new blog header idea

I am just testing out a new header idea for my blog. I think I need to use green and grey as my colors since they are the colors for my real estate co. {click on my logo to the right to see it} I always use Century Gothic font in my ads & info. Let me know what you think? Like this, or go back? This is not to say that it will not change again :)

{Once I decide on one, and stick with it~I will get someone with more computer knowledge to help me clean it up!}

hypertufa?

You are probably wondering what hypertufa is. When Charles asked me to take this class with him, I wondered what it was too. Yesterday, we took a 4 hour class at the University of Georgia Experiment Gardens in Griffin. It turns out, hypertufa is a certain mixture of materials used to make planters or other concrete type structures. Historically, Europeans have used lava rock to make planters, etc. This was before the days of concrete. This class showed us the way to mimic this look. We had a great time!

These 3 pictures are examples of hypertufa planters.
The class was set up behind the new building at the Experiment Gardens. I have posted pictures before of this great place.

We used 3 ingredients. Peat moss was one.

Perlite:: to make the finished product lighter than concrete

Concrete:: there is a small amount

Each set of partners had a work table with all the needed supplies.
We were able to make 2 planters. The boxes were used for the molds.

To prepare, we covered the boxes in plastic bags. Then, started to mix the dry ingredients in the black tubs.

So far so good! This process takes awhile. Have to get all of the lumps and little sticks out.

They did tell us to bring gloves. This picture below is how it looks once the water is added.

Our mold is supported and ready to go. We packed a layer of the mixture on the bottom of the large box, then used the smaller box to help create the sides.

We will not have a finished product to show for a couple of days. Once we remove the mold, we have to let it cure for weeks before planting. This was a fun process that I highly recommend. UGA is now offering this class 2x a year. The next one will be in the spring. I will let you know when I hear about it. We actually had some ladies that drove all the way from north Atlanta. Go Griffin!

Lake Oconee House Pics

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend! The house we rented ended up being the perfect fit for our group. I did forget to take a picture of the front, but here is one from the back.

We did get to spend a lot of time out on the lake.

Our friend, Drew, told me I was acting like a tourist. I can't help taking pictures of beautiful homes!
I'd say this trip really made us want to spend a lot more time at Lake Oconee.

This was one of my favorites. I love the super dark mixed with white trim.

This home below, had a great pool area. Tough to see in photo. It is really difficult taking pics when the boat is flying and bouncing on the waves!

Basically the only affordable house that is for sale is located in this cove. I was very proud that we were able to find it. We knew it had to be very shallow water for the price. Needless to say, Drew's boat did hit a few stumps. We decided the price is right for the house, but not to dredge out this cove!

This picture below is definitely the favorite from the weekend.

I could get used to the idea of having a little lake house like this....

Now that we are back we are a little sad. The result of the UGA game this weekend doesn't help either. We'll see how this weekend goes against South Carolina.

{Last week I did a post titled "Textile Tuesdays". I received some good response, so I may work on making it a recurring theme where you can post your favorite fabrics too. More to come on that}

Happy Labor Day!

We are trying to finish some work things so we can get out of town by lunch. Hope everyone has a fun weekend!! See you next week. I am looking forward to spending the weekend on something like this!!


*www.caravelleboats.com

Labor Day @ Lake Oconee

We are spending Labor Day weekend at Lake Oconee. There are five couples renting a beautiful lake front home from Friday to Monday. Charles and I are so excited to spend time on the lake! Two friends from Charleston are bringing boats. Also, we are very happy that Lane & Sophie get to go too!! I will admit there were stressful times when I was searching for a house large enough to hold our crew. I used VRBO.com which is a vacation rental site. Owners are able to list their properties with pictures and the dates which the home is available. There are many beautiful homes for vacation rentals, I had to share some of my favorites.

*image from tripcents

The Ritz Carlton on Lake Oconee
*image from Heavenly Hideaways

This starts the great homes for rent.

#211877 Water front home with pool

Nice views!

#191759 Dream Lake Front Home

Wouldn't you love to spend the weekend by this pool?

#229191 Builder's lake house

Great Kitchen!

#233865 Golf front home

I don't know if we will have internet service at the home we rented, so I may take a Labor Day break from the blog. Just in case I don't have time to post tomorrow, I hope you all have a great holiday weekend!!

mini make-over

This home is currently for sale in Griffin. Is is a great home, with good bones. It just needs some vision. The inside has carpet covering hardwoods, and lots of wallpaper. I have had this house listed for awhile, and before me, it was listed with another real estate co. Recently, I was thinking we needed a change, or something to make those that drive by to notice it again. This house is a nice style, it just didn't work with the royal blue shutters and front door. Here is it a week ago. 434 Mimosa Drive Griffin, Georgia 30224 $149,000

Here the after. Now we have black shutters and door. I think it makes a big difference. Sort of dresses up the house. I think this could be considered one of my first staging projects. Exterior staging that is.

It is on a huge .99 acre lot in town.

That is all for my Wednesday mini make-over. Can't wait for Labor Day weekend!!

textile tuesdays

Today's post is about fabric. Historically, Griffin is known to be an old textile mill town. It hit me the other day, why not have textile Tuesdays! I love fabric, and this is a great way for me to post images of favorites. What are some of your favorite fabrics?

I have been carrying around 2 yards of Masquerade by Thibaut Designs . Immediately I fell in love. One day I will have the right room to use this. my favorite is the White Masquerade. These designs also come in wallpaper. {I will post some of those faves later...maybe Wallpaper Wednesdays!}


This is a portion of the fabric zoomed in. I love all of the bright colors.
Masquerade Rose. My parents have this wallpaper in their guest bath. It really looks great! Mixed with a cream vanity with an antiqued glaze, and a dark green marble countertop.

Masquerade Blue.

Masquerade Yellow

Masquerade Black

*I must mention one of our current mills. American Mills has a great outlet store in Griffin. They sell fabric by the yard, & usually have great remnants. Also, the pillow selection & pricing is great. And if you need trim or fringe, their prices are the best!