A Sweet Perfect Linens Perfect Sheet Giveaway

Last summer I was given the opportunity to review a sweet sheet set from Perfect Linens.

I loved my sheet set then, and I love it now.

And my best-friend-forever Thomas - who is the big Kahuna at Perfect Linens - wants to give one of the Bliss Ranch readers the chance to get between a set of his sheets.

Valentine Chocolate Box Door Decoration

A funny thing happened on the way to the trash......

Do you ever save something you don't really want to keep just because you don't want to throw it away?

Every time you open the closet door, you see it hanging out in there and think, man I've gotta toss that thing out.

But you don't.

Then several years go by, and the damm thing is still in your closet..... right?

So you finally decide, that's it - to the trash it goes, but then pause because you remember seeing something creative made from the trash you are about to dispose of.

Maybe you could make something out of it then throw it away in a week or two after it had lived out it's usefulness?

Selia Faucet Combo

We're working on a Jack and Jill bathroom makeover with Pfister Faucets, and right now the bathroom  looks like this.....

It might not look like much to you, but new copper pipe has been plumbed and checked for leaks.

Tree Branch Wall Art

While I'm busy helping work on our Jack and Jill bathroom makeover - which really means since we are at the plumbing stage I'm sitting and watching - I decided to repost this cheap, simple, basically free project I made a couple years ago from a tree branch.


I regularly pin things to the Bliss Ranch Pinterest Boards that I intend on doing.

I'll be busy making stuff till the year 2050, which when I first typed that year it sounded so far away, but for a baby born today they would only be 34 years old.  Wow.

Beauty Of A Beast Step Stool

OK BFF in California.... if you are reading this say good-bye to the step stool your husband painted for Beth all those years ago.

Actually you're just saying good-bye to the paint, not the whole stool - I'd never get rid of that.

Beth's pretty tall now and probably hasn't used it herself in a long time, but the stool has been stepped upon constantly by someone around here since it was gifted to her.

Out With The Old.... Bathroom

There's no turning back now on our Jack & Jill bathroom redo.

Thank goodness!!!!  

Because I don't want any of that stuff back. 

Ever.

Metallic Coat Tree and Fusion Paint Giveaway

Today I have something special for you.

Melanie at Lost and Found

Susan from Homeroad

Danielle of Finding Silver Pennies

And from the Frozen State of Minnesota,

Linda at Q is for Quandie

Special because you will be able to visit some of my friends and see what they have painted, as well as have the chance to enter a giveaway for some of the Fusion Mineral Paint that we all use on many of our projects.

Thrift Store Decor Tiered Tin Stand

Welcome to the first Thrift Store Decor of 2016.

Thrift Store Decor is a makeover challenge that gives something thrifted a new lease on life.

On The Agenda - Redo of Dated Jack & Jill Bathroom

A new year brings new projects around here.

The first one on my agenda won't be just a 'paint a table' type thing.

I'm not fluffing any pillows, or hanging a new picture and calling it good.

It won't be happening in the wink of an eye either.

On the chopping block is a 23 year old bathroom that has been neglected and it's time for it to move on from the metallic-y pink shower tiles and girly touches.

Products & Projects, Where Are They Now?

Where are they now?

Where are what Bliss?

I'm referring to some of the products and projects that came to live with me in 2015.

I often get emails from readers asking how certain things have held up, or if I would buy or recommend a product, and often they wonder what I ended up doing with something I've painted or made.

To kick off 2016 I'm gonna answer some of those questions here and now.

Bliss Ranch Pick 'O The Litter Project Recap

This post starts the same way every year......

Another year over.

The days march on the same no matter if we would like them to speed up or to slow down.

In the world of blogging with a life of making projects, it's nice to be able to look back and see concrete evidence that I did in fact accomplish something on the to-do list.

So here are my top 8 "PICK 'O THE LITTER.  

The concrete evidence for 2015, which might be known only to me, as the project year of before and afters. 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to All..........

Antiques & Collectibles Stencil From Funky Junk Interiors

I want to show you a quick like a bunny project, because a week before Christmas I have no time to move at my usual snails pace.

This sign has a simple surprise, but maybe instead of being quick like a bunny or moving slow like a snail, I'm actually killing two birds with one stone.

Are you one of those people who think you don't have any artistic ability?

Only about as much creative talent as your pinky finger can hold?

Stencils are your answer.

You can have vintage looking signs with even half a pinky finger's worth of creativity.

Upcycled Wood Spool Christmas Tree

Hold on to your tinsel, 
this spool is full of Christmas cheer!
 My creation is an upcycled, recycled, junktastic project......

