A DIY Faux Marble Mantel

I LOVE marble -

And....................I wanted a slab of marble for the faux fire place we built for the bedroom.

You know, that cheap frugal DIY one we built?
So I decided a cheap frugal DIY marble mantel would fit perfectly !

We bought a length of wood for 12.00 - had it cut to fit the mantel ( and unbelievably enough there was exactly - to the tee - to make another mantel for the living room gas fireplace - which I'll age and stain )
It's a nice thick chunk - perfect for this project !

I gave it a coat of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - Pure White - and then mixed a little Paris Grey with Graphite to create the " veins ": and simple painted them on the white - feathering some so that it was thicker in some areas
( with 2 different sizes of artist brushes - one pointy edge - and one flat edge )

The next photos are before I put polyurethane on it ..................but you can see it on the fireplace at least !

I don't have a tutorial because I was in such a hurry to get it done that I didn't stop to take photos - but if the truth be known it would be difficult to show through photos anyway - you'd kind of need a video I think.
( of which there are probably a million of them out there with far superior results !!! )

I just made my " veins " and brushed them out in places and left them in tact in others - the only important thing to remember when doing this is to bring your veins down onto the front and sides of your slabs for authenticity......................

Another mantel to decorate !  ( this was just thrown together to show you the finished product- the only thing I know that's staying is that wreath from Target ( 25.00 if anyone's interested ! )

And that's my final DIY project for 2014 lol !

Have a wonderful day everyone - I'm off to buy another one of these wreaths - I'm in love !

Oh and that perfect deer?
10.00 ( again Target )
You can see the tutorial for the actual fireplace HERE

Much love,
Me

Looking for inspiration?
Join me at the fabulous parties !

Between Naps on the Porch                                            A Stroll Thru Life
Sand & Sisal                                                            The Scoop
Kathe with an E                                                               Savvy Southern Style
Beyond the Picket Fence                                                 The Charm of Home
The Shabby Art Boutique                                                French Country Cottage
My Turn for Us                                                               My Romantic Home
Funky Junk Interiors                                                        Life on Lakeshore Drive
The Dedicated House                                                      HOMESTORIES A TO Z
Ivy & Elephants                                                       Classy Clutter
The 36th Avenue                                                             Pieced Pastimes
I Should be Mopping the Floor                                        Miss Mustard Seed
REMODELAHOLIC

A Friday Chat about this and that

A little late because I'm not sure if anyone's bothering with blogs today but here you go !!!
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In the news last week it was written that apparently they found proof that Mars is able to sustain life - and possibly already has.
We didn't need scientists to tell us that - isn't that where men are from?
Next they'll find an old tube of mascara on Venus, watch .................
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I want this sisal rug so I'm putting it on here in case I forget
But I'm NOT going to chat about it other than to tell you I have no idea where it would go in this house - I just want it.
( 79.99 Ikea- for the size I want - don't ask me how I know the size I want when I don't know where it's going )

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I was reupholstering a chair the other night -
John was watching Wheel of Fortune

This chair had 3,482 staples in it from the old fabric - as I sat there mumbling and cursing trying to get them all out - cutting my fingers to shreds

John yells out - She just won 42,000
John says - Pat just took off his jacket to give to her
John says - She's not even at the bonus round yet

I scream " OW " as I pull out a staple I walked on by accident with bare feet -

John says - You don't care about anyone but yourself

WTH???

Suzan says - I don't know this woman !!!
Suzan says - I just stepped on a staple - it went IN my foot

John says - Shhhhhhh...................PLEASE - I want to see this.

He obviously cares more about a strange random woman and what she's won on a game show - but I'm not going to point that out.  It's petty don't you think?
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And I was doing the above work in the space between the living room and the den - the foyer I suppose actually -
Later on - while I was watching 90 day fiance ( don't judge - it was that or a House Hunters show I've seen 10 times or a morbidly obese woman give birth - them's the options )

John says - We moved from the last place because you didn't have an area to work on your furniture.
John says - We have 9 rooms now - why the hell are you working in the foyer???
John says - AND WHY THE HELL IS THIS HOUSE SO CROWDED??????????????
John says - It doesn't make any sense at all
John says - You have to get rid of stuff - it's beyond ridiculous now

Suzan says - Shhhhh.............PLEASE - I want to see this.
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90 Day Fiance.
Please tell me someone else out there watches this or I'll be even more embarrassed than I already am admitting this to you guys.
AND if anyone of you DO watch it - please tell me you're fascinated by the Danielle and Mohammed story line.
Is this for real?
Can anyone really be this blind?
She's a 41 year old single Mom - he's a 26 year old man from the middle east.
He hasn't touched her.
He barely looks at her as she clings to him, smiling adoringly.  It's desperate and tragic and I can't stop watching it.
He didn't kiss her at their wedding ( claiming some kind of bogus religious reason ) nor did he look at her once...............kept his face straight ahead angrily -  while she stole little shy glances in his direction.
BUT I guess he'll get his Green card.
Immigration should be like Soccer - Red Cards should be used in cases like this.  And there should be one stuck to his forehead.
Way to go Danielle........................

