LUCKY 7 DESIGN

50's Sock Hop

2012-01-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

My little girl Samayah turned 5 in December but her bday was the day before my father passed away. So out of respect I decided to postpone her birthday celebration at least a month later and after the 1 month anniversary of my fathers passing.

So Saturday we got together at our local bowling alley and had a 50's Sock Hop Bowling Party for my babygirl!

Here is the bday girl in full sock hop costume

Big sis Gabi...I think that was a yawn...lol

Samayah and her bff Xavier who was the coolest Greaser!!!!

She has found a new picture pose (lord help us...lol)

Xavier, Samayah and the other Greaser Simon

her friend Regina tryin at bowling

Cool dude!

Simon & his big sis Alicia

Who said Greasers can't bowl???

Brianna testing out the ramp method

Simon & Alicia

Samayah's friend Duff

Bday girl is ready to bowl

Big sis helpin out with a ramp technique

Samayah & her buddy Regina

The cake table

Pink favors for the girls - Mini Coca-Cola glasses...stuffed with pink cotton candy and pixie stix.

Boys party favors...yep same dose of pure SUGAR!

Our handmade bowling alley cake from our wonderful family friend Liza, who is also Xavier's mama.

There is the Cake Lady now!!!!

Samayah showing off her cake!

Waiting for the 50s food...hot dogs, cheesburgers, hamburgers and good ol pizza. lol

Chow time!!!

Samayah and 2 of her older siblings Adelina & Alexander

At home..present time...we love to read!!!!

Cool clothes, pajamas and tons of Disney princess stuff!

Since she turned 5....I decide this year we would have a party outside of the house. Thought it would be less stressful...................turns out NO! Im just OCD when it comes to party planning, but I like the no clean up part of it so I might keep this tradition!

Thank you to everyone who came out and made our little girls bday special!!!!

EVERYONE DESERVES PLAYTIME

2012-01-30T07:27:00.000-08:00

Well I haven't posted in a bit, Ive been so busy gathering pieces for the new shop. I received a special little box in the mail last week and have been dying to sit down and play.

This morning....Buggy was busy in the playpen building blocks and playing with her bears. So I went to the kitchen popped open my cans and decided to make some sample pieces for the CeCe Caldwell's Paint line

This is a vintage plantation valet I picked up yesterday

These are a few from my collection of vintage wooden hangers

Here is how I will display the beautiful palette of paints in the shop (maybe in a larger armoire)

The colors are amazing and they glide on like butta!!!!

Some vintage clothespins I decided to make samples of as well

Simply White, Cottonwood Sienna, Seattle Mist, Blue Montana Sky

Can't wait to get my hands on some more colors and create a closet full of gorgeous samples.

A sweet sample of greater things to come!!!

You can find out information of these fabulous GREEN paints on the official CeCe Caldwell's Paints website

There was not one bit of order or scent in my kitchen while I was painting and that is important to me on many levels...as I will inform you more on soon as well.

You can also LIKE the Facebook page where you will see fabulous photos shared of projects completed using the wonderful paints and waxes.

I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST THAT YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!

-MJ

LADIES AND GENTLEMAN....

2012-01-20T17:12:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON TO THIS LOCATION.....

LUCKY 7 DESIGN

ECO FRIENDLY HOME INTERIORS

Today was the meeting for zoning inspection and all went well of course, the building owner has a fantastic building in amazing condition. It's currently a retail shop so we are still under same zoning. Yay!

This is it, now it's crunch time. I have already started sketching vignettes for the shop. I have a ton of furniture pieces to finish as well as my lighting line, pillows and other wood accessories.

The concept of the store is

RECYCLE - REUSE - REPURPOSE

My town of Woodbridge is big on recycling and we have so many great programs, including designated areas for eco-friendly businesses. I will be the 1st on Main Street to be exclusively eco-friendly.

What will be unique about my shop is that I have reached out to some of my favorite artisans and fellow Etsy shop owners on Facebook to offer them an opportunity to sell their product here in New Jersey through Lucky 7 Design.

I have put together an amazing team and I consider them part of the L7D team, we are all on a wonderful journey and I can't wait.

SAVE THE DATE

MARCH 9, 2012

I will have a soft opening on Friday, March 9th, 2012. It would have been my dad's 73rd birthday. I have it set to open that day, and it is the St. Patrick's Day Parade weekend in our town. So the Luck of Irish will be all around me.

Will keep you all posted on the progress in the shop....I have added an album to my with all of the items that will be transformed for sale in the shop.

I will also be sharing with you the fabulous team of vendors.

-MJ

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.......AGAIN!!!

2012-01-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

This time it's for my son Alexander Patrick, today he turns 13. Yes....that means I now have 2 official teenagers in the house in addition to the 3 younger rascals. lol

He would have a fit if I did a mushy post filled with old baby pictures of him, so what's a mom to do????

Big Brother

Cool Dude

Ladies Man

Okay I think my job is done, he will be thoroughly embarrassed by this, but he's not into my blog that much so he'll never know. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

- MJ

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...................

2012-01-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

On this day 11 years ago, God blessed me with Adelina Maria. She was the easiest of my 5 children to delivery and she hasn't been too bad to raise either.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINI!!!!

On one of her 1st days of school

Starting karate school

Her bday 3 yrs ago

Mama was having some trouble on the skates. lol

At her cousin Jordyns pajama bday party

My little fashionista waiting for the school bus

Today on her 11th birthday!!!

LOVE YOU ADELINA!!!!

THE SHOP......

2012-01-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

Okay so I have been posting the difficulties of finding properties for the new physical Lucky 7 Design shop. You all know Im a big fan of my town and wanted to be in the heart of our downtown business district.

There are some vacancies but I have had a hard time, some have been sold and some just weren't the right space.

As you all know I got a call the other night from a property owner from our Main Street and we discussed the prospect of me renting in his building.

Well tonight we met at his shop, which is located in the building. It is a really nice building, an old historical building in town, he refinished the front in stucco. It has big cool windows perfect for merchandising, and Im excited to show you all.....

ARE

YOU

READY????

Here we go..............................

This is the building, it is 100 yrs old, he redid the bottom facade but you can see the original corbels and brick..Its really the nicest building on Main Street.

