Strikes my fancy

With a picture like that for the cover who doesn't want to read this book?! This is a story of greed, betrayal, family and loyalty. There were quite a few characters - which always makes it hard to invest in them. But I wasn't sure who to like, who was lying and who to feel sorry for! Not to worry, it all comes together in the end. I found this book enjoyable as it looks at 2 families broadly, but also those families as units. Quick & easy read!

I was given these chairs to recover a while ago. They where from a friend's Grandmother who was downsizing. They were sentimental pieces, connected to her with memories from childhood. While still in mostly good shape, they were somewhat outdated. I really looked forward to the challenge. Simple upholstery is right up my alley...but these were not just slap it on and staple it down. These had cushions! Dreaded cushions. :-) With corners to kill. To bring it into a more modern era, she asked me to paint and cover with a graphic fabric. Ok , no problemo . I did have some trouble with the paint actually sticking. I skipped sanding...BAD IDEA! It created more work for me to keep the paint on. However, I finally finished up the frame with paint and upholstery. Then came out my sewing machine. Well, actually it is my MILs mostly. We had to put the two of ours together to make one work. I keep meaning to give her part back...and then I get projects! Overall, they turned out pretty well!

Have I written about The Hunger Games? Maybe, but in honor of the movie coming out I will write again! This was a beach read for me...and I've been on the list for book 2 since August! I enjoyed the book, it was a quick read and held my attention. I'm looking forward to the movie...and at the same time I'm a little scared. Not my normal book to movie fear (that it will be bad) - I'm worried about the violence. This book was violent! I'm also expecting ROUS to make an appearance :-D

This is a quick post about a quick change artist: this large dresser. It had great bones, but they buyer wanted it to be in a deeper and less flat black. Therefore, I painted it a richer black and polyed it to protect it. She also wanted different pulls. However, it would have been impossible to get the drawers out without pulls. So I rigged it with string so they could move it. Here is a sneak peak for next week!

So I haven't been cooking....really. My parents were here for the weekend and in 5 days we ate at The Pullman six times. Yes, you read that right! We also fit in Krispy Kreme (dad & I can't figure out who ate how many donuts in the dozen), Chick-fil-A Dwarf House (we all agree that CFA should stick with chicken...but add the fried pies to the regular menu!) and Mexican (totally went to the place across the street from where I had the coupon to - oops!). But today I'll share with you a little gem that my friend Jen posted on her blog Citrus Black Bean Soup You decide how spicy it is; feel free to add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce. 2 cloves garlic 4 15oz cans black beans, rinsed 1 15oz can fire roasted tomatoes w/chilies 1 tsp cumin 1 T herb & spice seasoning Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 orange Optional: Fresh cilantro, avocado, and/or sour cream for garnish The Night Before: Mince the garlic and store in an airtight container in the fridge. In the Morni

I needed a quick project, amongst several bigger ones, so I opted for a cute wee bench. A quick paint, poly and recovering, and voila! I have gotten three commissioned projects, so I am working on those amidst all the other fun stuff. Back to the grind!

I got home the other day and found a lovely thank you letter. Inside where these turtle shell loops! Bethaney and I met in college. Becoming friends despite the fact that I was an annoying freshman! Bethaney grew up in Papua New Guinea. After school, she decided to go back and serve with Pioneer Bible Translators. She is currently on her second term with them. I love getting updates from her! I happened to be repairing several pieces of vintage jewelry, so I decided to add just a bit to the earrings Bethaney gave me from PNG . Now, I can wear them as long earrings for a while. The great part about making your own jewelry? When you grow tired of it, you can recreate it into something else! Thanks B!