Sale recap!

The 5th Chelsea's Garage sale this past Saturday couldn't possibly have fallen on a more beautiful day!

Cate and I squeezed in this shot together right before the day got rolling. She managed to look effortlessly fresh and beautiful throughout the entire ordeal. I was already sweating at this point. Like a guy.

Luckily, I went through and snapped some pictures of the garage the day before, because once we opened the door, it was game on! As with the previous sales, there were guests waiting at the front of the house an hour early, (hence, my sweating).

Here's a little tour around the 'shop', as it looked on Saturday:

My favorite part of the day, and really, the whole reason I host these garage sales every now and then, was getting to meet and mingle with the friendly faces who came out. Some old friends, some brand new. This was one of our younger guests, practicing excellent patience while his Mommy and Daddy looked around. So, so sweet. :)

We've said goodbye to a hefty handful of pieces since opening the garage door last Saturday morning, but there are still some beautiful pieces left waiting for a new home! Please check both of the Available for Sale links on the right hand side under, 'New? The fun starts here!'. Those pages will be updated frequently as new pieces become available and old pieces go, so check back often! And of course, custom orders are always an option if you have a piece of your own that you'd like to refresh!

Coming up tomorrow and Friday I've got a brand new DIY rug tutorial, as well as an amazing online retail shop selling gorgeous handmade items, (for home, little ones and you), for a great cause. You're gonna love it; I can't get enough!

Thank you all for stopping by!

~Chelsea

This post was published under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.

Chalk-Painted Chandelier with Roping Accents

Happiest Birthdayiversary to Chelsea {and Matt}!  Thank you Chelsea for sharing such sweet words of wisdom about turning the big three-O in your last post.

Since Chelsea is taking the day off to celebrate with the family, I am coming at you with another guest post.

When I found this chandelier at the ReStore, it already had a chalk-like grey finish.  The problem was it had a broken top loop and a missing decorative finial at the bottom.  I salvaged suitable replacements from another light fixture but they were a nickel finish and did not match.  So... in steps chalk paint to save the day!  

You can't even tell which were the mismatched replacement pieces.

I love the effect chalk paint has on metal.  It tones down the sheen and gleam of a typical chandelier and makes the light fixture feel more earthy.   I painted the metal frame of this chandelier in a warm gray color called "Primitive" by Americana Decor.  I have been making my own chalk paint as of late, but saw this sample at Home Depot and thought what the hey...

For a fun twist, I removed the candle covers, wrapped them in sisal rope, and secured the rope in place with hot glue.  

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, right?  Thanks Chels for introducing sisal rope accents to me in your sisal rope lamp tutorial and using rope to add interest to a hanging photo posts ;)

This 5-bulb chalk-painted chandelier is available for sale.
$150

If you're interested in this piece, please contact Cate to see it in person.  This and many other gorgeous pieces are listed in the Available for Sale sections in the right-hand menu.  Let us know if you find something you like!

~Cate

This post was published under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.

Imparting wisdom from a previous 20 something

Today, I enter a new decade.

To those reading who are years and decades ahead of me, I have only two things to say to you whether I know you personally or not:

1. Thank you for being living proof that we all only grow more beautiful with age. You all seem to know exactly who you are and are stellar at being comfortable with yourselves, the good and the bad. One of the greatest gifts in my life is having friends who are walking a few stages of life ahead of me, and graciously holding my hand through mine, offering both wisdom, prayer, and lots of laughs.

2. You were right.  About everything. 

To those reading who are a bit behind me, here's what I'd like to share:

1. Make some older friends.

2. Dreams and goals are wonderful to have, but don't let the reaching get in the way of being.

3. And speaking of dreams and goals, don't fret if you don't have any at the moment. As you continue learning about your unique self and discovering your strengths and gifts, you'll develop some passion for something at some point. Keep trying some different things, voluntary or paid, full time or part time. Be around different kinds of people. Dabble in your various interests to find out if those interests run deeper in your heart and soul than you thought. And don't be afraid or embarrassed if your current dreams seem to be fading. That may happen. It's all going to work out beautifully.

4. Expect less from yourself and more from the Lord

5. Don't take yourself too seriously; laugh at yourself. You'll be more relatable and people will like you better for it.

6. Expect that you'll make mistakes and leave it at that. Don't be afraid of them. The aftermath of our mistakes is how our souls are shaped. These are defining moments that just add to our faith resumes. 

7. Be open to change. Change of mind, change of heart, change of self. I went through all three in my mid-twenties when I reached a critical life decision. The after-fact of that is realizing the world is not, as I had once thought, black and white. There is a lot of grey area, and our gentle, loving Father lives in the grey area, too. He's there. 

8. It's not our job to change each other. It's a simple formula, really. You don't have to agree with someones behavior to embrace them with love and respect. We are all climbing our own mountain, some steeper at points than others. Don't presume to know the grade of someones mountain. Just know they're likely doing the best they can, just like you, and be there for them. Simple as that. 

9. Seriously, laugh. Laugh hard and every day. My first wrinkles were crows feet at the corners of my eyes. I love them. They're the trace of 30 years of laughing. If you've had a rotten day and haven't laughed once by bedtime, please email me. I'll give you some material.

Tomorrow my love and I are celebrating our 8 year wedding anniversary, and since he's taking the day off so we can celebrate as a family, so will I. See you Wednesday!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

~Chelsea

This post was published under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.