Awesome Thrift Find

Hey Friends!

Happy Wednesday! I hope you guys all had a wonderful Christmas! We certainly did. I think I ate way too much food and had lots of Christmas cheer (and maybe too much "cheers" as well). Our Christmas(es) started on Thursday in South Georgia and it ended on Sunday in Cumming. We had a fantastic time with all of our family!

Sorry I have been such a slacker on the blog lately - now that the holidays are almost over, we are ready to get back in gear on the house renovations. WOO HOO!

Hubs has promised to jump start the office this weekend. We are supposed to finish one of the old door cabinets. I really am hoping they turn out as fab as I see it in my head.

On another note, I have been itching to go thrifting. Today, I got off work early and heading straight to Goodwill. I was so excited when I found THIS little beauty.

Please ignore the really bad photo editing. But isn't she cute?? I got her for quite a steal!

While Hubs is at work for the rest of the week, I will be working on rehabbing this. This is the first piece of furniture that I have bought with the intention of rehabbing and then selling. This has been an wish of mine for a while now... rehabbing then selling my pieces. We will see how this project goes and we will see from there.

Sorry no Wishful Wednesday post this week, folks! I was just too excited about finding this piece that I had to share! Will update ya'll soon on the progress of the office and on this piece. Talk soon, friends!

xoxo,

Brandi Nell

Office Update

Hey Friends!

I hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season! Christmas is just a few days away. EEEK! I have yet to finish my list. Heading out to hopefully finish up tonight.

The update on the office is... there is no update. Between Christmas parties, shopping, traveling and work - there has simply been no time to work on the house... and barely any room in the budget.

Sorry for the lack of posts. We are hoping to get back into the groove of home renovations after Christmas. FINGERS CROSSED!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday! Talk soon, friends!

xoxo,
Brandi Nell

Wishful Wednesday - Retro Outdoor Furniture

Hey Friends,

Happy Hump day! Hope you are staying warm - It's definitely been a challenge here in Atlanta. This Georgia Peach is not used to this kind of cold. I am dreaming of warm beaches, fruity drinks, and summer, outdoor parties (which is probably why I chose this week's WW post).

This week's Wishful Wednesday Post is a definite fave of mine. I have been on the look out for vintage outdoor metal furniture for a while now. There is something very "Americana" about this style of furniture.

The Gliders in fun colors are always my faves!

Love these chairs, especially the "bouncy" ones.

via Apartment Therapy

Maybe I am just wishing for warmer times, but doesn't this just look fun? I want to glide and sip for hours! Ha! Does anyone else share my love for these vintage pieces?

I have been looking for a few pieces for a while. I want some to paint fun colors like the ones above. Hope you guys have a great rest of the week! Bundle up out there! Talk Soon!

xoxo,
Brandi Nell

Craftaholic Gift Exchange - YAY!

Hey Friends!

I still consider myself new to the blogosphere. When my friends suggested I start a blog, I had no idea the joy it would bring me. I thought the blog would be a great idea to update my friends and family on the house remodeling. I had no idea I would make some wonderful new friendships...

I saw some of my bloggy friends sign up for holiday gift exchanges and I thought it sounded like fun. I decided to sign up for the Craftaholics Anonymous Handmade Gift Exchange.

I got paired up with Crystal over at Happy Hoots and Photo Shoots. Seriously, how cute is the blog name?!? I made her a gift, and she made me one.

This girl has got some SERIOUS talent. Look at this adorbs wreath she made me! I.love.burlap.

Look at these super cute flowers! So creative!

I think it looks adorable on my kitchen pantry door!

If you think she is crafty, you need to see how talented this girl is with a camera. I love her blog. So happy to have made another Blog Friend in Crystal.

I actually made Crystal a wreath too, but its not anywhere near this cute. I didn't take any pics though... probably a good thing - cause hers puts mine to shame.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! Talk soon, Friends!

xoxo,

Brandi Nell

Wishful Wednesday

Welcome to my first Wishful Wednesday post!

