WISHING ON A STAR....

While walking in our downtown Main Street area, I spotted these two vacant store fronts.   I haven't contact the agent yet, so I don't know the rent...but I think the spaces are perfect for what Im looking for my shop.

I know it's probably wishful thinking, but I hoping I can get a good deal on the rent.  Im looking to open in the Spring 2012 and in my wishful dream....have a HUGE Grand Opening!

This store space has beige/sand carpet w/ restroom in right back corner and a back room area. (#1)

This store space has blue/gray carpet and a restroom back left and that slim doorway I believe to room in the back.  (#2)

I'd love to have your feedback on which space you would like for the new home of Lucky 7 Design Home.

-MJ

TABLETOP TUESDAY....SHOW ME THE METAL...

I'm been preparing for my upcoming Holiday Boutique, for which I will be opening up my home and new studio space.   Let's say there were a few pieces in the house that needed to be fixed up QUICK.

This late 60's early 70's table was a curbside pickup......which means it was FREE!   It was in storage and then I brought it into the living room as is..now I can't have a showing and have an unfinished table in my front room. LOL

So here is a mini makeover done in less than an hour....check out the sun glare...it was over 70 degrees in NJ.

Cream/Gold legs with a wood top

The top had some discolorations

All in all...a very nice shape table

I love the curved legs and swirl at the bottom feet

A light coat of Martha Stewart Metallic paint (it was an oops can) Yay!

It covered very nicely

I then added gold metallic paint in swirl motions ( I want the look of that burnished metal you see usually in aluminum or steel)

Here she is all cleaned up and with some Holiday Bling

I love it!

-MJ

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SMALL BUSINESS DAY

This past Saturday was Small Business Saturday.....and my town did not disappoint.   We had our local high school chorus there to perform.  Christmas lights up on Main Street, horse and wagon rides and even a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus.  They had little stations where the kids could make tree ornaments and also decorate ginger cakes and eat them.

Hope you enjoy some of the photos I was able to take, while trying to keep track of my brood of 5 plus my niece.

The beautiful horses with a handmade wagon.

The 2nd horse & wagon decorated festively.

This horse was so beautiful but very naughty...my kids did not ride this one. lol

Here are the kids getting off the wagon ride.

Here they are with Santa & Mrs. Claus.

In addition I was able to convince my mom to come and spend the weekend while my dad was receiving his treatments in the hospital.  

As a small business owner I appreciated our town's effort in putting this day together.  My mother did our part of course by shopping for some stocking stuffers and ate at a local eatery.

-MJ

MIRROR MIRROR ON THE ...........

I've been very busy decorating for Christmas in my home and also preparing for my Holiday Boutique in 2 weeks.    I worked on this little project this weekend because it will be part of my holiday decor in the living room.  

This mirror was originally part of a vanity...it is very heavy.  I purchased it from a man on Craigslist for $10 with the intention of painting it and using it somewhere.   This weekend I finally figured out what color and where it is going.

I did a test patch on the bottom right

Here is what I used to paint the mirror....yes Im even a bargain shopper when it comes to paint too. Ooops paint from Home Depot.

Here is the finished mirror in copper w/ gold glaze finish

This is where it hangs in the living room 

Can't reveal anymore because it will give away the whole Christmas decor tour

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

-MJ

THANKFUL

This has been a very hard week for my family, so I will leave the words to a minimum and just show you how I have kept myself busy .


Thanksgiving Tablescape..........the only thing purchased for this tablescape are the 2 brown trees....75% off sale at JoAnn's (c'mon who could resist that kind of sale, when you feeling bad)

Burlap, Gold Chargers, Vintage Wheat Dishes, Trees, Pumpkins, Twig balls, Terra Cotta Pots, Votives, Pinecones, Moss, Candles, Vintage Tags.

Handmade "BLESSINGS" banner

Place setting for Pops

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

You can look for the youtube video on how this table was put together.

HERE

This year I am counting my blessings even more than ever....my step-dad is still in the hospital from this past weekend.  He has been battling cancer in his lungs and kidney, he now has cancer tumors on his brain.  This may be his last Thanksgiving so this year I will be thankful the time I have left with him.