I will be on the right hand side

This is the front of the store...check out the cool fence installation in the window

Front left of the store

Left side

Segway to the back of the shop

Left back wall

Far left back wall

Back wall, with a private bathroom

This will be where kids recycling craft classes and eco-friendly painting workshops will happen

The checkout counter on the right

Right side front way...doorway to basement. (lol)

Obviously it is currently a cool skate shop, but it is an awesome size space and will be a blank canvas.

Envision burlap, wood, mirror and chalkboard walls....and beautifully painted furniture with the most amazing accessories and handmade art.

I will keep you all posted, but let's just say I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!

- MJ

Big things happening for Lucky 7 Design!

POSSIBILITIES................

2012-01-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

Well most of you already know that I was not able to go with my original location for the new Lucky 7 Design shop. I was disappointed and then I took to the pavement and started walking Main Street area looking for possibilities.

Well here is what I have found, it is just a possibility but Im hoping it will be my saving grace. I shared the photo on my facebook page and got some really great feedback. Although the window will be challenging for me since it's all split up, I think it will work. I had a great suggestion for a window box....I'm excited with all of the possibilities.

The more I look at it, the more charming it can be with some simple touches. I would first paint the door and the window frame woodwork either a white, an off-white or grayish white. I think the facade is perfect with the shingles and the signage will work too. Remove the lettering and it's a blank slate for a new logo....MINE!

Big things happening for Lucky 7 Design this year!!

- MJ

So what do you guys think?

P.S. I forgot to mention earlier when I posted this, that the owner is a woman and a dress shop owner as well. She is only 2 stores down from this one, and she is such a lovely lady. Maybe it's another sign that my saving grace will be given to me from another businesswoman.

TREASURES FOR THE SHOP

2012-01-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

My friends Jeanette, Liza and I all went on a little girls day out. Well let me say I was thrilled with all the treasures I found for the shop.

For now I will be listing in my Lucky 7 Design Etsy shop, then some will be brought to the new shop.

A beautiful glass shamrock suncatcher.

Cream/Green tin

Wooden utensil caddy & wood cheese slicer

Wood/Glass Cloche

Vintage plate of St. Joseph's

Hurricane glass inserts for vintage brass candleholders

Stainless espresso set

Heart cookie cutter set in tin

Vintage muffin tin from Sears

Vintage rolling pin w/ red accents

Vintage biscuit cutter

I can't wait to take the items out the studio and display them all over the new shop.

- MJ

SUNDAY INSPIRATION

2012-01-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

Today Im reflecting on the women who inspired my fashion sense and my love of vintage. I grew up in a 1 parent household after the age of 5. My mother Maria and I watched alot of tv together and these were the women I would see. Her mother Anna was a pretty snazzy dresser herself...she has some amazing legs. Her thing was stilettos, she had a pair of orange ones. I have saved a pair of her silver leather weaved sandals..lol

My mother's closet was always fascinating to me...always packed to the ceiling with boxes of shoes and tons of bars holding clothing and coats. I use to hide in there and try on shoes...and she would eventually catch me and tell me to get out! I always thought of my mother as a cross between Jackie O and a white Diana Ross....she had the poofy black hair, drawn on eyebrows, BIG sunglasses and always dressed even to go to the store. I can count on one hand how many times I've seen her wear sneakers, in fact it was in the house when she was doing aerobics. hahaha

Diana Ross

Joan Collins & Diane Carroll

Elizabeth Taylor

Faye Dunaway

Eartha Kitt

Diane Carroll

Joan Crawford

Jacqueline Bovier Kennedy (yes..YSL)

Another of Diana Ross...I love this longer full bob and the fur...(sigh..this is my winter inspiration)

Well here is to the fabulous stylish women who inspire my love of all things old and beautiful...thanks to my Nonna and you too Mom!

My grandmother along with my mother as a young girl. (1950's Brooklyn, NY)

- MJ

JANUARY 6TH 2012 ..........................

2012-01-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

The 12th day, Three Kings Day, The Epiphany..........January 6, 2012

Background on Epiphany

Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It was celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was established. It is commonly known as Twelfth Night, Twelfth Day, or the Feast of Epiphany. It means “manifestation” or “showing forth”. It is also called Theophany (“manifestation of God
”), especially by Eastern Christians. Epiphany also refers to the church season that follows the day.

Whatever you call it or however you choose to celebrate this day, just keep in your heart the true meaning! It is the celebration of Baby Jesus. For those of you with children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren. Love and Cherish them....today and everyday!

- MJ

FRIDAY FINDS....SCHOOL DAYZ

2012-01-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

It's been quite some time since I've been in school, however I have a huge love for vintage school supplies, desks, and chalkboards. Maybe because my mother was a Special Education school teacher and my father (RIP) was a School Administrator at the end of his career.

Once again....Craigslist to the rescue. I found this baby on there and lucky me the man lived right in the next town. I drove 5 minutes, he and a young man carried it from their garage to my van and even loaded it. (thank you gentleman)

I have visions dancing in my head on how I can display this in the store and what will go with it. Yay!

What do you think???

Isn't he handsome

This was taken by my son...lol

Nice back...no damage

Fresh clean start .......

Friday was always dress down or bummy day at school...so rest assured I am posting this in my husband's coaching sweatshirt and some yoga pants.

Have A Great Weekend!!!

-MJ

CRAIGSLIST CONNECTION...THIS TIME A GOOD ONE!

2012-01-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

I had been posting on facebook earlier today that I was picking up some vintage canvas shopping baskets for the new shop. Along with those 25 baskets I was also acquiring a vintage wood Murphy desk.

So after many emails this week, the poster "Dave" and I spoke via telephone and I made it to his home which is literally 5 minutes from mine. But that is not the funny part of this story.

I tell him in my email that I don't enter properties so could he please have them on a porch or near entry. He agreed.

I arrive at the home and ring the bell, a young man comes to the door and says hello. I immediately recognize him, I say "you are my son's.....and he stops me and says no I don't think so. I said no you were my son Alexander's karate instructor. LOL

Yes, he was my son's instructor for almost 2 years and Im sure I didn't look the same (pre baby#5. lol)

So we start talking about where he found them and what I told him about me opening the shop up the street (he is right off of the downtown area). I was shocked, I would never have figured him for a picker but turns out he is definitely that and a good one.

He took me to the garage and showed me his AMAZE-BALLS (Im a Tori Spelling fan what can I say) collection of vintage spray paint cans. Pssssssssst if anyone has any and wants to get rid of them...he is your guy. His facebook page is Cap Matches Color....he and his partner are working on a book and I was so impressed with his collection.

