Cierras Tattered Elegance

Hello Friends!

2011-08-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
Its been so long again! Well, so far I've had a fantastic summer. Somehow I knew it would be! This year I made a list of things I wanted to do with my Husband. I think I've accomplished almost all of them starting with our new home<3 My Husband and I bought our first home and were loving it! There's nothing like home until you have your own home! I keep using exclamation points but really they're meant to be!
Early in the summer my hubby took me to Disneyland for our anniversary. It was like being on our first date again! We also visited Napa for the first time, enjoying the wineries and local food. We then adventured out to Jenkinson Lake for a weekend camping trip. We were snowed on but it was beautiful! I've also taken up full time volunteer work teaching people about the Bible. I feel so fortunate for the many blessings in my life including my friends and family.

So you may ask where do you find time for furniture? Well the truth is that I have been so busy I really haven't been able to do much, but still has a special place in my heart. My heart still throbs every time I see a yard sale sign or see a great piece in a thrift store.

Right now I'm itching to do a new piece with the new Chalk Paint that every ones raving about! Bobbi has so many beautiful pieces in the shop with the new paint that are gorgeous! Eventually, as the summer comes to an end I'll find the time again! In the mean time my hairstyling business is booming keeping me very busy as well.

I miss everybody and I'll try to stay a little more updated! Hope you all are having just as an amazing summer as I am!

Please vote for us! Today is the last day! Click Here

2011-05-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
I have a huge favor to ask of you amazing followers! This year Not To Shabby is participating in the KCRA 3 A-List top 10 for best antiques. We need your votes! Its easy to do, just click on the title above.Thank you so much! Every vote makes a difference!
Meanwhile I thought I would post some pictures of Tattered Houses Flea Market that we were apart of this spring! We had lots of fun furniture this year and cant wait to do it again this fall!Thanks for your support!

This one of my favorite dressers I've done so far!

This old mantle piece is stunning and perfect for outside by an old oak tree!

Bobbi had some great old rustic wheel borrows and we had an awesome collection of old globes! They went like firecrackers!

We had some beautiful parasols that filled this old trunk but by the time I got around to pictures they were almost gone!

I loved this dresser with the old water faucet handles!Have a great day everyone and dont forget to vote!

Giveaway Announcement!

2011-01-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

I have a winner for my giveaway!

The name randomly pulled from a hat is Shellagh over at Ticking And Toile!

Stop by to say Hello!

Her blog features tutorials for upholstery, slipcovers and a love for chippy worn farmhouse style lovelies. See her link above :0)

Here's Shellagh ~

"I'm Shellagh...I'm the mom of 6 beautiful daughters and the wife of the absolute best husband! I love to decorate, garden, and create. Things I love....soft linen, cracked plaster, painted wood, travertine, sisal, rustic old floors, boxwood hedges, fabulous smelling roses, and faded fabrics.....and of course, vintage chandeliers!"

She is fabulous and its a must to stop by and visit her blog!

Congratulations Shellagh!

Hope you enjoy your new PINK tool kit!

100 Followers Woo Whoo and Thank You!!!!

2011-01-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to announce that I made it to 100 followers! This blog started out as something fun just to show others my love of shabby, tattered and worn things never really imaging anyone showing a hoot... but here we are and I feel so thankful and flattered to have your support! So this brings us to my giveaway! Thank you for those who stuck in as it took awhile and for those who shared my button with others, it truly means so much:0) I will be announcing the PINK tool kit winner soon so stay posted! Goodnight to everyone and have sweet wonderful dreams...

Goodmorning Everyone!

2011-01-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

I'm am so delighted to be featured today! I just want to give a big THANK YOU to everyone who has stopped by and left such wonderful comments and for SITS to feature me! I love hearing from all of you. I hope you enjoy my blog as much as I do. I admire all of you out there with all of your creativity and wish that I could do just half of what you do! I hope you get the chance to follow me so I can stop by to follow you too! I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

"Life's journey is much easier when you hear a friends footsteps beside you"...

P.s- If you get the chance stop by and say hi to my friend Bobbi, shes away right now helping a family member with cancer and could use some encouraging thoughts(her link is on my sidebar):0)

Hello All My Bloggie Friends!

