Just a Little LESS Pink, please??

Following up on the last post...



...concerning the change out of the white ceiling fan to the small vintage chandelier I scored from Craig's List. This transformation occurred in the Pink Bath that came with this 1961 Rambler in Cedar Rapids.

I did a quickie post on this "Loo" about a year ago, sharing a glimpse of the vintage colored tiles. I stated that I was going to let this Retro Pink bath remain, because it was a part of the personality and character of this nest. I also stated, and I quote, ~ "but if I ever come across a vintage ceiling fixture or chandy that would 'just fit' the bath, the fan will come down!" ~unquote

Completed. Mark it off the "Wish, Watch, and Wait"  LIST.

In the meantime...over the past year, smaller changes took place in the bath, as I switched out, moved around, and exchanged twigs from one room to another in this NEST... the one thing I noted was that there was a little TOO much (pink-white-pastels) going on in the bath. I wanted to bring a darker shade into the pink mix... give a little less feminine feel to it.

I had shared the original floor with the multi choices of color to choose from.



There is a Chocolate Brown in that mix! And that is the color I chose, to pursue my goal. It all began with a piece of framed art. Originally I had this print hanging over the toilet.


a favorite artist Arthur Elsley

BUT, I decided to trade out and hang another one of his prints over the toilet...And you can see the BROWN in it. This.... was my starting point.



Next, I replaced the pink shower curtain that was here when we moved in. I had already added a white top layer to cover what I felt was TOO much pink.




I found the fudge brown quilted curtain during thrift shopping. Love the print.



Next, I added some dark wrought iron elements to the vanity, along with the long "vintage-look" canvas for a backsplash. I love the birdie sitting on the nest on this twiggy metal lamp.



It was changing...slowly but surely! :-)



This mirror replaced the rectangular one that I originally hung here. The two old wooden sconces were found at GW and added a bit later.



This outdoor fern stand was brought in from the porch and used for  hand towel/soap storage. It too, has brown metal showing through the whitewash. (along with the little birdie theme I love to keep flowing through this nest.)



Above it are the two bird plates that I found at TJ Maxx over a year ago. (perfect colors to match the wallpaper.) Yes, there is actually ONE purchase that occurred outside of a Goodwill store ~but still, a great buy! :-)
And that sharp artichoke green shutter hand-towel holder with the pretty crystal knobs...was a happy find at a GW last year...still had the Tag on it...brand new. WHO turns this stuff in??? ~ I want to thank them! :-)



Last but not least, little wreaths added to the metal hook decor on the back of the door.
They  add some brown  'natural' elements  with their twiggy look sporting pine cones and frosted berries.

There are two gold mirrored trays; one on the toilet tank and one on the vanity holding bath supplies. Also some gold angel face medallions on the curtain and the toilet paper holder over the toilet. These were to tie in with the pretty Gold frame of the print that started it all.

So my eclectic dysfunction once again has poured into this little room. But... it's me.  :-)

Thanks to all who have dropped by to visit today. I am  recording the evolution of this bath over the first year here in the E-journal of Cedar Rapids.... I do like the brown pops in here, and it shall stay as it is. (well...for a while anyway!) The chandelier was just the icing AND the cherry on top to finish up the vision I had .

That pretty much covers this 60's Pink Tile Bath. I am shutting the door to this one.

Have a GREAT day, and give a smile or two away. It's a win-win for the giver and receiver.

Sharing a new photo of the "NEWLY ENGAGED" treasures. Wish we could be closer!

Out With the Old, In With the Vintage....

Back when we first moved into the nest here in Cedar Rapids, I posted this photo of the Guest retro pink bath in the hallway...Still in very good condition. The one oddity of it was that there was a small ceiling fan hanging in it.



At that time, I stated that I had a vision of a small chandelier hanging in there, and was going to begin my "watch and wait for it" routine. ** That ceiling fan hasn't been used ONCE since we moved in. Only the vent fan.



