Category: Uncategorized

Transforming Flea Market Finds into Home Decor

There is a special kind of thrill in exploring estate sales and local flea markets. Each visit is a treasure hunt—a journey filled with anticipation and wonder. I often set out with a specific item in mind, yet more often than not, I stumble upon unexpected treasures that spark joy and inspiration. Those serendipitous finds are truly the best moments, wouldn’t you agree?

On one such expedition to a quaint local flea market, my eyes landed on a charming nightstand. It was the perfect addition to my beloved “beach” room—a space that embodies the tranquility of the ocean and the soothing whispers of the waves. But, more on that later. The nightstand was in excellent condition; neither too imposing nor too diminutive, and priced at a mere $25. An absolute steal! Without hesitation, I made the purchase and eagerly brought it home, brimming with possibilities.

Normally, I deliberate extensively over color choices. However, knowing this piece was destined for my beach room provided a semblance of direction. I wanted to avoid the cliché of painting it a bright, oceanic turquoise typical of Florida’s waters. Instead, I envisioned a more subdued palette. Thus, I settled on a pale butter white—a hue that exudes a gentle warmth and complements the serene ambiance of the room.

The nightstand boasted intricate carvings on its four corners, which I envisioned highlighted in turquoise along with the drawer front—this would add a subtle yet striking contrast. The first step was to sand down the entire piece, removing its glossy finish to prepare it for painting.

With a steady hand, I coated the nightstand in the butter white color, ensuring even coverage. The transformation had begun. For the carvings, I opted for a small, regular paintbrush, meticulously hand-painting each detail with the chosen turquoise shade. The result was nothing short of splendid.

Below, I’ve included before and after pictures to showcase the remarkable transformation. This project not only added a unique piece to my beach room but also brought immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. It’s moments like these that make the pursuit of estate sales and flea markets so incredibly rewarding.

The Joy of Attending a CeCe Winans Concert

Tonight, I have the pleasure of attending a concert by none other than CeCe Winans. To me, she is the epitome of the greatest Christian singer of all time, gracing audiences with her elegant presence and stunning beauty. My friend Shannon and I will be heading to the concert straight after work today, and I can hardly contain my excitement. It promises to be an incredible way to cap off what has been a rather rough week, providing a much-needed lift to our spirits.

I will update once I get home from the concert. 🙌

The Start of a New Year….2024

The year 2024 started quietly. It was a chilly day, but the sunshine warmed it a little. I came across advice that said you shouldn’t do any cleaning, including laundry, on New Year’s Day, and I decided to heed it.

That afternoon, I went to my mom’s house to prepare and enjoy our usual New Year’s Day feast. I had been feeling some pain on my left side but shrugged it off as pulled muscles. After all, I had spent Saturday painting my bedroom with two coats of paint. Since I couldn’t move my bed, I had to paint around it—imagine the awkward stretching! Clearly, those were just overworked muscles.

Or so I thought.

The feast was delicious, and I went home feeling ready to start the new year at work. Still, I didn’t feel great. But again, I blamed the painting. I went to bed early, hoping to sleep it off.

Later that night, the pain on my left side flared up, worse than ever. I woke up with the most excruciating pain in my lower left abdomen. I dislike going to the ER, but by 12:30 a.m., I called my mom to take me there. The waiting room was packed, with an estimated 4–6 hour wait. The pain was so unbearable that I began throwing up. That was when I decided to leave and wait to see my doctor instead.

That night was long and horrific. The pain was relentless. I couldn’t go to work and was devastated to learn my doctor was fully booked. Instead, I went to urgent care, where I was told it might be kidney stones. They sent me home with prescriptions for antibiotics and muscle relaxers. Relief was on the horizon—finally!

But the week that followed was agonizing. I was at home, enduring what I believed to be kidney stone pain, alongside ab muscles sore from overexertion. By Sunday night, I sent a message to my doctor. They called back and fit me in the next afternoon. What a relief!

I mentioned I had been severely constipated, or rather blocked, and was told to try Miralax the following day. A CT scan was also ordered to confirm the kidney stone diagnosis. I felt certain we’d see those stones on the scan—how could it be anything else?

But when I got the email with my CT scan results, my heart sank.

No kidney stones.

Instead, the scan revealed a large mass on my ovary. WHAT?! An MRI was ordered, and I felt panic set in. The MRI confirmed it: a huge mass on my left ovary, along with a cancer marker test that came back alarmingly high.

Fear consumed me. “I don’t want to die now,” was the thought that raced through my mind. With urgent referrals, I was fast-tracked to see a gynecologic oncologist. I already knew surgery was inevitable to remove the mass, but questions lingered: What else might they find?

When you’re facing a possible cancer diagnosis, your mind races. I thought about the future, about the challenges ahead. I thought about how I lacked close friends to lean on, and how I had just started to feel content with my job, finances, and life. And now, this.

But in that moment, I realized I needed to trust God. I prayed for strength to get through the two weeks of waiting before my appointment, and for guidance to face whatever news Thursday would bring. Leaning on my faith gave me peace.

As I write this, the pain has subsided somewhat. I hold onto hope that it isn’t cancer. Regardless, I know I’ve faced tough times before, and I’ll get through this too.

Trust God, everyone—He is always there for us.

Welcome

Welcome to my crafting blog! Here, we celebrate the joy and creativity that comes with crafting—whether it’s crocheting, sewing, or designing seasonal wreaths.

Crafting isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way to unwind, spark inspiration, and bring a little more creativity into every corner of your life.

So, grab your supplies, let your imagination flow, and let’s make something amazing together!