Desk/Work Station

I've been on the lookout for a nice big counter-height work station for a while. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted, but I was pretty sure I'd know it when I saw it. So that was definitely on my wish list when I went to the Lucketts Spring Market a few weeks ago. Well, right off I saw a fabulous old hardware store counter for $450. I was so taken with it that my friend Karla immediately whipped out the camera and took a picture. Now, if I had my own super cool vintage store, it would have been so perfect. But sadly, I do not. I also didn't have $450 or a vehicle large enough to get it home.

We found lots of treasures that day, because of course you always find good stuff at Lucketts. But when we got home, we realized that in cramming all those treasures into the car, we forgot the mirror that went to a dresser I bought. It was a pretty great mirror, so that meant I had to go back to Lucketts again the next day (yes, my mirror was there waiting for me).

I recruited my friend Renae to go with me this time. She had a dining room buffet on her wish list. It was a wet and soggy day, but that was actually a good thing, as there were definitely deals to be made. I came across a booth in a muddy corner that had most of their items covered with big blue tarps. I lifed the corner of one of the tarps and saw a piece of white furniture and this price tag.

I asked if I could remove the tarp to see the whole piece. As I walked around and saw it from all angles, my heart started to beat a little faster. It was almost perfect. It had a nice big work surface, drawers for storages and finished wood panels all around. But could I make it higher? As I was pondering this question, the seller told me that she and her husband were just thinking about keeping it and turning it into their kitchen island. Clearly, we were thinking along the same lines. I really don't think she wanted to sell it, but her husband came over, started folding up the tarp and it was mine. Yippee!

My husband (fortunately for me, a handy engineer) helped me brainstorm options for making the desk higher and I really liked this plan. The first thing we did was draw a chalk outline of the desk on the floor of our garage. We then used 2x6's to build the base. The extra 6" was just what we needed to make the desk counter-height. We made it just big enough to fit the desk and a piece of trim molding all the way around. The idea was that the desk would just sit on top the base. This way, the piece would not become too large and heavy to move, plus the top could be lifted off the base at any time and simply used as a desk again.





After a quick coat of fresh paint, we were ready to put it together.

I think it all turned out pretty great! I got to go to Lucketts two days in a row, hang out with my girlfriends and buy all kinds of good stuff, including the work station that was at the top of my wish list. And if I ever do have a super cool vintage store, it would make a great counter. And guess what, Renae found the cutest buffet ever, so she was happy too!

And just in case you were wondering, the old hardware store counter was nowhere to be seen on day two. Someone went home with a really great piece!

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The Vintage Source

One of the perks of visiting my daughter in Southern Maryland is that we get to make a stop at The Vintage Source. This is one of my very favorite vintage shops. These girls really know where to find the good stuff! The Vintage Source is only open one weekend a month. This gives the girls plenty of time to find new treasures. Then they work their magic in the workshop in the back room of the store. These girls are seriously talented! ... And they were kind enough to let me take some pictures to share with you.

Too bad these cabinets were already sold!

Notice that the back wall of the shop is lined with old doors, very cool! (More on doors next time.)

Megan and her husband went to Vermont for their honeymoon, so of course she needed to pick up a few vintage sap buckets!

The Vintage Source is located in an old general store in Compton, Maryland. Michelle says that once you visit, you'll be hooked. She's not kidding! ... Thanks for letting us take the tour!

And if you are lucky enough to find yourself in beautiful Southern Maryland, be sure to visit Historic St. Mary's City, the site of Maryland's first capital. English settlers established the colony in 1634, not long after the founding of Jamestown and Plymouth. Today it is a National Historic Landmark and is recognized as one of America's best preserved archeological sites. A great trip for all ages!

And maybe you can just happen to go exploring history on a weekend that The Vintage Source is open!

Weekend Get-away

This weekend we made a quick get-away to visit our daughter in southern Maryland. Megan lives in a sweet little cottage located right on the water. This is the lovely view that greets her every morning. How serene!

Megan's home is filled with sweet little touches everywhere you look. The colors are soft shades of yellow, blue and green. Megan and Liam are newlyweds well on their way to creating a home filled with personality, charm and lots of love.

And check out this fabulous chandelier that Megan found at The Vintage Source! We did some shopping there and the girls let us take some pictures to share with you. Check back soon for a tour.

Unexpected Finds!

I woke up this morning with a plan. I usually hit the gym first thing on Monday morning for a yoga class, the perfect way to start the week. And believe me, I rarely miss a class. But they've revised the gym schedule for the summer and my choices were boot camp or pump. I decided I really needed to devote a day to working in my flower beds. That counts as a workout, right?


It was a perfect day to be outside and I was quite pleased with my progress. I only took breaks for lunch and dinner. After dinner, I was trying to talk myself into one more round of work before it got dark. I decided to give Craigslist a quick check before heading out. Hmm, I saw a listing for an old store display cabinet made from barn wood, only $20. I could hardly reach for the phone fast enough. Yes, it was still available and just a few blocks away. I said I'd be right over and told my husband we had to make a quick trip.

Yes, it was pretty darn cool. I offered $15, because you just have to ask, and the seller accepted. He said he also had a garden chair listed for $5. In my excitement to call about the cabinet, I must have missed that listing. It was totally cool as well. Can't you just picture it in a fun new fabric? Sounds like another project!


So, two great unexpected finds for just $20. Needless to say, I finished my yard work with renewed enthusiasm!

It just goes to show, you never know what the day might bring!

Nightstand Transformation

I found this great little nightstand at my local Goodwill for just a few dollars, three to be exact. She'd seen better days, but she was heavy as all get out and had great potential. I loved the curves on the top drawer.




First up, lots of sanding and a coat of primer. I decided to give spray paint a try on this one, two coats of Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch primer. She already looked better.




Next, two coats of Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch in spa blue, again the spray version. It was a bit bright, but I knew I would tone it down with glaze.




I smeared on the glaze in sections, then rubbed most of it off. I had some brown paint leftover from another project, so I just used that for my glaze. Remember all the grooves and gouges on the top - perfect for soaking up the glaze.

A coat of Minwax Finishing Wax and she was smooth as silk. I sprayed a coat of oil rubbed bronze on the handles and she was complete. I think she looks sweet in blue!

The spray paint was quick, easy and worked well for this project. It's probably a bit pricey to use on larger pieces and definitely not good for the environment, but I would definitely recommend giving it a try on a small piece.

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My Home

This is my home - my haven, my sanctuary, my safe place to land. I love a garden in bloom, a big front porch and a flag blowing in the breeze. I hope your home makes your heart sing!

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