504 Main by Holly Lefevre

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Tickled Pink No. 18

What does it mean to be Tickled Pink?

"The tickling pink concept is of enjoyment great enough

to make the recipient glow with pleasure ."

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I am tickled pink because...
well, honestly, I am back and forth between being tickled anything...
My son has started school and is happy - that tickles me pink.
I have found a new preschool for my daughter - that tickles me pink.
I had a great trip to Los Angeles - that ALWAYS tickles me pink.
{I did not get to see everyone, so no tickle there!}
We had a fabulous back-to-school beach bonfire with friends - that tickles me pink.
The book is coming along - that tickles me pink.
I hope to watch Project Runway and go to bed at a reasonable hour tonight - that will tickle my family pink! They do not like tired crabby mommy!
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A BIG thanks!
The wonderful and supportive comments when I decided to take a brief break really made my day. You all are wonderful - that tickles me pink! am still working my way through all of your wonderful visits!
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On another note...
This week was also touched by - or filled with - sadness over the all too soon passing of Bumpkin on a Swing. Some people do not understand why I blog or why anyone blogs, much less how people can establish relationships like this. Well, they can and do, and it is real. My continued thoughts and prayers are with Lisa's Captain, family, and friends.

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Tickled Pink No. 18!
Don't be shy!
Nominate a product/person/idea/recipe/your own blog to be featured,
click HERE or simply email me!

It is cool to nominate yourself! I am only one person and blogland is ginormous...

I would love your input...I know there are amazing finds out there that I have not seen!

NOW...Link up...

a craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a poem...a fashion find...
a favorite product...your favorite post...whatever makes your blog fabulous.
You get the idea, right?
Guess what? You post does not have to be PINK!!

This day is about stuff we {heart} from our own blogs or from others.
Click HERE for the "I've Been Tickled Pink" featured button.
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NOW...on to BUSINESS!

style, substance, and inspiration
less is more
bake for a cause
fun finds
SPOTLIGHT

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style, substance, and inspiration
from Moore Minutes

I met Lisa at Moore Minutes a few months ago and fell in LOVE instantly. It all began with her summertime picnic. I knew I needed to see more...and she does not disappoint at all...ever! She plans parties, designs tablescapes, DIY's, and the love for what she does and her family shines through in all of it.

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Her parties are to-die-for. Along with the beautiful aforementioned picnic is this Classic Boy Campout Party that Lisa put on for her son's birthday. You have to see the details, planning, and fun that this party is all about. For another birthday, a spy-themed shindig was in order.

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Her dining room transformation is fabulous...and not only is is fabulous, but I think this is why I can relate to her...Lisa states, "I was instantly consumed with the desire to transform my dining room! And if you know me, once I get "instantly consumed", I can't stop until it's accomplished." My kind of lady!

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Even her kitchen cabinets are gorgeous - the insides no less!

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Yes, it is true...don't freak out, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Take a peek at Lisa's Thanksgiving Table...and a kid's table too! Some really fabulous ideas await!

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And, since I have already freaked you out about Thanksgiving...I'll keep going...Christmas is coming. Who doesn't love a pretty Christmas cookie?

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If you have not paid Lisa a visit, go knock on her door and say hi and be prepared to be inspired by her sense of style.

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A little reminder with a big message from Kludgy Mom

Do you do it...do you get caught up in it? I know I do. I am perfectly happy, have a home, a car, kids, dog, etc. but find myself getting caught up in the "more is more" mindset.

Here is Kludgy Mom's reminder that Less is More.

I read this a few weeks ago and the timing {for me} was perfect. The post has stuck with me and I really wanted to share it with you.

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For something a little less serious, I got quite a kick out of her take on Unrequited Blog Love. I am sure this is a feeling many of us can relate to!

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My son is always designing a new, unusual, test-my skills concoction...and because all super moms try to make their kids happy...Check out Kludgy Mom's beautiful rainbow cake for her Little CEO! I could so relate to this post!

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If you have not visited her, you are missing out.

Today is Friday Flip Offs - it's a hoot! Go and vent!

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While perusing the Internet, I saw this on the only and only Amy Atlas's blog. Icing Smiles is a non profit organization whose "mission is to provided critically ill children and their siblings with an exquisite custom celebration cake. We understand how hard it is for these families to create normal childhood memories. We want to provide them with an escape from the medical world and leave them with an Icing Smile."

They are currently up for a 25K grant from Pepsi...but they need your vote

I voted...it is so simple. Please go vote and make a child's {birth}day!

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SPOTLIGHT

YOU ARE MAKING THIS DIFFICULT! IN A GOOD WAY!

I have a hard time choosing...I am trying to give everyone their spotlight...but man here is so much good stuff on this linky...certain things just catch my eye at certain times!
A big huge-a-licious THANK YOU for all who have participated and visited and picked up the blog hop on their blogs. I am so enjoying visiting your links and seeing what Tickles You Pink! Who will be in the SPOTLIGHT next week?

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I am a huge fan of natural remedies and products.

Check out some cool beauty do's with cucumbers from

Your Work is to Discover Your World!

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Oh how I want a chandelier!
After seeing Impatiently Praying for Patience

chandy redo's I am back out on the hunt.
{OK, I have continuously been on the hunt w/o success}

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I love new takes on wreaths.

Check out The Diary of Dave's Wife for this super-cute version.

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Great idea! I always need help getting and staying organized!

6 inches of Ribbon's craft caddy

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Who doesn't need alone time?

Over at The Thrifty Groove she knows how to do it!

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I am just a sucker for the sparkles and French inspiration. I adore the
Vintage French Glittered Clothespins from My Shabby Chateau.

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I am not a monkey girl, but my daughter is. She would love these!
Monkey Cupcakes at Girl in Air.

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Gingerbread + S'mores! Need I say more!

Flamingo Toes Gingerbread S'mores Cake!

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Super cute...and oh-so manly!

Football Lampshade at Lolly Jane

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A pretty piece of art that makes you sing from The Paisley Cupcake

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A fab idea with big impact for a fraction of the cost - score!
FAB floor candlestick holders from This Home of Ours.

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Oh how we love blueberries! Red Couch Recipes
shares a recipe for blueberry soup and a super cute book.

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My camera goes everywhere with me now - never miss a {bloggy} moment! I need to dress it up. Fun camera strap from Mummy Crafts.

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Just simply beautiful shirt embroidery from Creative Mind

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Can a chalkboard be too big...I think not!
3 Sun-Kissed Boys gives us - a BIG chalkboard

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SEASON 2 of

Win, Lose or Blog

is coming!

Apply HERE!
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Thanks for linking to Tickled Pink a couple weeks ago...

I took a little (unexpected break) but I am back!

Who won the last giveaway....drum roll please.....

Malia of Yesterday on Tuesday

{if you want to know how I pick these...I scientifically ask my son for a number between 1 and however many comments there are. So technical!}

You may notice I made a boo-boo about my deadline last week...OOPS!

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This week's giveaway is...

Hope it tickles you pink!

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There is ONE way to enter!

--Entry No. 1 {required}:

*You need to be a follower of 504 Main {some of you may want to double-check if you are tyring to enter} AND

*You need to leave a relevant comment about at least one feature!!!!

Contest begins on 8/12/10 and closes Thursday, 8/19/10 at 11:59 p.m. EST
The winner will be announced on Friday 8/20/10.

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Happy Friday!
I know everyone is super busy right now!

Thanks for taking the time to link up!

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****By linking here you are providing permission to feature your post {along with a link to your blog/post}****
****I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.****

****These are my own opinions. No one has offered me anything, nor have I accepted anything to include them in this post. Prizes are supplied by me.****
{photos appearing here are copyrighted and property of the respective blogs featured}

Show Me What you Got!

PINK RULES

*It does NOT have to be pink or pink-related*
*Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post*

{people need to know what the heck they are doing!}

*It does NOT have to be a new post*

***PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, NOT YOUR MAIN URL****

*Visit some peeps on the hop*

*It would be great if you were a follower or subscriber {*wink*}
The Linky OPENS 8/12/10 at 10 pm EST
and CLOSES on 8/18/10 at 10 pm EST

DIY Club Project! Lock 'Em Up - I'm a Big Kid Now

This project was one of my "life" priorities in the last couple of weeks. My little boy is growing up and he wants a big kid room {he has been asking for 2 years now}...and finally mom has opened her eyes and realized he is right...he needs a room re-do! These photos are not the final redo, just a piece of the much bigger puzzle. We'll be painting the walls, and furniture, and getting crazy soon...but for now....

