Living room changes for spring

BEFORE

I made some changes to my living room the past few weeks:

 Added a new leather chair - old chair is needing to be re-upholstered

Added the silver vase with the tall branchy pussy willow, love the height it creates!

Moved in red ottoman from guest room (love the way it goes with the red basket on coffee table)

Added a throw rug to the couch arm to add texture and interest

Changed out coffee table accessories

AFTER

Small changes but I love change so this satisfies me!

Ruthie's Quick Tips for the week:

  Mix and match ottoman and chairs, they don't have to match exactly.

Create height to a room with something simple as "natural" branches.

Add punches of color to your rooms with your accessories or one piece of furniture

Change out your coffee table accessories - layer items; baskets, books, etc.

Add a basket to your rooms, they create wonderful texture and an eclectic touch

Make sure your rug is big enough for your space; or maybe it's too big?

Don't be afraid to mix styles.  As long as the colors and the scale works, you are set.

Take risks in your space...mix it up so it's not like a "furniture showroom"

Add "metallic" elements to your space (like the silver vase) it makes any room shine.

Take pictures of your space and then evaluate it - this allows you to see what others see.

BEFORE LEATHER CHAIR

with plain pillow (same color as chair so it doesn't make a statement)

AFTER LEATHER CHAIR

with patterened pillow (isn't it alive now)

Change up your pillows too, I love the way this animal print looks on the leather chair. 

What do you have to move around from room to room?

Participating in Metamorphis Monday.  Go to Between Naps on the Porch blog to see other postings.

An afternoon in Granbury

I had a client in Granbury this past Friday and decided to spend the afternoon shopping in their downtown square.  If you haven't been to Granbury, TX, you should give it a try.  It's a nice day trip from the DFW area and there are lots of fun stores with some real treasures.  I had a great lunch at the local bakery and bought my girls a homemade oatmeal cookie each that they devoured!  

 Here are some of the treasures I found!

Had to have this pillow.  Perfect S stenciled on burlap!

Old piece of burlap would make a great pillow.

Loved this idea.  A old book shredded and used as decor in this rustic urn.

Whimsical lamp.  I especially love the lamp shade.

Lovely garden statue.

Who wouldn't want this hand towel?

Check out these rubber cowboy boots.  I don't know if I would have the guts to wear these?  Would you?

These I could get away with!

Stenciled lampshade.

Loved the color of these terra cotta pots.  I know which client is going to get these for their pool area.

Next time I think I'll go for the day and stay at a Bed and Breakfast!  Fun girls trip!

Take a trip and find some treasures!

I'd like to be the trash man!

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while.  My computer died!  It's at the dr's office in surgery as we speak.  It's having to have a total heart transplant.  I almost died along with it!  Luckily I have been backing up everything and I'm going to be in good shape as soon as it gets home.  If any of you need a great computer service company go to User Friendly Consultants, they have been fabulous to me!!

I've started a new routine of walking each morning (use to do this all the time and got out of the habit) and it has been such a wonderful reminder of how our bodies need exercise and how much better you feel when you do!  The best thing about walking is the music you listen to.  I downloaded some new tunes and wow what a gift music is to our souls, especially when you are out in such beautiful weather! 

As I was walking today, I found the above treasure sitting on the curb waiting to be picked up by the trash man.  Looks like it was a base to something wonderful.  Boy, sometimes I wish I was the trash man...I'd be rich with treasures!  I tried to pick it up, way too heavy,  and thought I could carry it home but oh how funny I'd look???  My dog already pulls me frantically, that's just how she walks.  I already get people pointing at me and laughing because we are a sight to be seen.  She hops like a rabbit if you can imagine that!  My right arm is getting really buff because of the strain.

Wish we could walk peacefully like this picture.

I came home, jumped in the car and went back and got it!  I placed it in my flower bed but will figure out what to put on top of it.   I know I'll find the perfect thing!

Back of chair so you can see the original color.

During my thrift store shopping this week, I found this wicker/rawhide chair.  I know that blue is the new color trend but this blue???  No, no.... I can't handle that!  Reminds me too much of the 80's when pink and blue were the "in style" and we had that combination all over our homes.  I know you know what I'm talking about.

I've started working on the transformation but haven't finished it yet.  It looks better already!  I'm doing a "leather brown" first coat and am going to finish it off with a "walnut" stain.  The rawhide is what makes it so special and it's in decent shape.

One of my dear friends found these columns for me at a garage sale and passed them on to me.  What good friends I have!  I'm going to use them in my garden somewhere and can't wait to give them a new home!

Take yourself on a walk today and see what treasures you can find!

Ruthie

Voices of a Wind Chime

"Rusty"

Today, wind chimes are widely used as decorations to produce interesting background sounds in our homes and gardens. However, wind chimes were once used for weather forecasting. In the days before weather forecasts were available, weather-wise farmers, sailors and loggers made short-term forecasts with a knowledge of local weather conditions and a few observations such as wind speed and direction. In many areas, certain wind directions are often associated with specific weather conditions.

