{ Cottage Mailbox Makeover }

 As I was getting the mail the other day I realized that our rusted cobweb mailbox had seen better days.....I had bought this metal mailbox from Pottery Barn when we moved in 9 years ago! Honestly from the reviews I was a bit scared, but it's held up pretty decently, especially in our wacky Michigan weather! Today after the cobweb fiasco I decided it was time for a " Paige " kind of 30 minute makeover! Making things come together & comfy for the time being is always my immediate goal. Will the area change? Absolutely! But enjoy it while in the moment! Come see what I used & how it came out below....

 

As you can see from the above photo....yikes! Like, was it pre Halloween haha.  This poor area was neglected because honestly the other side is the actual porch, although the covered overhang is over it all.  ** sorry I started painting before photo ing  ha, it was dark rusted grey.. #typical 

 

I'm still amazed at my ability to use some simple leftover Behr white paint & scheme up a nearly free refresh. Yup, you read that correctly..regular leftover paint!!!  After I painted the mailbox I ended up painting the light & cabinet too. I ran some brass paint smudged it over the embossed ' mail' wording on the mailbox! I used a bit around the rim of the barnhouse light too, it added some warmth, yet modern cottage appeal!

•• I sprayed everything with clear  finish by Rust-oleum. 

 

I still can't believe I paid almost $100 for this in 2012 -ish!! It definitely needed a little freshen up. Other than that it's large, secure & we love it for now!

 

The other day here on the blog I shared the other side of this little  porch! This side of the porch just has tall grasses, but lately Mark's been rearranging the front garden area..He also put this little cabinet here! I actually wasn't for it at first until I actually got to physically see it & the potential! I love how deep it is, perfect drop area when opening the door, packages, salt, Mark's boots etc.. So of course I had to paint it along with the light & mailbox..& then well here we are haha!

 

Anyone know what this cabinet was actually for? I haven't yet looked & definitely don't know at this point...

 

I hope you liked this quick front mail center refresh! Sometimes I dream up these ideas at night & sometimes 10 minutes before I start them. This one was a win. Quick, simple & thrifty!! 

HAPPY Tuesday!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

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{ A Summer Patina Porch }

 Hey pals!! Thanks for dropping by the blog daily! I've been a bit off the grid lately, because well, life has been difficult....From our central AC going to our washer on the fritz to dog messes & most importantly my sister & gram having surgeries! We haven't had a lot of time to work on projects inside or out & because of a leak our yard is tore up. It burns a bit because I've put so much work into it but, today I'm sharing a little summer porch look with lots of patina! I didn't expect to do this today in 93 degree heat, but I kind of had too...Come see why below....

 

The whole thing that started this little refresh was actually two completely different reasons...See that vintage white metal cabinet to the left of the door? Well,  I knew as soon as Mark brought it home that I wanted it right there. It's perfect for dropping groceries, winter supplies & Mark's work boots when I don't want the mudroom smeared with man funk haha!

After I spotted the cabinet I spotted these metal antique patina planters { in our stockpile }... They're from our dear neighbors down the road! The fireplace box I've had for many years is also from them. Ralph, the husband  passed a few months back & his wife gifted them to us. 

 

This space also needed an overhaul like I mentioned above because, well the birds did a number & it needed a clean up. The black bench unfortunately had to be pitched but I love these vintage metal chairs I picked up at a local barn sale 3 years ago...Random but barn sales are my fav!!! 

I hope you liked this simple freshen up! Even though our backyard is in a state of disarray, at least the fronts fresh with some new goodies like the planters oh & we have a pumpkin patch in the back pasture area....No complaints, well maybe a few ha. 

HAPPY Tuesday!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

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{ Summer Countryside Bedroom }

 Well that was an unexpected quite long-ish break. Oh boy 2021 has not been nice to my little family! Trying to work through the long list, while still enjoying normal spaces around our home! The one space I never fully indulge here on TQS is our master! It's been a work in progress & although weird lighting usually sqashes how cozy it is, today I'm sharing anyway! I hope you'll take a closer look below...

 

I started this little revamp in here months ago with painting the entire room fresh pure white by Behr! Slowly I switched out all the curtains to long flowy  white linen ones & added some fresh garden art & new wood pieces like the cottage shelf above!  I wanted something super calming but also bright, fresh & lively!!

I never share the other side of this room because, well it's just our white closets, vanity & fireplace! 

 

When I spotted this countryside but super simple piece I knew it would be perfect in here & coordinated well with the Bed & Breakfast sign. I love the raw wood edges on both pieces, so I stacked them! 

 

Lots of simple treasures like the brown hats, distressed white wood items & antique white washed mirrors! 

 

This chandelier I've featured quite a bit on the blog, but also it's from a 1930s bed & breakfast. I'll always cherish it, my mom & dad picked it up for me & it fits perfectly in here!!!

 

The hat was my papa's & my gram graciously gifted it to Mark. It will stay in here on display & eventually be put in a safe -keep hat box. I'd like to find a vintage one soon!