He had some other items that I had seen on craigslist and I told him that we need to become bff pickers. I'm still taken with the fact that he is into old and vintage things. He is primarily more automotive and paint but that works because me...not so much.

Here is what Im crushing on next from his pile......................

Do you know what it is???? Can u guess what Im going to use it for in the shop???

I guess that is why they say you can't judge a book by it's cover. Who knew that a very strict and talented karate instructor was a auto repair guy and a picker too.

What a fun day....wait to you guys see what Im getting from him next. I'll have to pace myself so I dont spend the whole shops inventory budget. But these pieces will be such great displays for the shop and Im so excited to have made this connection/contact.

TIME TO SADDLE UP....AND KEEP RIDING!

2012-01-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

Well this is the 1st post of 2012....my last post wasn't so fun (my father had just passed) and I kinda just put blogging aside.

Well it's time to saddle up again, I have big plans for 2012 and I need to make it happen. Im in the process of opening my own physical brick & mortar shop. I like the word shop rather than store, it feels more inviting to me....a store is where you buy your groceries. lol

Things are going well, I have met with some officials in my town to discuss the opening of the shop and it's concept. The shop name is Lucky 7 Design Eco-Friendly Home Interiors. The concept of the store is to showcase furniture pieces repurposed and redesigned for today's use and therefore keeping a recycling and green concept.

I have gathered up some of my favorite artisans/crafters from coast to coast and their lines will be available in the shop. They all have a unified concept and business mindset and I want to share that with my community here in Woodbridge, New Jersey.

My town goverment officials are huge believers in the GREEN concept and way of life. Our Mayor has put into place some fantastic resources and we are all hoping Lucky 7 Design will be apart of that plan soon.

Classes & Workshops will be offered at the shop spotlighting ways to decorate GREEN and also how to recycle and repurpose items.

I will also be hosting a children's class once a month and teach children that there is really more to recycling that separating trash into different bins. Each month will we create something from a spotlighted item.

I hope you all will join me in this wonderful journey, as the time gets closer I will of course share with you all of the wonderful vendors who have signed on to be apart of this dream of mine.

I leave you with some inspiring photos of my visions for the shop and the window displays and that downtown Main Street feel.

All images found through Google.

WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

- MJ

CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED....

2011-12-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

I don't mean literally but my family has suffered a great loss. My father passed away on Wednesday, so the holidays will not feel the same this year. Services will be held the Monday after Christmas so I will off the blog for a bit to take care of my family.

David Joseph Belford III

| Visit Guest Book

David Joseph Belford, III

Toms River

David Joseph Belford III, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011 at his home. He was born in Elizabeth, NJ where he resided before moving to Toms River 10 years ago. He attended Sacred Heart High School and Delta State, Mississippi obtaining a Bachelor's Degree and for 37 years he was an educator and athletic coach for the Elizabeth Board of Education, before his retirement in 1999. He served in the United States Army and had been an Inductee in the Elizabeth Athletic Hall on April 26, 2007.

Surviving are his wife, Marie Dolores Belford of 20 years; his children, David J. Belford IV and his wife Kim of Marlboro, NJ, William S. Belford and his wife Kathleen of Lanoka Harbor, Melanie L. Joseph and her husband Brian of Sewaren, NJ, Brianna M. Belford of Toms River, NJ, John D. Pagliarulo of Jersey City, Patricia A. Pagliarulo of Bayonne, NJ and his 14 grandchildren.

Visiting will be Monday, 5-8pm at the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, 2482 Church Rd., Toms River. Funeral services will be Monday evening at the funeral home. Cremation will be Private. www.silverton memorial.com

Published in Asbury Park Press on December 22, 2011

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/app/obituary.aspx?n=david-joseph-belford&pid=155140113

God saw you were getting tired,
and a cure was not to be,
so he put his arms around you
and whispered, "Come to me"

With tearful eyes we watched you,
And saw you pass away,
Although we loved you dearly,
we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove
to us.
He only takes the best.

I wish you all a Happy Holiday with your family. Life is short, make sure you spend time with your family and make peace and tell what you want to say.

- MJ

ONE, TWO, TREE....

2011-12-21T07:02:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas trees, I need to have more than one because of my love for different styles and themes. From a young age I remember my mother pulling out tons of boxes (it was the 70's not plastic tubs back then...lol) and she would decide what the year's theme would be for the Christmas tree.

I thought I would just share some of the trees in my home this year

Our BIG outdoor tree year round

This year's Peacock tree in the living room

Simple red/green trees on the table for Christmas morning breakfast

Prayer card tree in the dining room

Dove tribute tree in the dining room

Trees in the studio w/ Shiny Brites

My 1st white tree in the studio

Trees in the kitchen for a party

My Nonna's eucalyptus tree with cookie press ornaments

And the latest....simple woodland tree to accent Santa (on loan from my mother's home)

I didn't count many we have this year, but I know we didn't do our tree downstairs in the football room like last year. Just too much going on right now, but we will back in action next year!

How many trees do you display in your home for the holidays??

Happy Holidays...from my home to yours!

- MJ

TRIBUTE TABLESCAPE OF HOPE

2011-12-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

Well as most of you know this is a very hard time for my family. I am full of nervous energy not knowing what the next day will bring. I didn't know what to do with myself today so I dismantled the exsisting tablescape of bright red/green.

I have faith and hope that my father is in peace and will go when it is time, although we are hoping that we get as many days as possible.

I chose to do a simple tablescape using little white doves and champagne colored ornaments on a vintage style tree. I surrounded it with praying angel candleholders and lots of candles.

HOPE banner

Simple long length centerpiece

Vintage style trees with white doves and champagne ornaments

Praying angels

Gold charger, white square plate

Handmade vintage prayer card image tag ornaments

The altar table with golden angel and tinsel trees

Love, Peace and Hope

Full tablescape view from kitchen

This tablescape was created as a tribute to my father who is battling cancer. I used white doves and champagne colored ornaments on a vintage style tree as the centerpiece.

The dove is known as a sign of love, peace and hope. I have hope that he will hang in there a little longer and celebrate Christmas with all of his family around him.

-MJ

Here is a short video featuring this same tablescape

I HATE YOU.....CANCER

2011-12-18T18:32:00.000-08:00

This is an open letter to Cancer personally from me. This post might not be for everyone, but I share things on my blog about life! The good, the bad, the ugly doesnt just apply to decorating.

