Bon Appétit...

I can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel...faint as it might be, it is there.  We have been getting lots done here and I will be sharing many posts with you all soon.   

I hope you all had a great day celebrating the important fathers in your lives.  I am grateful for my own father, an uncle who has been like a father and of course my very special husband.  I couldn't ask for a better dad for our children and I am very grateful for him.

So...I have been working on a little area in our kitchen that is going to be a breakfast bar.  I miss having an area big enough that all our barstools can fit around and the kids can eat their breakfast or snack at.  Having a smaller kitchen has definitely left me needing to think outside the box and finding space where ever it might be.

 I did find it...on a wall as you enter our kitchen there was the perfect spot for a little breakfast bar.  Just as I did my open shelving, I could create a shelf big enough for 2 stool's to sit under.  More bead board went up and wrapped around the corners creating more of the cottage style I love.  I have a few more details to finish before I can share the reveal, but I did create something unique and whimsy to top it all off...an old french sign!

 I had some old wood panels that came with the dresser I just revealed.  I wasn't sure why this wood was in the drawers and put it aside.  As the husband and I were looking at this spot I said "I need a little something above the ???"...(keeping you all in suspense for just a little longer) he agreed.  We stared together for a few more minutes and then...the light bulb went off... 

 "I think I might have the perfect size wood in the garage and it's old...what about a sign?"  Mr. Wonderful said "Good idea" I went and brought the piece of wood in...held it above and it was the perfect length and size!  I then said "What should it say?"  I wanted something that was French...he then said in his best Julia Childs impersonation  "Bon Appétit!"  I laughed at his voice and accent...then said "Yes, I like it!"  

I left with a smile and plan to work on my sign. 

Here is my new/old sign that I now adore...

Here's where I started...

the old  piece of wood, added a coat of primer, some

 satin cream paint, a little mocha glaze and then sanded.

Come to find out our printer was out of ink...

So no stencil, I sketched and then cleaned up the letters

 with a ruler. (I enjoyed this, felt like I was back in art class.)

Then using a black permanent marker outlined all the letters...

Painted the letters with black paint...

Then using my mouse sander and 120 grit sandpaper distressed it...

Pulling off some of the paint made it look worn...

Then added some D rings to hang it, and now...

Love it!

I just wanted to thank all of you who left such sweet comments on my new look and change here.  As I said, still some tweaking and I will be happy with it.  I appreciate every single one of you who read and those who share their thoughts...I adore you all!!

A couple of questions for you.  Along with changes here, I have been thinking on a few more.  

First, my follower button.  I love to see all your faces here and know that I have great friends along on this journey. 

My question...

When you follow someone do you read them faithfully or just click follow and move on?   I have thought about taking this off my blog and being follower free. Would you rather   subscribe to my blog?

 I never started this blog with the intention of needing to be a big blog or advertising...just wanted to journal my life and share my creativity.  I want to keep it personal and let you all know I see you as my friends.  Sometimes us bloggers can get too caught up in numbers or even comments.  I decided a couple months back to just blog when I can and I try to visit as often with all of you where the time permits.  My family is my first priority and trying to find that balance can be hard at times. 

The other question...have you missed my music here?  I have read that some like it on blogs and others don't. I miss hearing my music...I am thinking of adding my player back and letting you decide if you want to turn it on or not.  I think it adds to my blogs personality.

So that is what has been on my mind...nothing life shattering.  Feel free to share your thoughts.

I will be back tomorrow with another update on a project....here is a peek...

Have a great day!!

Hugs,