Hope you loved this mini summer bedroom look! Do you switch out certain items in your room when the warmer months roll in? I love cool bedding & vanilla candles going..

HAPPY Tuesday!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

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{ DIY Vintage Kitchen Hood }

 Happy Wednesday TQS pals! It's summer officially, you know what that means... A paint covered Paige 24/7 haha.  I've been wanting a new range vent hood in the kitchen, but after searching I still haven't found one! From too small to too big or not the right style..I wanted something that looked original or semi original to our little brick cottage home! With our new brass hardware on the cabinets & sink faucet HERE I decided to paint ours!! Come see the freshened up summer kitchen below...

 

I've recently been into the brass/ vintage fresh garden look! If you remember I updated our hardware to brass a few months ago! I love how brass can brighten a space while adding vintage charm & hint of warmth too!! 

 

I scored the metal, wiped it clean & applied 3 even coats. I left the knobs black & hit a few spots extra lightly with paint  for an almost used/ distressed look! 

 

Of course my most favorite part of the new hood was adding some new items to our stove tray! New S & P brass shaker caddy, few ramekins, our silverware caddy & flowers!! 

I love having this tray on the stove top.  It's practical, easy to grab for entertaining & adds space for everyday items!!

• remove tray before use!

 

 

I always say this, but a few new items, paint & decor, and you can change a space drastically & affordability! The brass just adds so much cottage character + customization. Truth is, I almost didn't go through with this DIY, but I loved the mixed metals! I'm currently on the hunt for new oven knobs...

 

Comfy, bright & charming! 

I forgot to mention above, but I'll be sealing with clear epoxy.

•• Always use heat resistant materials.

I hope you liked this DIY!! The paint I used is Modern Masters. 

HAPPY Monday!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

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{ Antique Trunk Table Makeover }

 Well, happy Monday pals!! The weekend flew by, which is always a bummer! Tomorrow I'm embarking on what might be a new adventure { I'll update soon} & I'm a bit nervous....You know what that means, DIY & blogging! I actually meant to blog this a week ago when I first painted it on a whim in 90 degree weather at 8pm at night ha!... Come see the new coffee table trunk & a peek at what color it was...

 

It's true that having bigger pieces can actually make a space work better or make a space seem bigger! Although, this space is quite large { 19 × 21 } this large trunk give this space a bold focal point & lots of storage! 

• still lined with original fabric.  Cleaned & disinfected for use!!

 

The original color was green, but not a real garden green or vintage green, but more a John Deere green. We just couldn't make it work in this space, so I whipped out the Modern Masters paint!

The brass paint is super easy to use  & this whole trunk only took one small jar! The trunk is metal & the thick paint is needed! It looks fresh, vintagey & adds warmth, storage & character to the upstairs living room!!

 

I'm so glad I restored this trunk back to it's somewhat original form or at least what I think it might have looked like! A beautiful antique trunk , now used as our coffee table. 

HAPPY Monday!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

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{ Garden Fresh Summer Mantel }

 Happy Tuesday, pals! As many of you know I've been going through someone changes, dealing with health issues & just figuring thing's out.. One thing I'm trying to work on is being more spontaneous & worry free! I've always been a worrier & spontaneous actually, but also super type A thatgets the best of me!! Today a friend & I after some outside work decided to have a yummy sit down lunch, visit a greenhouse & have a little flower photoshoot in her storybook { fawns, patio door turtle visitors, neighbor horses etc..} garden & property! I also did something for myself { I'll share Thursday}, but today I'm sharing the flowers my bestie bouquet'ed  up for me fresh from the garden!

 

The most beautiful flowers right?!! The walk-in meadow lined with these is so charming upon pulling in her driveway! 

 

Although I don't decorate with pink very often, if ever, today I did!! Spontaneous post, photoshoot & I love them!!  They paired nicely with this woven basket from last weekend's market!! 

 

I don't think these blooms could have gotten any bigger! They're just natural beauties growing...Sometimes it's best to let nature do its thing! 

 

I hope you loved this beautiful summer cottage style post!! I mean can you go wrong with fresh wild meadow flowers? I don't have a huge flower garden, do you? What's your favorite flower..?

HAPPY Tuesday!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

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{ Honorable Patriotic Kitchen Window }

 Other than Christmas, the summer patriotic holidays are my favorite! I love mixing traditional, vintage & cottage together & patriotic holidays are perfect for that! This year I didn't go all out like I usually do inside & outside, because honestly with so many life changes I've been really busy! I couldn't not show up on here with a little something though...I owe it to you guys! Come take a peek at our 2021 Memorial Day decor below!

 

I left the window decor basically the same & just added the folded flag! I also kept the vintage style brass & popped some mini flags in the greenery!! The vintage brass bells added charm & a patriotic touch if you will. 

 

I was photographing & had stopped to go see what the animals were doing in the upstairs living room...Came back & Mark had set this can of coke here! Normally I'd say something like " Come on, I'm working here buddy", BUT  what's more classic than an ice cold Coca-Cola ?? Ha!

 

May all those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom be honored today & always!!

HAPPY Sunday!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

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