BRAYTON HOMESTEAD INTERIORS BARN CHICK PARTY!

Hello Ya'll,

Today I am joining Brayton Homestead Interiors for a barn chick party. We are to post pictures of barns in our part of the world. Now,  many of you know that I actually live in an antique 1700's barn. I guess you could say that I am a real Barn Chick:) So, I thought this would be so much fun! I love turning old items into something new so why not a cow barn into a home, right? I took my grand daughter Stella with me yesterday to photograph barns and boy do we have a lot of barns in this little town. Hope you enjoy our picks. Don't forget to check out Brayton Homestead for more barn chick barns:) There is a celebration goin' on there!

I love this pretty red one. It would make a great home.

Welcome!

Love how this hay barn has faded to different shades of brown and gray. Barns seem to look better with age, kind of like Barn Chicks, don't ya think;O





The inside of our front door. A huge key does actually open this door:)

Another perfect barn to live in. Can you imagine how much fun it would be to decorate it!

A Barn Dog.

This barn is actually this color and I love it, don't you?

Another Barn Dog.


Barn Grampy with Barn Baby 'Fibi Pearl'.
Barn babies are my ultimate favorite.

Vintage door knocker
I love this little cute barn.

I hope you enjoyed some of the barns here in Woodbury, CT. This is where I keep my Barn Chick Boots, green, of  course;)

'Till next time......Heeee Hawwwwww (not really sure what that means but it sounds fun doesn't it;)

~Debra XXX

A COUPLE OF HOW TO'S

Hello Everyone:)

Hope you are all doing well. The mornings are getting cooler here but the afternoons are still hot. Our wells and flowers are hoping for some rain soon.

Nicole and I are revamping MAISONSTGERMAIN.COM.  We are changing hosts and will be adding a ton of things once we are done. The NEW Site will be up and running in a couple of weeks. Right now our old site is up but you can still order from it.

We are very exciting with the new host as it offers so much more and seems to be much quicker. There is nothing worse when you are trying to upload a photo than to have it take 15 minutes for each one. So it was time to move on. We had a photo shoot with 'Big Moma' (above) for the site. Isn't she pretty modeling one of our purses? She goes to all our shows with us.

I wanted to share a couple of ideas with you, that anyone can do . Maybe they will inspire you:)  I bought this long piece of tin at Brimfield. It had hearts cut out of it. I hot glued a piece of lace behind it (because the fabric I really wanted wasn't long enough) and then nailed it to the front of a shelf!And now I have a one -of -a- kind vintage piece. Of course I did have to redecorate my wall again;)

I love these baskets but wanted to add a little girliness to them. I had some pretty millinery flowers and vintage lace. Just hot glued everything in place, added wide ribbon on top and really like the results.

This is just way to easy. I bought this plant trellis for $1.00,already painted white. I hot glued some vintage lace to it along with a millinery flower. Then I picked out 3 of my favorite vintage photos and clipped them on with old clothespins. Who said it had to be expensive to be pretty;)

This is an example of the pillows we will be putting on the site. Made of vintage linens. All sizes and all different. I love making them so there will be plenty:)

Hope you were a little inspired to try something new. I enjoyed creating and really appreciated my hot glue gun:)

'Till next time.......

Debra XXX

A BRIMFIELD TREASURE

Hello Everyone:)

Can you stand to look at just a few more photos of Brimfield???Oh great, I was hoping you would say yes!

This is my favorite thing that I bought from Brimfield. I bought it from the Tinsel Trading Co. It is a very old head piece just packed with yummy millinery flowers.

Just look at those flowers. I put it on one of my dress forms for now but who knows where it will wind up.  I just may wear it. lol

I just love looking at it. The muted colors are just so beautiful:)




Oh look, someone has more pillows on their bed than me;)


This woman is VERY talented!!!! I have to find her name to post. She had a gorgeous booth, well actually she had 3 booths - she is smart too:)Do you see those seats and the pillows in the back? Well, she sells those big squares so you can do your own thing with them. I bought 3 and they are really great. She said she will have more in September. I will be back:)



More fun things. Love the blues.

                                        This is a great desk.  It would be perfect for my lap top and it would hide all of my messy papers. I can not wait to go back to Brimfield in September. It will be the last one for the year. Then I will slowly go into withdrawal. Nicole and I may sell there next year again. This Summer is just flying by. I hope you are enjoying it:)

Well, I have to go now, I am being photographed by Don. He is threatening  again that he is going to start his own blog about me. Who know where those photos will show up;)He calls me a blogging maniac. That's  just crazy talk.lol
'Till next time.....
~Debra XXX

P.S.
Can someone help me, please. Nicole and I each have our own blog on the same blogger. When I go to follow someone it shows that she is following that person. Does anyone know how to get it so that it shows that I am the follower? Thank you:)

NEWS ON NORMA

Hello Everyone,

Well, they found Norma but sadly it is not good news. Manny called this morning to let me know but I didn't want to post it until it was public. Since I posted about her a couple of days ago, I thought it only right to let you know how it ended. I couldn't even wrap my mind around what the family is feeling right now. So sad, so evil. Thank you again my kind friends for your thoughts and prayers. You are all such wonderful people. Bless you:)
~Debra

Body Found in Moreno Valley is that of Norma Lopez Authorities in Riverside County have confirmed that the human remains found 2.5 miles from Valley View High School in Moreno Valley are that of missing teen Norma Lopez.

