Unexpected Living Room Make Over - Before & After

A few years ago we did a living room make over

and I thought it would pretty much 

stay the same for awhile.

~Before~

~After~

However, in the decision to downsize

and a very quick sale of the piano

I found I was in the middle of an

unexpected living room make over.

~Before~

~After~

After the piano went out

I decided the fireplace needed to go as well

and I replaced it with a smaller, corner fireplace

which was half price.

I also wanted one more chair

and found this one on Kijiji

for only $40 in mint condition!

I don't think anyone ever sat on it.

~Before~

~After~

For now I have the couch cover off

but I can always put it back on

for a different look.

I fell in love with these cushions

that I found at JYSK

and even better, they were on clearance!

~Before~

~After~

We are enjoying the new look

and the feeling of space

in our living room make over.

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...

The Dedicated House for Before & After Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday
Rooted in Thyme for Simple & Sweet Fridays
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Simple Fall Vignette

I love owls and just had to include one

in this simple fall vignette.

I also love vintage laps!

Just ask my hubby - lol.

This one came from my husband's grandparents

which makes it extra special.

I added a splash of color with 

fall flowers.

I love the vibrant colors!

Three simple items

created my simple fall vignette.

Do you like keeping it simple?

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...

Have a Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home

Card for Valentine`s Day

 

February is a busy month of celebrations in our household.

First up is Valentine`s Day and I usually make cards for everyone in the family.

The first one I finished was for my daughter as hers` has to be in the mail this week. 

 

I went with soft roses.

I just loved the floral design on the heart stickers

and the delicate design on the white paper.

 

I always like to add a little extra touch on the inside of the card.

 

Now I just have to bake some cookies

and her Valentine`s parcel will be ready to go :)

 

 

  ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



 

I am joining...

Have a Daily  Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday

Penguins Are So Cute

 

I usually send a letter or card

once a week to my daughter at school.

Usually with a little something tucked inside,

enough for a coffee,

and often a cute little comic to make her smile

or an interesting little article.

This week I took some time and made this cute little penguin card.

Since she doesn't have any snow where she is

I thought she would enjoy the "Let It Snow" theme.

Every time I see the little penguin it makes me smile!

I hope it makes her smile too :)

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



 

I am joining...

My Romantic Home for Show & Tell Friday
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday

Decluttering Countertops - Before & After

~Before~

 

As I mentioned in a previous post, my theme for this year is simplicity.

So I figured the best place to start would be my kitchen countertops.

 

~Before~

 

The first thing I did was to remove everything off of the counters.

 

 

And then I filled the sinks with bleach & water

and wiped down the counters and let them soak.

 

 

While the counters were being disinfected by the bleach solution

I sorted through everything I had removed from the counters

and decided which I was keeping, which was going,

which was going to be put back on the counter,

and which was going to have to find another home.

My guideline for this was if I used it every day it could go on the counters.

Less than that and it would have to go in the cupboards.

And anything I couldn't remember using or was broken was

put aside to give away or throw away.

 

This old CD player was on my countertop but it isn't needed

as I listen to the radio or my music from my ipad.

It was boxed up to donate and will free up a lot of space on my counters.

 

I do use my little chopper quite a bit but not every day

so a spot was found in the cupboard for it.

 

The lid on this kettle was broken and I am tired of boring electric kettles.

This went to the garbage and a red kettle will hopefully soon grace my stovetop.

 

 

 

I actually wasn't sure if the can opener should be on the counter or in a cupboard.

I decided to put it in a cupboard but decided if I found myself constantly

pulling it out to use I would move it to the counter.

 

 

 

 

~Before~

 

 

~After~

 

What a difference - so much more counter space.

It makes working in the kitchen so much easier!

 

~After~

 

Of course, the whole time I was moving things back and forth

Coda decided he needed to lay in the middle of everything

and keep an eye on things! Lol

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



 

I am joining...

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home