I know my readers will understand this kind of crazy.

Yesterday I went up to Consignment Corner to drop off some things that I am consigning. They were mostly things from Rebecca's room when it was still blue.

While there I had a little look around, very innocently of course, just browsing, no plans for shopping. Then I saw it. It looked sad, forlorn. It needed a home. It was a beautiful dressing table, painted shabby white. Originally $165, marked down to $126 with an additional 10% off. I looked away. I looked back. And then I left like the good girl I am.

Today, I woke up, dressed, brought the children to camp and led my La Leche
League meeting. Babies were sniffed, mothers were admired. My mind kept drifting to that sad little table. I imagined where I would place my things. So lovely, so feminine.

After my meeting I decided to go take another look.

I started to worry.

What if it's not still there? My pulse started to quicken. I drove a little faster. I flipped through the radio stations faster and with more urgency. Must. Get. To. My. Table!

I arrived with feigned nonchalance.

It was still there!

5 minutes later it was paid for and in my car. Once I got home the real fun began.

First I put it where my old desk had been. It was okay...but I started thinking about another spot for it. Hmmm. That means moving the bed. And the armoire. And the nightstands. And my computer desk.

The next two hours were a blur of furniture and dust. David walked into the heart of the mess, sighed and walked out. He has been through this before.

Here's the dressing table.







I like to keep my make-up and brushes in milk glass containers. They are super-duper cheap at thrift stores. Don't get them at antique stores- too expensive. I find them at the junk store for just a few dollars.



I love old luggage. It's sort of funny actually considering my aversion to travel.

You know how in magazines and blogs you only ever see the really nice areas of someones room?

Here you go. The desk that I dumped all the stuff on that I need to sort through and put away.



Keepin' it real for you.

PS. Thanks for all the great comments on my private detective work- you guys rock!

Women who inspire me...

My family is home and thank god because I needed to sniff those children badly.

Lily came running into my arms and held on for a long time. After 45 minutes of hardcore snuggling she was ready to get back to the important business of being 7.

Rebecca's reaction impressed me most of all. She was so cool, so "I'm happy to see you, but I can handle being apart."

I couldn't handle it anymore though. I needed my people back.

Being in my house alone for three days gave me a chance to really think about what makes my home mine and why I love being in it so much.

My home is not fussy. There are too many cats, dogs and kids around to bother with that. My floors get scratched, my sofas have slipcovers- red ones which hide an amazing amount of dirt! We live here and enjoy every inch of the house. Nothing is too precious to be used and enjoyed. The only things that can't be replaced are people and they are what gives a home a heart.

I love bright colors. First I started with yellow and then brought in green accents. Then came red. I'm kind of a red addict now.

There are a few women whose beautiful style gave me the courage to really let my house bloom.

If you haven't met Kim at Dear Daisy Cottage go look at her blog right now. I'll wait.

Amazing, huh?

I have spent hours looking at her pictures and reading her blog. I love what she does with color. I could probably move into her house today and not want to change a thing. It is that splendid.

Know what else? She is so nice! When I started blogging about 6 weeks ago I sent her an email telling her how much I love her blog and how much her style had inspired me. She sent back a long email that warmed me down to my toes.

Have you ever been to Inspire Co.? Amy writes a blog and also sells her Sugarville pieces in her Etsy shop. I love the pictures of her home. She loves color and has such a flair for whimsy! I lurve whimsy. Her living room makes me smile every time she posts a picture of it. That living room has been such a jumping off point for me.

Walking around my house I can see the influence of these talented women everywhere I go. Wanna see?































All of this leads me to the painting project I worked on yesterday. I'm going to post it tomorrow, because it will also feature my Monday giveaway. Want a hint? A paradise of craft supplies. Begins with an "M". See you tomorrow!