I bought this set of wind chimes.

As a gift to you from me.

Hang them on your porch,

Or even from a tree

A gentle breeze will blow them

The sound will bring a smile

So sit on down, right under them,

And listen for awhile

The song that they are singing,

is a message for you to hear,

the words that they are saying
are, a SISTER is always near.

I've named this wind chime "Joybells" (my sister's name is Joy)

"The key to your decorating needs" - one more vintage key to add to my collection.

My wonderful sister gave me a gift certificate for my birthday to an amazing boutique here in Grapevine (on Main Street).  It is full of fun, funky treasures; from jewelry, clothing, housewares to purses and rugs..  Go here to go to the Gypsy Warehouse website.  You will be hooked forever.  Great gift ideas to buy for someone that has eclectic taste.    I went by there today and found an amazing wind chime that is a perfect match for me.  It is a doorknob with a vintage key hanging from the chimes.  Thank you sis for my wonderful treasure that I will sit and enjoy this Spring/Summer under my new gazebo!

Here are a few other wind chimes that I've fallen in love and kindly given a "Ruthie" name.

"Make a wish"

The above is my absolute favorite - don't you wonder what this sounds like?  It looks so masculine so maybe it sounds deep instead of all clunky.  I think this might be my summer project?

I stumbled across this talented artist.  Check out this website.  The sound of these wind chimes is so deep and beautiful.  Davis Blanchard Wind chimes.

"Through the looking glass"

"Sunflower Seed"

"Slicker"

"Madaam"

"Masseur"

"Spalicious"

"Piper"

"Oh Honey"

"Carousel"

"Radiance"

Listen to these......Wind Chimes.  Gorgeous tone!

"The Village"

By strategically hanging several sets of wind chimes, you can hear the general direction of the wind;

and the rate at which the clapper strikes the chimes can give an estimate of the wind speed.

"Clementine"

"Terra gotta style"

"Jelly Fish Junction"

"Wicked"

"Stagger Home"

"Crocs"

"Indigo"

"Petrified"

"Crystal"

"Rolling Stones"

I'm in love with all the textures, bold colors and the "all natural" wind chimes.  I'm not too crazy about the real "pingy" sounding ones.  The one that I just purchased from "Gypsy Warehouse" has a wonderful harmony!

  The song that they are singing,

is a message for you to hear,
the words that they are saying
are, a FRIEND is always near.

I may not know you personally but I am your "blogger" friend.

Ruthie

Modern Doormats and Garden Updates

Spring is in the air and it's time to dust off our front porches and make them look nice again.  We have pollen ALL over our front and back patio's and I'm waiting on a hard rain to wash it all away. 

I've been looking at front door welcome mats.  It's a real easy update to your front entry.  They have some great ones at Target and Lowes this season.  I saw that Walmart even has some great selections. Costco and Sams are also in style this season!  Also, don't forget about BIG LOTS.  You never know what treasure you'll find there.

I found these at Chiasso.com, aren't they stylish?

Lowes.com

This one had me laughing and would be funny for your back patio.  Well, maybe not.  Found at Target.  Gotta have some humor, it makes life interesting and fun.

While you are out and about look for your new doormat for this season.

 I've found them for as low as $11.00.

Here are a few quick tips for your garden.

Add unexpected elements to your flowerpots. 

Here are some I just put together.

Added a petrified rock and some fun finials to this mix.

Once the flowers get bigger the finials will really add a nice touch!  I love when flowering pots are overflowing with captivating beauty.

This wrought iron piece makes my fern look dressed up ready for family and friends.  It's like the jewelry added to an outfit.

I found this statue at a garage sale.  My kids named him "Aslan" from the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe movie.   He guards our house and our dog loves to bark at him.

Love this fun concrete finial.  Adds height and whimsy to our garden.

Adding architectural elements to your fence really make a nice backdrop for your ivy.

I even love it when things start to look a little worn.  Makes them have a story!  Notice the green pollen I've been talking about!  Come on rain!!!

I planted Sweet Potato vines last year and their color was spectacular.  I decided to do it again this year.

Look who landed in our pool while I was taking these pictures!  Isn't he beautiful.

My angel and my weather vain are waiting for my Sago Palm to create an umbrella over them.

I'm always amazed at how fast they grow.  See the duck in the pool!

Isn't she sweet?

Lila is waiting for the gazebo to be finished so she can go back to her home!

Speaking of the gazebo, it's coming along well!

It's waiting to be stained.

Almost finished, roof is next.  All the pots are waiting for their spring flowers.

Hope you are enjoying getting your home ready for summer!  I'd love to see what you've done, Inside or Outside.  I know that spring gets you all motivated to do updates and changes.

   Send me an e-mail with your updates and I'll post them for all to see!

Ruthie