A Gift of Garbage

Today was garbage day.
When my husband arrived home from his walk he announced that
he had a present for me. . . . . . .
from someone's garbage can.

Isn't he so romantic!
His walking partner thought he was strange.

But he knew that I would treasure this trash---
an old wooden screen.Now I feel a mantle makeover coming on!

What 50 Cents Can Buy

My passion for thrifting has had to take a back seat lately with finances so very tight. But the other day I had a design appointment in the big city and thought that it would be nice to browse through a few thrift stores on my way home. After venturing up and down the aisles with nothing wonderful to be found, I spied a little package wrapped with cellophane and tape. Upon further inspection I noticed that it contained two small white ceramic quail, with a price tag of fifty cents. I laid down my change and adopted them.They are now nesting happily, basking in the light in my bookshelf.They seem right at home in the midst of all the white pottery.

Lilac Love

My lilac bushes are abundant in blossoms. I thought I'd bring some of that beauty and aroma indoors.

I found that the blossoms last longer if you hammer the ends
of the branches so that there is more surface to drink up the water.

I pulled out this old thing to help weight the vase down and camouflage the stems.

You just can't beat a homegrown bouquet!

You're So Vane

I found these vanity benches at different times years ago at thrift stores. I bought the second thinking that it was an exact match to the first. It wasn't. The legs are different but fortunately the size is the same. They sat in my storage room until I found this darling fabric. It's too light weight for upholstery fabric so I knew that if I were going to use it on a piece of furniture it would have to something that wouldn't be used every day. That's when I remembered the benches. I knew that with a little makeover they would finally find a home.With a little Mediterranean Blue spray paint to unite them, and cushy new tops for comfort, those worn out benches now look fresh and new.
They now reside at the foot of the bed in the guest room.

They finally look right at home!(And I might have just enough fabric left to cover that small pillow!)

A Lot Of Happenings Goin' On Here

Did you notice a few changes here at Joys of Home?

I've been working with the wonderful
Jenn from Munchkin Land Designs.

She is awesome!!!! I cannot begin to tell you how patient and talented, and patient and creative, and did I mention patient, she is! I am such a detail oriented person and she was so willing and helpful and PATIENT while we worked on the new design. If your blog home is in need of a makeover I highly recommend that you contact Jenn! Just go to her website and check out her design gallery. I'm sure that you'll like what you see and I know that you'll love working with her as much as I have!

I also am pleased to tell you that Melissa from
320* Sycamore has asked me to do a guest post today. All this week, in celebrating Mother's day and motherhood, Melissa has asked marvelous women bloggers to post about some things they've learned about being a mom. I am honored that Melissa gave me this opportunity and humbled to be among the other incredible women that are guest posting. If you don't already know Melissa, go give her a visit, I know you'll enjoy her! And if you're visiting here from Melissa's blog, Welcome! I hope you feel right at home!

Speaking of home, I've been busy here at Joys of Home with several projects. Some are for clients and some are for my own home. I'm excited to show off a few in the coming days and weeks.

Here's a sneak peek of what I am working on now--- I'll show off the finished project tomorrow!

Uncreative Break

I've been missing in action for a few days. Not because I have been up to anything wonderfully creative. Simply because I've needed to do the mundane things of life.

A little weeding

and turning my junk drawers into junque drawers.

Sowing Seeds

I've always thought it would be fun
to start flowers for my yard from seeds. This year with finances so tight, and still having a desire for
a bounty of beauty,
it has become a necessity. To help fill our gardens with flowers,
I decided to try my hand at sowing seeds indoors. I purchased little green houses and
gathered a few packets of seeds. Now, just a few days later, I'm excited to report
a little growth.

Does it concern me that I should have
started this process about six weeks ago
in order to enjoy blooms before the fourth of July?
No.

Not really.
Okay.
Maybe.
But isn't that what real growth is all about?Overcoming our mistakes and
blossoming despite them.