For me, 50% off day at the St. Vincent de Paul is the definition of excitement.  Not only do I love the treasure hunt, not only do I get giddy at the thought of a big discount, but I relish the opportunity to transform found objects in a way not contemplated by others. 

I found a little lost footboard, sitting in the dust, behind all of the other large furniture, scratched, neglected and alone. This poor little end of a bed had no mate.  From the cobwebs surrounding it, I could tell no one had glanced at it in awhile.  It was $25, but then 50% off, so I brought it home for $12.50 for a complete makeover. 

Ladies and gentlemen, please say hello to the new and improved version of my footboard.  This little lady can multitask.  Not only is she able to sit outside and be charming, she is also a unique home message board and mud room organizer, complete with chalkboard center, and ceramic knobs for hanging sweaters, umbrellas, and hats. 

Take a bow, fair footboard. 

Before and After, outdoor style:

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The Golden Gate Bridge is 35 minutes from my house.  Despite its close proximity, our family only tours the City by the Bay about four or five times a year.  Yesterday was one of those days. 

There is a quote commonly attributed to Mark Twain where he said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”  In truth, Twain never actually said this, but that doesn’t make the context false.  In summer, San Francisco is always foggy and chilly, but during yesterday’s ‘Sunday in the City’, we got lucky with perfect sunny and clear weather. 

Take a tour with me of some favorite spots, gorgeous shops, and amazing architecture. 

Our first stop was a look at the vista up in the Marin Headlands.  This view is the definition of breathtaking.  You can see the entire skyline of downtown San Francisco.  Sailboats and cargo ships drift in and out under the Golden Gate Bridge, and seagulls soar all around, much to the delight of the children. 

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Thanks to the folks over at CSN Stores, I was honored to choose an item from their line of products to giveaway on my site.  So one of you will be the lucky recipient of this lovely white earthenware Lenox Berry Bowl, which retails on the CSN Stores site for $60.  It includes the silver serving spoon !

One can never have enough white ceramic decor, right?  This piece is designed to be used as a table worthy colander, but this bowl is actually quite versatile.  You can use it all summer long to wash your freshest berries, and it will come in especially handy for your Fourth of July soiree.  But you’ll never put it away.  Why?

This autumn, you could use this bowl to display a festive pumpkin in your home, or on your Thanksgiving table.  See ?

Then during the Christmas season, you might fill it with ornaments for your best holiday dinner party:

Better yet, before summer is out, you should line it with plastic, fill it with ice, and take it to the beach.  Don’t forget the limes: 

** special thanks to my brother Nate for his Photoshop skills **  

Now that you’re convinced this will be a delightful addition to your home, you need to do two simple things to be eligible for this most splendid giveaway. 

In a comment, you must: 

1) Visit the platform beds link at CSN Stores and tell me which one of their platform beds you would use in your home.  No obligation to buy friends, just visit the link. 

2) In your comment, copy and paste yet another link to a fabulous DIY project.  Bonus points if it’s yours. 

That’s all folks. 

Remember, I am amassing a collection of your original DIY projects in the Links Library on my website with a link to your site, so don’t hesitate to prop yourself up.  If you’re not in the mood for self-promotion, you can still qualify by including a link to a DIY project that lately has inspired you.  (No fair linking to one of mine, though I would be most flattered.)

Tell all your friends so they can get in on the giveaway.  Eligibility ends at 8 p.m. PST on Sunday.  The winner will be chosen at random by Random.org and announced on Monday morning. 

Have a most relaxing weekend.

Earlier I hinted at the stash of exceptionally tacky brass objects I picked up at the Goodwill yesterday.  I had been looking for the perfect little table to sit next to my master bathtub for keeping soaps, washcloths and other bath products handy.  Then I spotted a hideously shiny metal table that I knew I could transform with just a bit of spray paint. 

Here are the items before the transformation.  They consist of a shiny brass table and candlesticks, rusty planter, tarnished mint julep cup and brassy framed mirror.  Total rejects right?  Wrong.

Here’s my transformation: 

First things first. 

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Friends, you are awesome.  Thanks for all of the positive feedback on my girl’s room.  I am feeling very fortunate today. 

Many of you asked for ‘Before’ photos of my daughter’s room, so here is one from last year, after I had, quite frankly, given up on the space.  Notice the dollhouse was in need of a major remodel with its old fashioned decor and skirt, and the kid clutter was everywhere !    Before the green desk, there was a park bench from our rear yard in her room (on the left).  That just makes me laugh. 

Before:

   The After, featured in yesterday’s post: 

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