New Project {Retro Camper Redo}

 We just bought this retro beauty. Can't beat $500 for a pull behind camper that has good bones....but just needs a facelift. I don't know the length...I don't know the year...I am going to take a wild guess and say it is 1970 to 80ish....

  

Can you see it? Some vibrant fabric...maybe some polka dots...maybe some damask....some cute window treatments.

 

I bright and fresh paint job on that wonderful retro paneling...

 

 I was thinking some new great wallpaper also...however..I was told I can't possibly rid of this fabulous retro kitchen wallpaper. So...now...to change gears on my design and make it a challenge to incorporate this wallpaper into the design.

Maybe some turquoise, some orange? I need more time to think it through. But I can not wait to dive into this baby!

Now this bathroom wallpaper...I have absolutely no problem getting rid of. yuck. Overall the camper is clean and thankfully not smelly. I can not wait to show you after photos of this beauty!

Have you ever glammed up a retro camper? I would love to see pictures!

Project Whipped

Half of my great room. More pictures to come this week. While my husband is in Africa, I have made it my goal to attempt to accomplish every single project I have hanging out in no where land in my home. This window project was one of those things! I still feel like I need more on this wall, but haven't figured it out yet. Darn, another reason to shop and scroll through Pinterest. Also...did you hear I am opening my own retail store!? Follow my Facebook page for my new store to watch the story unfold! https://www.facebook.com/MamasHappySpace

Christmas Mantel LOVE!

Mantel, the facing of stone, etc, about a fireplace, including a projecting shelf, this shelf also Man’tel-piece

I have had a heck of a time spelling the word "mantel"correct. I had never given it much thought, going from not having any fireplaces, to a home with 4...now it is something I probably need to know. So, I decided to look it up! I mostly spelled it "Mantle" Here is the meaning for that spelling:

Today I am joining the Southern Hospitality Blog for her Holiday Home Link Up Party, Merry Mantels edition.

I am absolutely in LOVE with the mantel in our great room! This mantel was a labor of love. When renovating our new home this past winter of 2011, I knew that I wanted a reclaimed piece of wood for our mantel. We went to several fireplace stores surrounding us, and turned up nothing. So I turned to the internet and found Elmwood Reclaimed Lumber. I called them, and through a series of back and forth emails and calls, we decided on just the right one. Who knew you could choose the depth, thickness, length, just how holey, smooth, or the beat up look. So many choices! They were able to email me pictures right from their warehouse of different pieces they had, once decided they cut to size and shipped it out to us in just a few days! The whole process was ridiculously easy and the end result quite satisfying! We chose a 3" x 10", 7 foot rough sawn piece.

I considered cleaning before taking my photos, and then decided this is real life. Besides fires, our hearth and tile area in front of our fireplace are great for building creations with blocks by our 3 year old! The firewood holder is from Crate & Barrel.

These stocking were a wedding present to us back in 2004. I have just ordered stockings for both River & Harrison to complete our collection. They are from Land's End and they even do free monogramming!

As you can see I am still in love with turquoise & hot pink! It is only natural that these colors are the center of my Christmas decor this year. The frames are vintage ones that I picked up from a flea market in Minnesota this summer. I did not add hooks to the frames like I have seen around..I simply taped them to the back. No commitment. When the season is over I can take the ornaments off and layer my frames again on my mantel for a whole different look.

The vases have ribon hot glued around, then 2 snowflakes layered with a glass bead to top it off. They are filled with Kosher salt to look like snow and a candle.

The blue glass I have collected over the years from flea markets, garage sales, and antique stores! I love my blue glass!

All of the ornaments in the frames were purchased from Hobby Lobby. I love the peacock in the middle!The string used to attache is yarn.

Everything has sparkle. When you turn on the fireplace lighting they are just gorgeous! Especially once all the other lights are off and just the Christmas tree and the mantel are lit.

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my Christmas mantel! Here's to hoping you get to enjoy warm cuddling and hot cocoa on these magical winter days ahead!

Now...if you will excuse me, I have 3 other mantels to decorate!

Also, don't forget...my mother & I have been working hard creating aprons! Stop by our website to purchase an original J&J Inspirations apron! We do custom orders and can create anything, there is still time to order for Christmas presents!