The 17-year-old went missing last Thursday after her summer school classes. A decomposing body was located in a rural area nearby, and an autopsy conducted this morning confirmed it was that of Lopez, announced an official from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department during a press conference. The family was the first to be notified, and have asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of Norma.
Early investigation revealed personal effects belonging to Lopez near where she disappeared, and the FBI has been to the scene to collect evidence, reports KTLA. The case has now been changed from that of an abducted person to that of a homicide. "We will continue to follow every lead that we have," pledged the Sheriff's Department.


http://laist.com/2010/07/21/body_found_in_moreno_valley_is_that.php

ME AND MY DONKEY;)

Hello Everyone,

OK, so it's not a real donkey but hey it is a start. And the woman who was selling him was so proud that he had "all of his parts. LOL(Why do I always look Asian in photos?, Strange.....) Anyway, I am going to print this photo and put it on the fridge, just as a reminder that we 'need' a donkey:) And let me thank all of you for your support and reasons why I need a little furry buddy:) You are the best.

Those of you that go to Brimfield know this dealer. They have THE most beautiful set up.  Their statues, fountains and waterfalls are all so beautiful. I wish I had looked for a business card. They will be back in September though.

Will you just look at this selection of gorgeous yard beauty?

Those columns are fabulous. I could find so many places to put them:)

Isn't this gorgeous!  Can you picture it in your garden. Oh one can dream.........

I thought these fences were great. They were $36.00 each. And they were quite tall and 38" wide.

I hope you enjoyed the outdoor garden photos. I am already thinking of next Spring's project;) My mind is always turning.

'Till next time................
~Debra XXX

BRIMFIELD STARS

Hello Everyone,

First, I would like to thank you so much for your prayers and warm thoughts for Norma. So far no news but we will continue to pray that she is found safe.

Well, as promised, I told you I met two more celebrities that you may already know.  I was so excited to meet: THERESA  of TIME WORN INTERIORS BLOG!!!! I have been following her for the longest time. Her home is absolutely gorgeous and she is one of the most creative people I have met. If you haven't checked out her blog you really must, right after you finish reading mine;)

Isn't she adorable?  And the sweetest person to meet too:)

She had lots of industrial things this time. I remember her booth when it was whites. And with her talent it was awesome.Also lots of those wonderful orange 'sold' stickers all around.  Good for you Theresa and hubby!!! It was so much fun to meet you:)

Guess who else I met?  Oh Yes, the Broncantess!!!!!!

Just look at all of that yummy stuff. I introduced myself to her and chatted for a hot second. Her booth was packed with customers and I didn't want to be in the way.

She was also a doll and very busy for a first timer at Brimfield. I'll bet she comes back:)

Lots of goodies!!!! It was great to meet you Ms. Broncantess:)

Well, as you can see, meeting Rachel and Theresa and The Brocantess was a blast. It is so much fun meeting the people I follow, in person. I wish we had had more time to chat. But I think they were there for business not for chatting with me;) I had such a great time. Next, I will show you some more of the beautiful booths I saw. You will love them:)

'Till next time....

~Debra XXX

NICOLE AND MANNY'S NIECE IS MISSING!!!

Hello Everyone,

I try to keep this blog upbeat but reality is reality and things happen in life.  Unfortunately, Nicole and Manny's niece is missing.  She is thought to be kidnapped. If anyone in CA see her please call authorities. The rest of you I ask to please pray for her and her family. THANK YOU so much!!!!!!!!
~Debra

Search Continues for Missing Moreno Valley Teen

Norma Lopez (The Riverside Sheriff's Department)The search for 17-year-old Norma Lopez of Moreno Valley continues today, reports LA Now. The Valley View High summer school student was reported missing midday on Thursday when she failed to return home from classes.

Authorities say that "there were signs of a struggle and that personal property was found along the path she usually took to get home from class." The clues have led police to speculate Lopez may have been taken against her will.


The driver and other passengers of "a newer-model green SUV seen near the dirt field at the time of her disappearance" may have the answers police need to determine what happened to the teen and her whereabouts, though they are not ruling out the possibility the vehicle and occupants are involved in her possible abduction.


