The Handmade Hangout #145

So glad you are here for this week's linky party:

Handmade Hangout Linky Party

French Country Console Makeover

OMG! Zack and I went on the craziest Ghost Tour last night. We are down in Key West and took this tour with Ghost Mysteries. It was as good as the many other tours we've taken, but something different happened on this tour. We didn't see a ghost or anything like that, but what we learned about was this doll named Robert. It was made by a woman who worked as a servant for this family. She practiced a weird religion called, "Santaria." This all takes place in the late 1800's. Anyway, a goat, a chicken, puppy washed up on shore headless and word spread that the Santaria worshippers were in full practice. Santaria is apparently a combination of Catholicism and Vodoo (says our tour guide). So this family found out that their housekeeper was a practioner and fired her. Before her last day, she brought a doll as a gift to the family's son who she deeply loved. The doll was about the same height as the boy and he had an immediate affection for it. Why wouldn't he? 

The Handmade Hangout #144

So glad you are here for this week's linky party:

Handmade Hangout Linky Party

DIY EBONIZED White Oak Floors

The other afternoon I was sitting on the beach reading the Spring issue of Magnolia Journal. I came across an article that struck me to my core and I thought I'd share with you. There was a story about a woman who decided to purchase a ranch rather than retire from her normal job to a life of leisure. She was not a "rancher" so she had a lot to learn. On her first day of horse back riding lessons, the horse was spooked and when it jolted, the reins were wrapped around her fingers, pulling off the tips of two of them. She rushed to the hospital but the finger tips were lost. She became doubtful and fearful of her decision to start a new "ranching career." How many of us can relate? I know when I started the MBA I had similar doubts that I was making the right choices and that I was cut out for the program. And again, starting as an entrepreneur, I had those doubts and risked our income anyway. Well, the woman's daughter writes her a letter, and I'm paraphrasing, "If you continue to live by Fear, the world will get smaller and smaller." I can tell you for a surety that this is true. Live by faith, live with joy, and love failure, because it teaches you something. Let's commit to live without fear, the best we can- ok?

The Handmade Hangout #143

So glad you are here for this week's linky party:

Handmade Hangout Linky Party

Maple Flooring Picture Frames

We are gearing up for some family to come into town this weekend! I am so excited. We plan to snorkel in Kay Largo and kayak in Key West! The Keys have the most unusual beaches and marine life I've ever seen, and I've been to nearly every large beach destination in the US! I even pent 6 years living in Hawaii. I believe it's all of  the plant life, which creates food and homes for iguanas and hermit crabs, sting rays, horse shoe crabs- you name it, we've seen it! Follow along my Instagram, if you'd like to see some of our adventures. 

The Handmade Hangout #142

So glad you are here for this week's linky party:

Handmade Hangout Linky Party

DIY Pottery Barn Reclaimed Parquet Table

I wanna know who watched, "Trading Spaces" back in the day? Do you guys remember that show? I used to absolutely loved it. I always envisioned being the designer and thought that would be so much fun! And could you imagine having a guy like Ty on hand to build you whatever it was you needed? Well, I'm toying around with an idea. I've been thinking about starting a Youtube channel featuring budget makeovers. I think it would be a great space to broadcast my coatings and try my hand at decorating for others. Of course I can't trade spaces with 2 homeowners, but I can redo your office or home. Especially if you're a doctor, dentist, or lawyer. Those offices always need work to get hip. Anyways, if you're in the Florida Keys area, and you have a $6,000 budget, email me.