Maybe the government should be testing people's " emotional state " before allowing them to bring people over?  What if he's a terrorist?  Can it really be that simple to get " in " ?
Am I being paranoid?
I'm not going to comment further because really it would just be mean spirited..................
And I really am embarrassed that I watch it but there's nothing else out there to watch - t.v. sucks.
Big Time.
I actually watch it visibly upset -the frown line between my brows has become noticeably
deeper since it's started.
AND I think Mohamed should be deported.
Immediately.
That's just one story line of many - awesome stuff - it's no Carol Burnett show but you know - I need something to get a paint brush out of my hand.
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I spend more time moisturizing my body than actually washing my body - something's wrong with that scenario.
A shower can take 10 minutes - which is basically my attention span - but moisturizing?
It pees me off to have to do it to be honest with you...............
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Has anyone noticed that the Canadian eh? at the end of a sentence is creeping into American T.V. ?
I may be tuned to hear it being from Montreal and all - but I swear it's coming to a neighborhood near you, soon.  It's amazing how often it's used by our neighbors.
Pretty good observation, eh?
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It was over 6 degrees celcius here ( that's over 40 degrees for Americans )
John is beyond thrilled with the heating situation.
I am beyond thrilled with the lack of bone searing cold situation
Soda is beyond thrilled with the walking situation
Happy Campers one and all.

Suzan says - If this keeps up I can get a face lift with the savings.
John says - Or I can buy a Boxter
Suzan says - We'll never save enough on heating for a Boxter - a face lift is more reasonable.
John says - I'll give you one - how hard can it be?
Suzan says - You'd have to improve on your miter corners considerably before I'd let you do that - I don't want big flaps around my eyes.

Now, wouldn't that make a great episode of Extreme Cheapskates on TLC?
I'd even let him give me a tummy tuck.

It's mostly green outside - hardly a drop of snow - after boasting last week and showing pics of a winter wonderland

It now looks like this

And that little bit of white clinging to the edges?
that'll be gone by this afternoon, I'm sure..................
Winter in Canada?
Well the old winter scene she ain't what she used to be..................
Ain't what she used to be
Ain't what she used to be
The old winter scene she ain't what she used to be
Many long years ago.....................
And the Maritimes?
They may as well change their name to Alabama and Mississippi - really - with temps upwards of 60 degrees fahrenheit.
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I've been diligently working on the heels of my feet - not pretty - anyway I've finally got them like a baby's -
Soft - smooth - no rough patches -
AND.  I.  CAN'T.  WALK.  ON.  THEM.
There's a reason they harden up - it's to allow you to still walk after 55 years -
I'm in agony - they feel bruised and sore - let this be a warning to you !
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I was offered a beautiful large " frame " ( picture frame ) to review -
I told them the only way I would consider it would be if they offered one to one of my followers as a giveaway as well -
Never heard a word back
See Suzan being loyal
See Suzan tooting her own horn
See Suzan wishing she had that frame................lol
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Someone once told me - a lonnnng time ago - that it's very seldom a woman will have strong hair AND strong nails - for some reason it's one or the other.
Not sure what the statistics are for that - but it's certainly true in my case.
My hair is super thick - and grows like a weed.
I had it cut just past my shoulders at the end of August - and it's almost to my boobs now
and would actually be past my boobs if it weren't for gravity.
( yes they DO hang low and they wobble to & fro - I can tie them in a ribbon - I can tie them in a bow )
My nails?
Thin as paper.
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I find as I'm getting older I'm looking more and more like a movie star.
If I don't get enough sleep and I put makeup on, I look just  like Sweet Baby Jane -

And if I happen to get too much - I have a pillow " line " across my cheek leaving me looking like Al Pacino in Scar Face
Sad - it's just sad.
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It happens every year but it NEVER ceases to amaze me - the build up for Christmas - the excitement - all that work - and with a snap of fingers, it's over
I hope you all had a wonderful Eve/Day though !
I'm hosting a boxing day brunch just to have it last a little longer lol - and then I think I'll sleep for 14 hours or so...................
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And lastly - a HUGE thanks to everyone who chose to do their Christmas shopping online this year - it left the stores " mob free ".
I've never seen anything like it actually - even Toys R Us was somewhat reasonable !
Although I shop online through out the year - for some reason I prefer to shop in stores for the holidays and this year was just wonderfully stress free - no terrible line ups at any of them................
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Gotta run - there's 2 dozen eggs to scramble !