2010-12-28T14:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, well shame on me! Ive been away for awhile:0(. Let me tell you all about it! So this last summer was amazing with graduating beauty school(woo whoo!), starting my new career along with my boutique furniture to keep up on and HOUSE SHOPPING!!!! If any of you out there have bought a house I feel for you. It has been the longest process ever, and boy the biggist emotional roller coaster I've ever been on! Just finding a house you like then to actually get your offer accepted...pheww its alot of work and I've never signed my name so many times. I now understand the saying "sign your life away!"

I am one happy camper these days, enjoying life and soon to be new home and my wonderful hubby. Ive had to put alot of things on the sidelines for awhile. I cant wait untill everything is settled! I want to get back to my furniture!
I thought I would share some of my top 3 choices of Houses:

House #1

This house is amazing!Fully furnished home built in 1942. Cute with tons of character!

House #2

This is my absolute favorite house! A darling victorian house with an outstanding view!

House # 3

I love this victorian home! Five bedrooms and an amazing deck!

Stayed tuned for my reveal of which home will be mine!

Tattered Houses Fall Flea Market Was A Huge Success!!!

2010-09-22T14:28:00.001-07:00

Well here I am! Its been awhile but I'll show you why... Sunday was Tattered Houses Fall Flea Market in old Roseville and it was amazing! I had such a good time! There was so many amazing vendors! We where up in the early AM to be here. We unloaded three trucks, two trailors and a van in order to make this happen! All day the weather was back an forth with rain and sunshine. Regardless it was such a successful day! Big THANK YOU to Bobbi,Pam,Sam,Heather,Linda,Carl and Charlie for all the help and support of each other! I cant wait for our next visit with the Tattered House girls!

Here is Bobbi and I!

Long Time No Blog!

2010-09-07T22:51:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!
Its been so long since I blogged! It feels good to be back! I have had so much going on in my life. All very exciting! I will have to tell you all about it on another post but I just wanted to say Hi to All, I've missed you:0)!

Also check out GiveawayScout.com. Recently they contacted me about my giveaway and asked if I wanted to join them. Its a really cool site that shows tons of fellow bloggers and thier giveaways! Dont miss it!

New Look For Not Too Shabby!

2010-07-29T19:02:00.001-07:00

Here we are, this cute little shoppe in Historic Folsom! We added a few red lanterns for a fun summer feel.

Do you love our open sign? We brightened up the front door with some new beautiful red roses. Come by and visit us! We have new merchandise arriving daily!

Dreaming of a White Closet

2010-07-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

When I think of closet I think of white, organized, clean. I think of chandeliers and my heels perfectly displayed, a beautiful upholstered french chair....

OK, OK, who am I kidding? Although I dream of having a gazillion dollar closet like Kimora....

or extravagant of extravagant Mariah Careys closet, I have to be a little more practical...

I'm thinking a little more Carrie Bradshaw ...

But still dreaming of this...

Eventually with something white, a chandelier, and a little touch of Cierra, I hoping for a glamorous look like this. So simple, so elegant and so perfect!

Thank You To All My New Followers! We're at 50! Lets Do 50 More!

2010-07-08T20:17:00.000-07:00

If anyone is out there and wants to spread some love, I would be oh, so happy for you to share my giveaway button. I can't wait to reach 100 followers! I have uploaded some new and exciting things to my blog. Facebook being one of them.So check out my past years pictures of shabby goodies I've worked on! Also what's happening in Historic Folsom,California.
Thinking of this last year so many things have changed with the business and economy. Some not great but some really amazing.
I moved to a new shop back in January with a leap of faith. Well it's been great so far, better than ever expected. A big THANK YOU to Bobbi, owner of Not Too Shabby, for having me join her. Shes just a really great person,so inspiring and creative. My thoughts and prayers are to her and her family right now.
With the economy down fall, I think it has taken us all back. But in return it has taught me to simplify my life. Why have all the anxiety? Enjoy the finer things in life:o)
Being in the shop working as we speak, gets me to thinking how thankful I am for a great life, great husband( working with me today)and just being able to do what I love every day.
Thanks again to all my new followers,although I don't have to many it means alot to know that people are out there with the same love as you. I think whether in good times or bad we should all be out there to support one another to keep our smiles.

