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before & after bedside table

March 7, 2017

Bedroom table after photos pleasure in simple things blog

Today, I am sharing the ‘after’ photos of the little mahogany side table I shared last post.  The piece belonged to the owner’s great grandmother and I was determined to redo the table to  fit nicely  into her new home.

before and after side table with Annie Sloan ochreDid you guess what neutral I chose to paint the piece?  I decided on Annie Sloan old ochre.  It is a nice neutral that has a warm tone and will combine well with both white and gold tones.  The piece will be used as a bedside table and, since I’ve seen the bedding in the room, I decided to find accessories to combine with the piece to look great in its new location!

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I started with a coat of shellac since the mahogany was sure to show through a light color paint.  Next,  I painted the piece with two coats of Annie Sloan chalk paint in old ochre.  Then, I added a coat of clear wax.  In keeping with the tastes of the owner of the piece, I didn’t do any distressing, but I did add a coat of dark wax in some spots.  This accented some of the details and added a little depth  of color.

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For the hardware, I used the original pull and just added a little metallic to brighten up the old finish.

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Lastly, I added some fun accessories to coordinate with the bedroom where the little table will be residing.  The tea leaves scented candle, lamp, print, and plant all came from Target.  The cute succulent paper I used for the drawer liner came from Paper Source.

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For such a straight forward paint job, it created quite an update, don’t you think?

Can’t wait to see the table with the new accessories in its new home!

Thank you so much for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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neutral holiday table

December 13, 2016

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On Thanksgiving weekend, I was inspired to do some holiday decorating and started on the dining room table.  Since it is not really on theme, I may change it up before Christmas so I thought I would share my pre-holiday table today.

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The best part about this table decor is that it cost so very little to put together!  The pretty little trees and tiny poinsettias came from Trader Joe’s.  Trader Joe’s is great for some affordable seasonal plants!

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These cute artificial white berries – I love a white berry – were on a clearance rack for $1. a bunch at a very expensive home store.

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I put the plants, berries, some natural materials (including some pine cones I had bleached), and some artificial snow together with some of my white containers.  So pretty, don’t you think?  The little white deer was a gift from a friend last Christmas.  Oh, and I always have plenty of white candy canes on display during the holidays!

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Have you started any of your holiday decor?

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I hope I have inspired you to put some simple items together to create a festive holiday table!

Thank you for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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target bargain bin diy

December 6, 2016

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I love the section at Target with all the low-priced items!  It is so much fun to find a great item for $1. or $3. in those magical bins at the front of the store!  Sometimes, a little DIY is the perfect thing to make something from the bin simply fabulous!

before-felt-clutch-pleasure-in-simple-things-blog-Recently, I ‘felt’ that way about a marvelous felt clutch I found in the $3. bin!  Though great on its own, a little enhancement would make it special!

I had a few ideas for a modification right from the start, but I knew I wanted to do an initial.  I was thinking I would use a plaid fabric that would make a nice contrast against the gray and would scream holiday.   To make it easy, I could use fabric bonding to adhere the initial.  Then, if I had any embroidery thread in an appropriate color, I would use a blanket stitch on the edges to finish it off.

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When I got home, I looked at the random buttons I had left in my button box and some of the button colors were perfect against the gray felt of the clutch.  I changed my plaid idea to an initial formed from  buttons!  Based on the colors I was using, I would make a mustard colored tassel to add a finishing touch!

I used a small bead of glue from my glue gun on each button to hold it into place before I sewed each one onto the clutch.

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When I went to the craft store to buy some yarn to make a tassel, I found a premade one in the color I wanted for less than the price of the material to make one!  Perfect!

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The pouch makes a great gift on its own or it can be used as a pretty item to tuck some presents into!

If you’d rather not use a needle and thread, another way to add an initial to the clutch could be to use a metallic iron-on initial from the fabric or craft store.

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A beautiful gift for under $5!  Thank you Target for the bargain bins – they are a wealth of (inexpensive) inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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a terrain holiday

December 2, 2016

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I do feel so sorry for those of you that may not live close enough to a Terrain store to experience it at holiday time!

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It is such an inspirational experience!

