A little late to catch this trend

It is a little late in the game but I am just now catching on to this trend...of vinyl wall art and quotes.

I made a stop at Meijer's which is a local grocery plus store (they have clothing, home goods and a nursery in addition to the grocery). As I was meandering up and down the aisles I happened across a clearance section and found this vinyl wall quote for $4.99. SCORE!! 

It was so cute, I had to buy it!

The process for applying the quote was very simple. (I think the most difficult aspect was finding the perfect spot to place it!). I don't actually have much wall space in my kitchen. I decided the space between the refrigerator and kitchen door seemed to be the best spot. The decal came in 4 sections. I used scotch tape to hold the beginning of the quote in places and used the embossing tool to rub the vinyl on the wall. When I was certain it was in place I peel back a corner to check. Once I was certain it was okay, I used a very hot and barely damp soft cloth to rub over the vinyl release sheet then peeled it back slowly, in taut but smooth motion. I repeated the process for the remaining 3 sections of the quote. I eyeballed the placement, as to what appealed to me visually. 

I think it turned out rather well!

My daughter decided she liked it and also bought a kit.  It always makes me smile when I go to the kitchen and see it. A nice statement for under $5 and and 15 minutes of my time. If only everything else were so inexpensive and easy to do.

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Lightening & Brightening the dining room (part 2)

Do you recall the in progress post about the dining room? If not, click HERE.

The hubbs found this light fixture that someone has set near the dumpster. Other than 1 of the arms being a little loose (nothing a little teflon tape over the threads couldn't fix) it is in pristine condition. FREE is my favorite price!

I love how it brings so much brightness to the room.

It is maybe a little too fancy/ shiny/ blingy for my dining room but I love it regardless! What is one more eclectic piece?

We need to add a touch of adhesive to the ceiling medallion and apply a fresh coat of paint. The best part (besides free) is I now have a chandelier I can decorate for xmas. Yay!

What's behind door #1

A NEW CAR!  Sorry I just had a momentary lapse and daydreamed I was on The Price is Right. Man I loved that show.  Although can you imagine being the person who loses the awesome prize because you were off by a $1. That would suck. Anyhoo, what IS behind door # 1?

I had blogged about my living room  back in November. I have done a few subtle tweaks.

Goodwill trunk for my coffee table

Here I am using an old army trunk and a vintage wine crate flipped upside down as my side table. (Ignore the wireless router)

I added my gossip bench as temporary extra seating. And the table arm is great to set your drink down.

More books  and room for a basket

I tucked a vintage child sized bookcase (only 9 inches depth)  along with a industrial metal magazine holder behind the door. I can stash my books and magazines for easy access without cluttering up the room.

Still need to paint the bookcase

And look at these nubby cable knit sweater pillows. I bought these at Meijers on clearance for $6 each!

The covers are removable to I can just add new covers to use the pillows year round

That's it for now. I love that I have been able to give the room some personality by using some of my frugal finds. I realize it isn't everyone's design. It isn't matchy-matcy. It isn't high end (or middle end for that matter). What it is--collected and cozy. Just the way we like it!

 I need to find a permanent home for the gossip bench. As much as I LOVE my big comfy recliner I think it may be time to retire it (sniffle, sniffle) and bring in more appropriate seating. I have a chair and ottoman in the spare bedroom that would better fit the space and all I need to do is slipcover it. I still need some decor or art behind the sofa. A little DIY will be in order as I  patch in the baseboards and paint them. Paint the bookcase. Paint the door and door molding.

And if you are wondering WHY I have a door on my living room it began several years ago when I had abdominal surgery. I was unable to climb the stairs so I slept in the big comfy recliner and my hubbs installed the door to keep the dogs from jumping on me. I decided I really liked being able to close the door and limit access to this room.  Besides this is the room where my guinea pigs now live!

Pansy (left) and Petunia (right) waiting in their holding pen while I clean their cages and after their baths.

At one point I considered naming my blog Crooked Critter Shack instead of My Cozy Little Farmhouse. I decided that was just depressing and kinda creepy. So me and all of critters thank you for stopping by. Kinda reminds me of the Beverly Hillbillies closing scene.

Y'all come back, now hear!

Any updates you want to share?

Funky and Frugal Finds #2

I have decided to make this a regular feature. Every Monday I will feature my latest cache of  funky finds from shopping, thriftin', junkin', flea marketin', dumpster divin', garbage pickin'  and any other manner I acquired something new or new to me!

Check out this sweet and simple pine chest/ toy box. A few tiny dings and scratches, but that just adds character. The hinges and lift arm are in perfect working order. The interior is spotless. It looks (and smells) new. I bought this at Goodwill. Originally marked at $35 but there was a manager special sale and I got it for $22.75 Woo-hoo! I lurrrveeee it! While the color is not my 1st choice (it is a little to orange-y), I am gonna live with it for a while.

This metal cup has a key handle. Kinda quirky!

Vintage Market and Thrift $3

I got a dough bowl!!