Dear Cancer

I loathe you, despise you, get sick at the thought of you, when I hear your name...it makes my skin crawl. I HATE YOU CANCER.

You want to know why I can say that I HATE YOU...I mean hate is such a strong word and all. Well I feel not only qualified but justified in my right to hate you...and here is why!

I was born way back in the 70's to my unwed parents, my waitress mother and an alcoholic-abusive father. Thankfully my mother walked away and we moved on from that.

When I was about 8-9 years old while on a vacation to Florida for one of my brother's basketball finals, my mother was introduced to a man named David. He was a recently divorced father of 2 boys and they started dating.

This is David (a.k.a Dave)

Well we did family vacations and all sorts of stuff for the next 10 years and in 1991 after his youngest son and I had turned 18 he and my mother were married. He was officially my father by law.

I didn't have a close relationship with my father at all, and he in fact was diagnosed with CANCER (yes you in 2006 and died). I didn't like you then, but you didn't cause me pain because of my estranged relationship with him. However you stole a grandfather to my children...even if they didnt know him the way I did.

During this same time my stepfather David was battling your wrath as well, you started in his colon, then you attacked his lungs, liver and kidney. Basically you just kept tryin and tryin...... I guess you really wanted to get your point across.

Guess what?????? You were messing with the wrong man. David was a stubborn Irishman who wasn't gonna let some Cancer take him down. He fought you, and fought hard. His medical file is over 2 inches thick and the doctor's called him a champ and a fighter.

That makes you a loser!!!

Now I guess you came up with a plan sometime this year while he was in remission and decided you wanted to attack him once and for all and win this battle. So a few weeks ago we found out , you now were not only in his lungs, kidney but you played dirty and went for his brain.

Now he wasn't discouraged, he started his radiation and did what he needed to do, but being the sore loser you are you just couldn't let him defeat you again. So you became more aggressive and now attacked him so hard that he is in bed and can barely speak.

I HATE YOU CANCER!!!!!!

This man deserves a better way, a better life... you have no idea the man he is or the things he has done in his life.

He was a father to me from the time I was 8 years old even if it wasnt official. He gave me 2 brothers I didnt have before and a life and childhood that I enjoyed and appreciated in comparison to the one I was born into. He was there at my wedding, and was there for my children. He was their grandfather!

He took in my sister's son when she wasn't capable of raising him and raised that boy to 18 yrs of age. He then took in her daughter as well, he and my mother adopted her and have been raising her for the past 11 years since she was 3 months old.

This is the type of person who you choose to take from this world? How about you attack the low life murderers and killers who prey on little children and helpless people. Why would you take someone who helped to save a child's life. Who chose a career to teach and guide children.

He was a teacher and a educational administrator for 37 years in a trouble school district, but he was there and did his job. This is the type of person who you choose to attack??

Your a coward, a punk...you can fight but guess what you will never win!

Anyone who knew my father, knows that he fought you and kicked your ass as best he could. If you would've kept it even, and not got dirty you would've never got him down.

He may be in his last days of life, but he is loved by all of his children and his 14 grandchildren. He is respected by his family and friends.

What are you????

You are a sickness, a disease that makes people sick. You are nothing good, you are evil. You are hated, despised and nobody has anything good to say about you!

So in the end, which will be any day now. David....my father won, because you are nothing! He is everything you aren't good, loved, respected and most of all will be received by his God and will finally be at peace.

To me he is Pops and although he won't be able to read this....I know that I have stood up for him and told you that I hate you for taking him from my family.

I love you Pops and will miss you very much!!!

To my friends and readers I remind you.....get you yearly checkups and required tests. Do not let this bastard CANCER get the best of your family!

-MJ

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST...........ANOTHER TABLESCAPE

2011-12-17T15:45:00.000-08:00

It doesn't take much to get me to do another tablescape. So after the video was shot for the more elegant tablescape, the table was cleared and was bare for a day. Then I had an idea.....why not set another table for our Christmas Breakfast.

On Christmas morning, the kids (all 5 of them) wake up at the sight of light sky and coming running down to wake us up and open presents.

After all that fun and mama has taken all of the photos of the smiley faces and video of the screams, then Im off to the kitchen to make breakfast. We started a new tradition when we moved to the new house. We have french toast but instead of using your everyday white bread. I slice up our holiday Panettone and use it for the french toast...............so delicious.

So this will be our simple breakfast table for Christmas morning:

Colorful

Simple and Fun

My favorite NEW vintage looking trees

Place Settings

I love this pattern on the white plate, these are so old I don't remember where I go them. I believe my mother gifted them to me.

Some mini glass ornaments adorn the tree

My casual centerpiece

Greenery, ornaments, gift boxes with a playful holiday tablecloth

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS!!!

-MJ

HOLIDAY DECOR....THE PORCH

2011-12-15T09:18:00.000-08:00

This year the motto is less is more......I'm not a fan of huge lighting set ups on the roof and obnoxious amounts of blow ups all over the front lawn.

My normal color scheme throughout the year is red/white/turquoise on my porch. My house is tan and I always have up my Black metal stars on the windows frames and my wicker furniture is painted black and so are my Pottery Barn trunks which I use for storage out there.

So this year it's a simple rustic Christmas here at our home.....How about yours?

Our humble home....Casa Joseph

Our very own HUGE REAL Christmas tree adorned w/ some bows

I will put out presents underneath the tree and around the 2nd sled.

WELCOME

Repurposed chalkboard, handmade holiday crafts

Love displaying vintage on the porch....sled, waste can, lantern.

My vintage screendoor (newly painted red) w/ my custom made for me wreath from my South Carolina crafty chick LP ..her line of wreaths are amazing...check out her shop SHENANAGAINS

Some cozy moose love on the wicker settee

This little moose is 17 years old, she and her partner were bought for my oldest daughter

Other sitting area of the porch...vintage wooden wagon

Love this....it's not about the most popular toy or the best gift.

Let's also remember those who can't be home with their families for the holidays.

GOD BLESS.......the men and women of The U.S. Military!

FROM MY HOME TO YOURS.....

