Accent table Re-Do, from rags to riches

before…

Photo Jun 22, 5 37 30 PM

after…

DSC04487

Good evening my fellow bloggers.  I am stealing a few minutes to show you my latest redo project. I found an adorable solid wood end table at a yard sale. She told me to make an offer…..so I did!  $2 bucks? She said….SOLD! So off I went, me and the beat up end table. I had some ideas floating around my head and I decided that I would give it a good sanding, cleaning and finish it for my little beach room.  I chose a pretty ocean blue spray paint. I also gave it a good coat of primer before I painted.  The table was in decent condition. It had a few nicks and bumps, but it had great bones. The sanding really did smooth the finish and the paint sprayed on nicely.  Oddly, I loathe painting with a brush/roller. I find sanding somewhat therapeutic and I love smooth rounded clean edges. I also don’t mind spray painting. It’s easy, it looks even and hides a multitude of imperfections. It has a nice gloss in it and the end result, when applied properly is quite professional and finished.  I sanded and cleaned and prepped the table. A couple hours of labor and it was good to paint. It’s important to follow the directions to get the best results with your spray paint. It’s best to tackle each side as thorough as possible, you can always go back and touch up. I bought 2 cans. The first coat took a whole can. The 2nd coat required maybe 1/2 the can. Well, of course, I took before and after pics for you to browse. I really like the end result. Krylon products are excellent. It dried in a few hours. It  was really fun. I am eager to tackle some other wood pieces I have collected here and there. Enjoy the new end table, it fits lovely in the beach room <3 ~ leelee

A little bit of this & that, & some bric-a-brac

graphite set

graphite set

pottery teapots

pottery teapots

pottery stamped Ohio

pottery stamped Ohio

Germany (40)

Germany (40)

Hello lovely people. I had a nice relaxing vacation up at the lake in New Hampshire. We managed to sneak away to a couple of interesting flea markets. New England is known for all kinds of random, interesting and unique flea markets. Most are open on the weekends and since I am an early riser, they open them up early, however, not everyone is up and running by 8am. We browsed around the local fleamarket in Salem, NH. It was indoor and outdoor. The inside was quite a maze. Hundreds of vendors, lots and lots of random stuff. New and old. Most all of it cheap and imported from China, ummm no thanks. The next day I researched and found another one nearby in Londonderry. It was an outdoor market with lots of vendors. A good variety of stuff.  I was in the mood to browse and walk. The weather was beautiful all weekend. A cool breeze and sunshine. Mike was not “impressed” but seemed to be patient for a change. I like to look and hunt for treasures. I mentioned that I still search for water pitchers and creamer pitchers. I gave him some tips along the way. I LOVE pottery. Anything handcrafted. I am obsessed with porcelain and imported pitchers. I search for the unique one of a kind. Oh, and I only like to pay a buck or two for it. Size and color, doesn’t really matter. Condition must be Mint or new. I frantically searched for reusable bags in my trunk. He asked, what for?  I just smiled and thought to myself. He really has NO clue when I am in the mood to treasure hunt and bargain. I had a feeling he was going to learn quickly. So off we went. My first stop is a dusty, dirty table of junk. I scan and access quickly.  He has a dozen or so flower basket hangers. They have to be 20 years old, still in the package! I buy em all, 3 bucks for a bag full. Honestly, the metal ones retail for $5 each. Mike is unimpressed and a little confused.  I continue on my merry way and note they all negotiate with you. If you ask nicely, 99% of the time, they agree with your price! The next booth is a hot mess. Stuff piled all over. Every square inch has stuff piled on top of stuff. Sigh, I fight the urge to reorganize and redecorate these displays! I find 2 beautiful earthenware (pottery) teapots. I ask how much does he want? He says $2.00 each. I examine them close, brand new, no chips, scratches. I ask…will you take $3 for both?  Sold.  I wrap my teapots and head out and my eye catches a porcelain pitcher. I flip it. It it stamped GERMANY (40) is in the middle of stamp. I have no clue. I don’t have a pitcher from Germany. I offer him a dollar. He gladly accepts. So you get the jist of it…100’s and 100’s of vendors. I already know, this could become a full time obsession for me. I shop till I drop. I score a bunch of unique pitchers. All of them under a buck or two. My kind of morning. On the way out, Mike spots a side table for my daughter’s apartment. He texts her and asks if she is interested. She quickly replies YES! We find a few that would fit and negotiate a pretty white side table for $10.00. He is smitten and I can tell he feels he scored on that piece. Maybe the fever will rub off on him? I sure hope it does. In the meantime, I took some pics of my bric-a-brac treasures.  If by chance anyone knows the name of the Germany pattern, please send me a comment!  I will be sharing more and more of my finds with you. I have so much fun treasure hunting!  Enjoy the day! ~leelee

