Before and After and Extra's

Some of you may remember the house that Kelly and I did a complete re-do on for resale purposes, well this is the new home and the dining room which I am currently working on.

These are the before pics....you'll have to wait for the after pics;)
This entire room including furniture is being done on a $250.00 budget and it hasn't been easy but it's getting there!

These are two tables purchased at a second hand store solid oak both for $25.00

They will eventually be used for a spare room, a room for her mother that is also in the works;)

This is what they look like after...not bad for $25.00 and some paint!

This is the fabric I am using to make new curtains for my bedroom just a sneak peek!

This is Jacob's room before...it was a cute little boy's room, but alas he is not a little boy anymore;(

This was what he and I agreed on for an inspiration room.

This is his room now the after..total makeover cost $150.00

That cost includes material for coverlet, paint, map, blinds and a few miscellaneous accessories, and curtains. The curtains were a simple cream color and I added the black ribbon stripe for a slightly different look. I would have loved to reconfigure the furniture in the space but due to the trundle and size of the room this allows the best function of the space.
The map I bought online and hubby bought some molding we painted it and now it looks framed and keeps the edges from tearing.

The leopard print rug I had in storage and is placed strategically in the room to hide all the darned stains he has made (boys), and the small table I also had in storage, painted it and voila a new bedside table!
He loves it, and has even been keeping it clean! Even his friends think it's really cool!

(WTG MOM!!;)

This is a close up of the coverlet, I attached quilting fabric to the back giving a more tailored look, it only goes down about 3/4 of the way down but gives the effect I wanted!
So just a few of the things I have been up to (phew)!

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is filled to the brim!

Back to work;)

Hugs and kisses xoxoxo Lisa

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!!

Have a blessed day;)

Hugs Lisa, Gordon, Samantha and Jacob(Tally too)!! xoxoxo

Gollum's exercise continued....Part 2

Genevieve had spent most of the day preparing for the dinner party. She looked at the clock and knew she had just enough time to get herself ready. She ran up the stairs and quickly changed clothes. She stood in front of the mirror and and let out a heavy sigh, "this is as good as it gets" she mumbled. Out of no where Marcel appeared and said "you look gorgeous Genevieve". He leaned in and kissed her forehead. She was sure she could already smell whisky on his breath. " I see you started early, sweetheart". He gave her a sheepish grin, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry I didn't even pour you a glass of wine". "That's OK, I am almost finished..... now I am definitely ready to have one". He quickly disappeared. As she walked back out to the terrace she admired the work she had done. The table looked perfectly set and she was proud of her accomplishment. It wasn't a typical setting and she hoped the bosses wife, Sarah would be impressed. As she sipped her wine she faintly heard the doorbell and instantly a lump rose in her throat. She made her way to the door, pressing her clothes with her hands, took a deep breath and answered the door. She opened the door and instantly let out a gasp. There stood Marcel's boss Findlay McLean wearing a full Scottish ensemble kilt and all. "Well hello there wee lassie, you dinnie think I would come to the festivities not wearing me tartan did ya? He then patted his sporran that laid in front of his burgundy plaid kilt. Genevieve stood speechless, she looked over at his wife Sarah for support. "Aye missie, can ya believe this crazy man o' mine". Suddenly she could hear Marcel laughing in the background, they all began laughing. She immediately realized that they had played a practical joke on her, she found herself starting to laugh uncontrollably. The ice had been broken. Marcel was right they were a wonderful couple and had a great sense of humor. They talked for hours, he reminisced about wanting to travel back to the highlands one day to see what he called the "Motherland". Not only had she landed the job, but she was sure this was the first of many evenings they would share with the McLean's.

The Moral of the Story

There was once a bird who wanted to defy the norm. It was winter and no he wasn't going to fly south. After a few days in the cold blizzards, he couldn't take it anymore and started off to the south. Halfway there his wings froze and he plummeted to the ground below. He knew he was a goner and he made the dumbest mistake ever. Soon a horse passed by and crapped on the small bird. The heat of the shit warmed him and defrosted his wings. Finally able to breathe and move freely, the bird was ecstatic and chirping in joy. A cat in a nearby bush heard the bird and pounced on the bird, swallowing him in one gulp.

Moral of the Story:
If everyone shits on you it doesn't mean that their your enemy.
All those who get you out of shit aren't necessarily your friends, and if you're warm and happy in your pile of shit....keep your mouth shut! (lol)

Hopefully, your giggle for the day!

Hugs French ;)

Gollum's Story

As she turned over in bed, she was mesmerized by his features. She reached out and brushed her hand lightly against his cheek. His skin was so smooth. "Is it time to get up?" he mumbled in a groggy voice. "I think so, it's daylight" Genevieve replied. He looked over at the clock and pulled the blankets back over his head. She giggled and threw the pillow at him as she climbed out of bed. She had a busy day ahead and wanted to get an early start. Marcel just wasn't a morning person and he loved to tease her about that. He knew that soon enough he would smell her cinnamon cappuccino brewing and that would be his cue to get up.