LIFE IS SHORT....Treasure you loved ones, and count each Blessing!

-MJ

TABLESCAPE THURSDAY @ Between Naps on the Porch
VINTAGE INSPIRATION FRIDAY @ Common Ground
FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY @ French Country Cottage

HOLIDAY DECOR.....THANKSGIVING

I'm busy at work getting the house ready for Thanksgiving this week, as well as in the midst of Christmas Decorations.  

Im hosting my Lucky 7 Design Holiday Boutique 2 wks from Saturday so I have started to sprinkle my Winter Wonderland magic throughout the main floor of our house and new studio area.

Here is a sneak peek of some things for the table:

FRIDAY FINDS......FAITH!!!

Today as in more recent days, I need to be stronger in my FAITH.   It takes more than to just believe, I must walk in my belief and have FAITH.


But without FAITH it is impossible to please him, for he who cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  Hebrews 11:6

All images for this post from Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

THRIFTY THURSDAY....Ricordando il mio Nonni

Well...Thanksgiving is next Thursday!!!  Can you believe it, well I guess you can.   From working in retail for years Im so use to being a season ahead, however my family & friends find it funny that I already have my tree up with lights on (no ornaments yet tho...that happens the weekend of Thanksgiving!

I thought I would share with you a thrifty idea for Christmas.    Last night I was photographing holiday items for the shop and this is a little vignette.

This tree is from my Nonna's house and it smells of eucalyptus...It actually goes in the kitchen.   Her father, my great grandfather Nonno Nicola was a pastry chef and owner a bakery in Brooklyn back in the 1930's.    I love my family heritage and tradition so this year again in honor of him..... I took some vintage cookie press discs and tied them onto Italian Linen clothes all cut up.

Perfect little culinary display for the holidays

You could use colored ribbon or twine too.

I think it's a thrifty little idea with a lot of meaning!

BUON NATALE......Ricordando il mio Nonni

Stay tuned for sneak peeks of items that will be at my Holiday Boutique, December 9th at Lucky 7 Design studio.

-MJ

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY....

   Yea......you all know better than me being wordless!

This is what a picture looks like when 2 families with 5 kids each meet up on vacation in South Carolina!

Add into the mix 2 extra kids I brought and 2 on their side......and yes this is what it turns out to be!

              FAMILY & FRIENDS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT!!!!

-MJ

TABLETOP TUESDAY...Honor,Gratitude,Tribute

In honor of Veteran's Day I thought I would share this little section of our home.  It is a downstairs area right outside our the football 'Cowboys Cave' room.

I created it for my husband as a tribute to his service, the United States Marine Corps. and to all the servicemen and women in our military.

A photo of his on deployment day with our then 18 month old daughter.   Also a photo of him with the 100+ U.S. Marines deployed in Iraq.  His promotion certifications along with a handmade USMC Angels sign sent to me from one of the Marines who was an artist.

I founded a non-profit called USMC Angels and sent tons of boxes overseas to the Marines and I also sent him some artist supplies, he in return sent me a great letter and a sign both written on cardboard that was cut from their food boxes.

PLEASE DO NOT LET IT BE ONLY ONCE A YEAR.....that you only recognize the U.S. Military and their families for the sacrifices that they make.  My husband is home, but I make sure that I take the time to thank veteran's when I see them no matter what day it is.

GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES MILITARY.

-MJ

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SATURDAY STYLE......

My little rockstar

FRIDAY FINDS....VETERAN STATUS!

By now you all know that Im head over the heels about my Peacock Christmas Tree this year, Ive been scouring shops, online and in town.  

Earlier this week, while at JoAnns I spotted this feather wreath....I fell in love!  Until I saw the price $39.99...really maybe it was just lust!   But it was then 60% off...still a little high so I didnt grab it.

I went back today for some more supplies and I brought this guy with me.   We just had lunch next store for Veteran's Day.    Guess what????

This handsome Marine got me an additional 20% off today!   

 JoAnn's offered 20% to all veteran's today...a very nice gesture I think.   

So yes....Mama got her feather wreath for the living room to match the tree and other items.

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!!!!!

God Bless our U.S. Military serving stateside and all over the world, and to those who have served and those you sacrificed!