A few weeks ago, I was at one of my favorite thrifty-junking hot spots - the dump - or more precisely The Last Chance Mercantile {this amazing store at our dump with the best prices and even better finds!}. My son always goes, but is usually not happy about it. As we pulled up I saw a locker and so did he...and I saw his face light up. He was actually begging me to get it...and I did.

The locker was in good condition, but the color was a hideous pukey-beige color. I figured it would be easy to spray paint it...NOT! It just was not working - I was not getting that shiny pretty - I mean manly - color. I was getting a blotchy mess that showed every imperfection - apparently pukey-beige is good at hiding imperfections.

About this time I realized I needed to take action. It needed a better finish, and as luck would have it as I was going through my Tickled Pink posts that week, I saw what Freckled Laundry had done to her nightstand - she faux-zinced it. I loved the finish and had most of the DecoArt supplies, so I figured might as well try it. So, I must give Freckled Laundry credit for the inspiration for this redo. This just shows how versatile this effect is - looks great on wood and, personally I like it for my metal too. I have a wood project in mind as well!

The yellow on the walls is not staying.

We have a little Percy Jackson obsession here

and the room is going all blue.

Lock 'Em Up - I'm a Big Kid Now

Click HERE for pdf instructions

Supplies*
DecoArt Americana Paint in Primary Blue, 8 oz.

DecoArt Americana Paint in Titanium White, 8 oz.

DecoArt Americana Paint in Black, 8 oz.

DecoArt Elegant Finishes in Metallic Silver, 1 jar
DecoArt Americana Glazing Medium, 8 oz.

Rockler, Norton Sanding Bug

Rockler, Foam Brushes

Rockler, Bag of Rags

Chip Brush
Spray Polyurethane
Wipe on Polyurethane
Drop cloth/newspaper/etc. for covering work area
Gloves (optional)
Locker or piece of furniture

Diy It!

1- If necessary, lightly sand and clean/wipe down your piece.
2 - Prime piece {or in my case give your project a bad spray paint job!}

3- Mix three colors of metallic paint {I used Primary Blue or your desired color}: a dark, medium, and light. MIX blue paint, Shimmering Silver, and Titanium White in three varying shades. MIX WELL!

4 - Use a rag to apply and blend the different shades. I began with the darkest {because I wanted it darker rather than lighter...usually I would begin with the lightest...does that make sense?}. There is no right or wrong here - my piece was big, so I used long vertical strokes and this paint dries pretty quickly - work in sections.

This is the locker and paint pre-glaze.

I could have stopped here and been happy,

but I wanted more texture and depth.

5 - Mix a glaze for the lighter patina. Use a 1:1 ratio of water and glazing medium. Add Titanium White and Shimmering Silver.

6 - Mix a glaze for the darker patina. Use a 1:1 ratio of water and glazing medium. Add black and Shimmering Silver.

7 - Rub on the lighter patina. Make it heavier in some areas. I used a combination of the rag and the foam/chip brushes.
8 - Rub on the darker patina. Make it heavier in some areas - like in the vents and handle area. I used a combination of the rag and the foam/chip brushes.

Close ups of the finish...

after glazing with the lighter and darker glazes.

9 - Step back as you do this to see where you need a swipe or rub of the patina...trust your eye - then rub, swab, rag, or brush away!

10 - Depending on your desired look, you can alternate between the light and dark glazes.

11 - After your piece is completely dry, apply a clear coat of spray polyurethane to keep the paint from rubbing off - it is acrylic. Then finish it with a wipe on poly after the spray {that is a Miss Mustard Seed tip via Freckled Laundry!}.

Thanks again Freckled Laundry

for the inspiration!

Click HERE for pdf instructions

So what do you think?
My hubby is not sure.
I love it,
but more importantly my son thinks
it is the best thing ever -
that does not plug into a wall or play Pokemon games!
It seems like a lot of steps, but honestly it goes quickly.
I cannot wait to faux some more furniture!

Join the Party at the DIY Club!
The August link end Thursday night {8/12}!

DISCLOSURE: As part of the DIY Club, I have been supplied with vendor sponsored products to complete my projects. The opinions are projects are my own. See, my disclosure policy for more information.