As she stood in the shower she thought about all the finishing touches that needed to be done before the dinner party. She was anxious to meet his business partner and wife. They had only been dating a few months and Marcel spoke so highly of his boss, and she wanted to be sure to make a good impression. She was finally being invited into his circle of friends and she knew that was a big deal for him. She remembered the words his mother had spoken to her "you know Marcel is the apple of my eye, but he sees something in you Genevieve, something I have also seen, your special to him, and I see it every time he looks at you". His mother had spoken those words to her only two weeks ago, and it sent shivers up her spine every time she thought about it. As she got out of the shower and walked down the stairs she started making a mental list of all the things she still needed to get from the store. She walked into the kitchen and grabbed her cappuccino and went to her computer desk. She needed to check the weather, she hoped the weatherman hadn't changed the forecast which she had worried about. The last thing she wanted to worry about was rain on the evening of their first dinner party. Marcel came down the stairs all the while rubbing his eyes and headed straight for the coffee. "Well, are they calling for a downpour yet?" he teased. She gave him that look and he retreated to the front door to grab the morning paper. "Well I am off to pick up a few last minute items, anything I need to remember?" she asked. "Yes, they're friends of mine Genevieve try not to get too stressed about it...OK?" She grabbed her keys and was out the door.

"Easy for him to say" she uttered to herself. Not only did she have to impress his boss but Marcel had raved about her interior design skills after the bosses wife had mentioned she wanted to hire a new designer for their summer home. She held her breath for a moment and let it out. Tonight could be the beginning of a truly promising career and she knew that everything was riding on it. How typical of a man to not understand that. She put the car in reverse and let the day finally begin.....

Well this was more difficult than it looked but it was fun;) The idea came from Gollum's blog which can be found here if you would like to play along;) http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/
French~~~xoxox

Something Special!

I have made this award to give to all of those that visit me regularly and have sent their birthday wishes! There's no meme to do, there are no rules you just have to share it with those that are dear to your heart as I am sharing this with all of YOU!

This is a thank you so much!

I have been crazy busy and just feeling a little under the weather so I have a lot of catching up to do! I am also having trouble with my blog roll which is not updating properly so half the time I don't even know some of you have posted until I actually go to your blog! (ugh) On another note.....I do not want to remove anyone from the blogopera so if I was misunderstood I apologize for that! I just don't want to hurt any one's feelings if their part is not as large as they might have hoped! So unless you absolutely want to be removed you won't be unless of course it becomes part of the story! I hope to get back to normal soon, as much as I didn't want to admit it..... the shoulder does bother me when typing a lot! I know with Thanksgiving around the corner everyone will be getting busier! Just know I am sending the warmest wishes your way and one of the things I am thankful for is all the friendships I have made this year here in blogland! So please take this badge and display it proudly!

Hugs and many thanks

French;) xoxoxox

Take a trip down memory lane with me....

Born November 19th, 1966 in Canada


With my grandma at about 6 years old

In California at 10 years old with my friend Kim who had the same birthday! My mom met her mom at the hospital and they both delivered the same day!

Me acting goofy at about 12 years old

My grade 8 school picture don't laugh at my Farrah Fawcett hair!!

Age 15 during a photo shoot for my dance school I hated this picture and still do!

My years as a flight attendant my friend Daniel he was a model I think we were in Paris? Can't remember....must be the age thing! Don't I look bitchy here! ??

Having a drink in London...Gatwick hotel we stayed at! LGW

Me acting goofy wishing I had the pilots salary!



1990 April 21st my wedding day to my Scottish hunk G-man;)

Don't be looking up that kilt Justine!

Go ahead and laugh~~~ me pregnant with Sam she weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces!


Me prego again with Jacob he weighed 9 pounds 1 ounce and he was early by 2 weeks!

(fat bastard!)lol

I can't believe I actually went to a concert with one of my kids! I won tickets to see the GooGoo Dolls/ Counting Crows and went with Samantha!

In Jamaica where I wished I was right now! 2008 Here's to me and all of YOU!

ME and hubby in Jamaica the only place I truly feel at peace! 2008

I can't believe I am 42 years old! If someone would have told that teenager up there I would have done what I have in my lifetime and survived it......if someone would have told me I would live in a foreign country.......if someone told me I would marry the most wonderful man that truly adores me.....if someone would have told me I would have two of the most beautiful children.......if someone told me.........I would never believe them!

Hope you enjoyed the trip with me;)

Frenchfry xoxoxo

Awards and Miscellaneous

I received two bookworm awards the other day, from Chris and Robyn

Thank YOU so much ladies;)
As you know, they always come with rules.
Pass this on to 5 blogging friends.
Open the closest book to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, to page 56.
Write the 5th sentence, as well as two to five sentences following that...

So here it goes....this book is always within my reach

"The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne

"If you have an intuitive or instinctive feeling, follow it, and you will find that the Universe is magnetically moving you to receive what you asked for. Remember that you are a magnet, attracting everything to you. When you have gotten clear in your mind about what you want, you have become a magnet to draw those things to you, and those things you want are magnetized to you in return. The more you practice and begin to see the law of attraction bringing things to you, the greater the magnet you will become, because you will add the power of faith, belief and knowing."

