Spring Mantel

Yesterday I shared a very impromptu project with you... my non-inspiring mantel.  Well, not anymore!
After deciding once and for all to paint it white, I can tell you I have had more fun dressing it up!  

So, without further ado, here is the new and very much improved mantel, dawning its Spring colors!

Sorry for all the pics... can you tell I'm excited?  

 I was very much inspired by Angie's mantel @ Beneath the Magnolias.  When I saw the pitchers, old books and fresh boxwood (my favorite), I knew I could create my own version of this with things I had on hand.

Fresh boxwood from the front yard adds to the Springy-ness!  

I had to spray paint the other candle holder to match, it was a dark bronze color, 

both were found at a local resale store a few months ago for under $5.

I've been dying to do something with the old windows I purchased at a local antique mall!  

When I look at them, I can't help but think about where they came from, I'm fascinated with their history.

So, one more time... the before (last years mantel)...

and after:

  I'll be linking up to:

Home Stories A to Z
The Girl Creative
Creatively Living
Savvy Southern Style
Uncommon Designs
Between Naps on the Porch
Spring Fling Link Party @ Thrifty Decor Chick

October/Halloween Highlights

Happy Fall Ya'll!  We're still on a sugar high at our house, we've had a great time with the kids.  I didn't realize just how busy we'd been until I reviewed the pictures from the last week... Sit back and enjoy! This post is all about the pictures!

Pumpkin Houses

Inside the white pumpkin house...  Swoon!!!

The girls LOVED this!!!

1st Grade Field Trip - Dallas Arboretum

Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head and their friends Jessie and Buzz Lightyear!

Boo Bash 2011 - We were voted Best Dressed Family!  

Gutting our pumpkins... "Ewwwww!"

Jessie and her friend, Buzz Lightyear

 Trick or Treating!

He quickly got the hang of it!  :)

 Angry Bird Pumpkins... the highlight of the night!  

And the poor pigs...

We have a soft spot for English Bulldogs!  One of these days...

Tyler and his friend, Samuel

 Tired trick or treaters!

Hope you had a Happy Halloween...

Now let's go Christmas shopping!  :)

Goodwill Mirror + Halloween Dresser

Hi!  I hope you're having a good weekend.  Thanks for all your sweet comments about my Homemade Chalk Paint Dresser, it was a fun project and I'm looking forward to trying it again soon!  We attended our daughter's school Fall Ball last night.  It was great to catch up with all the parents and enjoy the fun activities!

I recently posted about my Goodwill finds and wanted to follow up on the mirror I purchased for $15.  Here it is the day I brought her home...

Sanded, taped off and ready for paint...

I used Krylon's Ivory in a satin finish, it took about 3-4 coats.

Before:

After:

Just what this entry needed!  

The lamp shade was a thrift store find for $2.99 and lamp base at Goodwill for $7.99!  

The homemade chalk paint dresser tucked away in the corner...

When I found the ghost at Hobby Lobby a few years back, it started out silver.  I sanded it down, sprayed it white and added Halloween rub-ons.  I created the framed subway art and the spider web pumpkin art with scrapbook paper and stickers.

Our son made the pumpkin bag using a carrot as the paint brush.  Love it!
The kids love the haunted house.  We light it up at night with LED lights.

Happy Halloween!  :)  

I'm linking up to: