Repin Wednesdays...Cardboard

Lately I have been doing a lot of decorating for a big Christmas party at my church.  With a limited budget cardboard has become my new favorite item.  So curiously I looked up on Pinterest what people have thought to use cardboard for.  I swear, people are so resourceful and crafty aren't they?!?  I think I may have to try some of these out!

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Have you done anything unique and creative with cardboard?  Would love to hear what and see pictures!

Thanksgiving Repin Wednesday

I love Seinfeld!  If you all have seen it do you remember the episode that Jerry went to get a Marble Rye for his friend George, only to find out that an old women in front of him in line got the last one?  Jerry then ends up stealing the Marble Rye from her and runs off with her chasing him in the background yelling, "He stole my Marble Rye!  My Marble Rye!!!"  Well I thought for sure this was going to happen to me today, but rather than stealing a Marble Rye from someone it would be a big fat 20 pound turkey!  I had to go to a couple stores to find one big enough, and yes...I was sweating that our Thanksgiving would consist of everything but a turkey.  But I found one, and it was NOT in someone's basket. 

So, if you are like me and still are looking at ideas for Thanksgiving here are a few from Pinterest that caught my eye.  I seriously could have posted a million of them but today you will have to settle for only 11. 

All recipes are found under Thanksgiving on my Pinterest Page

YUMM!!!  Anyone else hungry?  What are your staples that you always have on Thanksgiving? 

The Story of the Claw Foot Couch

Last week was a crazy one for me.  I kept thinking, I need to post on my blog, I need to post on my blog...but as you saw I didn't!  My computer was dead, and so was my energy to post.  I have been working non stop on an exciting project, and I have just been telling myself, it's more important to finish client work than to post.  I think that is solid advice wouldn't you say? 

So what have I been working on you say?  Let me give you a hint, this is my new best friend!

And it helps me re-upholster this fabulous couch!

My client bought this couch at Goodwill 3 years ago an has had it in her garage ever since.  I LOVE it!  She is going to transition it into her family room.  Her goal, to have a couch with very little pillows so the kids can't throw them off the couch.  So smart!   

The fabric is an amazing apple green to go along with her modern house with vintage touches.  Can I say I WANT her house!  The claw feet on the couch are so authentic.  I just can't wait to finish it all! 

Weekend Projects & Nellie B Necklace Winner

This weekend is a full one!  I am wrapping up refinishing this very cool armoire for a client that we are making into a media storage center.

I love the detail on the doors.  Every piece of furniture should have something unique about it, which gives it a focal point.

Also, thank you to all those that entered for the Nellie B. necklace giveaway! 

The winner picked by Random Number.com is... Jessica!  Congratulations!

Remember Nellie B. for all your fun and unique Christmas gifts this year.  They truly are loved by all those that receive them.  Plus, the way Brooke packages the jewelry is one of the best parts! 

Have a fantastic weekend! 

Repin Wednesdays...Numbers

Everyone has a connection to numbers.  When you see a 7, typically you think of luck, right?.  When I see an 8, I imagine one of those round 8 balls that tell you your "future".  Those were so much fun to play with as a kid!  Numbers are all around us and what better place to display them than in your home.

When putting numbers as art in your home use those that have meaning to you and those around you.  Use your birthday, lucky number, anniversary, children's birthdays, etc.  Here are some of my favorite ideas with numbers from this week on Pinterest.

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Have you seen any other great ideas with numbers?  I would love to hear about them.  Happy Pinning!

Nellie B Necklace Giveaway

It's the start of a new week, so you know what that means...another GIVEAWAY!

I always get stopped every time I wear a necklace made by my dear friend Brooke from Nellie B.  Brooke is the most talented lady I know!  Her jewelry is amazing and will not disappoint! She welds, hammers and creates each piece by hand.  You truly get a unique, one of a kind piece of jewelry every time! Brooke recently started selling her creations, so her blog is new like mine.  Show her some love by entering for this great giveaway.  Her jewelry make great gifts for everyone!  Her young daughter wears them and looks adorable!

This is your chance to win this Heart of Brass Necklace

To Enter Giveaway

(Comment telling me you did all steps)

1.  Be or become a follower of this blog

2.  Become a Follower of The Nellie B blog

3.  "Like" The Rustic Alley on Facebook

4.  Leave a comment on at least one other post on this blog

Earn extra entries (one extra entry per step) by:

1.  Sharing this link on facebook, twitter, or blog

2.  Getting someone new to follow The Rustic Alley Blog

Giveaway will end on Thursday November 10th at Midnight.  

Winner will be announced on Friday.  

Good Luck!

Closet Envy

I have a confession, I have a huge problem with staying organized and keeping my house clean.  I would like to say that it's all because I have three young girls (under four) and a husband that likes to drop things on the floor when he comes home from work, but seeing as though my mom reads my blog she will call me out and say keeping things clean and organized has always been a problem for me!  Hello, my name is Allison.  I am in my 30's and I have a hard time keeping my room clean.

I sometimes wish I had a little O.C.D, that way I would keep everything nice and neat.  I seriously try, but I just can't do it.  I am too much of a free spirit and try to not make anything that doesn't "really matter" a big deal.  Then it gets to the point where I go crazy and become a nutty women who spends hours upon hours trying to clean, and it never seems like it stays that way too long.  What is pushing me over the edge lately is laundry!  I hate laundry and even more I hate putting it away.  I probably hate putting it away because I don't have a fantastic closet that is excited to hold my clothes. 

Maybe if I had one of these in my life at least my closet would be beautiful and organized.  A girl can dream right?!?

Pictures via Pinterest

What do you all do to stay organized?  How often do you find yourself cleaning out closets and rooms?  Now that I am becoming more busy with work, I need help!

Repin Wednesdays...Lighting

Lighting is one of my favorite parts of any room.  There are so many options and great ways to bring ambiance to a room.  Hanging lights can be works of art providing texture and focal points.  These are a few of my favorite I have seen on Pinterest. 

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Happy Pinning!  You can find all these on my pinterest boards for easy repining. The numbers above either take you to the website they originate from or to my "lighting board".