I have to state the obvious....Aren't those light bulbs hideous looking? (they are to me) but the man wants to use them for energy saving purposes....(another REASON I wanted to get rid of the fan!!) ;-)

So fast forward...15 months later. December. I see an ad on Craig's List. (yes. Craig, my online picker, lol)




I am thinking to myself... "I am reading a misprint here", based on the price. It was for TWO vintage chandeliers, listed in the Antiques classifieds. There was a photo, and I was on the edge of my chair!!! I make a call, thinking they would be grabbed up...SOLD...but no! The man says they are still available. I quick arrange with him to pick them up that coming Saturday morning, 2 days later. (He lives in Des Moines, Iowa, but he and his wife come to Cedar Rapids every Saturday to work on a house they are remodeling/renovating to sell) That is where the lights were.

Now this occurred RIGHT in the midst of 11th hour WAITING to hear when Justin's Company would be offloading from the ships that had just returned from their deployment. We still had no idea.... You guessed it. The next day we got that last- second message that they would be marching in on Sunday...We had to get OUT OF HERE!!! I was excited, over the moon!!! but, oh, still so disappointed that I would have to call and cancel getting those chandeliers. 15 months of searching !!!! oh my.... :-(

Long story short. When I told this man why I couldn't come and apologized for backing out which is something I don't normally do...he was extremely kind and asked questions about Justin and the Marines and said he would be "WILLING TO HOLD THEM FOR ME 'TIL WHENEVER WE RETURNED FROM NC!!!!" I was so shocked...this is rare for a Craig's listing sale....but believe me I accepted!!!



I later told Justin that I could tell the seller did that for me because he was grateful for Justin's service, it was obvious by the conversation we had. I was so floored by his kindness and willingness to wait for me to purchase it. Justin said, "You're Welcome!" lol :-)

It turned out that the deal did not take place until January 12th because this man and his family went to California for 3 weeks over the holidays. When they returned to Iowa, he called me. We met and I bought the chandeliers, and he gave Kurt and I a tour of the house he and his wife are remodeling. It was all very enjoyable. :-)

Below is a photo of the two, waiting on the kitchen table to get cleaned up.



Getting the small chandelier was a long-awaited purchase. It is absolutely perfect for the Bathroom. Four candlesticks and not too large for the room dimensions. Da man installed it that same day. He knew I was excited. He is so good to me.



I love the aged look of the bronze. They are solid and heavy lights.



Makes SUCH a HUGE difference in the look of the bath.

The large one is tucked safely away in the back Guest room on the floor until I decide where to hang it. Since it was an unexpected surprise, I am still thinking on that one.


Heavy!!

I decided to save the best part for last...the Blessing of it all. You know the saying, "It's Worth the Wait???" Well, It IS! Both of these chandeliers together were $25.00. No, that's not a mistype. My loving dad had given each of us money for our Christmas gifts, and I used some of mine to buy these lights. SO..they are a gift from him! :-)

Just for a comparison, I did a search and saw this ad on Craig's the other day for a large vintage chandelier...



It's not as big in size nor does it have the beautiful pineapple shaped center post. It is priced at ... $175.00.

I always wondered who came up with that saying, GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT.

I thank God for the gift of these lights. All things come from His hand. And even if they are material earthly items...they are all provisions from Him and His love and overseeing....I believe this in my heart.

Another post in my ejournal book to document the goings-on in this nest as it changes and gets rearranged and altered.

For any who are popping in today to see what's going on here, I say HI! and thanks for visiting with me. Hope you have a blessed day wherever you are.

Give away a smile. *It does a body good.

Days of Snow and Surf......

Everywhere I look I see snow. Unbroken dazzling snow, tromped over snow, dirty plowed snow, drifted icy snow....We are expecting some rain today. I am hoping it will do some magic and take more of this stuff AWAY. We have had a small window of "January Thaw" that has worked off the icicles that were hanging and the stuff sticking to trees, and slushed the top layers.



Every night it refreezes. Kurt says to expect more soon. The temps go back to normal this weekend. Highs in the 20's....Lows in the single digits. I believe I will experience a more typical Winter this year in Iowa.



