I feel like I haven't written a post on here in awhile and that's because I haven't. I've taken a "small" break from the blog and somewhat from furniture and decor to focus on things that really matter. Like being a better "me." I was getting too caught up in staying busy and doing this project and this DIY and this piece of furniture, for a minute, I kinda lost my "spark" of loving this stuff. Sometimes I would wonder... why would I let anything so small effect me and what I enjoy? Well that's a good question and I'm not sure I can pinpoint a direct answer to that but I will do my best.
You see, we've moved 4 times in the last 5 years. That's a lot. Like really, a lot. But not uncommon either. I'm the girl that will be your best friend the first day you hang out with me. I'm the one that will have your back no matter what. The one that will laugh with you, cry with you and make fun of you too. But I am also the girl that is a doormat. And I tend to let others take advantage of me. Part of growing up is realizing who really matters in your life and who never did. Well let's just say since we have moved to Florida, that has really hit home for me. The only people you can ever really count on is family and I am so, so blessed to have my wonderful family! But sometimes you need a friend. Or two.
I usually make friends easy. I don't think I'm a "hey, look at me" person but I'm not shy either. A good mix I would say. But then you'll come across those "mean girls" who only want to spend time with you for something that will benefit them. They won't appreciate the good person that you are and that's ok because they probably won't be the last. You should surround yourself with people who won't lie to you, who aren't afraid to tell you the truth either, who will have your back even if you are wrong and people who listen to you and are just there. And some people won't ever like you. They will be DEAD set against giving you a chance and that's ok. Because it's their loss.
Why worry about people who don't worry about you? Why expect an apology from someone who is never going to give you one? It's just not worth the time, tears, worry or stress. Something has that has been bothering me (like always) is our home. Don't get me wrong, we have a great looking home. Various nice updates and probably the nicest base housing we have seen and probably will ever see. There really is no reason to complain about anything considering that we have on site maintenance, a few upgrades, detached from other homes, basically a semi normal "home" away from the real "home." But then you see photos on Pinterest, on other blogs, in those awesome Country Living & BHG's magazines and you WANT THAT room. You want THAT look. You NEED YOUR house to look magazine worthy, am I right? Well... I hate to break it to you but that is a mold the most do not fit in. Your home is a direct reflection of you and doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. The sole reason someone's beautiful space is featured in the magazine is because that is just it, it's theirs. They put THEIR stamp on it, their originality, their taste, their touch. We're all capable of loving our homes if we just realize that if our homes are full of love, laughter and things and mementos that we love, it will be not a house but a home. Fill your home with things you love, things you've collected and things that are great reminders and I guarantee you're love your home a little more than you used to.
NOW that I have gone off on my psychological journey, here are some updates to our dining & living room. I still have a lot of plans for these joined rooms but for now I am enjoying it. I filled an old tool box that a dear friend got for me with faux Ikea greens.
The mirrored faux windows with old hinges on them flanking either side of the windows are from HomeGoods. I've been searching for something the right scale for those walls for sometime now. I really like how much they reflect the light and fill up the space. I'm waiting on some pretty boxwood wreaths in the mail to hang on each one. I'm currently obsessed with boxwood wreaths and plants.
And here's the view from the corner of the room by our windows. It's starting to feel more like home around here and if you haven't noticed yet, yes, there is a new and gorgeous shabby cabinet in the room now... I'll tell you more about it and how I find it at the end of this post.
Here's the view from walking into the dining & kitchen area from our living room below. I hate the light fixture, I think I have mentioned that before. It is modern and doesn't fit in the space but what are ya going to do? I moved some things around as you can see and actually after taking these photos, I moved things around again. Yeah, I know. Totally predictable.
I moved my faux pears, lemons & apples back into my tiered basket from Hobby Lobby for spring. I love the pops of bright greens and yellows against the rustic wiring of the baskets.
Below you'll see I changed out my subway art sign that was kelly green to this smaller scale one from Old Time Pottery here in Florida. I just love the saying, the color and the scale. Perfect trade off.
And here's a few from the left side of the dining area. An old milk can sits by my crisp white Ikea barstools. I changed my table & bar linens again. They are regular bright white for now with silver napkin holders from Pier 1 Imports. Love that store, I get so much inspiration walking in there! The half moon window was hanging in the living room last time you probably took a peek here but I moved it over our garage door. It is originally from HomeGoods. I have an obsession with windows, I think.
And here's a detailed peek of the top of our fridge. I use the calendar daily, it keeps me organized. And I just added some personal touches up there, nothing too special or major.
I also moved some things around on my counters. The topiaries now flank either side of the stove and I moved my faux Ikea greens back in the living room on the TV stand. I like that they have height in here. A few other personal touches and mementoes along with my large glass jars that hold my sugar, flour and noodles. I bought a cutting board on clearance at Target that sits on the stove. After this picture, I took a white utensil holder that matches the containers on the top of the cabinets and I sat it in the cutting board with all of my wood utensils in it for cooking. I use it frequently and it's actually really nice to have it out. Of course, there sits my dachshund statues as well.
Below you will see that I FINALLY found a rug for my kitchen. I knew that I wanted a 5x7 because of the size of the kitchen and the tile floors are so not comfortable to cook on for long periods of time. I've eyed this beautiful rug at Target for sometime now. It is from their Threshold line and is 100% hooked wool. I ADORED it but at almost $200, I continue to just "look" at it & wave goodbye. Pouty face. Well it just so happens that this past week, I got my weekly email from Target that they were having a 20% off home decor sale so I decided to go check it out. So I got it cheaper because I used my Target card as well. It feels so nice on my little piggy feet and I just adore the colors. For all of you that think I can't do color, I can ;) I just don't want to break the bank because usually the things I LOVE with color, well, let's just say I might not have a husband if I bought all of them. I also bought the matching little rug to put in front of the garage door. I am really enjoying having both in the area and it's proof that a small change can make a world of difference. EEK!

And now what I've been wanting to chat your ear off about...
I recently took a mini-road trip and used the whole day to attend Fancy Flea in Lakeland, Florida. It's almost 2 hours from us but it was SO worth it. I enjoyed spending time with a dear friend and we got to meet some lovely vendors, see some awesome crafts, painted furniture & vintage stuff! I scoured the crowd and only had bought a few little things when I spotted this old, rustic but yet so shabby bottom to an old hutch. Oh. Em. GEEEEEEE. Seriously, that is exactly what I thought when I saw her. I just adore this piece. We probably walked by it about FOUR different times. Each time, I spoke with the vendor, who's named was George and was just the sweetest old man. He came down on price every time I walked back up. At the end of the day if she was still there, she was meant to be mine.
So, at the end of the day, I walked up to George and asked him what he wanted for me to take her home and we both walked away happy because I took this gorgeous baby home! And did I mention that this is all original? I love the inside, the deep drawers and the cute little doors with the original little locks on the front. Ryan swears I'm going to get sick of it and sell it and maybe I will because I don't put it past myself but right now, I am just enjoying this beauty. I plan on doing a planked wood top on top to give a more "finished" look. I also am planning on changing the hardware to something more vintage and rustic and something with age. I think adding a top will definitely give it some much needed contrast and will just MAKE this lovely piece of furniture. SWOON.



I just love everything about her. And I don't even think the photos do her justice. If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to click the "pin it" button at the very top of this post. I would appreciate any pins on Pinterest of my images. Do you have a favorite piece of furniture? And what updates have you done around your home lately? Did you enjoy ours?
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XOXO,
Ally