More lessons, and the start of a dining room makeover

OK – last week I apologized for missing out on blogging, and here I am again…..history is repeating itself! So it is a bit cheeky to ask “Did you miss me?”

However, I have blogged ONCE since the last lessons learned – with a wonderful giveaway, sponsored by Uprinting.com. You can win 250 personalised cards (with free shipping to US AND UK – I know, the UK!!!) (I am excited as rarely to US companies offer free shipping to UK, so come on all you UK lurkers, comment on the post for a chance to win).

Did you catch that – TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY cards? I plan to use Uprinting.com for my Christmas Cards this year, but I would struggle to find 250 people to send them to, what about you? How many cards (if any) do you send?

Lessons learned this week? Here they are:

• Sick kids are not fun, but when they fall asleep on the sofa they can still look very cute.

• Plans can change but when you have 2 men ready and willing to paint a room, be flexible and make the most of the opportunity

Due to a number of un-anticipated issues, we were unable to repaint our bedroom as planned last Friday. As my husband had already planned to take the day off work, and my Dad (thanks, Dad!) was also booked to come and help, there was a quick change of the plan and the dinnng room received a facelift instead.

Here are the before pics – terracotta-ish walls, supposedly warm and welcoming, but more orange than I would have chosen, lots of pine furniture, my “office” and craft work-room (i.e. the dining room table!), curtains which were faded and we never did manage to finish the pelment for each window.

After-ish

I say “after-ish” dining room makeover as we still need to get a light fitting, new curtains, eventually change the carpet (which we have had for 17 years, and moved with us from our last home 11 years ago as a “temporary” measure). We also need to put some photos back on the walls – I am thinking black and white photos all with matching frames.

My plan is cream/black theme – and this little notebook is my inspiration.

As I (hopefully) make progress I will keep you informed.

We moved the sideboard to the hall, and are not putting the dresser shelves back up and I have plans to maybe use it at the cottage instead.

Sorry the quality of the photos are not too great – it has been a tough week!

• When you get out of the way of blogging regularily, it can be a struggle to get back to it

• Pampered Chef parties are fun – even though I always feel a bit awkward that friends feel obligated to buy. I will do a separate post on the Pampered Chef night when the products I have chosen arrive. An enjoyable evening, lovely food and great chat. Did not sell much jewelery this time, but hopefully some orders soon.

That’s your lot for this week – leave a comment if you can.

For more lessons, from MUCH more regular bloggers, visit Jo Lynne and check out the links there.

Come back soon(ish) for more if you dare!

Until then, take care.