Schools out for summer and a trip to the ER!!!

WOW!!! Another year down. Sometimes I can't believe how quickly the year flies by. As usual we started the last day of school with a bike ride. Each year my husband and the kids ride their bikes to school on the last day. They really look forward to it and it sort of symbolizes the lazy days of summer to come. It seems like all the other days of the year we are rushing out the door with no extra time to take the bikes.

Once the report cards were handed out and all the parents spent a few extra minutes in the parking lot lamenting about the beginning of summer vacation, we headed home and fired-up the grill. As usual we had a few extra friends over to start the holiday weekend off right.

The kids played outside all day. While the hubby and I spent our time trying to get the rental house next door ready for our new, temporary tenants. I think at one time today we had at least 10 kids running around. Which perhaps explains the trip to the E.R....not really though. It was just an accident. Our little guy fell off the scooter and split his chin open. Our town has a brand new hospital and I've been wanting to check it out but not this way (it is very pretty BTW!). In the good news department, they were able to glue his chin. No stitches, no needles and he was a trooper...yeah!

So here's to a great summer; sleeping-in, bike rides, 4-H camp, catching fire-flies, camping out under the stars, baseball games, bike washes, swimming, cook-outs, lemonade stands and sleep-overs.

Let the fun begin!!!

Is it gray or grey?

I know, not exactly a "meaning of life" question but let's face it, you are reading a design blog. However this is one of the small questions in life that I've never taken the time to look up. And although I'm more creative than academic, I would still like to spell correctly...at least most of the time! Since I needed to use the word "grey" or "gray" when writing about this wonderful night table it needed to be just right.

And the answer is...both are correct! But it does make a difference where you live. In the U.S. it is spelled "gray" and in the U.K. you better spell it "grey." So now that you've gotten your grammar lesson for the day let's get to the good stuff!

This little beauty came to me via a Craig's List post in St. Louis. I was down there visiting my sister and of course had to check out their listings. What I found was a gold mine. Herman, had a treasure trove of "stuff" in his garage and I came home with a van full.

This table started out with one of those early 90's pickled finishes. (I really do need to get better at taking before pics!) I painted this solidly built night stand/end table using Annie Sloan's chalk paint in Paris Grey. This paint is truly an amazing product. Once I've done a few more projects using this paint I will post more about it.

The great construction is evident with the dove-tailed drawers. I kept the original hardware and spray painted them black. Then waxed the whole piece and voila...new beauty. This table would look great next to your front door for keys and such, next to your bed or used as an end table in the living room.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!

A New Beginning

Welcome to my new blog and my new beginning.

I have been planning to start this blog for some time now. And I am so excited to finally post something! First a few shout-outs to those who have made this possible.

My husband and children have been so wonderful throughout this whole process. Whenever a new piece of furniture appears in the garage the kids automatically ask, "Is this for The Painted Turtle?" And my husband is and has always been so supportive in every new thing I do. This time is no exception.

To my good friend Tom, who is my go to guy for tech support. His latest act was to install a new keyboard on my laptop. The period, letter L and return keys haven't worked for about a year now. Thanks, Mr. T!!!

Also, to my "idea" girl Melanie, a big thanks! She is always up for a road trip to find new treasures and as her title suggests...full of ideas.

And to someone who doesn't even know I exist. Marian over at the blog entitled Miss Mustard Seed. I found her blog about four months ago and I check it out every day. It is such a pleasure to read her posts. She is so generous with her talent, expertise and experiences. One day I hope to meet her in person.

Finally, to my sister Tara, she is my first and so far only follower on this blog. She told me she wanted this recognition. So Tara...her ya go sista!

Let the games begin!!!!