Goodbye Bumpkin

I have honestly gone back and forth about this post...not because the sentiment is not there, not because my heart is not breaking, but just because, it simply hurts to think about it, and in fact I cannot without shedding a thousand tears.

I am never at a loss for words, but I am now.

Sadly, on Sunday, the sweet, sincere, gracious, fun loving, stylish, passionate, and absolutely fabulous Lisa, of Bumpkin on a Swing passed away. From the first comment and email she sent me, she lit up my day with her words, her way, and the pure and exquisite essence of just being her.
I am thankful I had the pleasure of knowing her.

She was loved and adored by so many and will be missed dearly.

My thoughts and prayers are with her Captain, her family, and her dear friends.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

DIY: How to Customize A Utensil Crock

As you may know, I recently "almost-finished" my kitchen.{I am never fully done with anything!}
Since then, I have been looking for accessories
and items to add those final touches.
I made my beautiful {if I do say so myself!} tea towel and place mats,
but I do not like things too matchy-matchy,
so I was looking for something else to adorn some other accessories.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Junk Potluck Contest and FundRaiser

I am still M.I.A. {can't you tell?} but fellow DIY Clubber

Amy of Whisperwood Cottage and Junkologie

is a part of this amazing event, and I wanted to share in case you...

yeah, I am talking to you, want to get involved!

Here is the info and here is the LINK to Amy's post at Junkologie.

DONATE YOUR JUNK POTLUCK ENTRY

FOR BREAST CANCER PREVENTION FUND-RAISER!

{This is copied from Amy's blog}

New this year!! We are asking all Junk Potluck participants to donate their project to the 7th Annual Trash to Treasure Charity Auction to be held on August 27. It is hosted by the Junkologie Blog Party Co-planners...the Pfarkel Sisters from Junk {Re}defined (photo below). Net proceeds from the auction are donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure!

7th Annual Trash to Treasure Charity Auction

Friday, August 27, 2010

4:30 pm: auction preview, wine tasting, live music, hors d' oeuvres

6:00 pm: live auction

Victorian Lace Inn

1512 Whitewater Ave.

St. Charles, MN

I have one of my projects done...I can't wait to show you what I'll be donating!! Photos of all donated projects that are at the Blog Party will be shown here after the event!

PARTICIPATE IN THE JUNK POTLUCK FROM HOME

Can't attend? {sniffle, sniffle} We will be missing you! Here's how you can participate and win from home!!..

1. Create your Junk Potluck project

2. Post a photo of you with your project

3. Link up here starting the evening of Thursday, August 19, through Monday, August 22.

Our esteemed panel of judges will again choose the top projects who will received prizes from one of our amazing sponsors. I will post about the entries and announce the winners later that week.

BUT, we don't want you to stop there! We would love for you to donate your Junk Potluck entry OR any Trash to Treasure project to the Charity Auction. To be included in the auction, it must be received at the following address no later than Thursday, August 26:

Mail project to: Victorian Lace Inn, 1512 Whitewater Ave. St. Charles, MN 55972

TRASH TO TREASURE PROJECT PLEDGES:

The following bloggers from around the country aren't able to attend the blog party (unless indicated) but they have pledged to create and ship a project for the Trash to Treasure Charity Auction...

1. Sue Whitney of JunkMarket Style in honor of my sister, Jean Ann, who lost the battle with breast cancer, and my mother, Phyllis, who is a two-time survivor.

2. Roeshel of The DIY Show Off and DIY Club Inc

3. Jen of Tatertots & Jello and DIY Club Inc in honor of my best friend, Susan, who lost the battle almost 1 year ago today.

4. Holly of 504 Main and DIY Club Inc

5. Amy of WhisperWood Cottage, Junkologie, and DIY Club Inc (I'll be there, but I'm pledging anyway!) in honor of my dear blogging friend and survivor Cher of The Texas Woman! Read her story.

6. Lani of Cottage Elements in honor of my mother, Dee, a survivor, and my aunt, Eileen, who lost the battle.

7. Cheri of It's So Very Cheri and DIY Club Inc in honor of my cousin, Gale Anne, who is a marathon-running survivor of breast cancer.

8. Stephanie Lynn of Under the Table and Dreaming and DIY Club Inc in honor of my grandmother, Ann, who is no longer with us but battled for many years.

