turned out it was a total transformation. I wish I would have taken before and after pics. I always forget to do that. It's because I get so excited and anxious to get started and just dive right in without capturing the original piece. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The entire project cost me less than 50 dollars. That's right I got this sexy little chest for less than fifty bucks and a couple hours of DIY. I would love to see some of your transformations with chalk paint, hint, hint! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-970258597868564122014-11-12T13:28:00.001-08:002014-11-12T13:30:10.371-08:00Photo a day challenge<p dir="ltr">Fat mum slim has a photo a day challenge going on. I was intrigued and decided to join in. I joined the face book group and have been sharing my photos there. It's so interesting to see the pics posted by people all across the world. I'm having g a great time.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sZqDCdMHnEI/VGPQ7FwU60I/AAAAAAAAAUU/CdgdIB7BCOE/s1600/photo-20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sZqDCdMHnEI/VGPQ7FwU60I/AAAAAAAAAUU/CdgdIB7BCOE/s640/photo-20.JPG"> </a> </div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-16109537950011235442014-11-09T11:39:00.001-08:002014-11-10T18:27:34.990-08:00What I know<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NrZD__TP898/VF_DAxeoXAI/AAAAAAAAATY/a_IyUUDWf-M/s640/blogger-image--1587683283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NrZD__TP898/VF_DAxeoXAI/AAAAAAAAATY/a_IyUUDWf-M/s640/blogger-image--1587683283.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some days I feel exposed as though I am inside out, raw and fragile to the touch. I don't feel like I'm measuring up or doing what is expected of a woman of my age, my upbringing or my potential. Many times I have trouble going the distance and stop a little shy of success. Just about the time I get close to the win, I back down, make an excuse and just bow out. Is it fear of failure or the uncertainty of knowing what I really want or really need that stops me in my tracks? I don't know.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some days like today I get up charged and ready for anything, like a version of my younger self when I felt like nothing could stop me and I had plenty of time to get everything I wanted in the end. As I am now in the middle of my life and still not sure what that <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">everything is or where I am suppose to be I feel a little uneasy about my life. But then I think maybe this is where I am supposed to be and maybe I have everything I need. I know I am not supposed to be rich or famous or be solving the problems of the world. I am suppose to be here making a small but important impact on the people closest to me. This is what I know. Everything else is subject to change. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I would really love to know If you have days of wavering faith in yourself and how do you </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> know if you're on the right path and where you need to be? </span></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-2878477711697426942014-11-08T18:35:00.001-08:002014-11-08T21:27:17.683-08:00Studio Pink fun and fabulous<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SqDOq44vT-A/VF7TCH6s-aI/AAAAAAAAASA/jLA3Y-3n2K0/s640/blogger-image-1119228519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SqDOq44vT-A/VF7TCH6s-aI/AAAAAAAAASA/jLA3Y-3n2K0/s640/blogger-image-1119228519.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm making myself crazy with ideas, too many ideas and not enough finished projects. It's birthday parties, holiday decorating, party planning, stocking the shop and the fact that I haven't even given Christmas shopping a single thought. Don't get me wrong I adore the holidays. The decorating the shopping all of it. I just wish I had the time and the focus to keep up with it all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I think my biggest problem is that I lack the focus to follow through. I have so many ideas and several projects started but not much completed. Sure my studio is picked up and everything stowed away but nothing is completed. I promised myself this would be the week that I would buckle down and get serious, really serious. But then I remembered the big Mad Hatter Tea party I'm throwing in January and spent the day pinning ideas on Pinterest. Ahh, Pinterest, love, love. We'll the girls and I did manage to cross one little project off the list. We colored several tiny bottle brush trees the most delicious shades of shabby chic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bYKJA30o2lA/VF7arzdF7XI/AAAAAAAAASc/QtuWo9XmU7s/s640/blogger-image-1141571810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bYKJA30o2lA/VF7arzdF7XI/AAAAAAAAASc/QtuWo9XmU7s/s640/blogger-image-1141571810.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was so easy. A little Martha Stewart paint and glitter did the trick. The girls had a great time painting and sprinkling glitter everywhere. I think clean up time took more time than it did to make the tiny trees fabulously shabby. Did I say there was glitter? My house may not be clean but it certainly sparkles!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rt2owm8QWWI/VF7aqI1rw2I/AAAAAAAAASM/39nY_Rv-eQ4/s640/blogger-image-322480459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rt2owm8QWWI/VF7aqI1rw2I/AAAAAAAAASM/39nY_Rv-eQ4/s640/blogger-image-322480459.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We did manage to sit a spell and sip some tea while enjoying a brisk afternoon in the fall leaves. Did I say brisk? It was down right chilly. I think fall is almost spent. I'm definitely not ready for winter but then maybe it will motivate me to get things done and spend a little less time playing in the leaves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Maybe but not likely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0QqfMAJebkY/VF7aq2S6YcI/AAAAAAAAASU/e1AmrzjAfh4/s640/blogger-image-1125531331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0QqfMAJebkY/VF7aq2S6YcI/AAAAAAAAASU/e1AmrzjAfh4/s640/blogger-image-1125531331.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-70189629575124129152014-11-08T07:21:00.001-08:002014-11-08T07:22:54.897-08:00Prayer bottle for the AlterHey, I found this really awesome Etsy listing at https://www.etsy.com/listing/210237560/wish-jar-or-prayer-bottle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j_p507n5A7I/VF41TLMTYsI/AAAAAAAAAQw/OiNGogeL1Q0/s1600/20141107_072404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j_p507n5A7I/VF41TLMTYsI/AAAAAAAAAQw/OiNGogeL1Q0/s640/20141107_072404.jpg"> </a> </div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603420550891117567.post-47004585520979004132014-11-05T13:11:00.001-08:002014-11-05T13:11:13.817-08:00Chippy paint obsession<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-olqTUPxcGN4/VFqScPA0WNI/AAAAAAAAAQg/b_sv-Wwpz9A/s640/blogger-image-1676105675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-olqTUPxcGN4/VFqScPA0WNI/AAAAAAAAAQg/b_sv-Wwpz9A/s640/blogger-image-1676105675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-olqTUPxcGN4/VFqScPA0WNI/AAAAAAAAAQg/b_sv-Wwpz9A/s640/blogger-image-1676105675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eQpVS1BJi0M/VFqSbf8-0YI/AAAAAAAAAQY/PVeOcDDD4aM/s640/blogger-image--2057555529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eQpVS1BJi0M/VFqSbf8-0YI/AAAAAAAAAQY/PVeOcDDD4aM/s640/blogger-image--2057555529.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I fell in love with the shabby look of chipping paint way before it was cool. I loved the way the peeling colors exposed layers of the past and created a lovely patina. The shabby look of chippy paint creates a feeling of comfort for me. The pieces that used to be thrown in the woodpile or left by the curbside are now coveted by their owners or at the very least sold to friends with a passion for old. I used to wish that others felt passionate or understood how I felt about the shabby look of old furniture. I was so thrilled when friends began to get excited about my finds and ask me to find or refinish a piece for them. We'll I think I've changed my mind because now that shabby is in and chippy paint is all the rage it has become difficult and very expensive to find a really cool piece. I thought I wanted others to share my passion for character and see the beauty of dingy corners and peeling paint but now Im not up for the high prices and the availability of chalk paint has made everyone a DIYer. If I ever fall in love with an ugly duckling or unpopular trend again I'll be sure to appreciate "<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">one mans trash is another mans treasure."</span></div>Do you have any outdated or unpopular passions?</div></div>wanderlust designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16681663388992905017noreply@blogger.com0