happy anniversary

Happy 16th Anniversary, Mr. Simple!

It was the day before Valentine's Day 1996,

 I was making this mocha fudge on the cover of an old Bon Appetit magazine.

Mr. Simple and I were in the early stages of planning our wedding,

we had both been married before and wanted something small with family. Not wanting

to leave anyone out our guest list grew out of control, and before we knew it we were

discussing a large venue, not what we had hoped for.

While flipping through the magazine I stumbled upon a story describing the most romantic
 hotel in Gardone Riviera, Italy. 

I showed it to Mr. Simple and said, 'Let's get married here!"

He said something like, "Did you notice it's in Italy?"

I called them the next day and the rest is history...

it wasn't easy, we were required to have five witnesses and ourselves meet

with the Italian Consulate in Denver, the documents then needed the

approval of the Secretary of State and more paperwork in Milan, but we did it!

My love,
It was truly a wonderful adventure and an exciting beginning for our life together.

Despite the fairy tale wedding, a lasting marriage doesn't come easily, thank you for
your love and wholehearted support for sixteen years, and happily going along with my
crazy ideas. I'm blessed and forever grateful. 
I love you!

project(s) update...

Did you catch the plural? Yes, I started another one before finishing the bench!

But first, a special Congrats to Lauren at A Commoner's Castle, she's celebrating
 one year of blogging! She's the sweetest blogger and mom to four year old Olivia
 who's about to get a fabulous new pink room.
Check out this amazing entry wall she and her husband completed!

I'm helping Lauren kick off her Blogiversary week by sharing the redo of our coffee table,
stop by to see my favorite paint that's not only pretty, but withstands daily life at our house!


Project Update
It wasn't pretty...sanding, paint remover, scraping!

Friday morning I was out for a run and spied this wicker settee at a garage sale, it's from
 Pier 1 and was $30, in good condition except for the cushion covers. Since the inserts were in
 great condition, I knew it wouldn't be expensive to replace the covers, just a little time.  Ha!
(check out the background - almost done!)

I found this fabric on the clearance rack at Hancock, $5/yard!

I couldn't wait to get started on something fun and pretty after the bench,
 are you tired of me whining about the bench...it was a bear...I'm really not a wimp!

I wasn't able to purchase enough fabric to match the pattern perfectly, but I'm happy with
doing it for $20, and guaranteed chances are I'll be up for new fabric next year!

Don't forget to stop by Lauren's and wish her the best!

why neutral rocks!

Why?? Because the possibilities are endless.
You can completely change the look of your room with a few accessories.

You're all familiar with the Ikea Ektorp, right?

A basic, machine washable, slip covered sofa, for $399!
It is the main piece of furniture in all of these rooms, and they couldn't be more different.

homeforthebetter.blogspot.com

houzz.com

tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com

hollymathisinteriors.com

housetohome.co.uk

thevintagerosetamania.blogspot.com

decorpad.com

thevintagerosetasmania.blogspot.com

desdemventana.blogspot.com

marleyandlockyer.blogspot.com

This shows two ottomans pushed against the sofa.

cotedetexas.blogspot.com

You're all the best,
 thank you for stopping by every day to check what simple project is in the works. 

Hope your weekend, rocks!

brick herb markers

Another quick, easy and free project for you!

Actually, I did this two years ago.

I took a couple photos, because at the time I was thinking, "Someday when I'm more

 technical I'll start a blog."  Ha! I'm proof you can do this without being computer savvy!

I was at a charming little garden boutique and saw these for $10 each, 

I thought, "No way, it's writing on a brick!"

Mine have been in the garden for two years, through blazing sun, hail storms and snow the

 writing has worn to this faded shade. 

Using a pencil print your word on a brick and go over it with a permanent marker.

To achieve the decorative writing, put a triangle at the beginning and end of each letter.

Concentrate or your triangle will be upside down...check out the top of my 'c!'  :) 

This is what they looked like the first year, if you prefer a faded look, lightly rub over the

writing with a fine grit sandpaper.

Remember when I showed you ideas for using your broken pot in the garden.

There's mine on the right, nestled into the dirt next to my mint plant, which will soon be large

 enough to cover the empty cavern and fill the area around the pot.

Projects that deliver instant gratification are always good!

The potting bench is ending up being a delayed gratification project,

I'm still stripping and scraping!  

 Uncommon Slice of Suburbia's Tuesday Treasures here

Home Stories A to Z Tutorials & Tips here

Southern Savvy Wow us Wednesdays here
The Shabby Nest Frugal Friday here

At the Picket Fence Inspiration Friday here 

empty wine bottles???

I'm going out on a limb guessing that some of you might have empty wine bottles,

if not maybe a neighbor has a few! :)

Just simple ideas for something you have at home,

 and they look great with only a stem or two. 

Organic and easy.

eventlucky.com

Corralled as a centerpiece.

flickr.com
Even one hydrangea makes me happy!

picasaweb.google.com
Rustic perfection!

marthastewartweddings.com
Simply sweet.

westchesterhappening.com 

Maybe monochromatic?

bridesmaid.com

Go grab yours out of the recycle bin!