Rebecca in Rhode Island

Rebecca is spending the week in Providence, Rhode Island ministering to children through summer Bible club activities. She is having a wonderful time so far and has already said I would want to live there due to the large numbers of hydrangeas growing everywhere, even on the sides of the roads. This picture was taken before they went to church on Sunday. They decided to bring a little bit of Texas to New England.

What Were They Thinking? Edition - I'm Imelda Marcos

Remember Imelda Marcos, wife of the Philippine President, who owned 2,700 pairs of shoes? I believe I'm just about as fascinated as she is when it comes to shoes. That, and shopping at Ross. Every time I go into the store I am strangely drawn by the eerily high heels on the latest crop of shoes. I believe this first picture takes the cake on shoe design. These are literally scaling the heights of fashion. I can literally imagine that little pencil heel just snapping off the minute someone takes a step. I wonder if the shoe manufacturers' test these babies for weight limit. Just wondering...

Sorry for the blur. I was laughing at Abigail trying to stuff her foot into some heels.

This is a little design I like to call Cruella DeVille. Only one dalmatian was harmed in the making of these shoes!

And for your outfit that needs that extra "pop" of color we have these beauties. And don't even get me started on the moonboots in the background. I don't have time to segue into any Napoleon Dynamite one-liners. I've gotta go get some chapstick. My lips hurt real bad.

Why Yes, We Are Still Remodeling...Why Do You Ask?

I will look back fondly on the Summer of 2012 and refer to it as The Summer of Neverending Projects. To be fair to myself, however, I've taken a week here and there just to regain my sanity, but it does feel somewhat like I've been on the perpetual hamster wheel of "Re-do." I think I've mentioned once or twice that "we're getting close to being finished..." Lies! All lies. We will never be finished. As soon as this room is completed I'll have to take a sledgehammer to the bathroom tile. You know I will.

So, here's this week's update:

Fireplace Room, with newly cleaned brick floors

Painted the back of the bookshelf blue to match the kitchen

Fireplace freshly painted with Kilz (yay! no smoke stains)

and the screen painted black

I am LOVING the redo on this chair I've had forever 

(original location: Nanny's barn).

It's just waiting for the right pillow to be located and nestled in the seat.

Shoutout to Teresa Lynn for recovering it for me. Whoot!!

 Completed bookshelves: I've removed all extraneous books and dust collectors and only kept the things I really love and want to focus on. I highly recommend this method to anyone. I made $25 at Half Price books just by doing this!

Left to complete? Trimwork on walls and baseboards, a fresh coat of paint on the walls (same color) and throw pillows on the couch. Pillows are currently on the way from Target. I hope to "finish" this room by the end of the week. Wish me luck!

Just Pure Excitement Around Here

Pure excitement, I tell you...but not really. I was browsing blogs this morning and realized I hadn't posted in awhile. So, I went back through my photos to see what I've done this summer. Well, it's bad folks. Real bad. I've done nothing of any great importance except meander here and there and take a few photos with my cell phone. Oh yeah...and we're still painting. Just wanted to share some of that excitement with all of you.  I found these on my cell phone.

It might just be me, but I don't think someone learned to read.

Cuties!

Who knew getting keys made could be so exciting?

Preview of the fabric I'm going to be putting on my ottoman and chair next week. I had to send this photo to my decorator for approval of color choices.

Here's another preview - the new fireplace color. Will post photos soon of the project.

Couldn't resist sending this photo of broccoli pillows to Katherine, my little broccoli lover. I don't understand why she doesn't want one for her new apartment!!

So, how's your summer going? I hope it involves more than paint, fabric and broccoli pillows.

Cupcakes, They Are My Life

Well, they're not REALLY my life...much. Some people think so since I am baking about once a week these days. This week had two celebrations, hence the need for two cupcakes.

Cherry Limeade Cupcakes for my 4th of July party

Some of the younger kids were trying to "drink" the cupcakes through the straws!

Katherine's boyfriend, Michael, had a birthday this week. She's delivering these yummy ones to him today. Dark Chocolate Fudge with Peanut Butter Frosting and Mini Chocolate Chips. I almost had a sugar high just licking my fingers on this frosting. SOOOO GOOD!