There’s really very little reason for me to stalk the furniture department at the local thrift store since my house is already full of pieces I’ve dragged home and refinished.  But I can’t stay away, much to the chagrin of my poor husband.  He can’t even park in our garage because of the half dozen pieces I have yet to turn my attention to.  I can’t help it !  I have some sort of addiction – a crazy soft spot in my heart for rejected objects.  

Today, I couldn’t drive past the parking lot, I just had to pull in.  Some people window shop high end boutiques.  Me?  I get my kicks exploring the furniture department at the thrift store, and dreaming of what things could become.   

Like this headboard.  I would pop out the four inside frames, they are a little too busy for me.  Then I’d do one of two things.  I’d add pretty appliqués to the four remaining sections and paint it distressed cream with a hint of the dark wood showing through in spots.  Or I’d skip the appliqués and go in a different, bolder direction.  Perhaps paint this baby in a semi gloss indigo shade, then attach nailhead trim to the outer framing and place it in a master bedroom up against a wallpapered accent wall and hang a bold metallic starburst mirror above.  So glam !

Or this little cabinet.  Someone emailed me the other day about making a wine cabinet, and this is the perfect little candidate.  I would retrofit the bottom with diagonal shelving to hold wine bottles, then attach chrome hanging glass racks to the top.  I’d repaint its damaged surface in black, replace the hardware with some blingy crystal knobs, then add a mirrored tray to the top.  Ready for entertaining !  Trés chic. 

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March and April give us their fair share of rain, and it seems this year we’ve had more than ever !  I get cabin fever when it rains, so whenever the sun peeks through, I love to take long drives down country roads and explore the rural terrain. 

Usually I make my way to downtown Sonoma for a stroll and a day in the park.  Whenever I take a drive, I always bring my camera !  Here’s a few of my favorite photos of a country drive to Sonoma.

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Ladies and gents, Mother’s Day is less than a month away, yes it’s true !  May 9th is quickly approaching, so it’s time to think about all the special moms in your life, and what better gift than a personalized piece of jewelry she will surely love from The Vintage Pearl ! 

There will be two lucky winners of today’s giveaway – each will receive a $50 dollar gift certificate to purchase something very special.  Take a peek at this small sampling of these hand stamped sterling silver pieces available. 

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Happy Weekend everybody !  I want to send out a big welcome to a new sponsor, The Shabby Chic Cottage, a shop filled with all sorts of home accessories that will add so much style to your home !

Hop on over to pick up a few lovelies for your nest!  Don’t forget, Mother’s Day is May 9th, that’s only one month away, so you can find a mom you love something special at The Shabby Chic Cottage! 

Also, here’s a few features around blogland.  YayDIY posted my answers to Eleven Questions.  The lovely Mrs. Limestone featured my favorite spot to curl up in her not-to-miss ‘favorite nook’ series.  And my friend Amanda over at Serenity Now let me takeover her blog for a day with these ever so simple scrap and tissue paper butterflies.   Also, Erin over at House of Turquoise was kind enough to feature on her blog our grown up girl’s room, how cool !  

For some other great weekend roundup reading, visit Kimba’s Favorite Things at A Soft Place to Land and Julia’s Weekend House Fix over at Hooked on Houses, plus Becki’s Roundup of great links at Infarrantly Creative ! 

For those in Northern California who will be joining me for the April 25th Antique Fair, make sure you RSVP with an email so I can get a proper headcount !

Finally, for those of you still interested in a MirrorMate custom mirror makeover like mine . . .

. . . remember there are dozens of frames available, here are just a few !

And if you enter the discount code CENTS at checkout you receive 15% off  !!!

Now, back to your weekend fun . . . . :-)  

Enjoy !

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