Having alil Faith in me, prayers answered, little miracles happen

Today is a great day in Leelee’s world. So much goodness and humbleness. I just knew I had to share it with you.  For over a month, I have been waiting to hear about a promotion I applied for at my company. Well….sigh…sniffles…. I GOT THE JOB! Yes!  So many emotions, I’m so elated and honored to have been chosen. I was up against 10 strong applicants and sadly some underlying bullshit about “male code” that a coworker exposed to me recently. I ignored all the ignorance and bravado machoism’s and just went in head first, strong, prepared, confidant and I NAILED IT. I prayed.ALOT..I prayed to God to everyone and Jesus. I practiced some positive affirmations and I walked and burned off my anxiety. I forced myself to constantly think positive thoughts, I recited the “act as if”, “fake it till you make it”, believe in yourself Leelee. This is what you want. You want this promotion!, you are qualified for the job, and you are a born Sales girl! I talked to my Mama in heaven, everyday, asking, praying, pleading with her. Somehow,  many days I left it in God’s hands and God’s will. I am so grateful for the opportunity. Today, is my last day before my week long vacation. I mentioned it to my ” new” boss this week and low and behold she decided to secretly offer me the position before the day was out. I will officially begin in 2 weeks.Yea!  Pivotal changes and visualizing that in your mind, manifesting your gifts and sharing them. Precious moments in your life. They don’t come often, sometimes those moments are fleeing and momentary. Some are life changing and fulfilling on so many levels. I’ve learned to live in the moment….Leelee’s moments if you will. <grins>.  So prayer, and faith and soul searching and reaching for that star…it’s not bullshit, it’s real and I’m living proof that it certainly can work. It can work miracles in your life. Honestly, faith and prayer can change your life. Here’s a good example. I never visualized or thought I could really ever quit smoking. Cigarettes were just a part of me, always smoking, always stressing about them, but never believing I could actually quit. I smoked for 38 years. Never quit, ever. Well,  It’s 8 months now. It’s possible… is all I’m saying.  I didn’t think I could lose 75lbs, ever. I pretty much stayed the same for the last 33 years. I have never felt so healthy as I do now. At my interviews,  I shared life changing stories from customers and patients with my bosses, I showed my ambition and passion.  I shared a part of me, and they believed.  So, I am up for the challenge, the job obviously involves sales. I love commissions, that motivates me for sure. I love that the job requires some travelling. Lots of company seminars,  conventions and lots of social events 🙂 year round. My company wines and dines our clients, treats them like Gold… I like it! I look forward to all the trainings, boot camps, you name it, I am up for it all! So, I will light a candle tonight and sit and pray and meditate my blessings and thankfulness. I will channel and connect with my Mom and sincerely thank her for guiding me and protecting me. #angelinheaven.

Ohhhh and I almost forgot! We are headed up north to the in-laws lake houses for a few days.  Our 4th of July reunion resumes and we are all excited to sneak away and enjoy the family and extended family and the beautiful lake.  I have been dreaming of the lake, each day I meditate and feel that energy. It has this aura,  serenity, beautiful sunsets, loons, happy smiley people everywhere.   I have a special surprise this year.  My in-laws have been grieving, and they lost 2 family members recently both young, the family was to say the least devastated and stunned. It has been so hard letting go and moving on and accepting.  I thought if we light those beautiful Chinese lanterns; the paper ones that float and soar, a Thailand tradition I believe, over the lake and watch them fly… we could each send lanterns and messages to the ones we love and miss.  I hope it brings them all some peace. Life is so very fragile, you must make time for love and family. Anyway,  I have some cooking to do and packing and lots to celebrate. Life is continuing, evolving, forever changing. It’s how we handle the changes and embrace the future, determines the outcome for sure. So enjoy the beautiful  Fireworks! Truly one of my most favorite things….God Bless America! Have a wonderful 4th. *peace ~ leelee xxx