I spend a good deal of my free time looking at magazines, websites, and fabulous design blogs. I am constantly lusting and wishing for items I see. I swear, I have spent all of my imaginary lottery winnings several times over.

One item I have been wishing for is a card catalog. I have been looking for one forever to refurbish - but so far, no luck.

via Apartment Therapy

Check out Adrienne and Jeremy's Card Catalog Makeover... Swoon!

You can see their entire transformation at their blog, Dream Book Design. So inspiring!

Check this one out! It is used to hold wine bottles... GENIUS!

I can think of 100 ways to use one.

My Craigslist Quest continues. I WILL own one of these one day.

p.s. Have you heard of Craigseasy? I.AM.OBSESSED! If you search Craigslist often, you will LOVE Craigseasy! Check it out! Trust me, it will change your life.

Thanks for reading my very first Wishful Wednesday post! Talk soon, friends!

xoxo,

Brandi Nell

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Confession: I LOVE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.

I know what you are thinking... Who doesn't?? But I would really like to leave my tree up all year. Although, I would be afraid people might confuse me with a hoarder (seriously, these people never take their trees down... and what's with all of the cats??).

I will admit, I did the ultimate no-no and put it up a few days before Thanksgiving. I couldn't help it. It was calling my name from the garage - and I had a few days off of work. I knew I could knock the majority of decorating out while Hubs was still working.

We are really lucky, The In-Laws gave us a 9ft Pre-Lit tree last year. I am so grateful - I HATE PUTTING LIGHTS ON A TREE. Even still, this year I could only get half of the tree lit. Hubs luckily was able to fix it once he got home... Thanks, Hubs!

I tried to get some pics of the tree, but encountered some problems. 1. I couldn't get the entire thing in one shot. 2. I can't get the colors right. HOW DO YOU GUYS TAKE SUCH BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS OF YOUR TREES?

Anyways, here she is!

It's done in primarily gold and green, with a little bit of red. It's pretty traditional. There are probably over 200 ornaments on it. But these are my favorites:

I love these green disco balls! We have them in two sizes. Great Home Goods Find!


And I just adore these gold and red tear drop ornaments. So pretty!

I also got started on my mantel today. The two Hurricane Vases aren't staying. I need something else... Just don't know yet. Got any suggestions?



With our new front doors, we definitely needed to have some wreaths for this year. I decided to make some. I think I might like them.

All of this decorating has definitely put me in the Christmas spirit. I need to get to shopping ASAP. I only have two people checked off of my list. EEEK!

Hope you guys are enjoying decorating too! I want to see your homes all gussied up. Feel free to send me pics or leave a link! Talk soon, friends!

xoxo,

Brandi Nell

Sassy Chandy, Part 2

Hi Friends! I hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving! I am STILL stuffed. We enjoyed a full day with family and food (and a good amount of wine). We certainly have a lot to be thankful for.

The hubs and I were both off today (*YAY*) and we finally finished with our "brassy to sassy chandelier" project. I was so excited to finish it and get it hung. I think it is FAB!

Remember when we bought this ugly, brass chandy a few months ago (click here to read the full post)?

We spray painted it a gorgeous deep red. Sassy, right?


Well today I covered the unsightly bulb holders with some twine and we changed the bulbs out to fun round ones. We love how retro it is now!

Please pardon the ceiling, we had a leak and are still trying to repair it.

Hubs did quite the balancing act to get the dang thang hung. So happy to check this one off the list. Little by little, we WILL get this office done!

Hope you guys had a great week. I am thankful for you!

xoxo,

Brandi Nell

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER

Hi Friends,

I hope you guys are having a great weekend. My Dad is in town, so we have been shopping, dining, and a little sipping. Sounds like fun, right?

Random.org generated the lucky number 11, meaning "Trucker Mom" has won the $25 Hobby Lobby Giveaway! Congrats Trucker Mom! Email me your mailing address to brandi.wigley@gmail.com to collect your winnings!

