A Lucky Girl

A little while ago I was the very lucky winner of Kristie's giveaway

Kristie whose has a great blog called Elements at Home

and Julie-Ann from the Decorating Forum

opened their online store the Decorating Emporium

and to celebrate Kristie had a fabulous giveaway that I was fortunate enough to win

I was able to choose from a range of items and I admit it was a hard choice but in the end the bling won and I chose the gorgeous tapered side bowl

If you haven't stopped in to visit the Decorating Emporium you should, Christmas is just around the corner and they have lots of great gifts for all of the special people in your life.

Thank you Kristie and Julie Ann

I love my new bowl.

xx

PS. I have been very very fortunate lately and I won another giveaway hosted by the lovely Sonia of Raine & Sage that I have yet to share. Bear with me though as this is a very time of the year with lots happening. I will get to it soon I promise.  xx

Authentic Friends

I love spending time reading through my favourite blogs.

I have made so many wonderful friends through blogging that I feel like I am out of touch when life gets busy and I don't get to catch up with you all.

Friendships are so important in life,

having people to share your news with

whether it is good news or bad.

Friends care about you,

they listen when you need to talk

and they talk when you need advice.

Authentic fellowship is not

superficial, surface-level chit-chat.

It’s genuine, heart-to-heart, sometimes

gut-level, sharing.

  

                                 

It happens when people get honest about

who they are and what is happening in

their lives. They share their hurts,

reveal their feelings, confess their

failures, disclose their doubts, admit

their fears, acknowledge their

weaknesses, and ask for help and   

prayer.

by Rick Warren

Thank you my friends,

thanks for your prayers,

your advice,

your hugs,

 your kind words

for listening and encouraging

You make life better.

xx

Guest Post from Arcadian Lighting

Hi there! I'm Jenn and I write for Arcadian Lighting, which is an e-commerce website that specializes in top lighting ideas and trends from around the world. From the time I was little I have loved everything about home decor and details like lighting fixtures, and now I get to write about it full-time! I love great design websites created by experts, and one of my faves is the blog of McCarthy Designs - Nellie always presents fabulous and inspiring ideas, and I'm honoured to be guest posting here today. Thank you Nellie!

One of the best places for chalkboards is in the kitchen - now the family-friendly hub of a home, the kitchen is where all of the action is, and chalkboards are a fun way to keep lists, track appointments and social engagements, and to just let the members of the household get creative. Placed under a light fixture, on a door, or across the wall, these eight rooms feature chalkboards in the kitchen and are terrific examples of how useful it can be to have this classroom fixture at home.

1 Chalkboards on a door

The chalkboard on this pantry is a handy place to jot down phone numbers or missed-call messages. It's more subtle when placed discretely on a door.

2 Chalkboards over the stove

Practically built into the cabinetry, this black chalkboard looks great amongst the crisp white cupboards. It would be an ideal place to write out a favourite recipe.

3 Chalkboard refrigerator

What a one-of-a-kind idea: chalkboard doors on a fridge! Let little ones leave some artwork or easily keep track of what groceries need to be purchased.

4 Chalkboard accent wall

The chalkboard wall in this kitchen is a really fun addition. The island and hanging ceiling lights as well as the wide galley configuration makes this the perfect family space.

5 Chalkboards over a hutch

A chalkboard over a wall-bound piece of furniture makes for whimsical wall art. In this room, a quote is sketched onto a chalkboard over a buffet, while the clear pendant lights add both mood and function.

6 Chalkboards on a working wall

Frying pans that are hung up are only somewhat appealing, but here, with a chalkboard backdrop, it becomes an interesting focal point of the kitchen.

7 Chalkboards on a dining wall

Diners, both young and old, will love seeing the day's menu on a chalkboard wall over an informal dining room. The old-school wood chairs also lend a distinct classroom feel to the space.

8 Chalkboards as an organizer

This casual eating area is all about utility - the chalkboard helps track social engagements and reminders, and the stainless steel details like the ceiling light and dishware are chic industrial touches.

Kitchen lighting on your mind? Make sure to check Arcadian Lighting for more creative ideas!

Images:  1 / 2 / 3 /4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Chalkboard

I am quite embarrassed to admit that a whole school term has gone by and I still haven't finished sharing my projects that I tackled last school holidays!

If you missed it you can read about it here.

One of my goals was to paint a chalkboard wall and after lots of pleading with hubby he finally agreed so before he could change his mind I got to it.

For this chalkboard project I ended up using a mini roller with an enamal based paint so it was a bit smelly and took a couple of days to finish

But it was worth it! I love it.

Hubby still needed convincing.

What do you think? Do you have a chalkboard wall?

If you love chalkboards as much as I do then come back on Friday, I have a special guest post all about kitchen chalkboards.

On another note has anyone had any experience on painting driveways? We are thinking of painting ours so I would love your feedback on it.

xx