Much love,
Me,

Merry Christmas !!!

VIA PINTEREST

Natalie Cole sang it best..............

I wish you shelter from the storm
A cozy fire to keep you warm
But most of all
When snowflakes fall
I wish you love
I really wish you love..................

Unless you live in the South - and then I just wish you love
As much as your heart can hold - as deep as your soul can absorb - as far as your eyes can see.
If you're on your own this Christmas please know that you are loved - you're most definitely loved - each and every one of you..................
by me.

All the very best - today - tomorrow and always - I'm so grateful for your friendship - it's one of the gifts I cherish most.

I'll be back on Friday - ( for a little chat about this and that )

Love,
Me

I had to crawl back out of bed - because John just mumbled - half asleep -
John says - Did you wish your bloggers a Merry Christmas?
Suzan says - Yes I did
John says - Did you include me in that?
Suzan says - No I didn't
John says - Do you think you could please?
Suzan says - I'm too tired to get back up

But I felt guilty - he considers you guys his friends too - so here you go

John says - Merry Christmas everyone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

( he really needs to start his own blog................)

UPDATE!!!

One of my readers ( Kim's Bliss ) just let me know that she is Paul Reid's daughter.
Paul Reid was a beloved figure in Montreal Radio ..............a tradition was to sit with hot chocolate and listen to his magical voice sweep us away with his Christmas Stories -
If you have last minute wrapping to do - or baking or just a little time to sit back in your favorite chair and listen to this - you'll be swept away..............I promise.
I am.
Every single time I listen to him.

This particular one is called " The Littlest Angel " which has always been one of my personal favorites -
Be prepared to be filled with much inner peace...................

Different eyes............................

See different things.............................

Last Thursday morning I awoke to this outside my bedroom window
And I saw beauty.

FROM OUR BEDROOM

I saw a little girl jumping up from bed to wake up her brothers
I saw them bundling up and running outside to play
I saw a Mother laughing from the window and shaking her head " no, no " as we urged her to come play with us.
I saw all of us having porridge beside the radio that always sat on the kitchen table - listening with hearts pounding for our school to be called out for a " snow day "

FROM THE OFFICE

I saw wet mitts sitting on radiators and snow boots lined up in the entrance way by size
and poorly insulated windows crystallized with our names etched on the glass..................and cocoa simmering in the kitchen.
I saw snowmen and forts built of snow - and bumpy home made skating rinks in the back yard.

FROM THE SECOND OFFICE WINDOW

I saw flannel nighties and flannel sheets and slippers knit with my Grandmother's hands - with furry pompoms
I saw soup on the stove and cookies in the oven
And home made decorations on the tree

FROM THE GUEST ROOM

I saw letters to Santa - " Chatty Cathy - please Santa - Chatty Cathy "
I saw hills the size of mountains and toboggans that fit 4 - I saw us all hanging on to each other for dear life - unsucessfully.
I saw skates and thick woollen socks and cheeks as red as apples.

FROM THE SECOND GUEST ROOM

I saw fidgeting in Church and the glee of running out when it was over - because the REAL miracle was just outside it's doors................
I saw a little girl kneeling by her bed - on too cold floors - praying for her family - her friends - and another snow day.
Prayers were simple then.

FROM THE LIVING ROOM

I saw my roots - from as far back as I could remember.............continuity - you know that feeling that although everything is changing rapidly - too quick sometimes even for me to register - there's still this - it's as sure a thing as death and taxes - but prettier - far far prettier.

FROM THE DEN

And so you may have your beaches and balmy temperatures - and most of the year I may even envy you for that..................and complain non stop about the cold and the " white "
But in December?
When this happens?
I feel just the tiniest bit sorry for those who have never known it.
It's heavenly - truly almost holy - and what Christmas is supposed to look like in my part of the world

FROM THE PORCH

In a time when there is so much evil in the world - and climate change is actually changing the map of the planet  - it was completely rejuvenating.
When I awoke  I saw magic.
And a walk down memory lane where I bumped into a little girl who stilled believed in it.

Oh and by the way if you're wondering what John saw?

John says - what a bloody horrible mess out there.

Different eyes.

See different things...........................

Have a wonderful day everyone -
Much love,
From Snowy Montreal
Me

I'll be sharing at the following fabulous parties !

