Junk 2 Jewels Boutique

Lost Boy

Over the years I've heard bits and pieces of my pastors youth as he has shared when applicable to the  message he is given on  any given Sunday. Tonight was  the night he was recalling  his childhood and giving his personal testimony. POWERFUL is the only way to  describe it. Its a story I don't think I'll soon if ever forget (for many reasons). His story is being written in book form, and the making of a movie is wrapping up as well. I don't  think the book  has been released yet, but keep your eyes open for it. Pastor Greg just started his own personal blog Go  there and check out the trailer for his movie. I'm very blessed to be taught every Sunday from such a gifted evangelist.

2 Junk In

Friday as I mentioned, I dropped the kids off at school and headed out to Temecula to Linda's for the barn sale. Im redecorating my office space and was in need for some unique pieces. I was'nt dissapointed! Im always surprised that each and every month I make the trek out there it is entirely different than the time before. Creative girls indeed. I ran into Joy of "The Vintage Rabbit" and chatted with her a while. Met Jane, who Im dying to know better. She is just one of those gals who you know is just a very down to earth, no nonsense old soul! ( love that).

After shopping and visiting, I loaded up the car. My old  Suburban.   She is 16 yrs old and  dos'nt look a day over 10.

A few years back I had the idea that I had to have a new car. Though the burb was in prestine condition, no dents or major  scratches, no rips in the upholstry, air works great, sterio still  keeps me rockin to Sheryl Crow and The Dixie Chicks ( very important )!...and plenty of room for larger  flea market finds.  Its been almost 3 yrs now that I have been driving my new car, and its out with the new and back in with the old! There is not  near the room in the new car, I dont feel as safe, the kids can not both invite friends to tag along, and most importantly larger pieces of JUNK just wont fit in the back. It has to go!  I've washed and waxed her, and even gave her new plates.......What do you ya think? Somehow she just feels like  my favorite pair of jeans, comfy and familiar. She is just way more ME

Holiday Home Tour part 2

Laine's playroom is at the end of the hallway. this is the view down the hall! The pretty pink paper flower pom poms are a Martha   Stewart  kit!

This is the artists rendering of the house. Of courses I learned that  photography is not allowed in the houses on the day of the tour, so my plans to show you the other houses is not going to happen, but here are the other renderings of the 3 remaining houses.

 

The weather is perfect to get one in the mood for  Christmas , a bit chilly and overcast. Tomorrow should be a fun day. A car load of giggly girls, Christmas  carolers at each house, a little  Starbucks Christmas blend, and a whole lotta Holiday inspiration to start off the season! All for a worthy  cause. I cant think of anything more comforting when myself or a loved on is sick than to know that the one giving care to them has a real faith, truly cares and has followed their heart to a profession they felt God called them into! Obviously many of you are not in the area to attend this Charity Tour, but if you would like more information, or feel lead to make a donation, here is the link. 

Holiday Home Tour 2007

This is a snapshot of my girlfriend Kristy's  house. Hers in one of  4 houses that will be featured in the Holiday Home Tour benifiting California Baptist University nursing program. Put on by  the "Women Of Vision" . A group of gals who are dedicated to raising funds to benifit these young christian students who have a heart to serve. I have been working all week on  2 home banners for her house. The first is Christmas banner that reads "Joy", and the other was a monogram of her little girls initials for her bedroom. I've been working like a crazy woman all week, and Thursday was the day I would run over after picking the kids up from school and present them to her and get a sneak peak of the house. I worked right up to the  min. as usual, grabbed my camera and ran to get the kids. Of course I was in too big a hurry to grab the actual camera bag, just the camera, which of course had the WRONG lens on it! so bear with these pictures. They are not at all what I  envisioned for the photo shoot but  you'll get the idea of how incredibly gorgeous her house is. OH, and keep in mind I'm trying to stay out of the way of  construction men ( see the picture above), interior decorators, photographers, the house keeper, and about 5 board members of the tour.

Were inside, now lets look around.....

This welcoming little tree,  and french antique bench  welcome you on the right side, 

while a pair of green velvet chairs sit on each side of a beautiful antique  server.

straight ahead is the charming little hallway that leads to the family room...

The tree is the first thing you see when you walk through the  hallway. The fireplace is to the left.

This is in the family room just to the left of the  tree. I adore the leaded glass windows that are throughout her home. Hmm I know how to solder, I wonder how hard it would be to do all my windows? LMBO There were a lot of other angles I  would have loved to show you, but  I was trying just to stay out of everyones way.

This   huge  window is  at the first flight landing on your way up the stairs. YES! these windows open out.

This sweet  display is what you see on the wall when you arrive on the second floor. It proudly displays photos of all  her children and antique silver rattles!  Lets go peek in Lanie's room.

Fit for a princess!

I will be selling single letter monograms in the next few days. 

An antique  doll house makes the perfect side table. This will have to be a 2 part post. I have  more to show and tell you about later  tonight.  In the meantime, I'm off to the barn sale!! Yeppie.