What's a

to do?????

Look at Seashells.... :-) Daydream of days spent here...



I recall reading an article last year that included lists of the top "DISLIKES" of various Interior Decorators. More than one said that unless you live near the shore or have a summer beach house, you shouldn't decorate with shells. And one even commented that maybe you could get away with it in the Summer season with a coastal theme on a porch or sunroom... but to change out the theme when Summer ended.

WAIT.....WHAT?????????

SAYS WHO?????????



Homes are put together over time...and they should be decorated with what you LOVE. And nothing keeps and revives memories for a lifetime more than mementos, treasures that take you back to the special moments of a place in time with family.



Times spent at the Coast are beautiful and special. Shells gathered from the sandy beaches, and others bought to remind you of the ocean views are certainly ALLOWED in any home, any time, year round. That's like telling this girl she should only put Christmas ornaments out at Christmas!!! ummmmmm.....that doesn't compute...



These pretties remind us of warmer days to come, give a sunny lift to our mood on a blah Wintery day...



Decorating rules...Designer Faux Pas.... POOH!



This little box also has a special role.



It holds the fortunes from the cookies we get at our favorite little Chinese Restaurant we frequent on Sundays after church. Memories of Cedar Rapids stored in this seashell treasure box.



Some shell items are just there, because....



Some were crafted, like a Time Capsule creation. (trip for Justin's first deployment return)



In the throes of a shivery cold Iowa Winter...I have my Carolina Coastal Summertime memories...brought on by displays of shells. :-) Year-Round!

I have blogged before about shells and Beachy mementos and memories, but felt like doing it again today, to remind myself that Winter isn't forever. COLD days will pass. And Days at the Coast are not Lost...We will have more...one day!

And...just because... :-) ending with a pic of the engaged couple. Jonny and Maria and Amayah stole away from their schedules for a quick day trip to Myrtle Beach, SC in September....FUN!!!!! Happy they got away to create a moment.



Happy Thursday Blogger Friends...I have my Marine two more days. He and his dad plan to enjoy target shooting one more time together.

Blessings!! May those who want snow....GET SOME!! May those who want Sunshine and warm days...be granted their wish.

No Southern Girl SISSINESS... :-) I will be thinking sunshine...seashells...blue skies...ocean breezes... RAH!

Rambling Merry Monday

Enjoying having the Marine here in the nest over the past week. Only one more week and he will have to go. I don't like to think about it. I know he will be rested and ready to get back to WORK! Base Life... it's a different lifestyle, that's for sure. I know he will be itching to get back to his new car he left sitting in his siblings' apartment parking lot in Charlotte. Justin's silver Toyota truck was sold when he deployed, (thanks aplenty to his Granddad for handling that!!) so he needed new wheels. He chose a silver Sonata this time.

* a shared phonecam shot from Sister Kit-Kat... :-) :-)


At least Justin got to experience some !COLD! temperatures and snow while here. (*in case NC doesn't get very much once again this year) We are supposed to get a few days approaching 40 this week!!!! hurrah. Maybe some of this frozen tundra will melt. I'm ready to see grass again.


A golf course near our house. NO GOLFERS these days, but Kurt and I both have seen cross-country skiers trekking across the snow!



One street over, a neighbor's tree branches look like they are topped with icing, and I thought it was so pretty...just sharing before the THAW begins for this round.



Yesterday we decided to eat Mongol style. HU-HOT!


One of Justin's rounds included Calamari ...chewy stuff!!!

It is so neat to have TWO of my peeps sitting with us here in Iowa.



*I'm adjusting to seeing Justin with his DARK hair again. It's usually very little or none at all....seeing the likenesses in he and Kameron. They both got the dark hair and square chin!!! Kat and Jonny got the honey blonde shade of their Dad. Not a single one of them got the blue eyes though... all DARK brown eyes...like Mama.