Vintage Market and Thrift $16

Not a bad haul this weekend!  The pine chest is going my living room for use as a coffee table. The key cup will look good on my desk to hold pens and the dough bowl is going to sit on my dining room table!


Any good finds you want to share?

Please leave a message

I have been seeing  message centers all over blog-land like these...

http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/2010/08/message-center-for-mudroom.html

http://www.craftynest.com/2008/08/bulletin-board-with-shutters/

http://luckybydesign.blogspot.com/2010/05/before-after-message-board.html

http://theinspiredroom.net/2012/01/13/when-good-enough-is-good-enough-for-now-command-center-organization/

I was lamenting the fact that I wanted one and really didn't have a convenient area for a message command center. Or do I? I rethought the hallway from my kitchen to the dining room. The problem is there is limited wall space on one side and the basement door is on the other side. Hmmmm.....

It began with me finding this awesome little black board (which is also magnetic). Turns out it is from Ikea. Which made me laugh because next to junkin' and thriftin', I love Ikea!

Goodwill $8./ New from Ikea $15

Next I needed a place to put the mail. I love the antiquey finish

TJ Maxx $9

I had to do a few teaks and move some things around. I removed the coat hook form the basement door and painted.

The paint is Smoked Oyster which is grey-beige (greige) . Not sure why it is reading so purple in the pic.

I decided to treat the basement door as a wall (we don't access the basement often, maybe 1 or 2 times per month. And by we--I mean my hubbs).  I added some inspirational art. These are secured with small hooks and double stick tape gels. There not moving even if the door is open. They are very light weight, feels almost like balsa wood.

I purchased these plaques from Meijers

I relocated the coat hook on the other end of the hall closest to the living room.

Hmmm, only  my stuff gets hung up.

Across from the coat hooks is a small table for my phone, phone books and a small  portable file. I still need to put some art  or photos on this wall. The table may or may-not stay. If  it stays, it will be painted.

I have an Ikea Expedit bookcase and the rattan baskets on clearance from Meijers. Hopefully this corals all  the clutter.

 This is what I have so far! Not 100% ideal because the hall is divided by the main entry door.  So coats and and phone to the left toward the living room. Message board to the right towards the kitchen.

I would like to add a bulletin board (under my inspirational art). And add a light because it is a little cave like. It's not perfect but it is beginning of my message command center.  While mine isn't as cool as some of those featured. It is practical. My favorite thing has to be the signs. Yes-- I TOTALLY could have made them cheaper but I wanted a quick fix this time. What do think?


Shared on Remodelaholic on Home and Family Friday 2/010/12
http://www.remodelaholic.com/2012/02/love-your-home-printable-and-ra-109/

Bargains Galore

I went thrifting again. It's a good thing I shop at the thrift stores otherwise my spending could get out of control. I wonder how many of my sentences begin with..."I was at a thrift store/ yard sale/ flea market/ Goodwill..." haha

More baskets. I may have a bit of an obsession with baskets which I am sure gathered from my previous post.

Goodwill $12 for all!

Look at this awesome chalkboard. I have seen so many DIY chalkboards out there in blog-land  but I couldn't make one for less the price of this after I bought all the supplies I needed.

Goodwill $8! Nice heavy wood frame  and neat little compartments for chalk and an eraser.

These cool wood and rusty metal scroll-work plaques. One has a bracket for a pot. So cute!

Goodwill, $4 for the pair 

RRP (Robinson Ransbottom Pottery) Crock Feeder 5. Excellent condition, no cracks and no chips. I have seen these listed on-line for as low as $5 upwards to $25 depending on condition. Then factor in shipping at $8-$15. Yeah, I got a good deal!

Vintage Market and Thrift, $8

This has to be my favorite!!  This wood tool box is 30 inches wide and 9 inches deep. Can't you just picture this with flowers spilling over the sides. I definitely overpaid and broke my rule of letting my emotion get the better of me. Could I have made one cheaper? Yes. Would I have done that? No.  I just...HAD to have it!

Vintage Market  and Thrift. I haggled the price down from $32 to $20.  More than I wanted to pay, but I didn't want to kick myself later for NOT buying it.

However, here is where I scored my best deal!!  This picture doesn't do these justice. I scored 2 of these "wind chimes". Each has 11  of the 5 1/2 inch iridescent glass prisms. The prisms alone could cost $85-$100.  I  have MAJOR plans for these crystals. They are definitely not staying as wind chimes.

Vintage Market and Thrift,  $6 for each!!

 SO it was a pretty decent haul even if I did overpay slightly for a few items. What about you, any good bargains of late?

The Longest Bathroom Remodel in History (part 2012)

Okay there really aren't 2012 parts to this. Just me being sarcastic ( BITTER!) about this project not being complete. I originally blogged about the bathroom remodel here and  here.

The sad part is I did the update on 11/3/11 AND the hubbs still has NOT finished the things I don't know how to do (or am to scared to try for fear of ruining stuff). I installed the mirror and the towel ring. After much prodding NAGGING he installed the towel rod and toilet paper holder. However, I could have beat him with his own hammer last weekend. Let me tell you why I contemplated homicide...