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For today’s Friday field trip, I am providing a few glimpses of the Terrain holiday display so you can experience it for yourself!

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If you live close enough for a visit, please don’t miss the chance to experience a Terrain holiday!  Enjoy!

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Thanks for stopping by!  Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

2 comments

hobknobbing

November 22, 2016

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Changing up knobs or pulls can instantly update a piece of furniture.   These days, great hardware can be found at discount home stores as well as specialty stores.

My very favorite place to buy furniture hardware is Anthropologie because they have a great variety and some really unique pieces.  Because Anthro hardware is on the pricey side, it is best to choose their hardware when you have a really special piece or you only need one knob!

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A small sampling of the large hardware selection available at Anthropologie.

For multiples of hardware – like a dresser that may need 10 pieces, it is better to try online hardware resources, Target, or HomeGoods.   Very often, HomeGoods will have packs of multiples at a very affordable price.

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The top photo shows an Ikea dresser with the standard hardware. The bottom photos show switched out pulls purchased online.

 

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Another Ikea piece with updated hardware purchased from Home Depot.

I almost always change up hardware on the furniture pieces I redo, but you don’t need to save hardware changes for when a piece is refinished…it is easy to change the hardware any time!  I recently changed up my dining room knobs from a casual look to a more streamlined, elegant look.

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One word of caution – if you are replacing a pull that has more than one screw/hole – be sure to measure the spread before you look for a new piece of hardware.  Some of the older pieces of furniture require a different size spread – if this happens, it  makes your job a little more time intensive because you would need to use wood filler to fill in the old holes and drill new ones to accommodate the new hardware.

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I found these nautical inspired rope pulls in a multiple pack at HomeGoods and used them on this Ikea dresser redo.

Replacing the hardware on your furniture can give it a whole new look!  Take a look at some of your older furniture…can you picture it with some new knobs or pulls?  I hope I have inspired you to thinking about updating a piece of your furniture by replacing the hardware!  Maybe check out some black Friday deals on line!

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I used Anthropologie compass knobs on this coffee table redo.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a blessed Thanksgiving!  I am thankful to have you join me on pleasure in simple things.  Stop back on Friday and I will share this year’s Advent calendar that you will want to make – a super easy and fun design!

xo Jackie

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a vermont wedding

October 18, 2016

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This was the year of special weddings for me. You may remember I shared a spring spectacular overlooking the ocean at Castle Hill in Newport, Rhode Island and a summer mansion wedding in a garden in Fairfield County, Connecticut.  Today, I am sharing with you the finale of my magnificent weddings this year – a fall foliage stunner at Top Notch Resort in Stowe, Vermont.

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The wedding day was a little overcast and there were a few raindrops.  But, this wedding needed a little rain and a few clouds – the brilliance of the couple, in addition to the brilliance of the surroundings, was almost too much to take – I don’t think we could have handled full sun!

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No matter how full the fall foliage was on display this special October afternoon, nothing could have outshone the beauty of the bride as she made the life-long commitment to marry her best friend.

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With this wedding, I celebrated not only the special wedding of my godson, but I also celebrated a special part of my life…a celebration of friendships that made up a big part of my childhood.   I am certain the person I have become was strongly influenced by these friendships and the many experiences I shared with these friends as we grew up together.

wedding-cuisine-top-notch-pleasure-in-simple-things-blogYou know those special lifelong bonds?

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With these friends I can pick up just like we left off – literally, without missing a beat!  This was demonstrated brilliantly when the groom’s uncle and myself danced the 13 step at the reception – the same dance we had practiced together in his parent’s basement so many, many years ago!

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Thank you so much for including me in your special day K & J! Love you D & J!

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Thank you for stopping by!  Be sure to follow my posts next week for more Vermont fun!

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Remember to take pleasure in simple things…like hugging a special friend,  Jackie

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white pumpkins & neutrals

October 11, 2016

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Last week I gave you some fall decor tips and took you to Terrain for some great inspiration on implementing them.  This week, I am sharing some of my color palette for fall…neutrals, or course!  And, Terrain definitely does a neutral right – so, some photos of their lovely grounds…all in neutral!  Enjoy!