Donation Day!

2010-07-06T21:01:00.000-07:00

OK I promised my husband I would donate some clothes and things while I had some time off from school. Here it is proof!

The car was so loaded I could barely shut the doors or the trunk.

See how small my car is?! Yeah I know its super dirty.

I could only imagine what people thought when I drove by! He he.

It was such a gorgeous day I stopped to take a picture of the canyon I drive through everyday to get to town. We live in the country so its always a drive to somewhere. Inst beautiful? I appreciate it everyday(except when I need to be somewhere in a hurry).

Some awesome reasons why we should donate. Its nice to know it goes toward a good cause.I went to a local Snowline Hospice. This is what their website tells us. Do you research and find out what your really donating too!

Snowline Hospice is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to meeting the unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who are nearing the end of life's journey. Our goal is to enhance the living, comfort the dying and support the grieving with compassion and dignity.

Hospice benefits are included in Medicare and Medi-Cal and most health insurance plans. The uninsured are also served at Snowline Hospice through funds received from the proceeds of our four thrift stores, processing center, individual donations, fundraisers, and the United Way. At Snowline, neither patient nor family will ever receive a bill for services.

DIY~What To Do With Those Ugly Dining Chair Cushions~ Hide Them! ;0)

2010-07-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know this looks cheesy to start with but I promise it will look perfect! If your like me and always on the go it's ok to find some short cuts when you can :0)

So to start, I just cut out my piece of fabric to fit the cushion. I'm leaving the old fabric on to help keep the shape. However, if the fabric was dirty or in bad condition I would take it off. It's also my own piece so if you don't tell I won't
;0). A simple short cut.

Here I staple the fabric, working around the corners. Simple.

Stapling finished.

Here is the almost finished look. I want to add a little more to it...

I decided to add some decorative tacks to give the chair more style.
*TIP: Hold the tack with needle nose pliers to keep in place while hammering. Will save you SO much time. I've tried this before without the pliers - outcome - smash my fingers and bend the tack in half - very frustrating!

See how easy.... You can do it!

Here is the finished look! Fabulous!

Before Picture - UGLY

After - Beautiful

Well, I hope I inspired you to re-cover your cushions. Do away with the boring, glam it up. Bring new life to your dinning room table. It's so simple!

Closet Caos Day 1!

2010-07-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Guess what! I'm so excited to be starting my newest project of my house(never ending), my DREAM closet! When my husband and I got married we were lucky enough to build our own little cottage in the country. Once a storage barn, now our home. We started converting this barn about three and a half years ago when Charlie and I were engaged. We had to make quick decisions about our home finding the best deals. Since our wedding was about four months away, that's all we had to build our little home.

Really, we had a good amount of time but both Charlie and I worked full time jobs and I lived two hours away so I wasn't much help. All we had time for was the essentials-our bedroom,kitchen,bathroom,and living room.
I don't have a SINGLE closet in my home(What were we thinking? Wedding I guess). Now three years later we've managed to discuss starting my closet. We've have decided to use our attic as a WALK IN closet! This won't be easy however since....

1.It's full of my in-laws stuff(for 25 years).
2.It's an attic- meaning we have to take everything down a flight of stairs.
3.It's an oven in the middle of the summer.
4.It's full of cob webs,spiders and bees!Ahhh!
5.It has peaked walls- a closet nightmare.

However it will all pay off when I see that amazing closet come to life. My heart is fluttering!!! So here it is the horrifying pictures of the attic were starting with! Be prepared - its not for the faint! I have so many ideas flowing through my mind so I will need your guys' help picking things out so stay tuned! OK got to go - got to get back to work!

A Little Mud on the Tires!!

2010-06-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to My Hubby!

Last week I got to post about my husbands anniversary gift to me...so this time I'll show you what I did for Charlies gift! No, nothing crafty this time since this year I'm in school but I did take him out for a day of Rubicon madness! For those of you who dont know what that is, it's 4-wheelin heaven for any guy!

Yesterday we woke up early, packed lunch and loaded up on sun block! Charlies been on wheels practically since he was born, having his first gocart at age 3! Hes had more cars than I can count on my fingers and TOES! So what else better for a gift than going wheelin with his buddies(and me too!)for the weekend!