The Beauty of Fall and Friendships

1. Fall, fallen and falling, 2. Autumn Colors, 3. At Benington Potters Factory, 4. The Secret Garden, 5. Flamboyant*, 6. Burning Bush, 7. Flowers & Pumpkin, 8. door with vines and berries, 9. Progression, 10. The Palmer Place, 11. Oct. 5 (squash), 12. autumn repeat scroll veiw #1, 13. Happy Thanksgiving!, 14. A quiet walk, 15. Hang On Little Tomato, 16. Bellagio's fall bounty, 17. fall-bounty, 18. Fall's Bounty, 19. Harvest Moon, 20. Tulips, 21. centerpiece grapes orange, 22. Orange Centerpiece, 23. Still life, 24. Market, 25. Pumpkin, 26. Harvest bounty, 27. It's October, 28. Oxi2, 29. Hay Bails, 30. BAILING HAY Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Recently Carol awarded me with the "You make me smile" award. Thanks Carol. She was one of the first to contact me and encourage me when I first started my blog. You make me smile too! This award has been  out for a while..so in an effort not to be redundant with the recipients here are a few  blogs that you might not  have visited before. These girls and their blogs DO make me smile.

Jen - A wildly  talented girlfriend of mine whom I met  on Ebay.  She designs and manufactures a romantic ,vintage inspired clothing line with a modern edge. She has a whole slew of kids..... 10 or so... I've lost count ( sorry Jen!) lol, Jen is  an amazing girl, you will love her and her blog.

Denise - Matilda Jane clothing. Denise is another Ebay friend. She also designs a FUN and FUNKY line of little girls clothing and some select pieces for mom. This girl keeps me not only smiling, but cracking up! I've spit out many a sips of coffee reading her posts in the morning! Reading her posts, you know you are not alone in the craziness of raising little ones and trying to make this whole craft business, website, blog thing work! 

Paige - A Sweet Longtime customer and friend of mine, not to mention an incredible scrap booker and fantastic photographer. I love seeing pictures of her lovely house in Ga. her darling girls and  pictures from her frequent beach trips.

I really could go on, and on, and on..... but lucky for you I must go get kids ready for school, and get that second cup of coffee! lol

Redy to Run

I don't have any idea how it happens, it just does, and its happened to me....AGAIN!  At some  unknown time in the last few months I was  bitten by the running bug. I've always been an avid runner, sometimes more committed that others, sometimes just social, sometimes very goal  oriented. I have a feeling this bite is quite serious. With this under my belt as recent as 2006 and this not to  mention this  half marathon, I'm quite certain I'll survive. It has just come at a terribly inconvenient time. Nevertheless.....I dug out the running shoes, shades, iPod,  gu, water bottle,  sports watch, I.T. band, and all the other  stuff to pound the  pavement ( not to mentions these 42 yr. old knees) in search of "The High" and when I  experience it, it will motivate me day after day to escape into the  zone  only attainable by running!

Did you know...?

I just discovered you can get these magazine descriptions on E-bay! WoW How cool is this. You can pay for them with paypal too. Most of them take anywhere from 8 -12 weeks  for the firs issue to arrive, but  worth the savings.  The prices for these particular magazines ranges from .99 cents to  7.99 for 1 full yr. I'm thinking this would make a Great Christmas gift! Yikes!!! did I just say the "C" word? LOL. Just think how creatively you could wrap the subscription card.....I know I would LOVE to receive this!   

The Motherload has arrived

I thought you might like to see just a wee, little  portion of what came in  the mail the other day. trust me when I say "a wee, little portion". The box was HUGE.  So many goodies, Papers in every color-way possible, rub-ons, tags,vintage photos, papers, and this adorable ribbon drawer. WoW Carolyn might I say " you rock sister"!

Tools of the trade

I bought this curiously long tool caddy at  the "Barn Sale" not knowing how or what I would use it for. I knew that I loved its over-sized shape, color, and the fact that it reminded me of my grandpa.  After I had it home and it sat for a few weeks in my office....it came to me.............

The magazine caddy is so long that I did not have too many options for its  new home, but I confess I do love it right where it is! Talk about having inspiration right before your eyes!!  Is there a magazine out called "Barn Style"? lol, if not I think all us barn junkies should start one. I swear I could do my whole house in it...

Oh,.. and in this particular picture you get a glimpse of the vintage door I'm now using as a  desk. I have plans on  skirting it with muslin and lace.... I'll show ya when done.

I've been Stung

I found this beautiful wasps nest on the grass at my sons last soccer game ( I think its beautiful, LOL). I picked it up with plans of incorporating it in a floral arrangement  for the front door. ( have not had the time yet).  Just as I was attaching the "Queen Bee" to my new charm bracelet, I  noticed the nest sitting on my desk nearby. I glanced back at the bee and had to smirk. Have these  feisty little critters taken over my sweet obsession for the songbird??? I'm not sure but I defiantly see a  fond  admiration beginning to blossom!