On another note, my dear friend Linda, at TheLennox, has been helping me with my new look for the blog. It's still a work in progress, but I am so thankful to her for her help! And guys, you seriously need to check out her blog... great site for inspiration!

Hope you guys have a great Sunday Funday! Congrats again to Trucker Mom!! Talk Soon, Friends!

xoxo,

LAST CHANCE - Hobby Lobby Giveaway!

Hi Friends,

Happy Thursday! We are so close to the weekend now! HUZZAH!

Tomorrow is your last chance to win the $25 Gift Card to Hobby Lobby! The winner will be announced on Saturday! GOOD LUCK!

To enter the giveaway, go to THIS POST and follow the directions. You have more than one chance to win!

Thanks and GOOD LUCK! Talk Soon, Friends!


xoxo,
Brandi Nell

Happy Monday and a GIVE AWAY!

Hi friends!


Happy Monday! The Hubs and I have been sick for the past 2 weeks, so we have gotten nothing accomplished on the house. On Saturday, I made the biggest pot of chicken noodle soup and I am certain we are going to start feeling better soon!


With Christmas coming up, I have been thinking about all of the new Christmas decorations and crafts I want to try this year. Know what that means? Lots of trips to one of my favorite stores....

I have a feeling I am not alone in my love for this store, so this week I am going to give away a $25 Gift Card to Hobby Lobby!

To Enter:

IT'S EASY!
Become a "follower" and leave a comment on why you want to win (i.e. what decorations, or crafts are you wanting to do)!

For EXTRA entries, you can perform one or more of these actions:

1. Tweet it!
(be sure to tag me, @BrandiNell in the post so I know you did!)

Then come back here and leave another comment

2. Share it!
- Blog about this giveaway.
Then come back here and leave another comment

I can't wait to see what all you guys are planning on buying! I am going to start on my wreaths for the front doors this weekend... lots of fun stuff coming up!

Hope you guys have a great week! Talk soon!

xoxo,
Brandi Nell

*This post was not endorsed by Hobby Lobby. I am doing this simply because I love that dang store.

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Fab Farm Time

Hey friends!

Happy Hump Day! Just two more days until the weekend! Huzzah!

It's a cold, rainy night here in Atlanta. I can't seem to get warm. The hubs made us our first fire of the season. There is nothing better than curling up under a blanket with the hubs and the pups with a fire roaring. Pure bliss!

Please excuse the coloring in this picture. My walls are NOT this bright of a green.

Last weekend we didn't do any home renovation projects (which actually felt pretty good). We headed down to the family farm for the weekend to visit with family and get away from the city. It's one of my very favorite places to go and the hubs and I were actually married there.

Here are some pics of the farm and from this weekend:

My Dad's and Doris' house


Beautiful old barn
It's a pine tree farm
Pond house


Another shot of the pond house

Sweet little cousins. The pirate is my niece, Darci and the Lion is my nephew, Bryar.

Hope you guys have a great rest of the week! We should be doing some projects for the office this weekend! Stay tuned! Talk soon, Friends!

xoxo,

Brandi Nell

Funny Story... and third time is a charm?

Hey Friends,

Happy Humpday! Is this not the loooooongest week ever?!? It has been warm and gloomy here in Atlanta. I'm not sure about you, but I am super ready for some nice cool weather!

So, this has been quite the interesting week for us. This is going to be a pretty lengthy post, so prepare yourself. Monday was a tiny bit shy of nightmare. Let me set the scene for you:

6ish am. Hubs and I awake to hear a scratching noise.

Hubs: Is that what I think that is?

Me: SH*&! I think we have a MOUSE!

I thought THIS was going to be the most dramatic part of our day.

6:45ish. We hear a BAM!

Hubs: Is that what I think that is?

Me: SH*&! I think a limb just fell on the house!

SO, the hubs and I got up and go to the front door to assess the damage done by what I now refer to as the DEVIL TREE (find out why HERE). As the hubs opened the door, our 8 year old 85lb Black Lab, Lucy (who is petrified by storms) nearly knocked me over and ran out into the torrential rain... Did I mention we were under a Tornado Watch???