"Think of a car driving through the night. The headlights only go two hundred feet forward, and you can make it all the way from California to New York driving through the dark, because all you have to see is the next two hundred feet. And that's how life tends to unfold before us. If we just trust that the next two hundred feet will unfold after that,your life will keep unfolding. And it will eventually get you to the destination of whatever it is you truly want, because you want it." Jack Canfield

I think several have already received this since I have been MIA for the last week...so forgive me if you have already received this award but in no particular order

1. Betty at http://bettywiens.blogspot.com/

2. Jill at http://jillsbelieveitornot.blogspot.com/

3. Buffie at http://buffiesblaaaahg.blogspot.com/

4. Michael at http://mrkaser.blogspot.com/

5. Bre at http://chantillygrace.blogspot.com/

Here's hoping I picked 5 that haven't already done it! If you haven't visited these people you need to and let them know I sent you;)

I have been missing in action and trying to stay busy. Writing, and decorating as I said. The doctor put my appt off until this coming Tuesday (ugh!) Almost finished Jacob's room and will post that soon, as well as another project I have been working on! Now I have to try and catch up to all the millions of posts I have missed! (sigh)

PS If you would rather be removed from the Blogge'ville story please let me know so I can take care of it! There's no point in having characters that aren't following the story. It's been difficult trying to keep it all from getting too confusing and I have the feeling there are some who would rather be removed, or at the very least have lost interest... so please I will take no offense just let me know Thanks;) French

MOM and DAD~~~I MISS YOU!!!!

"Mom" What a little hottie she was;)


"Dad" look at how handsome he is....and so young too!



This is one of my favorite pictures of them it was at a friends wedding!





This was New Year's eve 1990 4 months before we were married...Dad acting the fool as usual! (ha ha) Go ahead laugh at my perm~~~it was the style then darnit it all!


Samantha's first birthday she was soooo cute~~~love this pic of me and mom!



Proud grandpa with Samantha!

Three generations....me, my mom and her mom ( my grandmother) she was a seamstress and every time I sew I ask for her helping hands and guidance...still chokes me up....I miss her!
"Thanks for your help grandma with making Jacob's coverlet"

Daddy showing off his muscles! Not bad for an old guy huh? ( lol just kidding dad)

The tattoo is a sword with the words "Death before Dishonor"

Something he taught me at a very young age!

My mom with Jacob at 3 days old-----probably one of my favorite pictures of my mom EVER!

Visiting mom and dad after we moved~~this was taken at Canada's Wonderland for all my Canadian bloggers and commenter's;)

Mom trying to coax Sam to walk`~~~ didn't she look soooo cute here?

Picture of my parents holding Samantha the day she was born.....they were so happy and proud!

My parents the day of my wedding...how cute do they look?

Last summer...mom finally gave in and decided to not dye her hair anymore she just turned 60 in August....she still looks awesome to me!

My daddy with the most soft blue, gentle eyes you ever did see....

Mom has always shied away from the camera so it's never easy getting her picture (hoping with age she will get slower and make it easier to catch her< lol)

I hate that I live 900 miles away from mom and dad! I miss you both so much more than you will ever realize....when I am home and sick I miss you even more! Please hurry and retire daddy so you can come and stay awhile~~~~we all miss both of you so much! Daddy I know you think that emailing and blogging is impersonal at times but this is truly from the heart!

MOM & DAD~~~"I LOVE YOU"

~~~~Biggest hugs~~~~

"Halfpint"(you know what this means daddy)

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Blogging friends I am feeling a little better, I will see the vascular surgeon Nov. 12 Wednesday morning;)

French xoxox

Punch Drunk Lab Rat!

What I am trying to do.......



It awaits me.....it calls my name....

What I have done~~~this was navy blue and burgundy (ack)!

I painted it black as seen here but the rest awaits me and it's taking over my home!



What I have been doing (errr..... rather be doing)~~~~~ignore the mess!

Because all this darned medication has me feeling like this~~punch drunk!
The doctors aren't sure what I have~~~first they put me on Lyrica because they thought I was having symptoms of Hepetic neuralgia post Shingles which was what they thought was causing all of the numbness and pain in the left side of my face, shoulder and arms....then they tested me for Lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis,

then they said I have Raynauds syndrome because my hand keep turning blue! I am serious!

(no shit) Now they say I have TOS Thoracic Outlet Syndrome!

I have to see a Vascular specialist next week (ugh)!

Not sure if I want to see him but my hand keeps doing this----(not my hand but similar)

All I know is I feel like a lab rat these days....xrays, MRI's, lab work and next week possibly an angiogram? (WTF?)

OK so there you have my life story not very interesting but I am starting to feel like a medical

freak!!! All the medical specialists out there and it has taken them 11 months! to figure this

out? If they had just listened to me the first time maybe, I wouldn't be feeling like a lab

rat! Anyway, hopefully next week we can get down to the real issue and get it resolved once and

for all!!! Wish me luck!

(PS I am a nurse and I have never heard of TOS~~~google it if you want to know what it is!)

Hugs French;) xoxoxo

Stuff

Taking a brief hiatus...... concentrating on my health, family, writing and decorating my son's room....take care;) French