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

-MJ

I'm from Jersey, I'm always ready for a party

The Inspired Room Christmas Home Tours

HOLIDAY TABLE.......CHRISTMAS TABLE & A VIDEO

2011-12-14T19:32:00.000-08:00

This year I wanted to keep my dining room color scheme simple and not have to change out everything just for the holidays. Im still loving my trellis panels in Black/Creme/Tan so that is the color scheme I stayed within. Adding along the way touches of gold and silver.

Simple Shimmer is this year's theme

Very Simple Place Setting

Gold/Cream/Black

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Shimmery gift for guests

Handmade utensil holders

Full view

Main piece in our simple center table arrangement

Simple handmade chair accent

Small tree with handmade prayer card tag ornaments

Buffet display

Angel on the left

Angel of the right

The handmade nativity set my grandfather made filled with pieces from Italy

Altar shelf with some accents (dont mind the wreath..I forgot it was there)

Another angel.....

HAPPY HOLIDAY FROM LUCKY 7 DESIGN

-MJ

Well we have had a few minor problems with the loss of the camera. But I decided to upload the video to my youtube channel anyway. Hope you like it:

TABLE SCAPE SOURCE

Chargers: My mother & Dollar Tree
Dinner Plate: Dollar Tree
Bowl: Dollar Tree
Wine Glass: Dollar Tree
Glass candlesticks: Dollar Tree
Garland trees: Dollar Tree
Glass Ball Ornaments: Vintage Shiny Brites
Tree Centerpiece: Family Dollar
Place Card Holder: Bombay Company (1995)
Angel Candlesticks: Bombay Company (1995)

IT'S A HOMETOWN HOLIDAY PARADE.....GOTTA LOVE MY TOWN

2011-12-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

My hometown is so cool, our mayor is all about community. I want to invite you to Woodbridge, NJ and our yearly Holiday Parade held on Main Street....yep that's right we have a Main Street and it is our downtown business district filled with restaurants, shops and hopefully the new home for Lucky 7 Design in the Spring.

Enjoy the parade and look out for Santa.............

Our train station overpass

Our stage, with our Municipal Clerk at the helm

American Legion...Woodbridge is very supportive of their veterans (new/old) and being a wife of a veteran I take pride and respect that of our local goverment.

Baseball Mascot

The Ragtimers

Local Dance School float

Cool cars

Cool motorcycles

Our wonderful men in uniform...the Woodbridge Fire Department

A vintage ambulance

Girls scouts (my daughter's troop)

She is the petite one on the right carrying the banner

High School Band

Colonial Group

Sweet father/daughter moment

Vintage cars

This was so cool

Nothing better than the sound of live bagpipers

A horse riding family...see we have cowboys in Jersey!

OMG....my favorite car and color

The Fallen Hero truck...created in honor of fallen police officers

She was having a good time

Here comes Santa Claus....Here comes Santa Claus....right down Main Street

Santa & Mrs. Claus waving to the locals

My girls had a blast watching their sister in the parade and seeing the arrival of Santa Claus

This was a highlight of my day at the parade....yes a potato on a stick!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM

LUCKY 7 DESIGN

-MJ

TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY.....QUEEN ANNE LOVES MUSIC

2011-12-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

This is a little redesign project that happened during prep for my show on Saturday. I needed more space in the kitchen for drinks and treats so I pulled it out and decided it would do the trick but not in it's current condition.

Here is was in the nursery

After a nice coat of Valspar paint

Application of sheet music to the top

My tools

Finished project

I love sheet music (I took piano lessons as a little girl)

Here she is all dressed up for the show

I change my mind frequently...lol So the trees went into the studio and the wine, sangria and treats filled the table and made her happy too.

This is how she looked at the end of the night adorned with santa stockings.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM LUCKY 7 DESIGN

- MJ

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE /HOME TOUR @ LUCKY 7 DESIGN

2011-12-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

The day finally arrived. The 1st Lucky 7 Design Holiday Boutique was held on Saturday, Dec. 10th. I wanted to introduce my eco-friendly accessory line along with my vintage finds to friends, family and their friends. It was a taste of what will be coming up in the Spring when Lucky 7 Design will have a physical location on Main Street in our downtown business district. Can you get any sweeter than Main Street?

My home was merchandised room by room according to different services offered Lucky 7 Design.

The Studio - Showcase of vintage finds, handmade items and repurposed furniture and other items

Our blue/white/cream display

stockings, shoes, napkin rings, jewelry,

Vintage hutch filled with treasures

handmade jewelry displayed in vintage bundt molds

Antique chairs filled adorned w/ music garland, paper ornaments and fav photo of tree in SC

Red/Green on display...handmade pillows, ribbon trees in vintage pottery, player piano rolls, handmade shadow boxes, gamepiece necklaces as well a new vintage mini hat line.

Hand painted holiday shadow boxes and photo mattes

All handmade paper goods

Our Nest wall decor

Vintage shutters given new life (UPDATE...Sold)

Vintage Shiny Brite Ornaments from Poland & USA displayed on trees and also in 1/2 dozen and dozen original boxes. Handmade paper flowers on stems, banners, baby shoe nest, and pink jewelry.

Dining Room - Tablescape Design/Event Planning

I love to create a beautiful table

Glimpse with lit candles

Black/Cream/Gold/White/Silver Theme

The Living Room - Holiday Decorating

Peacock theme for the mantle

Sweet vignette in the living room

Archway adorned for the holiday and flanked with chartreuse vases

Living Room peacock vignette w/ luggage and boxes

The Peacock Tree (my favorite tree yet)

The Kitchen - Entertaining

The kitchen hutch merchandised with goods

Closeup of holiday plates, napkin rings, vintage creamer, scales and rolling pin. Handmade holiday shadowboxes

My husband's creative idea to cover my stovetop. I didn't admit immediately how much I loved the idea....but I do!

Vintage tray redesigned to chalkboard sign...also old terracotta pots made into candle stick bases with moss and holly and functional candle.

Redesigned beat up old Queen Anne console table into fabulous new beverage table (for tonight anyway)

Snowball wreaths, Sunburst style wreaths, Jute Santa wreath, Red burlap stockings, Santa Belt stockings and vintage chalkboard serving trays all for sale.

So grateful to those who attended and for their positive feedback. Reassures me that I am doing the right think in pursuing my dream of opening a shop.

Special thanks to my supportive and handy husband and my supportive kiddos who think Mama is sometimes a mad scientist creative all of these things. Today my son said to me " I just wanna say Im so proud of you, you really are doing what you wanna do, kinda making your dream come true. Good Luck".

