Hello ladies (and the occasional guy.)  I am busier than usual getting ready for the Lucketts Antique Market (just over a week away), so I am not going to have a chance to pick FFF favorites this week or next week.  It's just that time of year! My parents are driving up from Florida tomorrow and they'll be bringing a gorgeous antique French secretary I found on Craigslist.  They're also going … [Read more...]

If you follow me on FaceBook, you might've seen two of the latest furniture pieces I was working on for the Lucketts Market.  I'm ramping up to get as much done as I can, so I have lots of great pieces for the fair.  I always get pretty stressed before Lucketts, but know it'll all work out and I'll have a blast during the actual event.  I'm pooped, so I'm just going to get right to my … [Read more...]

I went on my weekly trek to Lucketts today and did some shopping on the way down and back.  I found a lot of cool things, mostly furniture.  My head is spinning from all of the money I have spent this week, but I have to remember I'm going to get it all back, plus a profit, so I can settle down.  One thing I splurged on was an amazing antique hand carved wood rocking horse.  It's about 4 feet … [Read more...]

Time for another FFF!  I'm a little short on words (and time) tonight, so I'll just get right to my favorites from last week... Maria from Our Lake Life reupholstered these barrel backed chairs and they look amazing.  Actually, the entire room is amazing, which is what really caught my eye.  Look at the fabrics, colors and textures Maria created.  It's just gorgeous! Julia from 551 … [Read more...]

I had a wonderful day today.  I was finally able to move back into my little space on the first floor of The Old Lucketts Store.  I let other people do the heavy lifting, but I got to do all of the fluffing and arranging and playing that I've missed so much over the last few months.  I also got to meet a couple of readers who were there shopping as well.  It's always nice to put a face with … [Read more...]

The spring cleaning urge is no joke.  We get a few beautiful days around here and I want to pull weeds, organize my closet and gut the contents of my basement.  Like, yesterday.  I still have to pace myself, though.  We did get some good yard work done, laundry and basic cleaning, but the big projects are going to have to wait until I'm back to full health.  I have gotten a few pieces … [Read more...]

Well...no features tonight.  I was looking through last weeks entries and sharing some of my favorites on Pinterest, but my Internet was really slow tonight and I ran out of time to pick the features.  I saw some really great furniture pieces, though!  I am so ready to start painting and refinishing.  Like...really ready.   Take a deep breath, Marian.  All in good time.  I am looking … [Read more...]

I'm so glad to report that I'm feeling much better. I still have staples that need to be removed early next week (ugh), but I'm able to do some cleaning and straightening up and I think I'll be able to start painting, shopping, etc, next week.  I definitely don't have the endurance I'm used to and I have to take breaks, but I can tell that things are going to get back to normal soon. Another … [Read more...]

I've been a real loaf the past couple of days, just as I was instructed.  (For those who don't know, I had my gallbladder removed, so my DIY days have been put on hold temporarily.)  I watched the TV miniseries The Kennedy's today and I'm about ready to watch the latest BBC version of my favorite Jane Austen novel, Sense & Sensibility.  I am going a little stir crazy, but for now I have to … [Read more...]

"Furniture Feature Friday....oh crap!"  Yeah, that's what I was thinking a few minutes ago.  I was so focused on my photo shoots and editing and I was exhausted yesterday and spent the evening watching BBC's Little Dorrit and it just totally escaped me.  Well, better late than never, I suppose.  I'll leave it up through Saturday at midnight, so everyone has time to link up.  Excuse my … [Read more...]

Well, I've wrapped up the projects for my book and now it's down to the styling and beauty shots.  I was planning to go shopping for last minute props tomorrow, but I think I might have to do that on Saturday.  It's just been nuts the past few days.  I could hardly get out of bed this morning and had to nurse a sore back with a heating pad until it losened up.  (Gosh, I'm only 33...yikes.) To … [Read more...]

Well, I finished chapter ten of my book!!!  I know there is still going to be a ton of rewriting and editing, but it's so nice to have the bulk of it "out there."  On the days I felt stuck, I reminded myself that there's nothing to edit or improve if I don't write, so I just kept plugging away and it all came together.  I've been really praying that God would give me the words to write that … [Read more...]

I'm so sorry if you tried to visit my blog today and only saw a "bandwidth exceeded" message.  My wonderful blog designer got it all sorted out.  Due to the technical difficulties and a very full day, I did not get to select my favorites for FFF.  I will definitely have some to share next week, though.  Enjoy the party!! Here are the rules for our furniture get-together... 1.) Your … [Read more...]

As always, I loved looking through all of the links from the party last week.  You never cease to impress!  Here are a couple that caught my eye... I love this boy's dresser from Kristi at Kris Kraft.  OK, the fan caught my eye as well.  I think the two-tone technique, handmade rope handles and numbering are all done so well.  Love it! If you have kids, you know that stage of trying … [Read more...]

As always, I was floored at the creativity, resourcefulness and talent displayed in the links last week.  You girls are gooood.  Here are some favorites... I think this painted console (and the entire room) by Erin from Welcome Home is so chic!  It started out as a dated 1980's buffet, but it now looks modern and very high end.  I love paint.  I'm just sayin'. These corbels … [Read more...]

It's good to be back into my usual routine with FFF and I enjoyed looking through your links from last week.  I can't believe so much furniture making-over is going on in January!  I love it!  Here are a couple of my favorites from last week... I think this Craig's List dresser makeover by Sue of Uniquely Chic is wonderful.  Of course, you know I'm a fan of refinished wood tops, but I also … [Read more...]

Well, I'm a week and a day late in doing this post, but I'm a little out of sorts with Christmas and family visits and projects and all of that, but I'm really excited about this post, so I figured it was better late than never.  This is a party where you can link up all of your favorite furniture makeovers and finds of 2011.  It's OK if you've shared them at FFF before, but only share your very … [Read more...]

Today I took a break from the freelance projects and photo shoots and went out Christmas shopping with my husband.  It was a nice time, just shopping for our boys and eating lunch at Olive Garden, our favorite restaurant.  We did do some work together, though.  He read over the first chapter of my book and gave me a couple of notes (he's quite the grammarian) and we did some brain storming … [Read more...]

As always, there were some beautiful pieces posted last week and it was tough to pick some favorites, but these are the ones that caught my eye... I always love Kristine's stuff over at The Painted Hive and I couldn't resist picking this one as a favorite as well.  This card catalog was the perfect size for an end table once it was put on casters.  Those cubbies are great for remotes and … [Read more...]

  Oh, girls!  I wish I could give big hugs to all of you for the sweet comments you left in reply to my big announcement.  I haven't read through all of them yet, but I assure you I will.  They are such an encouragement to me as I stand on the edge of this new, scary journey.  I'll expand on it more in another post, but I want you to know that your comments (on some of my posts in … [Read more...]

 Hope you're all having a wonderful week!  I must admit that Thanksgiving has totally snuck up on me this year.  I'm working on freelance projects for next February and October right now, so I'm really messed up.  I'm trying to get through those, so I can get to the good stuff...decorating for Christmas.  I am determined to have full-0ut Christmas decorations this year.  Lots of fresh … [Read more...]

   Hello all of my furniture-loving friends!  My mom arrived today safely and we hit the ground running.  We stopped at Lucketts to fluff my room, which was desperately needed I assure you!  I also shopped my own space a bit and bought some over sized pine cones from my fellow Lucketts' vendor, Ann.  Now I'm cozied on the couch, picking my favorites and catching up on e-mail. Here are … [Read more...]