This is Charlies best buddie Grant and his wife!

Here is what they call soup can. A very tough place to get through...

Charlie tries...

Celebration..he made it!!!

This is his moment, with all the guys cheering :0)

This is me wheelin! Kinda scary... but awesome!! Charlie was proud ;0)

Grants rig!

Just a little mud puddle....

Say cheese :0)

Time well wasted...
It was a beautiful day! Here's to my best friend and love of a life time!You are what I never knew I always wanted....

Happy Anniversary To Me!!

2010-06-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to be celebrating my 3 year anniversary! (June 16th) For this last year Charlie and I's life has been so crazy with me in beauty school. This year we talked about what we wanted to do to celebrate and we decided to keep it low key and simple. But when couples tell each other that, is it really so? (Of course not!!)

Well this year my hubby did good,real good!~ Let me tell you of his surprise!
So it was Saturday morning and we were headed out for the day and Charlie told me to go hide in the other room and not come out untill he was ready(do do do do do....5min later). He says ok come on out! What was it?! A beach cruiser! Not just any beach cruiser but (this is real special ladies) a vintage one that he found at a yard sale (for 5 dollars)on one of his dirt bike trips with his buddies.

He kept it hid for 2 months! While hidding it he took it apart put new parts on it that needed to be replaced while keeping its vintage charm, took it to a paint shop and had it custom painted baby pink with a pearl finish! It's gorgeous girls! I couldn't even believe it! I've always wanted one. We love the beach and so it was a perfect fit. So much for no gift right?

What To Do With Those Vintage Frames? DIY!

2010-06-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Goodmorning!
Lately I've had this accumulation of vintage frames. Pretty as they are alone I thought I would make a few into a jewlery holder. It was really easy to do!

What you will need:
Frame(any size)
Chicken Wire
Staple Gun
Needle Nose Plyers
Wire Cutters

First measure your frame to fit the chicken wire. Staple chicken wire to back of frame. Cut any extra chicken wire off. Hammer down any edges of chicken wire and your done! See that was easy :0) You can hang your gorgeous jewlery on it or even hang post cards or put your pictures in it. Happy Sunday!

Just Something To Smile About... :0)

2010-06-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”

DIY Fancy Smancy Burlap Chairs!

2010-05-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

Recently I posted a few pictures of this table at our Second Saturdays in Folsom but I didn't really get to show it. This was a fun project for me and I'm sure it will be for you too!

This table I've changed multiple times and never happy with what I did. Finally I just went to a simple white. I found the chairs at Alameda in the back of a truck that said "free stuff".Cant get any better! I also painted them white. They matched the table perfectly! Match made in heaven.. :0)

I love the look of burlap so I decided to cover the seats in burlap to give the dinning set a rustic look. I wanted to make it a little more fancy, so I numbered each of the seats 1-4.

Your Invited: To my Blog Giveaway!

2010-05-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

TO MY FIRST 100 FOLLOWERS:

So here it is! My very first giveaway! Want to know how to win?

#1 ~ All you need to do is become a fabulous follower and leave me a comment with the name of your blog so I can follow you too! Pretty easy! This is for the first 100 followers! So hurry ~ follow, follow!

This is what you will win! A beautiful PINK tool set!

*This is limited to the first 100 followers.
*When I reach 100 followers I will randomly choose someone and announce who the winner is.
*I will keep you posted on what number we've reached. So hurry don't miss it!
*Dont forget - please leave your blog address so I can visit you too!
THANK YOU :0)

Shabby Saturday! My Box of Chocolates! ;0)

2010-05-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

Today I was up before the sunshine(5am)! Its yard sale day! Look at my amazing finds! All my finds are very colorful for spring and I love them!I want to keep it all... just have to figure out how to tell the hubby ;0).The big white mirror in the back is from Anthropology,the little candle chandelier is brand new for $3, and the yellow whicker chair $10! The pillows are also Anthropology.I'm so excited to find the pink pedestal trays and the beautiful silver set! Its fabulous outside today...make sure you get out an enjoy it. Happy Saturday!!! ~Cierra

I Was Featured!