Flocking The Tree Using A Pro Grade Flock

I'll get this out of the way right off the bat.... every time I typed the word flock for this post I either giggled at the way it sounded in the sentence or determined it sounded really bad and decided to rephrase it.

But the white stuff that goes on Christmas trees to make them look snowy is called flock, so if that word bothers you then think of it like a herd of sheep or a gaggle of geese flying over your house in their flock.

Santa Collector

I'm a Santa Collector.

Well I used to be anyhow.

But once people find that out, Mr. Kringle keeps arriving in some way shape or form. 

I've got three mantels.

Metal Sleigh of Greens

While I'm on this coppery kick I decided to paint Santa's reindeer sleigh.

As in the sleigh is shaped like a reindeer.

Actually as I look at it, it's not shaped like a reindeer, it's shaped like a sleigh with a deer head.

Now don't everyone get your tinsel in a twist that I painted this once silvery thing.

Matthew Mead Studio Metallic Copper Ornament Redo

You've probably seen those long tubes of red and green ornaments that retailers have in the isles this time of year.

The tubes are filled with several shapes of red and green, sometimes other colors like silver and gold.

I picked up two large tubes of those ornaments, brand new, a couple years ago at a garage sale for a buck each.

Beam Ceiling Light

The house that #1 Son built is nearing completion.

But even before ground was broken, some things started to take shape.... a whole year ago.

Last year this time I stalked #1 Daughter-in-laws Pinterest board for something that Brawn could make them for Christmas. 

An inspiration light was discovered pinned and I crossed my fingers that it was something they would like, not just something pinned accidentally.

Then not one, but two faux beam lights were made.

Tomato Cage Christmas Tree

Jingle Bell time is a swell time. 

How come every post I do about Christmas I feel like singing?  

Cake Tester Giveaway from One 30 One Design

I don't often do giveaways, but it's that time of year again where I raid my daughters pretty baubles and decide I should give a cake tester away, compliments of and unbeknownst to her.

Updating Brass Ceiling Fans With Paint and Light

Last week there was a real cliffhanger here at the Ranch when I left the story hanging on what lights I picked from Parrot Uncle (you can read about that here).

Lagunitas Brewery, Petaluma California

Lagunitas Brewery isn't just a brewery, it calls itself a beer sanctuary, and if you have the opportunity to visit, do it. 

The Petaluma operation is quite the personality filled place in more ways than one.

Thrift Store Decor Hard Working Not Lazy Susan

I've scored a few thrifty things over the years, and some of those things are due for a redo.

One item that needed some TLC was a $3.00 thrift store lazy Susan.

She's a big girl, 20 inches across.

Here she is a couple years ago on the day I brought her home.  She wasn't very groovy.

Rather than thrift this back to the store for someone else to give it new decor, I decided to update it myself for the November Thrift Store Decor Team makeovers.

Picking Out Lights From Parrot Uncle

Recently I was contacted by a lighting company with an offer to review a light from their web site.

The company boasts discount lighting and cheap lamps for sale, and I've got a few spots I wouldn't mind updating with a new light style, particularly with inexpensive vintage lights.

Pipe Leg Dog Feeder, Mo's Diner

Using pipe in decor is nothing new.

At least not to me.

15 years ago we made galvanized pipe shelving, two twin pipe beds, and a pipe nightstand for the room our two youngest sons shared.

Vintage Inspiration Party

Welcome back to the VIP! We have some wonderful upcycled, repurposed and vintage decor features this week we know you'll love!

Take a look at what your hosts have been up to recently!

Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California

I like the ocean, and I like Pigeon Point Lighthouse in California.

You know those fill in the blank questions that go around and say things like 'beach or mountains'?

Well guess which I pick.

Visiting Half Moon Bay California

In October Brawn and I went to visit friends in beautiful Northern California.  

While the purpose for the trip wasn't necessarily to tour the sights, a person can't hardly help but see a few landmarks along the way.

So armed with my trusty cell phone camera I snapped some places worth mentioning.  

Vintage Inspiration Party

Welcome back to the VIP! We have some wonderful upcycled, repurposed and vintage decor features this week we know you'll love!

Take a look at what your hosts have been up to recently!

Hinged Beach Sign

I wrote a post over summer about a beach sign I made as a gift, and last month I gave the sign an upgrade for it's trip to the ocean.

The gift was for 2014.  The original post was in 2015. 

I worried the gift would never make it to it's intended home on the California coast since it was still in my possession almost a year later.

I think I have mentioned before, that if I gift you with something you may not get it until months later.  Daughter #1's laundry room makeover comes immediately to mind.

But this beach sign made it in less than a year, top speed for my normal.

Thrift Store Decor October

It's the end of October and the goblins will be heading out at dusk in a couple days.