My stepdad and brother-in-law (who has his own construction business) offered to come over and finish up for me. (They REALLY feel sorry for me--I don't care I will take the project pity help). And my hubbs said..NO! WTH? Is he flipping insane?! GAHHHH!

I think I may have actually burst a blood vessel over that. You can only imagine the "conversation"  that ensued shortly thereafter. (And for you men reading this blog , you may need to cup your nether regions and anyone with a delicate constitution you had best leave the blog now.)

Here is a play by play of the bloody massacre that occurred. You were warned...

ME: (Standing in the kitchen, arms crossed) "Ummmm, WTH?"
Hubbs: "WTH what?"
ME: "OMG! SERIOUSLY?! are you gonna play stupid now? Or is that not an act? (Oh yes I did--I went for the jugular--I am vicious sometimes)
Hubbs:@#$%! WTF was that about?
ME: @#$% yourself! WHY WHY WHY!!! Did you tell BIL and Dad not to come over?!
Hubbs: oh...ummm
ME: WELL?!
Hubbs: Well...err..I was on call and couldn't be here.
ME: (Wildly gesturing and slamming things around) SO @#$%^& what! WHY does it matter if YOU are here. I mean it is n't like you have done much of anything with the bathroom. WHEN did we start this project? LET ME REFRESH YOUR MEMORY! September @#$%^& 26 @#$%^& 2009! AND IT STILL ISN'T FINISHED!!!! Almost 3 mf@#$%^& years! THAT"S HOW LONG! THEY COULD HAVE FINISHED IT--TODAY!

Hubbs: says nothing and looks down)

ME: I am ready to beat you with your own hammer! I...DO ...NOT...UNDERSTAND...WHY you did this?!

Hubbs: I dunno (still looking down)

ME: Do you hate our house? Do you LIKE living this way? Because I sure as @#$% don't.

Hubbs: NO!! I love this house!

ME: Then the next time someone offers help DO NOT turn it down! OH and btw you no longer get to make any decisions. From now on everyone will deal with ME. They will talk to ME. I will manage this JUST like I do everything else!

Hubbs: I'm sorry I didn't think it was a big deal.

ME: (GAH! I think this is where I burst a blood vessel. I pretty much did a 2 handed palm face plant and may have actually ripped some hair out when I ran my hands through it)  I can NOT believe you said that. IT is a HUGE deal. Who on this planet has a 3 year bathroom remodel? No one--oh wait except for us. ARRRGGGG! I can't even talk to you anymore  right now! 

Hubbs: ummm....

ME: OMG! Just GO!!  Go to work. Go to the garage. Just go and leave me alone! (I turn away because I really feel like crying at this point)
Hubbs:  (heavy sigh) Footsteps followed by the quiet clicking of the door. 

So...yeah. I was a complete hysterical asshole and completely emasculated him. He was a completely insensitive oafish asshole who didn't realize what this means to me. We are the asshole couple.  It took a few hours but we finally met halfway (literally in the carport, haha),  both duly apologized and both said I'm sorry for being an ass. And both said our I Love You's. And we do love each other. But boy oh boy-- there sure is a fine line between love and hate sometimes. Just sayin'

It's all good now. Meaning me and the hubbs. Not the bathroom. It is still not complete.

The good news is it looks waaaaaayyyyy better than the original

Before (YUCK!!)

After  Not quite complete

 I swear the mirror and light fixture are centered. I guess I just shot this at a weird angle.

My cute light fixture

I bought the knobs and back-plates at Menard's for $10 total and it gives is a more custom look. Hardware is your cabinets jewelry!

Sorry-Sam-sam is my photo-bomber! I told you I liked birds so I snuck a little bird theme in here.

White subway tile and a little accent of glass mosaic.

Still need to install all the trim moldings, shower rod and accessorize. But it is oh so close to finished.....sigh

 Worlds away from the hideous ugly bath that we had before. It is very small. Probably would not work for a family with kids, but for 2 empty nesters I think it is fine! What do you think so far?

Shared on  http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-before-and-after-party.html 2/06/2012

Update 2/07/2012--Check out some of teaks we made here!

Dining Room Mood Board

This is the design ideal for my dining room.

The curtains are woodside block print curtain by Urban Outfitters.
Alternate curtain options: Paisley Print Gardenia by Pier 1

I already have my walls painted Smoked Oyster by Valspar as opposed to the depicted wallpaper.
It is really a smokey grey+ beige= greige.


The flooring in Tarket Grande Green linoleum. So far the best deal I have found is $1.59 per ft at Menards.

I have 2 of the Henricksdal chair with Gobo covers from Ikea.

This is my table. A $25 yardsale find. I still need to paint the base a brighter shade of white.

Maybe Foto pendant light from Ikea for $24.99?

I have the Expedit bookcase from Ikea

I have pulled in some of the colors depicted in the mood board with art and accessories.

I think I am on my way to making this the room I envisioned! So what do you think?