Newbie Summer Link Party!

May I just say, I am loving the coastal style right now. It is a trend I don't want to see going anytime soon. However, living smack in the middle of the desert, I feel a little ridiculous putting up oceanic decor in my home. So, this is my small attempt at "hinting" the coastal style without feeling like a fool.

The inspiration for this began with a lantern that I found at Goodwill for $4. It was a lovely, brassy thing, and the glass panes were still perfectly intact. After a couple of coats of some black spray paint, it looked good as new:

I filled it with some Dollar Tree rocks, a candle, and paired it with a votive holder turned Q-tip holder. :) I found that votive holder at the Dollar Tree and thought it kind of looked like a sand dollar. I also added some coastal looking shower hooks and a hurricane vase:

The shower hooks and vase were clearance finds at Target ($3 for each hook) and Walmart ($7 vase). The base of the vase was brown so I gave it a quick coat of black. This is what my guest bath looked like before:

A bit empty, wouldn't you say? And now: 

We bought the picture frames a long time ago and they had been sitting in storage because I didn't know where to hang them. I put some of my favorite pictures of the hubs with his ladybugs.

So, there you have it. This is my summer, coastal inspired, guest bath. I really didn't know how long I would enjoy a "gray room," but all the white and black accents just make this guest bath feel very crisp and refreshing. Perfect for a candlelit soak! Now, it's your turn! Let's see those summer inspired projects.

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Here's a quick reminder about the rules and who can post:

* You don't have to be a follower to link up (although, I really hope to meet new friends at my party)

* Please link back to my party somewhere in your post AND/OR post my button

* You must be qualified as a NEWBIE

Making a list...

Yikes! I was so excited about my summer party, I completely forgot to share the news about a new, weekly link party happening over at Ordinary Days. This link party is like none other I've seen. It's called "Make a List Monday" and it's an opportunity to post up your weekly goals. What a great way to organize and narrow in on a specific task for the week!

Personally, I'm terrible at lists. I'll start one, and it quickly grows out of control with minute details. I read once that you should never focus on more than seven tasks at a time, to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Hm, I think I'll start with four for this week.

So, in honor of my friend over at Ordinary Days, here is my Make a List Monday:

1) Finish porch redo

2) Successfully re-pot a plant (don't laugh, this may kill the poor thing)

3) Create a necklace/bracelet holder for my 9-year-old

4) Find & install new towel hooks for the guest bath

If you get a chance, hop on over to her blog and check out what other people are tackling this week. Who knows, it may inspire you to get things done and that way, you'll finish in time for my summer link party in 8 days! *gasp* Perfect timing! LOL! ;)

Don't forget to help me spread the word about my link party, especially if you are, or know any newbies!

<center><a href="http://mamaslittleladybugs.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn248/mcsneaky/summerpartybutton-1.jpg"/></a></center> 

Linking to: Ordinary Days

Summer Link Party!

Happy Monday, everyone!


I have some very exciting news...


I'm throwing a SUMMER LINK PARTY!!! Here is the best part... it will be strictly for new bloggers! This gives all you new kids on the block, such as myself, a chance to show off your summer crafts, projects, redos, recipes and get to meet fellow newbies.

Here are the rules:
1) You DON'T have to add me as a friend (although I hope we become friends through this)
2) Please add my button somewhere on your page, and/or link back to my Summer Party within your post

So, who can post to my summer party? If you have less than 100 followers, OR have been blogging for less than 1 year, then you are free to post up ANYTHING summer inspired!

Come on, ladies (and gents), let's get those projects done, so we can show off our sweet summer skills!

Please help me spread the word by posting my button! Party kickoff is in 8 days!!!






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