The Upside of Down

After resolving a number of issues, to which I have to add the hot water heater breaking down a couple of days ago, our ensuite throne needing new parts and an ant problem, we are somewhat settling in our new house. There is still some chaos, still some boxes unpacked, I am still trying to "decrapify" and organize, but I'm slowly making headways. I'm hoping to be able to hold a garage sale in the next couple of weeks to get rid of all our unwanted junk, that is if weather permits, as it has been so wet this past month! I'm also finding I can't put my decorating accessories in quite the same spots in this house and I have to figure out where to put everything, which means moving things around until they are visually pleasing. This process is not as unpleasant however, it's like trying to accessorize an outfit! I'm trying hard not to buy new things and "shopping at home" instead, meaning using what I already have.

I knew however that we were home when I spotted this gorgeous creature in the golf course behind our house:

A blue heron!

And a few minutes later, this cute family of Canada geese:

Quite a sight, isn't it? Suddenly, all the apprehensions and all the doubts I had felt about moving melted away and I felt so serene! This made up for all the nonsense we went through. To be able to enjoy a little slice of nature in our backyard is truly a godsend. (If you read this older post, you'll see how we can appreciate this backyard soooo much more!)

We found an old cupola detached from its base on top of the garage. The wood is rotten, so we can't put it back on, but I found a company in the next town that makes cupolas, so I am really excited to get that feature back on the house. And this gorgeous blue heron inspired me: I am going to top it with a blue heron weathervane!

Thrifting Away and Renos at the New House

Thank you to all who have left such kind comments on my recent posts. I now have 6 followers! I am read! Yeah!

As I explained in my very first post, De tout, de rien means Everything and Nothing, as I want my blog to be about anything I feel like writing about on any given day. I realize though that since joining the Pyrex collective and reading the blogs of the other contributors, I am somewhat of a closet thrifter myself. So I will occasionally post my finds and share them with all of you.

Today, I was disappointed that I didn't find any Pyrex, just the same old scratched bowls that have been there for a while.

There was a Colonial Mist bowl in mint condition like the bigger one on the right, but as you see, I have one already:

But the whole day was not wasted. I did find a glass cloche not unlike the one Sherry posted on her blog here. I paid a whole dollar for it! (Thank to Linda at À la Carte for showing me how to post a link! See, I'm really good at it now! :^)

As I told Sherry, I love cloches because you can create cute seasonal vignettes with them. So there's another project for me. (That would be project number 1,567, lol!).

I have to show a lot of self control however while out thrifting, as my husband keeps saying that things should be going out, not coming in, since we are moving. Well, I still manage to buy here and there, I just sneak things in and hide the evidence, lol! He should be grateful I'm a thrifter and not a clothes horse, it's not like I'm spending $500 on a pair of boots or a Coach purse, I buy $2 trinkets!

Meanwhile, the renovations are going strong at our new (to us) house. Here's a before look at the kitchen:

These were taken a few weeks ago and there has been a lot of progress since then, however I am keeping you in suspense till tomorrow, as I haven't taken pictures recently. In fact, I am mad at myself for not documenting every step, but I am at times either too lazy, too busy or too forgetful.

This new house is just down the street from our present house. We are lucky to be in a position to still be able to live here while the renos are going on, which saves a lot of aggravation and stress!

We were not looking for a new house, but it came up for sale and we went to the open house and then I could not stop thinking about it! It was absolute insanity to even do so, as our present house is more than adequate, but the more we thought about it, the more we could see ourselves living there! And we did it, we bought it. Chalk it up to midlife crisis.

The kitchen was very dilapidated but I looked beyond that and saw the potential to build my dream kitchen.

Tomorrow: the almost completed kitchen and the main feature of the house will be revealed! Stay tuned!

A year of changes

Well, it's the last day of the year and I haven't posted much. It's been such a busy time lately: my father-in-law passed away, then we bought a new house and so there is a lot to think about and do.

As I reflect back, 2010 has definitely been a year of changes, some good (I lost weight finally!), some sad (my FIL's passing), some exciting (the new house).

I can't wait to see what 2011 brings us. So far I can predict that it will be great moving in the new house, even though it's in the same neighbourhood, it's still exciting. I'm looking forward to decorating.

I want to keep losing weight as my 42 lb weight loss so far has meant more energy and a renewed sense of confidence. I don't know why I waited so long to do myself this favour. To my amazement, I found out that while it's hard, it's not impossible!

I'm looking forward to blogging more and hopefully learning how to make my posts more interesting and insightful. I'm amazed at how the bloggers I follow manage to present their blogs in such a professional manner. I have still lots to learn, I'm afraid. Sigh! If you have tips and advice, I'll gladly listen!

I've already established some relationships through the blogosphere and discovering that there are quite a few kindred spirits out there. I hope we get to know each other better this year through our blogging adventures!

And of course, I'll keep sharing my finds on the Pyrex Collective. I didn't know until this year how much I love Pyrex and now I have close to 20 pieces! (That should be added as a fun change.)

I hope that 2011 brings a lot of good changes to all and that you all enjoy health, happiness and prosperity. And fun. Don't forget fun.