Sand & Sisal                                                     A Stroll Thru Life
Life on Lakeshore Drive                                           Between Naps on the Porch
A Stroll Thru Life                                                     The Scoop
Kathe with an E

The Perfect gift for under 20.00

1) One of my daughter's ( Ashley )  loves birds ( she did not inherit that from me since I have an irrational fear of them )

2) She also loves anything vintage ( she most definitely inherited that from me - or maybe I inherited it from her - not sure which came first ) 

3) She wanted to start a snow globe collection - so I've been all over the " net " looking for the perfect one - you know, that Christmas gift - the one that speaks to a heart?

They're expensive -

Really expensive - upwards of 50.00 with a lot of them actually being closer to 100 so I was waiting ( and waiting ) for Christmas to get a little closer and the sales to start before going to a speciality shop nearby to pick one up.

Last week we were at Target - and John - ( that wonderful long suffering incredible man of mine ) 

found this !!!

For 24.99 !!!

Her name may as well have been printed on this really - I was beyond thrilled to grab it - 

AND I love that it has the year on it - it makes a collection even more meaningful -

THIS is the year it starts !

It couldn't be more perfect..........................except it DID get just a little bit more so when we flew in yesterday for some last minute stocking stuffers - and lo and behold - it was marked down to 17.99 - 

Which they honored !

So for 17.99 - I found THE one - ( and I know everything else I got her will pale in comparison - no matter what I spent on them )  this is going to be THE one - I just know it !

We all try so desperately to find that ONE gift ( among many I know ) but that ONE gift that will light up the face of someone very close and dear to us - for Lindsay it's anything to do with Horses - I've lugged home sculpted art from Paris for her even - soooo easy when someone has a passion about something - but Ashley?  There was never anything in particular she was interested in " collecting "

Until this year.

I found gifts I knew she needed - gifts I knew she'd appreciate - but I hadn't found THE one.

This will be the one that she takes out of a box every Christmas with aniticipation - this will be the one that gets a place of honor long after I'm gone - ( I know that sounds maudlin - and I don't want it to ) because at the end of the day Christmas is all about the memories, right?

And I'm just so thrilled that I get to be a part of starting a new one ...................

I'm also thrilled that she barely glances at her Mom's blog lol

( it wouldn't be safe on facebook - but here our secret is ! )

And if it's not too late - and any of you still have wrapping to do - I wrapped everything in brown paper this year ( dollar store )

One roll and a half wrapped all of these - for a dollar !!! ( well technically 1.50 ) 

Which allows you to embellish them any way you like - ( I didn't even add tags - just wrote on the paper itself ) 

I added some cookies for the little ones that I also found at Target for 1.00 each 

The mandatory Lolli Pop ( we're Lolli and Pop to the little ones ) so at least one of the gifts HAS to have one attached to it - and hearts created from Candy Canes - all of which can  be seen this year on the plain paper ( they're usually lost in the busy-ness of colorful paper 

I'll attach small ornaments on the adult versions !

And that's it for today - if you're looking for a last minute gift - get yourself to Target - snow globes are just so perfect don't you think?

Now excuse me - there's far too much wrapping to do - and like usual I waited far too long to do it

Have a wonderful day everyone

Much love 

from me........................

to you

Looking for inspiration?
Join me at these fabulous parties !

Between Naps on the Porch                                                  Life on Lakeshore Drive

The Red Pick Up Truck.....................

You know the ones......................

They're all over blog land - vintage with a beautiful patina - and a tree tied in the back?

I haven't found one yet - or I have but they're so expensive and some of the shipping is outrageous  but oh my gosh look at what's out there !!!

All on e-bay ( I've provided the links in case anyone is interested

HERE  ( almost 40.00 with shipping )  Love the color !

HERE - better price - love the patina !

HERE  -  just because................

HERE - perfectly aged !

HERE - I'm in love with the van !

The bell !
Vintage fire truck ( for Terry's stocking, Kris !!! )
HERE

I'm pretty sure my brother had this ambulance - it looks very familiar to me
HERE

Just because I used to love sitting in the back of these !
HERE

My Favorite !!!
HERE

I suppose a car would work as well - a tree could sit on the roof

HERE

Unless it didn't have a roof

In that case it could sit in one of these trailers !

HERE

Would it be weird for a 55 year old gal to start collecting dinky cars?
I wasn't even crazy about them when I was a child - my brother would beg me to play with him outside but I usually chose to play with my barbie's instead.  Do you see how everything changes?
Wonder if my brother is secretly yearning to play with barbie's now?

How on earth will I ever explain this one to John?

Have a wonderful weekend everyone !!!
Can Christmas be next week?
Un. Be. lievable !

Hugs,
Me,