Camp Contentment–Come on in!

Now that the door is painted, floor tiles repaired and everything in place, the front porch looks very warm! I realize that some

people will think it’s all a bit much. I know my Mother has always questioned this practice, concerned that someone will come

and cart it all away. Nevertheless, I can’t seem to get worried about it! Don’t misunderstand me. I don’t want anyone to steal

the stuff off our porch. I like it! But there is something far more important going on here. The truth is, I want each and every person

that steps onto our porch to feel special before they pass through front door. With that being said, won’t you please come in!

 

Welcome to our new place!

We call it Camp Contentment! That’s not entirely true because Coach raised his eyebrows and rolled his eyes the first time I

mentioned it. So, it’s actually me that decided this was the perfect name for our cute little house. Because after years and years

of working hard to have bigger, better and more, we are happy to have less. Less to clean, wash, water, mow, repair, paint, etc.

I’m sure you can identify. Deep down, I think most of us want to take a deep breath and simplify their lives. It’s not easy and

often not possible but not once have we regretted our decision to drastically reduce our household. In fact, it’s been quite freeing.

 

 

As you can see, I’ve kept plenty of stuff! I’m certainly not a minimalist. However, I did put some thought into all that I kept which

means that our home is furnished and decorated with only, our favorite things. Creating a cozy yet quirky setting for us to live

and love. Sharing our story by displaying photos of the family and friends, mementos and oddities (Ok! Coach doesn’t

do oddities…he is very logical. I am not :) we treasure. Not in a bad way….they just mean something or in my case, I like the way

they look.

 

 

 

A new favorite, is this painting Carter gave me last Christmas. The moment I tore off the paper and laid eyes on it, I knew it would

go in this room. She used an Instagram picture as a reference. Didn’t she do a great job? I was truly impressed. I simply love it!

 

 

( Carter, someday when you are older and perhaps read this, please know that your gift was my very favorite! Though your

thoughtful mother, was most likely the instigator, you both made me feel very special! Also, I think you are a very good painter

….and so does my friend Jan, who wants you to paint one of her :)

 

 

 

 

This collection of old prints, mirrors in chippy-paint frames and mine and Carter’s art, makes me smile every time I walk in the door.

 

 

 

 

Favorite photos, random antique dishes and odds & ends sit on this old looking, new table and recycled plate rack which I painted

with Annie Sloan’s chalk paint.

 

 

 

I usually prefer old over new but this piece is an exception. It probably should be by the dining table but there wasn’t room.

So, I sat it on this wall so it is visually connected to the dining room. It works for me!

 

 

 

 

Well, what do you think?

I’m always amazed how different my old stuff looks in a different house. In fact, friends frequently ask, “is this new”?

It’s so fun. For example this rattan sofa, was in our last two houses but once it was sitting in this room the brown color

wasn’t quite right. I thought about it for awhile and even asked friends their opinion. Recently, I decided to go for it!

I’m not sure it’s finished. I had planned to paint the whole thing black but in mid-stream I thought the contrasting woodwork

was kind of cool. Just not sure yet. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.

Also notice the new upholstery? Will, you think poorly of me if I tell that I wanted to change the color of the sofa cushions so bad that decided to paint them too?

I painted all the piping on both cushions black and was going to paint the whole thing. Then I saw some fabric, a polished chintz, I had admired at Hancock Fabric,

now 80% off ( $3.62 a yd.) and hatched a new plan to glue it on over the existing fabric. I can hear you moaning, ‘ Oh, no’!!!…

but it’s too late! I’ve already done it! I know it’s a temporary fix but I’m glad I did it. Please, don’t judge me.

Or tell my mother (she taught me better) or sister ( an excellent seamstress). They will both need therapy if they know how half-@$$ed

I did this. Oh, who am I fooling! Everyone that knows me well, will not be shocked to hear of my last out of the box, rule breaking

shenanigans. What can I say? Except sometimes I get these ideas in my head and can’t be stopped. I don’t know how it will wear or

how long it will last but let me tell you this. Right now, it looks pretty darn good! #ifihadnttoldyou,youwouldntknow

Just in case you want to try this.

You’ll need:

. Good scissors

. Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

. Patience and perhaps a couple of episodes of Downtown Abby to watch.  Cut carefully and follow instructions on the glue.

You will have sticky fingers when you’re finished.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next: The Dining Room!