2010-05-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

Guess what!
This week I was featured on an awesome blog -Tools Are For Women Too! I was nominated as Great Craftswoman of the Week! How cool is that! Big THANK YOU to Rory for selecting me. It means alot seeing as it is the first place I've been featured! Please if you haven't already had the chance to visit stop by Rory's blog...He has really great crafty ideas!! Also, a big Thank You to all my new followers!...

toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com

Newest Arrivals at Not Too Shabby!

2010-05-10T22:48:00.001-07:00

Beautiful pieces for a beautiful home.Just in time for summer. Come and see!

Yard Sales Are Like A Box of Chocolates...You Never Know What Your Gonna Get!!!

2010-05-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

I just had one of the best weekend of finds! It really is like opening a box of chocolates.. Every time I see a "YARD SALE" sign my heart flutters and I get all excited and I actually get butterflies in my tummy. I cant wait to park the truck and get my wheel and deal on! I know, I know....My name is Cierra and I'm addicted to yard sales!.... Here are all the before pictures....

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My Little Home in Shabby Chic (PART 3)

2010-05-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

Ok so I finally got around to posting this! Welcome to my bedroom :0)Not much to it but its cozy and comfy! All of what I have are all flea market finds! I love everything in white..its so peaceful and feels so clean.One of my favorite things in my room is of course my iron bed along with my chandelier! One of my most sentimental things are my wedding shoes. They're so sparkly and glamorous and dirty but I like them that way..they remind me of that special day. Hope you like it!

Second Saturdays in Historic Folsom A Big Hit!!!

2010-05-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Well its been a while since Ive blogged but all for good reason.Work, work, work! I worked on as many projects as I could this last week in time for Folsoms Second Saturdays. It was such a fun weekend- just people watching and seeing everyone happy, and smiling.There was street performers,mimes, hula dancers, batman, live music, all kinds of fun for all ages. Best of all the sun was shining bright! So in these pictures you can see some of my new projects that I brought in. Most of them sold however which is great! If you ever get the chance come down and see for yourself..you wont be disappointed!

New Exciting Finds Thanks to My Hubby!

2010-05-01T22:09:00.001-07:00

Ok so I dont have all the pictures yet of how cool my new finds are but I thought this was a pretty cute picture my husband sent me. I was at school for the day so he took care of getting all my goods :0) Do you see the amazing clawfoot loveseat on top? I love how he managed to make everything fit!

Garden Chairs Just In Time For Spring!

2010-04-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what to do with those old chairs that just no longer can be used to sit in? Well with a little pondering of what I can do to make them new, I thought to myself that they would look great in a garden! However do to a family of deer living on the property I dont get to have the glamorous garden I dream of. So I thought lets make a mini garden in the chair!

The chairs that I have,have no cushioning in them so it made this project a little eaiser. All I did was take some aluminum screening and stapled it to the inner part of the chair. On larger chairs you can also add chicken wire to help support the soil.
When finished with that add a layer of moss to help keep the soil from draining out.Then add some soil and a couple of cute flowers and presto a garden in a chair!

Happy gardening! I would love to see and share pictures of anyone taking on this project!Just e-mail me at cierraneeley@gmail.com
P.s if anyone has any tips on keeping deer out of the garden I would love to know!

My Little Home in Shabby Chic (PART 2)

2010-04-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

My Kitchen Area~
Below is my little kitchen shelf with my favorite picture of my hubby and I in
Hawaii :0) I love roses and sea shells so this is what I see when I do the ever fun dishes.

Here in this picture I use a wardrobe armour to become somewhat of a pantry. Again I have an extremely small home so I try to make best off what I have.In my home I have NO closets or upper kitchen cabinets. So I made this into storage for my cat and dog food,towels along with pots and pans. It was another fun find for about $40.Can't beat that.

On my fridge I have my favorite pictures put up of family and friends. For the longest time I wouldn't put anything on my fridge so it wouldn't be cluttered but I want to be reminded of what makes me happiest. So I gave in :0)

For my kitchen I found this amazing old rustic cabinet. The drawers hold my dessert dishes,linens,candles and silverware. I keep my collection of favorite dishes inside along with my vintage mismatched tea cups and wine glasses.I found this at a yard sale for $40 also.Its a definite keeper!

My favorite thing of all time is chandeliers. They are so romantic and glamorous. My goal(silly) was to have a chandelier in every room in my home,not hard seeing as it is a small one. Well I did it! This chandelier I found in Alameda for $30.
Yessss....another keeper. Its home is know in my kitchen above my sink.

And my favorite piece in my entire house is my white chandelier. Its what I see as I walk into my home. I get a smile every time I see it! :0)

My Bathroom~

Its very small but it works... Everything I have in here is found from yard sales.

Accept for my little pink medicine cabinet I found from Marilyn in Alameda!

Even my shower curtain was a yard sale find for $5, even the chandelier $5! I love the bath sign above the doorway, it also was found in Alameda by a man who custom makes the old tins.

Well there it is, my kitchen and bathroom! I'm not a designer just a lover of whats pretty, pink, old, rusty and glamorous. Keep checking for (PART 3)!

My Home in Shabby Chic ~Living Room (Part 1)

2010-04-13T23:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my home! :0) Well its been about three 3 years of being a devout Shabby Chic lover. I was raised with a mother who loved interior design so you could say I got some of my style from her. Its been an amazing and fun process.
I hit as many flea markets,yard sales,garage sales, thrift stores and estate sales as I can, you name it I'm there. My inspiration started with being newly married and wanting to make my home feel like MY HOME. I always looked through design and decorating books but nothing fit more than when I started reading through Rachel Ashwells books. I loved her idea of white and feeling so comfortable in your own home. So here are some of my pictures but Im no photographer.:0)

Some of my favorite finds are pictured here. My chandelier above my couch is one of my top favorites,found at a local shabby chic shop in Folsom. The columns next to my couch are also a favorite, found in Auburn at a very rustic shabby chic shop.
I came across some old windows at a yard sale for $5.00 and made one into a picture frame for my wedding pictures.
Also pictured is an old green chair that I use to keep all my favorite books in for guests to look at while visiting,found at a local swap meet.
Another amazing find is my wood stove. It couldn't fit more perfectly in my home,found at a local yard sale that I purchased for $20.00!Works perfectly and came with the manual.The little wicker basket was found for $5.00 and works perfect to hold our firewood.
My dining room table is also a great find as it works perfectly for my very tiny 800 square foot home.It's not quite finished yet but I hoping to recover the cushions in burlap.
Well thats it for tonight,goodnight all :0)To be continued...

New arrivals! Glossy Black Dresser and more....

2010-04-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

LOVELY GLOSSY BLACK SIDE TABLE
$79.00

VINTAGE BLACK DRESSER WITH GLOSSY FINISH AND A TOUCH OF GOLD
$395.00
MATCHING VINTAGE NIGHTSTAND
$95.00

Afternoon Tea with the girls!

2010-04-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

These are my girls! I'm so thankful to have friends like them! Everything in the tea room was beautiful, even the floors were a pretty pink and white check! The chandeliers were over the top and we even got a perfect table by the window for a great view. Dont miss out on this place :0)

San Fransisco Fun!!

2010-03-30T12:20:00.004-07:00

Ok well I haven't visited my blog lately but its all in good reason. This month I have had planned a huge girl trip with some of my best friends.Itinerary including some of the best sushi, I recommend American Ichi Sushi in Placerville Ca.Try the Tom roll.MMMM.
Also we have visited Lake Tahoe, which was an amazingly beautiful day. Its the neatest thing to see snow on the beach but sitting in the sunshine :0)If you get the chance visit the Beacon at camp Richardson, the calamari is so tasty and you cant leave without trying their famous Rum Rummer!
Yesterday we visited San Fransisco not knowing exactly what we were going to do. We mainly wanted to visit Pier 39 as a usual thing you do when you go to San Fran.
Well on our drive down through the area we stopped at the Ghirardelli square. I came across this amazing tea shop that I absolutely fell in love with. Its called Crown and Crumpet.When I walked in I was so excited as if I met a celebrity! It was so cute and beautiful.It was shabby chic meets Alice and Wonderland.
The food was excellent however a little pricey for four girls on a budget. However we made the best of it and we split a few things off the menu.Some of my favorite things included the Paris tea and Chicken Curry tea sandwhiches.
The customer service was excellent. I reccomend this place for any girl wanting to have some fun!

Romantic Homes Magazine Now Available!

