A Break

It's time for a summer break.  I am going to be spending some quality time with my family for the next few weeks.  I hope you are enjoying your summer as well.    

It's funny - I never seem to have writer's block for the blog.  There are always tons of things I want to share with you.  There just never seems to be enough time for me to get my thoughts on paper.  Guessing that says a lot about my personality - never at a loss of words, but that darn clock is running.  At any rate, I will be back soon. Happy Summer. M.

Find of the Day - Paper Placemats

I have this friend who always finds the most interesting gift ideas.  She is a master at it.  This year, my birthday present was no exception.  She knows how much I love entertaining outside, so she gave me these!  They are from this wonderful shop in Mountain Brook village called Marguerite's Conceits.  Marguerite seems to find the most fabulous items.  She also carries completely divine linens of all kinds.  So, if you have time, her shop is definitely worth a look see.

If you don't live anywhere near Birmingham and can't make it to Margarite's Conceits (I'm very sad for you, her shop is something special), but you can still access these cute placemats by clicking here.

They come in lots of patterns and colors.

click here to order these

I also love this one with a beach theme - very fun.  What I love about these is the convenience of creating a fun table setting instantly.  

click here to order these

Hope you have a wonderful Monday.

PS: Many of you have asked about my Mom, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  (I posted about her here).  She had surgery on Monday of last week and is slowing recovering.  Your thoughts, prayers, calls, emails and texts have been very uplifting.  The good news is her caner has not spread to the lymph nodes, so her treatment following recovery from the surgery will be much much easier.  But, her surgery was long and involved complications, so I would much appreciate your continued prayers for strength for her.

Project in Progress - Family Room Part II

For those who missed my first post on this project, click here.  Now for some progress - the demolition has begun!  Here are a few pictures of the destruction.  This is the back of the house where the new screened porch will eventually be included.  If you look to the left, at the overhang, that open space will all be enclosed as part of the new larger family room.  There will also be french doors to the left of the chimney for accessing the porch.

I think it's important to see images like this because most people do not appreciate the inconvenience which comes with a renovation.

Don't get me wrong - it is definitely be worth it in the end.  But simply seeing before and afters on a 30 minute TV show does not give you the true experience of patience endurance it takes to complete a full blown remodel.

Also, things you may not think about come into play.  These homeowners actually had to move their septic tank to make room for the addition.  Not a fun place to spend your money, but certainly necessary. 

So, now the fun part begins - putting it all back together in a fabulous way!  Stay tuned and have a great day! M.