Mantle, 1 a loose, sleeveless cloak: sometimes used figuratively to connote authority 2 anything that envelops or conceals 3 a small hood which when placed over a flame gives off incandescent light, to cover as with a mantle, to blush

I never knew that there were to different versions of this word, with 2 very different definitions. The funny thing is...at my churches annual fall conference this past September, the whole theme was around "The Mantle". I was so confused for those 4 days. Now, alas...I understand and will not make the mistake again!

Inspiration AND Direction found!!!!

Remember my last post I did late last night? Go back and read the original post first...then you will understand my whole concept. I think I have narrowed my fabric choices down to these...AND I am thinking about doing a cluster of different size frames with ALL 7 of these fabrics instead of just 3 fabrics on 3 large canvas'. I really want to pull in the greys, yellows, and turquoise colors of the room. Have I mentioned I LOVE fabric?!?!?!!?

  



Happiness is soul reviving

Happiness feels good. Even the Bible mentions that laughter is medicine for the soul. It releases endorphins in your body and it feels good. Back in the day I can remember getting off onto a giggling rant with the girls...you know, the kind that you can't stop no matter what! Now a days...if I did that I would surely pee my pants. What tmi? Moving on. I laugh here and there. But I can't remember the last time I laughed hysterically to the point I can't stop or control it. Wait...I do remember...

....it was December 2009. My mom, River, & I were wading in the ocean out in front of our hotel on Waikiki beach. It was beautiful. We were having a wonderful time. And all of the sudden...here comes my husband. Carrying scuba gear, water camera, towels...and a huge smile on his face that said he couldn't wait to get in the water. Wait, this isn't a funny story? Just wait. It gets better. So..the scene is picture perfect. My mom & I are looking on to James as he gets closer, waving to let him know where we are...And he starts waving, still with the big smile on his face. And picks up his pace as I am sure he is anxious to get his feet in the sand. Then...step, step...thud, crash. In all of his excitement he walked straight off of a ledge and totally face planted into the sand and the people surrounding. Now, I should be sympathetic and worry about his well being. But I tell you this was like something straight off of Funniest Home Videos. I could not stop laughing. Every time I think about it, I still start laughing. I know, I am horrible person that laughs when people fall. I don't know what it is in me that makes me laugh.

Anyhow...back to where I started. Those kind of all out laughs feel good. I don't do it as often as I should I am sure.

Other things that release happiness inside of me? Well...For starters...this:

Seeing the decline in a graph isn't always a good thing. But when that graph is keeping track of your weight loss..it's a GREAT thing! This morning I weighed in at 220.4. started last Wednesday at 225. Means I have 3.4 more pounds to lose in 9 days before I leave for the Biggest Loser Resort in Malibu, California. Totally doable! Yesterday I did my 5:15 AM kickboxing class, then I worked out to Jillian's 30 day shred at noon, then I went on a 1.5 mile hilly walk after supper. Today I completed my first full week of kickboxing class! I love it! The first few days I found myself letting out a lot of agression. Seeing faces and hearing words that make me angry, and taking it out on the bag. The last few days I haven't done that as much. I have been focusing on the bag, and my technique, and wondering if my arms are going to soon detach from my shoulders. Seriously, I sweat so much and I LOVE it!

Another thing that makes me happy instantly? Is reading and looking at the pictures at Erin's blog! Erin is the author of House of Turquoise! If you love the color turquoise, you are going to love looking at the beautiful photos of these decorated rooms! It is so inspiring and instantly gives me a feeling of relaxation and happy. If turquoise isn't your thing, then hop on over to her other website: Decor by Color. Where you can get other great color inspirations! Erin is about to turn thirty in a few days and is putting on an awesome giveaway! Although I would prefer you don't enter the contest because I want to win...it is totally worth it to share this beautiful women and her talent!

Well, my mom just got here to spend some time together for that day, and that makes me happy as well. So, I am off for the day!

Happy Friday everyone!

Art? Or just fun pastime?

I like to dabble in art/crafty stuff. Nothing that I have ever been brave enough to sell or anything like that. It mostly just relax's me and is fun! Here is one that I did on Saturday while my husband and 11 yr old were both gone. While River napped, I played!

These are the "ingredients" I started with.

And here is what happened next...

Ta-Dah!!! The finished product!