2010-03-13T23:03:00.000-08:00

Now available at Not Too Shabby for $4.50 normally $5.99. Look for our ad in June :0)

At Not Too Shabby Today! New Pics ...

2010-02-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

More new arrivals! Shabby Dresser on sale! $350.00

2010-02-16T19:59:00.000-08:00

Shabby Dresser! Beautiful. Has a gold irridesent finish to it.My favorite part about it is that theres this cool hidden jewlery drawer... who would have thought?
Also a sassy cheetah chair...Now on sale for $95.00 was $125.00
And a great country chic library table for $225.00

New Arrival! Rustic Burlap Chair $229.00

2010-02-16T19:36:00.000-08:00

Before and After..What a difference right? Didn't think you could love it? Well I did!
It is the second vintage chair I worked on this week. It was hard not to keep it for myself...but I fought the urge.:0)On a scale from 1(lowest) to 5(highest) what would you rate it? I would love to know what you think...Thanks All :0)

New arrival! Black and White Burlap Chair Sorry Already Sold!

2010-02-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

I couldn't wait to get this into the shop! I loved working on this chair! It came out beautiful if I dont say so myself! What do you guys think? What does your favorite chair look like? I would love to know! :0)

2010-02-02T15:37:00.001-08:00

At beauty school today wishing i was working on a project!

Photos of the new shop!

2010-01-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some new pictures of our new shop Not Too Shabby. Karryann made a beautiful burlap pillow to go with my wingback chair. The dresser is Karryanns and its beautiful, I love how the large mirror compliments it.

Come by and see us!We've got coffee!!

*Custom Upholstered Chair

$349.00
*Darling Shabby Dresser

$285.00

*Ornate Beveled Mirror
$195.00

My Favorite Table!!

2010-01-18T09:56:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Shabby Chic Table $650.00

Here is my latest project I finished! Isn't it beautiful? It looks like it came out of a Billards Designs catalog! But the problem now, is that I want to keep it :) However it's at my new shop Not To Shabby. You can't see it from this picture but it has a beautiful iridescent gold finish, something new that I am experimenting with. So far so good...

Exciting News!

2010-01-09T23:33:00.000-08:00

I've been givin the best opportunity! For the past year I have been at Melange in historic Folsom and now I am relocating across the street to Not To Shabby. Its a beautiful little shop but also comes with two really great people. I'm always looking for a new opportunity and I have found one that works great for me and my family. My family couldn't be happier for me and I'm very thankful for the support from them and also my friends. I am so looking forward to the year ahead! Stay tuned for some of our upcoming events!

The day came to a cold end...

2010-01-06T23:53:00.000-08:00

This is how the day ended. The weather turned cold and so my last resort was to just put a hot light close to it. I was determined! Hey it worked :0)

Victory! It's painted!

2010-01-06T23:06:00.000-08:00

These are my new dining room chairs. I love them! I will be covering the cushions in burlap.

Here is the dresser from "my projects" posting. Isn't it pretty in white? It still needs to be "shabbied."It will be going into my shop.

Here is the matching table to the dining room chairs. I love this also!

A day of hard work!

2010-01-05T19:51:00.001-08:00

I finished sanding, priming and painting my soon to be shabby chic furniture! It was a long two days but it feels good to have it done. I had a few minor complications with my paint sprayer, the sun and cold weather. I decided that my technique of painting wont work during the winter months. What I do is spray my furniture in bulk so its all done in one day but when the sun isn't on your side, you have dry time problems. Oh well its done :0). I love after a hard days work, to sit and see all of the beautifully, freshly painted white furniture setting all together giving off a wonderful clean glow. Very pretty :0) For me this technique is only thing that works since I'm always just short of time(aren't we all).I forgot (always)to take some before and after pictures of what I have, so what you see is what you get. Some of the pieces are for my lovely little home and some are to be put in the shop.
Well I just looked for my adapter to upload photos but it seems to be in my hubbys truck who is not here right now so I will post pictures later! Hope everyone has had a wonderful day :0)

Back to Alameda!

2010-01-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

Were off again! Cant wait to see what new goodies we find (my hubby and I)! Looking forward to visiting friends from Not to Shabby(nieghbors of Melange in historic Folsom)Karryann and Bobbi at space S-2 and Marilyn at space C-6. The weather is supposed to be nice...we'll see :)

I finished my upholstery project!