The fallen leaves will blow into November, and hopefully out of my yard.

It's also October's Thrift Store Decor, where our team of thrifty DIY'ers transform something on the cheap.

#1 Son Monthly New House Update

The next monthly update on #1 sons house that I give you, will no doubt be the one where #1 son and his family no longer live across the driveway from us.

I have mixed feelings about that.

When they move I suppose a recent birthday girl will still notice all the black construction paper crows I place around the house like finding Where's Waldo.

Just not right away.

Zuri Pfister Faucet

Until 2010 Pfister Faucets were known as Price Pfister Faucets.  

I have some Price Pfister faucets that are 15 years old and they look and work as good as the day they were installed.  

The faucet selection on the Pfister website is vast, and Pfister has all the popular finishes.

Vintage Inspiration Party

Welcome back to the VIP! We have some wonderful upcycled, repurposed and vintage decor features this week we know you'll love!

Haunted Portraits

My absolute favorite Halloween project that I have made are Haunted Portraits that I spied from Tracy at CrowsFeetChic.

I re-post them every year at this time because I love them.

The Eyes Have It

I've made two versions of these.

October Is For The Birds

This post is for the birds if you like decorating in October for Halloween.

Or live in Bodega Bay.

You know those black birds and ravens that you can pick up at the store this time of year?

They can be a little pricey unless your dollar store happens to have some.

Mine doesn't.

So what's a bird lover to do?

Vintage Inspiration Party

Welcome back to the VIP! We have some wonderful upcycled, repurposed and vintage decor features this week we know you'll love!

Take a look at what your hosts have been up to recently!

The Ugly Dresser Redo

Have you ever moved into a place and inherited something the previous occupants left?

Well that happens to be the case of this dresser.

Vintage Inspiration Party

Welcome back to the VIP! We have some wonderful upcycled, repurposed and vintage decor features this week we know you'll love!

Take a look at what your hosts have been up to recently!

Fusion Mineral Paint

Fusion Mineral Paint.

Ever hear of it?

I know many of you have because I get emails asking me about it every time I paint a project in a Fusion color.

So readers.... this post's for you.

Thrift Store Decor September

The butcher, the baker, the candlestick painter.

Sometimes I see something for cheap, that I have no desire to own, but gosh darnnit if that fifty cent price tag doesn't tempt me anyway.

Such is the case with this candlestick.

Vintage Inspiration Party

Welcome back to the VIP! We have some wonderful upcycled, repurposed and vintage decor features this week we know you'll love!

Take a look at what your hosts have been up to recently!

DIY Spindle Mattress

What's that you say, a DIY mattress?

Isn't DIY the initialism for "do it yourself"? 

So you want to know if there is such a thing as a DIY mattress, what is it, and why?

Well let the wise old owl just tell you.....

Rock And Roll Coochie Coo

Last weekend I attended a baby shower for one of my nieces.

When you forget someone isn't a 10 year old anymore it's strange when you realize they are now old enough to procreate.

Vintage Inspiration Party

Welcome back to the VIP!
We have some wonderful upcycled, repurposed and vintage decor features this week we know you'll love!

Take a look at what your hosts have been up to recently!

Two Groovey Side Tables

Earlier this year I redid a garage sale coffee table that only a few months prior had been given a makeover.

That coffee table had two side table friends living in close proximity who also had been given a previous makeover, so then they needed to receive a makeover on top of a makeover.

Confused?  Don't be.

Vintage Inspiration Party

Welcome back to the VIP!
We have some wonderful upcycled, repurposed and vintage decor features this week we know you'll love!

Take a look at what your hosts have been up to recently!

Cucumber Salsa

Here I am doing it again... posting a recipe. 

Yes I know they are few and far between, and if you've been reading here a while and paying attention, they are few and far between because I hate doing recipe posts.

I just like to do eating posts.

For all I know everyone else in the world has seen cucumber salsa and this is old news. 

I'd never heard of it till #1 daughter wrote the recipe down, handed it to me, and said "don't pay attention to the weird ingredients, just make it".

Building Update For #1 Son

Another summer has come and gone.

Kids are back in school and the evenings are a bit cooler.

We've had the neighbors I told you about a while back living across the yard now for four months.  It makes me sad to think they won't be there next summer, but excited for them to move in to their new home.

When you're building a house and doing much of the finishing work yourself, each day sort of holds the same routine. 

Get up, get the kids to school, go to work, come home, work on house.  Repeat. 

The weekends are particularly busy, you get to work on the house all day plus do all the stuff you needed to do during the week but didn't have time to get to.

Such is the life of #1 son and his wife right now.

But their house is starting to take on a personality, and some of the things that add their style are in place.

Tile is going up in the kids bathroom.