Yes Im now crying as I type this, but it's warms my heart that he gets it and appreciates it too.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM LUCKY 7 DESIGN

- MJ

I posted this on my facebook but thought I would share here as well, if you are an artist, crafter, vendor of goods and are interested in selling your items outside of your area. Like at the upcoming LUCKY 7 DESIGN Home Interiors shop in New Jersey....please contact me at lucky7design@yahoo.com for info.

Inspired Room

HOLIDAY KITCHENS

2011-12-09T21:16:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of my kitchen this year. Now it is a little overdone because it is merchandised for my Holiday Boutique which is tomorrow. So the kitchen is done in reds/greens/whites and it's full of eye candy.

My favorite black beauty hutch is stacked with holiday goodies...some handmade some vintage.

Sorry for the glare on the picture frame, that is my Nonna's photo and she likes the spotlight. lol

Here is a new table I made for the show and will serve as a beverage stand for guests. (come back on Monday for the post on how this table was transformed)

A vintage style tree with....yep vintage Shiny Brite ornaments...which will be for sale tomorrow.

Another tree with more Shiny Brite ornaments....the black trays are in my shop too. They are vintage tin trays that I turned into chalkboard trays and will hold some yummy yuletide treats (that's another post too...lol)

WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY HOLIDAYS ... FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS

-MJ

Kitchens......AT THE PICKET FENCE

HOLIDAY GIFT EXCHANGE......I GOT ME A COOL CHICK

2011-12-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

So the crafty Linda from Craftaholics Anonymous was hosting a fabulous Holiday Exchange this year. So I wanted to sign up because I love meeting new people and learning where they are from and what they love to create. I'm a huge fan of her and all the amazing projects and ideas shared at CA.

We were all randomly matched up and my partner's name is Alexis. Alexis was a cool chick from the get go, she emailed me Howdy Partner! Our 1st -2nd email we knew of each other's likes and our home decor and were excited to see what we would come up with for each other.

Now Alexis lives out in Utah (funny I have met a few people from Utah since bloggin......who knew). She mentioned how she couldn't till the Springtime so she could paint her front door Yellow! I thought......that's it, I will make her something for her fabulous new Yellow Door. So this is what I made my cool partner:

The perfect Springtime wreath...with touches of Yellow,Teal, Coral

I hope it will look great on her Yellow Door and Welcome all her family and friends.

Closeup of flower embellishments with resin buttercream rose

Now I didn't want her to think I was a Scrooge and not acknowledge that this was a Holiday Exchange, so I decided to send her one of my Old World Style Burlap Stockings too.

Personalized for her family

Also a set of jute napkin rings for her table

So this is what I packed up and sent off to Utah a few days ago

******************************************************

Now here is what my fabulous partner Alexis sent to me:

How awesomely crafty is she....

Each side of the blocks have different patterns

All of the patterns are gorgeous and match my kitchen perfectly!

Only 17 more days to Christmas!!!!!!

Thanks to Alexis I have the coolest craftiest reminder of how much time left till Santa arrives (and the 5 kiddos in the house can take turns changing the blocks everyday!

Big thank you to Linda for hosting such a great event, so happy I signed up!

Huge thank you to Alexis for the wonderful gift she sent me, I will treasure it for years to come and here is to a new long distance friendship!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

-MJ

THIS YEAR'S MANTLE

2011-12-05T16:09:00.000-08:00

Well this year's theme in the living room is EXOTIC PEACOCK....so of course the fireplace mantle must be included. I wanted something a little over the top this year...something eclectic, bright and just out of the box (literally)

Here is my Peacock Themed Mantle for Christmas 2011

This year's mantle is dressed a little differently that last years.

Big swag w/ colorful balls, some jewels and also 2 mini trees on the bottom adorned with baubles.

Closeup of all the pretty vintage goodies from my box and a special peacock ball in the center.

Glass bowl of vintage glass ornaments

Right side mantle drape

Turquoise Ball Jar & McDonald jar filled with snow and trees and Christmas (left)

Left side mantle drape

Reading chair area next to fireplace (former home of the yearly tree)

This year's Peacock tree and inspiration for the mantle decor

Southern Hospitality

HOLIDAY COPYCAT

2011-12-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

Thrifty Decor ChickMy Holiday copycat story goes like this.....

I had an idea while working on my jewelry line that I wanted to do a Peacock themed Christmas tree. Let me explain....I was making peacock earrings. lol

So I wanted to look around and see what had been done before and so I did a Google image search. I saw some trees, some tacky, some nice and one in particular that drew me in.

The tree was gorgeous and when I clicked it brought me to the page of a fellow blogger who I adore...Artie of Color Outside The Lines. It then didn't surprise me why the tree was so beautiful, he has such and eye for detail and such eclectic taste.

I of course reached out to him and told him the story and how now Im even more inspired by his 2009 tree to create a wonderful peacock tree of my own this year.

This tree is beyond gorgeous with all of the details

Those are lanterns wired into the tree

Love the gold w/ the blue

Well the story gets better, I received a box in the mail from Artie with tons of treasures. He said in his card that he hoped it could be a small step in the Peacock Tree of my dreams...

SERIOUSLY.....it was a Christmas tree kit! LOL It brought tears to my eyes (yes, I literally cried while unwrapping every ornament and bauble. I took every jewel and gem in that box and sprinkled it all over my living room and pulled out what I had in my Christmas Collection Stash to compliment it.

This has been a tough time for my family, but Artie made my week so this post is a tribute to him and my Copycat tree of his masterpiece.

Here is the Peacock Tree of my dreams...with all of the precious gifts on it.

Top half...

I didn't have any lanterns so here is what I did...I set a Violet Velvet box inside one of the branches and perched an Emerald green bird filled with gold balls.

Bottom half

Even the card he sent me was beautiful..the words on the inside too!

THANK YOU ARTIE...

You all can check out his fabulous blog HERE

AND

he was featured in the newspaper which is just the same as magazine to me, you can see it HERE

-MJ

Let the parties begin.....

Thrifty Decor Chick

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE.............. AT COWGIRL IN THE SAND

2011-12-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

Well I let you all know that yesterday I was off to a Holiday Open House at none other than Cowgirl In The Sand. We are both New Jersey residents and I wanted to go and meet her and show my support. I of course also had an item that I just had to have so, I invited a friend of mine to shop along.

This is how you are greeted upon entering....Im in love with that table.

