Mantel Swooning

Well, we made it to St. LouiE (no, that's not a typo, I meant to do that!)

As the day progressed, it got HOTTER! Wow!
It's gotta be about 100 degrees down here. And it's really only 7 hours away.
Amazing what people have to live with. I love the NORTH... yes, even the snow!

But, what I really, really love is my sister and brother-in-law's home. My bro-in-law does all the decorating. He is really into it and I love shopping with him. In fact, I'd love to just shop throughout their home and pick up a few goodies to take back with me. hehe! 

But, of course, I won't! (Just basically cause they'd find it when they came to my house!) :/

Just kidding of course, or am I?

All of these vintage finds have been collected throughout the years by my brother-in-law at estate sales or auctions. He has a rule, ya only bring $20 and that's all he allows himself to spend.
I think through the years he's found some great things at a decent price!

Their fireplace is a see-through fireplace, from there great room into the kitchen area. C'mon check it out with me. I took loads of pics... 'cause there's loads to see!

Lots of GREAT VINTAGE eye candy!!

Keep checking back, there's loads more to come this weekend! This house is full of character!

Enjoy your evening!

I'm linking up to the FANTASTIC FRIDAY GALS! and Miss Rhoda at Southern Hospitality.

 

 

2011 Welcoming

Sure hope everyone is enjoying the new year! This is my first post of the year and I am inviting you into my Florida home. We purchased this home a little over a year ago and although we don't live here full time, it is our hope that we will one day soon.

This house was bank owned when be bought it and was sitting on the market for over a year. Prior to that it was lived in for only about a year, so it is essentially new. It was originally built as an investment property. The builders kept everything pretty basic and neutral, no " bells and whistles". We've made a few cosmetic upgrades to the house already and have grand ideas for future projects. There is no timeline for any project. We'll work as time and budget allow and, hopefully, one day it will be the home of our dreams. ( Really, it already is. I never imagined we'd own a home on a lake and just a mile inland of Tampa Bay).

These pictures are from last year. When I took them I had no idea that I'd be sharing them with anyone. This post will show the entry and living room. Photos of the rest of the house and completed projects will follow in future posts. As you know, it can take many years to turn a house into a home. Really, I'm only beginning to "know" this house. So, come in, and follow me as I make this house our home.

Painted the entry and living room. The walls used to be "builders beige".

Plan to lay hardwood floors in the living room and dining room.

The sofa and chair are seventeen years old but have been recently reupholstered.

I hit the jackpot when I found the coffee table. I saw it in a furniture showroom last year for $1100, but I snagged it from a consignment store for $200! Score!

Hope you enjoy the house tour and come back to see more.

Happy New Year!

Barb