Hubs looked at me and yelled for me to go and get her. So picture this, I run out in the storm. I have on NO shoes, a white t-shirt, NO bra, and PJ pants with holes in them (don't judge - they are extremely comfy). I chased her around the truck twice, then up the street before I can finally caught her. The whole time I was screaming "SH*&! Come back here Lucy!" ... you can only imagine what the neighbors must think of me.

Funniest part of the story (I can laugh now, wasn't so funny then)? Once I got back in the house, scolded the hubs for HIM not chasing her, and was shivering from being wet and cold - he hands me a rain jacket IN THE HOUSE.

SO - once the storm cleared out, we decided that we couldn't take care of the limb on the house by ourselves (AGAIN, refer to THIS post to understand why). The 400 lb limb hadn't caused any damage yet, but more storms were coming. So, I ended up going home from work and scheduling lawn care guys to come out and give us quotes.

The first quote? $300

The second? $60 um.... SOLD!

So, at 5ish pm this ONE guy started hacking away at our limb BY HIMSELF with NO ROPE and a machete. I was so nervous that this little guy was about to be crushed by the limb OR that the limb was going to swing down and break the three windows in the front of our house. Unbelievably he scaled the side of our house (literally Spider Man style) and got most of the limb off of the house.... then BAM!

Hubs: Was that what I think that was?

Me: SH*&! He just broke a window.

Fun day, right?

Well - I did manage to do ONE project this week. I have been working on two antique doors that I am planning on turning into large cabinets in the office. I have changed the plans THREE times now.

This is what they looked like when we got them. Originally, I planned to just clean them and then seal them... but they didn't look right.

So then I stained them.

But then I didn't like the super dark color. So, I painted them white. They looked horrible. So, I roughed them up and then applied a stain over them to antique them. These doors are probably 100 years old. Essentially I have antiqued antique doors. I think I might be going insane. But I do like this look better.

Here are some closeups of the hardware - which I am LOVING.

I am removing the damaged glass that's in them now and replacing with chicken wire or screen.

What do you think? Should I change them again?

This weekend we are off to the family farm in South Georgia. I am so excited to get down there!Hope everyone has a great rest of the week and an even better upcoming weekend! Talk soon, friends!

xoxo,
Brandi Nell

New-ish Desk!

Hi friends!

Well, we had a wonderful Hubs Fest this past weekend! We celebrated his birthday for an entire week. We went out to eat SEVERAL times (I need to eat nothing but lettuce for the next month) and we even went to the Air Show on Saturday. We saw several different "acts," but of course our favorites were the Blue Angels and the Canadian version, the Snow Birds. We even saw a rocket car race an airplane! Definitely never thought I would see that. Needless to say, we had an amazing weekend.

On Sunday I started working on the little desk for the office. I worked on this little beauty for FIVE hours. Here she is Before:

I sanded her first, then painted four coats of white paint. I had originally thought I wanted a solid white desk, but it looked SO BRIGHT WHITE. So, I decided to antique it.

I applied stain with a foam brush, then immediately rubbed it off with a rag. It left just the right amount of color behind.

Once it was all wiped down and finished - it looked like THIS:

After hours of applying, wiping, applying, wiping - I think I finally am happy with her... I have been known to start all over just when I think I am done. What do you think? I need your opinions, friends! It's always a work in progress.

Now, of course she won't be staying in this location - it will move down into the office when we finish the room.

Here's the best part:

Desk - FREE off of Freecycle

White Paint - FREE had on hand

Stain - FREE had on Hand

Handle and pulls - $25

Total: $25

But WAIT, we had a Home Dept Gift Card, so it was absolutely FREE!

Looking forward to hearing from you. As always, if you have a project you want to share - please send them to me at brandi.wigley@gmail.com Hope you guys have a great rest of the week! Talk Soon, Friends!

xoxo,

Brandi Nell