Cozy rocker and shopping bags

What a beautiful tree and mantle display

Sorry for the dark photo...the sun was beaming in brightly

These Old Gringo boots were beyond gorgeous and so were her leather chairs.

These cards and tags were so pretty

Love this sign...might need one for my studio soon.

Beautiful necklaces on display

This was not for sale but I love nativities and this one is amazing...I had to photograph it.

This is the dining room where all the goodies were for snacking.

I love slim trees...such pretty ornaments too.

What a cute merchandising idea...pins display in baking tins.

This is such a great idea for bar items

The yummiest sauces were here...I bought Salvation Sauce & Garlic Serrano Hot Sauce.

Big Daddy used it that same night with his chicken and said it was great!

This wreath was so beautiful I would love this in my dining room over my mirror. Vintage ornaments......Stunning!

Such a sweet touch on the dining chairs...bells tied with ribbon. (I might have to borrow this idea...I love it so much)

Okay....these wooden hutches are seriously to die for....I just kept touching them and admiring the wood...notice all of the nativity sets she has.....I thought I was the only one who had more than 3...apparently not. Her collection is amazing!

Some fabulous jewelry displayed for sale

I loved her fireplace decor

Another shot of the fabulous tree

Love the crosses and well dressed bookcase

This was the cutest thing ever...It says "Dear Santa Leave Presents Take Brother"...lol so cute she has 4 boys so I thought it was extra funny.

Here is my friend "Chacha" checking out

Such beautiful packaging

Here we are Elise is the owner/creative mind behind Cowgirl In The Sand...isn't she stunning even with her injured finger (notice that the turquoise bandage is her trademark business color too)lol

And here is my fabulous find from Elise.....My gorgeous Peacock Ring surrounded by stones on a massive silver base.

Go on over to her shop and visit her on facebook HERE

Thank you Elise .....you are a sweet lady and I was so happy to meet you in person! You home is gorgeous and I can't wait to have you come to mine.

I HOPE YOU ALL WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES & HANDMADE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!!

BLOGGING JERSEY GIRLS....THE FACE TO FACE

2011-12-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

Today is gonna be a cool day.....I'm heading over to finally meet Elise from Cowgirl In The Sand.

We both live in New Jersey and have never met yet! We talk and comment each other on facebook but have never had the opportunity to get together.

Today she is hosting her Holiday Open House and I am making a point to go and meet her and I have a special item that I am hoping to come home with ( I will share with you later along with fabulous photos)

If you haven't already found her, then check out her Facebook page HERE

Have a Great Saturday Everyone.........get those Christmas lights and decorations up and those gifts wrapped.

-MJ

FURNITURE FRIDAY...HOLIDAY DISPLAY @ LUCKY 7 DESIGN STUDIO

2011-12-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

Today I'm sharing a furniture redesign for my studio area in my home. My Holiday Boutique is 8 days away and I'm still working on holiday items but the bones of the studio are almost finished.

my sweet antique flip top table (i think it was a game table...not sure)

a quick coat of white primer

Valspar

I left all of the knicks and bumps...I like it that way.

My 1st white Christmas tree...with ornaments from last years holiday decor in the master bath mixed with some vintage finds and my line of home & holiday accessories.

More pics to follow after the Holiday Boutique on 12/10

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

-MJ

THRIFTY THURSDAY...SLEEK SEWING TABLE REDESIGN

2011-12-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

This is my vintage sewing table (there is no sewing machine inside anymore). I purchased it from a man on Craigslist.

It was banged up on the outside

A light sanding

A nice coat of Valspar black paint

In the living room with some holiday bling

Here she is next to the tree in her own holiday vignette

- MJ

WISHING ON A STAR....

2011-11-30T07:52:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-11-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

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

""/>

SMALL BUSINESS DAY

2011-11-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

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 ...........

2011-11-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-23T18:18:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2011-11-18T01:10:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

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....

2011-11-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-14T20:48:00.000-08:00

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

""/>

SATURDAY STYLE......

2011-11-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

My little rockstar

FRIDAY FINDS....VETERAN STATUS!

2011-11-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

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!

THRIFTING THURSDAY.....SHOP CLOSING

2011-11-10T10:54:00.000-08:00

My sweet crafty mother has been telling me about this little shop by her house in South Jersey and how the lady is now going out of business. Everything is now 50% off, so while visiting my mother on Wednesday I decided I would stop in and see what this shop had to offer.

It was a quaint shop filled with little vignettes and treasures. Some good antique finds and some new hand-mades. A true great mix of a good stuff in a shop, sad that it is closing but great deals to be found.

I started browsing with my mom, we talked a little bit with the shop owner about Etsy and I told her she could probably have a thriving online business on Etsy with whatever she has left over after the closing.

So here is what I came home with yesterday, and needless to say that Im thrilled with all of my finds, truly good stuff!

This is my take home stash

They are clay Halloween ornaments....so sweet.

I adore these canisters and they are so heavy.

This lovely collection is for my peacock tree, how amazing that I found these colors in a rubbermaid tub of Christmas ornaments that were red,green,white,gold.

The owner truly listened when I told her I was doing a peacock tree this year and she came out of her flower shop section with this box of feathered friends! IM IN LOVE..

These are snow men clay ornaments and they are so sweet. I might list some in my shop for the holidays!

Another Ball jar for my collection. I now have 2 blue & 2 clear in tall / short sizes.

That is my installment of Friday Finds and I'd say I found some good stuff. I already have a list of things that I saw but didn't get....they will probably be in next weeks post!

- MJ

WHAT I WORE WEDNESDAY....MAMA'S MAKEOVER

2011-11-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

Well you remember a few months ago I was blonde for the summer and this is what I looked like until today.

Flip flops and sun kissed hair

Im glowing the sun is so hot ( i miss those days...kinda)

I went to the salon today and got a little mini makeover in the way of some fabulous hair color! I had to get rid of the blonde and I wasn't sure if I wanted to go with my base color of brown (blah)

I have been crushing on redheads (I posted it HERE) and was thinking maybe an auburn would be good, I haven't been auburn in years...I mean years!

So here it is...

Hair: By Jessica A. @ Exquisite Hair Design

Jeans: Forever 21

Shirt : Forever 21

Boots: MakeMeChic.com

Necklace: Mama J Jewels

They say.......Blondes are wild, Brunettes are true...but you never know what a REDHEAD will do!