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Thanks for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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5 easy tips for fall decor

October 7, 2016

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For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing 5 easy tips to help inspire you to create great fall displays.  And, even more exciting, I have included photo examples from Terrain – my favorite home and garden store!  Here goes:

Highlight one unique piece.  Find one really unique pumpkin or gourd and use it as a focal point.  It may be a gourd with magnificent coloring, a pumpkin with many bumps, a gourd with a unique shape, or a pumpkin with a really cool twisty long stem!  Put a focus on that unique piece by displaying it on its own in a basket, on a table, or under a cloche.

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Stack ‘em up.  A really easy way to create some drama is to stack up some pumpkins for a fall ‘topiary.’  Since this can be done on any scale, it is a great decorating idea on any budget!

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Display en masse. Using any one item in multiples makes a design statement.  Put multiples of a piece or plant in a basket or on a chair or bench for an easy but impactful display. The ‘odd man out’ is also a fun way to display pumpkins.  Add an ‘odd man’ to a display of multiples.  For example, have tons of mini white pumpkins and add one orange pumpkin – or vice versa.

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Open it up.  If you are displaying a bunch of items, particularly colorful ones, use an open container to give a full view of the items on display.  If you look around, you probably already have something you can use – like an old tomato cage or some chicken wire!

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Add a pumpkin.  A very simple tip, yet an effective one, is just to add a pumpkin or two to any of your existing vignettes or plantings – indoors or out.  Without much expense, a few pumpkins can go really far to transform your current arrangements for the season!  Maybe add a little hay and some Spanish moss as well…easy!

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I hope I have inspired you with today’s fall design tips and a visit to Terrain!  Thanks for stopping by!

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Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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a library themed restaurant

September 23, 2016

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I can’t help but share some photos from a visit to a new restaurant; today on Friday field trip.

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You know my penchant for a good theme!

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Well, The Library Wine Bar and Bistro is housed in the building that was originally a city library, built in 1899 and it totally embraces its roots!

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It has been restored back to its classic, architectural beauty by the Gouveia family of Gouveia Vineyards, Wallingford, Connecticut.  Yes, the same vineyard I visited and shared on last week’s Friday field trip!

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I am totally in love with this place!  In my imagination, I have already planned an entire library themed shower in one of the restaurant’s beautiful private rooms!

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I hope I have inspired your imagination as well!

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Thanks for stopping by!

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Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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thoughts on fall fashion 2016

September 9, 2016

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I started to organize my fall wardrobe this past week.  For Friday field trip today, I am sharing a few of my ‘closet’ thoughts.

For this fall, I have a favorite trend.  I am loving exposed shoulders.  (These trendy cutouts are great for all ages since undergarments can still be worn.)  One great dress and one neutral sweater with cutout shoulders are plenty to embrace this continuing trend and stay current with fall!

pizza-shirt-pleasure-in-simple-things-blogAnother fashion favorite for the new season  – and guilty pleasure – is a message tee.  There are so many great ones out there and one t-shirt for weekend wear is a fun and inexpensive way to change things up for the season!  Think ‘powered by caffeine’ or maybe a witty saying exposing your candidate pick this election year, or a tee in support of breast cancer awareness coming up in October.  I love this ‘body by pizza’ tee that I found at Target.  I don’t usually wear tees, but I like to wear one while I do my outdoor painting or projects in the fall, and purchasing a new t-shirt for the season doesn’t break the bank!

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This photo came from The Limited’s website.

Been there, done that.  Sometimes, enough is enough.  When a trend lasts for years, it gets old.  Remember how the chevron pattern was beat into the ground?  I am currently feeling this way about fringe and tassels.  Don’t get me wrong, I love a good tassel, but I have been embracing this trend for a few years now…time to move on!   Although I will be wearing some of last year’s embellished purchases, I will not be buying any more clothing or accessories with fringe or tassels this fall season!

As always, fashion trends are about what works for you.  I know I will not be purchasing a puffer jacket or wearing statement chokers this season, but this long-limbed gal is loving the extra-long sleeve trend!  And, although I may not purchase velvet clothing this season, I may incorporate this trend into my home décor.

I hope you are inspired to pick one or two trends you love this season and use them to update your fall wardrobe…what are you embracing for the new season?

Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend.  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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