The teenager's family describes Norma as "a good daughter who attended school every day." Lopez "was last seen wearing a white, horizontal-striped sleeveless shirt with a floral pattern and black jeans." Anyone with information about Norma's disappearance is urged to call the Riverside Sheriff's Dispatch Center at (951) 776-1099 or (877) 242-4345.




http://laist.com/2010/07/17/search_continues_for_missing_moreno.php

I AM SO SO EMBARRASSED

Hello Everyone,

Let me preface this post by saying it was hot, it was raining and the camera put 10lbs on my face. OK with that said...Whenever I have ever seen someone famous I have NEVER EVER bothered them. Well, Don and I were at Brimfield today having fun and pretending that it was not raining. I look up and who is walking towards me? YES!!!! RACHEL ASHWELL!!!!!!!!!! So I say" Excuse me, can I just say hello?" You are Rachel Ashwell right?" (Don said he heard me say "Hey aren't you going to say hello?".) He is deaf in one ear. Anyway she said "Yes I am and this is my friend Amy (I think that was her name). I told her how much I loved her, her style and how I have all of her books and how I wanted a donkey (just kidding) and was talking VERY fast because I thought I was being rude and didn't want to take up too much of her time. THEN...I blurted out " can I have a picture "?and she said "of course".  She was sooooooo gracious and polite and sooo pretty! I think I just scared her into taking a picture with me but she did and I AM SO EXCITED to have met someone that has been such a huge inspiration to me. I love her story of how and why she started Shabby Chic and have followed her through her blog, tapes, and books.  I always said I would love to meet her.  Then I do and don't even talk to her. I don't know what happened to me. Its like someone body snatched me.
THANK YOU RACHEL!!!!!YOU HAVE MADE MY YEAR!!!!

Wait to you see who else I met in the next post!  Oh what a day I had:)

'Till next time....
~Debra XXX AKA           Rachels BFF LOLOLOLOL

ENJOYING OUR YARD IN THE HEAT

Hello Everyone:)

Are you enjoying the heat? I am. While I was doing things in the yard yesterday, I couldn't help but think, wouldn't this horse barn be perfect for the donkey I have always wanted? Or 3 sheep? There is a huge area for them to graze. I think it would be so much fun to own a donkey. To drive up my driveway and see him waiting for me. I just need to convince Don that we really 'need' one. I will need a good reason like "we can use the fur for clothes" or" I think they give milk". "Yes, that's right donkey milk, you have heard of it haven't you?" I might have to work on that a little more;)

Pink coneflowers and grasses are thriving.

Here is the perfect quiet place to watch my donkey.


Look even the bees are enjoying the heat.




The Phlox and purple Rose of Sharon are in full bloom too.

Well, time to go back inside and order some Donkey books on Amazon. I will need a lot of information;)
Wish me luck!

'Till next time....
~Debra XXX aka The Donkey Whisperer:)

WHITE WEDNESDAY AND A BEFORE AND AFTER

First, may I say that blogger is being a butt today? Anyone else agree????Happy White Wednesday my friends:)

Hope your 4th of July was a fun, safe one. We spent the day at my son's and his girlfriend's lake. Lots of fun people, great food and spectacular fireworks over the water. Fun, fun, fun!

I have been looking for a round table for in front of this sofa but when I saw this table I changed my mind. It was too tall so Don cut the legs down for me. (He is the best) I cleaned it and added an old glass knob.It is almost the same size as the trunk that was there before but with the legs on this table it makes the space look roomier.

LOVE these flowers from Maynards Greenhouse.


I was told that this is an old baby crib boxspring. I took it home, painted it white and now it is hung on our door holding vintage photos.

This cage is one of my favorites.  So is the plant. It is a sea onion and grows curly and vining.

Phlox and another pretty white annual.

Remember this free chair?  EEEEEWWWWWWWW


Look at it now:) I found this great nubby fabric and use some tattered lace from an old tablecloth at the bottom.
I hope you have enjoyed my whites for today. I will be over to check out yours as well. And don't forget Kathleen from Faded*Charm who host White Wednesday. She always has the best whites and so do the many who join in every week.

'Till next time...

~Debra XXX

FABULOUS FRIDAY FLOWERS

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy 4th of July and post some  happy 'Friday Flowers':)

If you live in CT or anywhere near here, you have got to visit Carole and George Maynard at Maynard Greenhouse. Just look at this gorgeous Geranium! I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. Not only are they the sweetest couple ever,they carry some really unique plants and house the  cutest greenhouse cats too. And I can not wait until Carole finishes and opens up her gift shop because it is already absolutely fabulous and that alone will be worth the trip:)

My Hydrangea has only had two flowers on it in 10 years!!!Look at it today, it is beautiful!!!!I am so enjoying it outside and around the house. I love this shade of blue:)

What would life be like without white flowers, right?

And what would it be like without natures perfect bold colors:)

'Till next time....

~Debra XXX