-MJ

MAMA'S NEW SPACE....

2011-11-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year....I turned my master bedroom into my daughter's nursery. It was also my 4 yr old's napping room. Well it's years end, and the napping doesn't happen much anymore, and this mama is in need of a truly creative space to work. My dining room table isn't working for me anymore, it's still where I blog so that's enough.

Here is the post where you can see the original transformation....when I guest posted over at A Crafty Southern Chick

And now here is where I am right now....I am by no means done! I have to go and pick up my work table from a man on Craigslist this week. I also need to get some shelving for the far wall to keep all of my hand-made's, and things that are listed in my shop.

I kept the theme and colors the same, because it is soothing to me. The birds to me represent me spreading my creative wings and flying into success.

This is where the antique toddler bed was originally, it's now just an area where I may blog. After I reupholster the seat base and paint the chair and mod podge the top of that table. LOL

The is the side of the room where the crib is...(left). That cabinet houses all of my Mama J Jewels supplies and finished jewelry pieces.

This is the closet door, but will also kind of be my inspiration focus wall since it will be what Im looking at while working at the new table.

This was one of my vintage finds...its a great piece that I have already removed the hardware from and will be painted over in Olde White Chalk Paint.

This is my little mini Lucky 7 Design shop. It houses some things listed in my shop and some new creations. I think it inspiring to be surrounded by your work.

This birdcage is from JoAnn's and it is like my mini clothesline...I think I will be making the birds blue birds...lol

I used another one of my vintage painter's ladder to hold my fabric pieces and some pillows waiting to be stuffed!

My way of displaying my handmade napkin ring sets....theyre on my hand-painted vintage wood hangers.

This wall will be fit with some wooden shelving units to be merchandised with Lucky 7 Design hand-mades and vintage finds from the shop.

The vintage metal medicine cart holds tv/dvd/printer....this is primarily for my toddler.

I will be posting more once the room evolves....I hope you all like it and would love to hear your thoughts!.

-MJ

SATURDAY INSPIRATION...

2011-11-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

I have been brainstorming for my holiday decor all week. I think as soon as November 1st comes I'm in holiday decorating mode.

I had an idea a few months back, while not an original idea by any means but one that came to me none the less. Then I Googled it..........................HA! Tons of ideas and images showed up and I was happy and sad. Happy that my idea wasn't completely insane, sad because it had been done before!

Your wondering what my idea is right? Well ..a Peacock Christmas Tree & Holiday Decor!

For those of you who follow my blog you know I have a somewhat exotic styled living room with animal prints and greenery and an eclectic collection of accessories. So when making my jewelry one day and using peacock feathers I thought it would be a fabulous idea.

I'm going to share with you my favorite tree that came up in all the hundreds of images on Google.

It is beyond gorgeous!

If it looks familiar to some of you, it's because it's the tree of Artie from Color Outside the Lines blog. He is so talented and I've been a follower of his blog since I started blogging myself.

I'm very excited to try my peacock theme out and hope I can make it as fabulous as Artie's masterpiece.

Stay tuned...but for now here is a little sneak peek of my inspiration basket that Ive started....I'm sure I will have to trade out the basket into a crate of Rubbermaid tub in the next couple of days!

Just a few things I have put together and will soon make it to the tree along with some additional beauties.

STAY TUNED!

-MJ

MERCHANDISING YOUR HOME

2011-11-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

I thought I would run around the house today and take some photo's of little vignettes that I have set up throughout. I have fun merchandising my house and I change them out at the moment of inspiration (even if it's 1 a.m.) LOL

Hope you enjoy a look around the house today.....thankfully you wont see me Im in my leopard fleece lounge pants. That's the fun part of having a creative career that you can work at home and enjoy your family too.

My bedroom nightstand

Next to my dresser

Outside the bedroom door in the hallway (ha do you spy that candy wrapper in the table opening...haha someone was sneaking some Halloween candy)

In my daughter's nursery/ mama's studio area (ummm yea that gesso drawing is me as a child)hehe

Above dining room liquor credenza

Living room coffee table (I think my toddler stole the handle to my magnifying glass) :)

Dining Room buffet area (it has been stripped of Halloween and getting ready for Thanksgiving)

Vintage bar cart is stocked in dining room

Living room shelves

more living room shelves

Living room fall mantle

living room fall mantle

Hope you all had fun, now take a few minutes and set up some interesting little displays in your home!

-MJ

CHANGE IS GONNA COME!

2011-11-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

Last year during the holidays I decided to paint the whole main floor (consisting of 2 bedrooms, kitchen, dining room) I didnt touch the living room. But....................................

A year later and I think change is needed...I love the style of my living room, it has a tropical island exotic vibe and I dont want to change that because I love it and designed it that way for my husband and his roots to his island.

However this year I think we are going to infuse some bold color just in time for the holidays and then it will remain there until Im inspired again (it happens quite often...lol)

So yesterday I re arranged the furniture and took out any signs of Halloween (there weren't many in the living room) I left the fall/harvest things up for Thanksgiving. Im hosting it again this year and my parents will be coming up to visit.

So I wanted to share my corner shot of my Christmas tree placement. I'm going all out with change and moving the placement of the tree to the other side of the living room close to the window.

This is where the tree was last year...

I didn't have this vintage chair though and I feel like the tree takes over the space and away from the fireplace and the whole wall itself.

This is where the tree is going this year....

It's directly diagonal from last years placement...but I think it will work. I will lose the one black chair and there will be big changes in color and decor.

I'm think of making this into a linky party......WHERE DOES YOUR TREE STAND?

Im not a linky expert so if anyone can give me some advice on how to set one up I would greatly appreciate it!

- MJ

WINNER OF THE MIXED CHICKS GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-10-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

Well I wasn't expecting huge numbers on this giveaways because I think everyone feels it was very specific, but these products are fabulous regardless of your heritage. If you have a hair issue, then these are products you need to look into fast.

AND THE WINNER IS:

Suze said...1

I don't even know where to start with Charlie's hair, it is just like Keke's...Really long but so curly, you can tell how long it is. I am so glad you did this because her hair was driving me nut and she was not enjoying getting her hair done anymore because of all the knots when she wake up in the morning.

Thanks MJ...Can not wait to try this on Charlie :)

Congrats......to Suze she has a beautiful little Mixed Chick & Dude herself and I know she will be thrilled with the results of this product!

-MJ