2009-12-29T22:12:00.000-08:00

It seemed like forever but its done! And I'm proud to say so.... I worked so hard on it! It took me a total of two weeks to finish (in between full time beauty college) with many nights being up until 1:30am. (I love coffee!)

Being my first chair I wanted to make sure I took my time and careful not to ruin the pattern. As I went along I took pictures of each step, so if I were to forget what i did and what went where.

This project was alot of fun and for any who are thinking of taking on this task...good luck!

What you will need ~ :0)

*Patience

*A very large cup of coffee

*A loving hubby who is willing to offer a helping hand as you go along (love you charlie)

Tips:

~Upholstery fabric can be costly so try finding donated fabric at your local thrift store.

~Finding a chair can also be costly~ try looking for a chair at your neighborhood yard sales(that's where you'll find the best prices).

~Finally~ Be creative and have fun!

So here it is... my first upholstered wing back chair!

Last summers project...

2009-12-24T19:52:00.000-08:00

This was this summers project... The chairs are so gorgeous!

2009-12-24T19:45:00.001-08:00

My first mobile post!

Alameda Pictures

2009-12-24T18:37:00.000-08:00

Can you say PRETTY!
Look at these amazing items!

This vendor has amazing pieces of old tin.

This vendor makes beautiful sea shell bottles.

I love this old iron bistro table. The coral makes the look!

This vendor had beautiful stuff. I liked the iron bed and the chalk boards she had.

Alameda was so much fun!

2009-12-24T17:35:00.000-08:00

Alameda was great. When we arrived it was windy and cold (so wear layers if you get the chance to go). When we first arrived we walked towards the entrance and there behold an entire truck with a sign that says "FREE STUFF". Jackpot! Inside I found an old rocking chair and a set of dining chairs. It was great! We finally made our way inside and yes, heaven on earth! I spent alot of time walking up and down the asiles finding many amazing things but remembering I had a strict budget to stick to. On the list I was looking for a crystal chandelier,settee and a bird cage stand. The first vendor I always go to see is Marilyn in space C-6. She is such an inspiration!

Half way through the day the clouds cleared and the sunshine came out... suddenly a loud roar from all the shoppers and vendors was heard as everyone started clapping and honking their horns to their trucks. Californians love the sun! This moment gave me chills and is something to remember. In all I spent about four hours shopping. I had one amazing find... a crystal chandelier! I love it..what makes it so amazing is how great of price it had($45!). I didn't find much but what I did find was a mind full of great ideas, I met some amazing vendors, and witnessed how happy the sun makes people..

Alameda Road Trip! On our way!

2009-12-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Very excited to see whats there today! It was an early start at 4:15am. The sun is just now coming up with a few clouds in the sky. Hopefully we won't have rain. The road from our house was icy and a car slid off the road. Scary! Be careful out there guys! I'll let you know my finds later... :) Have a great day everyone!

Flea Market Fun!

2009-12-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to visiting Alameda this weekend! You can always find little trinkets!! One of my favorite vendors is Marilyn space C-6. She has so many great ideas!

Fascination of the Old

2009-12-02T23:53:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard that saying "do what you love,and you'll never work a day in your life"? Well I did. Lets just say it changed everything for me. It started about one year ago when i entered into this little shabby chic shop. Instantly I fell in love with it and told myself.. I can do this! Within one week I became a vendor in that very same shop. It opened so many doors into my life. I now felt i had a sense of creativity..imagination. Something I didn't think I had.

I have this fascination with the old, used and history. I look at an old vanity with paint chips and scratches and often wonder what little girl looked in this mirror with her mothers hat and pearls? How that mirror showed her who the person she was becoming, when it showed her tears and smiles. Its a beautiful thing isn't it? I look at it and think how can I bring this little piece back to life?
And thats where the fun begins....

What is Tattered Elegance?

2009-11-10T21:31:00.001-08:00

The love of something old,something simple,something beautiful. Its something that makes you think with a simple glance..what story lies behind this?...gives you a smile and lets your imagination run. Its the creation of something old into something new and having appreciation of its flaws.Its glamour and beauty.