A lot of guy talk, football, guns, ammo....testosterone running through the nest lately. :-)

I have fun slipping away to the "in-the-works" 2nd guest room, messing around a bit, padiddling, ~the one with the Roses theme... It is where I placed the vintage print I brought back on this trip. My dad's mom hung it in her home, then she gave it to my mama who hung it in her home, and now it hangs in my nest. :-) sweet sentiment and the "passing down" of loved pieces.



I moved this vintage plant stand inside and am playing with it. I don't know whether it will stay...or go back out to the screened porch this Spring. Time will tell. This room is all white pieces, both cane and wicker, so it's a good fit...hmmmmm.



A rambling post here today on this first MONDAY of January 2013. I better get GOING!  Kurt is at work. Kam has returned to school today, and Justin is sleeping in. Enough blogging!!! ;-)

I wish you all a very MERRY MONDAY...may you have many reasons to SMILE today. I know I do!!!


Kobe says....Do something outlandishly FUN...Go For It!...see if it doesn't bring a smile out of yourself....and then go and give one away.



Blessings to all visitors popping into this post today. Have an outstanding day!

My WORD for 2013....

Every year as the NEW YEAR hits our calendars, we begin to think of turnovers, new starts, resolutions, goals....You Know.

It's a Fresh Start. At least, it's as good a time as any. After all, another 365 days is about to come at us...FAST.

What has become quite popular in recent years, is to choose ONE WORD to focus on. It is much easier to keep track of instead of 5 or 6 things we resolve to change, (and then usually don't)

ONE WORD is also:



My Word usually centers around what is going on in my life at the time. In the Past, I have chosen Hope....Gratitude...Intentional...and others.

This year, my WORD is:



I feel the intense need to dig in here in Cedar Rapids...I have been living on the fringes..not setting both feet down in the pulse of this place. The past year I was still looking back over my shoulder too many times at what I left behind, unfortunately...



I am feeling the conviction to really get plugged in, to engage...TO PUSH ROOTS DOWN.

Kurt and I have talked lately of seeking the GOOD of this community, referring to this verse in Jeremiah 29:7.

"BUT SEEK THE WELFARE OF THE CITY WHERE I HAVE SENT YOU, AND PRAY TO THE LORD ON ITS BEHALF, FOR IN ITS WELFARE, YOU WILL FIND YOUR WELFARE."

I have told myself...It is time.



The well-known quote of Jim Elliot, "Wherever you are...be ALL there." has run through my mind and heart 100 times over the past 15 months, and it has hounded me 'til I almost lost it.

When we made our trip to Charlotte to welcome Justin back from his 9 month deployment, I was talking with Jonny of his upcoming USMC boot camp, as well as Kameron's Guard boot camp, too. He made a statement that struck me as quite Epic. I said, ~everybody just wants to get through that part of it. SURVIVE it so they can be DONE!! Jonny looked at me and said, "AND that's where they take their wrong step. You don't go in it with the mindset to SURVIVE. You go in it with the mindset to THRIVE. To rise above, to do more than just get by and get out...to intentionally go in and give it your all. Do Your Best.

It was right after that conversation, that I realized that he had just "found" my 2013 WORD for me. I had been pondering and thinking and understanding what I wanted, but hadn't come up with the word. Thank you Jonny. I love you.

So I close with where I opened. My life - what I do, what I choose, what I live OUT LOUD...is my message to those around me...my world here in Cedar Rapids. If I am not THRIVING in this city, then what AM I doing??? What would God desire of me? How in the world can I be INSPIRING to others if I am not seeking the welfare of THEIR city? Truly, in the welfare of this place, where we Know and Believe that God has sent us... we will find our own welfare. And so....I choose to THRIVE. It is my Life Word for 2013. May God be my strength. May I choose to LOVE where I live. :-)

Happy 2013. I hope that you have a WORD that you can FOCUS on and INSPIRE others as you seek your own growth and change.

God is good. All the time. God IS GOOD.

Hugs and Blessings to my bloggy sisters and any dropping by this day.

Hello Corporal....

Happy New Year. :-)