Paint It Black

So I got these instagrams printed...then I started thinking about how great they would look on a black wall. Not too shiny, or too matte....

...then I decided to paint my half bath. It would be the perfect place! 

Because for some reason, I always come up with the motivation to do this stuff on drill weekend, and this was of course a three day, overnight drill weekend for Rett 

Because I'm crazy. I just need to be too busy to feel sorry for myself, I guess. 

So. Spur of the moment ideas are the best. Or the worst. You just don't know til you act on them. Paint in haste, repaint in leisure!

Then I was thinking about how great this new vintage tablecloth would look in a black dining room...

...just the right pop of coral! PS: check out my treasures I got last week-in a snow storm-in Martinsville-with my sister, Ginger!

It looks AMAZING! I LOVE it!! It was a brilliant plan!

Now, what to do with THESE instagrams that were all over my dining room?!

Next, I'm posting my painting tips and DIY for cheap, lazy painters:)

Do come back!

I sewed a dress!

I am ridiculously happy about this dress! I bought a pattern, downloaded it and peiced it together. Then I cut the fabric, followed the directions to a T, and, with a few minor mistakes: a dress!! It even had a zipper!

I did it!!!

If you think you can't sew, you're right. But this is a beginner pattern from colette patterns, and it was ver straightforward. So if you want to try your hand, do it! The pattern name is Peony. I totally reccomend it. I got two more patterns that I'm excited to try when I find the right fabric...harder than it sounds!

This fabric is from a vintage barkcloth curtain. I bought it on eBay when I was pregnant with my 6 year old, for her nursery. Since we moved, I have no window for it. And it's perfect as a dress. 

So that is the story of my Scarlett Ohara dress. Tights, Old Navy. Boots, Frye via eBay. 

Then this happened. Quickly followed by this:)

Red Lipstck Days

I have the pleasure of being a guest on my friend Amy's blog this morning, check it out!

Here's a little teaser...

Joyful abandon. These two words quickly come to mind when I reflect on the pictures I see on my friend April’s Facebook wall. She wrote a comment about one of her pictures the other day that resonated with my purpose here at Middle of the Mess. She mentioned the idea of wearing red lipstick being a noteworthy event in the middle of the mundane of daily life. I felt it best that I let her elaborate on this in her own words (thanks, Denise, for the idea). I believe we can learn so much by sharing our stories with one another!

By April Strasler:

I am a stay at home, homeschooling, bread baking, art making, Instagramming mama. Most days, I am reading recipes, making grocery lists, baking, breastfeeding, making lunches, and washing diapers. I read to my kids, cook with them, and discipline them. We learn the Gospel and the words to “Danger Zone.” These are good days.

The days when I have a coffee date with a girlfriend or two, a hair appointment, or my husband watches the kids so I can go thrifting by myself? Also good.

Nashville

 Proof-I finally got to wear the fox sweater. It looked great on me.

 Country Music Hall of Fame, y'all.

 Hatch Show print. (If you don't know what HSP is, google it. They are amazing and you'll love it. I'm so glad I finally made it!)

 Nashville Flea...to buy or not?

...I bought. 95.00.What can I say? They matched my cherry red Samsonite.

 Proof-I was pretty once.

 Lucky charm earrings, Serendipity, 30.

 On the road.

 YOU.

 MUST.

GO!

 Music City Suds. I got I Walk The Lime, but Stand By Your Mandarin was really tempting! (They are on etsy, check them out!)

 Iconic.

 Super Iconic.

Be-still-my-heart iconic. The Mother Church of Country Music, oh, I couldn't wait! I stood on the Ryman stage, just like all the greats!


Suffice, I love this place! It's down home but urban, modern but honors the past. Every where I went, I stepped where my heroes have been. I. Love. Nashville!

spring fever

 I've got it-do you? I can't stop myself!
     Sweater, Limited, 30. Jeans, Limited 35. Birkenstocks, eBay, 60. Scarf, vintage, .25 at a garage sale. I've had this since high school. Bracelet, on loan from my sister T.

Happy Irish Day!

      Dress, Trollied Dolly via Modcloth, around 80.00.

      Daffodil from Ava. Sterling and turquoise ring and lower bracelet from Rett, middle antique turquoise from my mom. (It was my great grandmas)

      I was busy before, so these are after party pictures. The party was SO FUN. We decided to have an impromptu dinner and bonfire to celebrate "Irish Day", as it's known around here. Totally worth it!

     And you know everyone loved this dress-and you know I love THAT!

Sunday Style - Rockabilly

     Skirt, H&M, 25. I've been looking for a flattering, basic black skirt for YEARS! And this one I love! Sweater, Old Navy, gift.

     Vintage sterling and turquoise studs, 2nd Street Antiques Mall, 15 (gift $$$)

     Glasses, Ralph Lauren.

     Denim jacket 9 (which I totally didn't need, because it was so warm!) Old Navy, 30. Tights, Old Navy, 6. Shoes, Guess via TJ Maxx, 60. (All from years ago. Jacket 3 years ago, tights, 4 years ago, shoes 5 years ago.)