9. Amy Duncan of four corners design says, "I am happy to send an autographed copy of The Salvage Studio book to be auctioned off - then others can be inspired to make treasures from trash! And it would be in honor of my friend, Jana Futch who is a cancer survivor."

Please join the crew of fellow junkers and bloggers who are using their creativity to raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure! Make a pledge to create and ship a trash to treasure project in time for the auction by leaving a comment below or by emailing me at alvn.mail@gmail.com. Let us know if you are going to be at the party or not. If you have someone that you are pledging in honor of, please tell us that, too! I'll add you to the list above!

Please blog about this so that other people can pledge their project and raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure!

Could this be any more fantastic?

I am working on my project!

I cannot wait to see yours!

****COMMENTS OFF****

email me with questions or go visit the Junkologie post.

Friday, August 6, 2010

DIY Club August Challenge

Anyone can create something with the range of

vendor sponsored products that are a part of the DIY Club!

Your project does not have to be big.

Your blog does not have to be a crafty.

The guidelines are really simple!

{see below - we've simplified}

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My projects are coming.
Here is a preview of two of them!
{And I have MORE!}

Utensil crock and cloth napkins using Olive Rue image

Big Kid Locker using Decoart and Rockler Products
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ALSO

EACH MONTH, EVERY PARTICIPANT who enters our competition CORRECTLY will receive A $55 coupon to Canvas People. A $55 coupon will allow you to order an 8 x 10 canvas–you just pay the shipping.

AND

This month our give-a-way package is valued at

$500

so we are dividing that prize package up into

2 give-a-ways.

YES, you have 2 ways to win!!

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We will have the TOP 10 Voting and the person with the

1} most votes will win one of the prize packages

and

2} the other winner will be a DIY Club gals pick.

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Seriously folks, have you seen the prizes and how easy it is to enter -
THE RULES:

one product,

one photo,

and

one little old button

-and you could be the winner of some FABULOUS prizes!

SPONSORS:
ROCKLER
Gorilla Glue
Orchid Ceramics
Mythic Paint
DREMEL Tools
Cutting Edge Stencils
DISChangers
DecoArt
Design Divas Wall Vinyls and Lettering
Olive Rue
PK Glitz

The new party starts is on!
Head over to The DIY Club to enter!

So, what are you waiting for?...

Do you have questions about the DIY Club or the challenge?

Please feel free to shoot me an email -

I am so very happy to answer them.

holly504main@yahoo.com

*****COMMENTS OFF*****

email me with questions

DISCLOSURE: As part of the DIY Club, I have been supplied with vendor sponsored products to complete my projects See, my disclosure policy for more information .

Thursday, August 5, 2010

We Interrupt Tickled Pink for LIFE!

Hey All!

Just a little note

{yeah, right - do you think I can do a little note!}

to let you all know Tickled Pink this week is postponed.

The links from Tickled Pink No. 17

will be spotlighted next week (8/13)

as part of Tickled Pink No. 18.

Why, you ask?

{if you didn't, click off now}

I really did not want to do this, but, well,

OK, here is the long part....

Part 1

I truly love doing Tickled Pink,

I truly love my blog,

but I also love my life,

and this week LIFE called and it wanted

it's mommy/wife/daughter/friend back.

Part 2

Because of Part 1, I have not had a chance to look at most of the link ups.

I do not want to put up another link without giving everyone a look.

Part 3

I usually do not like to post until I catch up to past

commenters/linkers/etc. and I am about 3-4 posts behind right now. I hate it. I enjoy visiting my bloggy pals and posting and being part of the community. I despise being behind and not visiting back right away.

Part 4

I am trying to keep things in perspective

{as I write this at 1 am sitting on the floor of the guest room

at my parents house, hoping the kids do not wake up.}

and part of that means having to say -

or rather being able to say "enough is enough."

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So, Yes, I am not superwoman.

I cannot do it all

{OK, sometimes I can, but not this week!}.

Taking the kids mini golfing or

to see grandma and grandpa

or having a final summer hurrah -

yeah that thing called real life wins this week!

Thanks everyone for reading!

I'll have a DIY Club project post soon - it is so fabulous!

August DIY Club Challenge Begins August 6!

If you have not been over to the DIY Club site, what is holding you back?

There are experienced crafters, new DIYers, home improvement projects, and outdoor living ideas. With the range of vendors sponsored products we have available, there is a little something for just about everyone...