Good Morning Ms. Spider

Every morning I start my day by making the kids beds and picking up PJ's off the floor.  And every morning Ms. Spider is always there to say hello.  A Spider you say?  Yes Ms. Spider.  Don't be afraid, she is a sweetie.  I'd like you to meet her.....

You can come closer, she is proud of her web!

Doesn't her sweet clown face make you smile?

Her bright yellow body earned her the name "Banana Spider"

Her real name is a Golden Silk Spider.  Ms. Spider weaves a silk that is bright yellow and very visible.

She is very intimidating.  But in reality she is harmless.  Here in Florida

they eat lots of Mosquito's and other nasty bugs that I don't want around here.

See her little friend?  He is actually her mate. 

The University of Florida website states that "Here in Florida they can place a web across a 12 foot wide trail overnight!"  Also they do bite, but only if feel the need to defend themselves. 

A banana spiders bite is milder than a bee sting!

I enjoy seeing banana spiders around my house.  One less bug is a good thing!

My kids call them Ms. Spider.  They each have their own friend hanging around their bedroom window.

I hope that I didn't scare to many of you!  I just wanted to share one of Gods friendly creations!

Come see more of the great outdoors by visiting A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday!

Baby Steps to a Kitchen Makeover!

We have been in our home 3 years now.  It is a small home, but one I love and feel I could retire in one day.  But the kitchen I don't think I could grow old with.  The house is 18 years old and really shows it's age in the kitchen.  The cabinets were a honey oak stain and the counter tops are a lovely shiny (in most spots) hunter green Formica.  We were fortunate that the previous owner put in new black appliances, so that we didn't have to invest in new ones. 

I had a big plan for this space.  It has taken baby steps but I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Bare with me as I take you through this agonizing makeover..

Notice the fluorescent lighting and blah fixture!

Let the painting begin!  There are tons of tutorials available so I won't mess with a good thing!

The hinges got a new coat of paint to match the new knows and pulls.

Rust-Oleum Hammered finish spray paint worked beautifully! 

The cabinets were finally done and put back on.  This took me 3 weeks to complete!

I don't know how the makeover shows do this in a weekend, but it sure didn't come that easy.

Cabinets were painted a creamy off white then distressed to give that worn look.

Ugly lights came down!

Ceiling had to be repainted and patched up.

New rubbed bronze knobs were installed

New lighting installed!

View from the garage door.

Detail of the distressing

I love how the off white paint brightens the room and makes it look larger.

Here is what is yet to come:

1. 
   
   Install a pendant fixture over the sink to replace the fluorescent light
2. 
   
   Black Galaxy Granite Counter tops
3. 
   
   Tumbled tile back splash
4. 
   
   Crown Molding
5. 
   
   New tile floor
6. 
   
   Maybe repaint the walls a fun bright color?

Let me know what you think and any suggestions you may have!

It has been a very slow process but I am very happy with how it looks so far.

I am linking up with
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Mondays!
House of Grace for House of Grace for Twice owned Tuesdays!
It's so very Cheri for Spotlight Yourself Wednesday!
Bobbypins Boardwalk for Bobbypins Boardwalk Bragfest!
My Backyard Eden for Make it yours day!
Decor Mama for Frugal Friday!
It's a Hodgepodge Life for Hodgepodge Friday!
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating for Flaunt it Friday!
My Romantic Home for Show & Tell Friday
504 Main for Tickled Pink!
The Girl Creative for New Friend Friday
Under the Table Dreaming for Sunday Showcase
The DIY Showoff for DIY Project Parade
Savvy Southern Style for Before & After's!

Easy but Impressive Napkins

Each tablescape tells a little about me.  Some point of my personality is shown on the table.  I could be feeling formal, elegant, casual, nostalgic and more on any given day.  That is what I have found I love about tablescaping.  It allows me to use my creativity in a different way than designing a room.  I don't have to commit to this look for long but I sure do love playing dress up!

Yesterday I was feeling very casual when creating my tablescape.  I didn't want fussy (which I normally do) but wanted something that is inviting and feels comfortable.  You can see that tablescape here.  I also told you about The New Napkin Folding book put out by Victoria that I checked out from the library.  I wanted to share some of what I learned to you.

Here are the napkin folds from yesterday:

I wanted to show you step-by-step how to fold the

Fleur-de-lis

Fold the napkin in half horizontally. 

Position the folded edge at the bottom.

Fold the upper right-hand corner down to the center.

Fold the left-hand corner in the same way.

Bring the lower right corner of the triangle up to the top center point.

Fold the lower left corner up to the top center, creating a diamond shape.

Fold the top points out to form wings as shown. 

Slip the bottom point of the napkin into the ring. 

Adjust the folds as needed.

I love how a simple napkin can really add some fun to a tablescape.  I hope you enjoyed my little tutorial.  There is a really cool bread box fold that I want to try!  I will be working on some more this weekend to share with you.

I am linking up with My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Fridays.

A Southern Family Dinner

It's Tablescape Thursday time and I wanted to do a simple southern tablescape that my family would actually enjoy eating off of!  Sweet tea, curly leaf ferns and fun dishes set the way for a comfy family meal.

Come on in....

My assistant Phat Fifi!

Something is missing??

Aww, much better.  You don't get much more southern than sweet tea!

All this work tuckered Fifi out!

Bowls *Baum Brothers* Asain Collection * Goodwill

Bread plates * Johnson Bros.* Goodwill

Serving bowls * Mikasa* Italian Countryside*

Salad Plates* Bordallo Pinheiro* Ross

Dinner Plates* Longaberger

Placemats & Napkins * HomeGoods

Napkin Rings * Pottery Barn

I found this book at the library yesterday:

Come back and see me tomorrow for a napkin folding tutorial!

I hope you enjoyed my southern family tablescape.  My kids love Wednesdays when we dine in style!

Go visit all the beautiful tablescapes hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch!