Saturday Spotlight: Life Behind the Blogger



Susan from Must Love Junk, and myself wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been done before.   So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.
There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.

Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs.  You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Susan's and my blog. 
August 9

Happy Saturday.  I am excited to introduce you to another wonderful blogger this week.


Keya from Vintage Prairie Style Blog

 Keya from Vintage Prairie Style blog.  Keya has a wonderful sense of decor style and she can re love a piece of furniture like nobody's business.  Love her vision and creativity.  Enjoy getting to know Keya and then take a visit over to her blog.




First of all I can’t believe that my tiny little blog caught the attention of the girls behind junk chick cottage and must love junk. I am truly honored that they asked me to participate and tell you all a little bit about me. For those who have never heard of me, and I’m assuming that’s most of you, I operate a little corner of blogland known as vintage prairie style. It’s all about me and my adventures (and often misadventures) in decorating our home, selling vintage and antique items and rehabbing furniture. From time to time little bits of my personal life sneak onto the blog as well - but not too often.

So when I was asked to share a little bit about myself I was excited and a little nervous. What do I share? What should I say? What might people want to know????
our 1965 "dream kitchen" that I made-over with some paint, new curtains and hardware

Should I tell everyone about how this month my husband broke a few ribs while I was diagnosed with an inner ear condition related to pregnancy (I’m 7 ½ months Prego with our 3rd) which has been giving me some pretty wicked bouts of vertigo. Should I tell you that while this drama is unfolding we were also dealing with a skunk family taking over our side porch and a squirrel trying to set up residence in the basement of our 1965 dream home… Yes, it’s been a banner month for our family; and yes we are happily living critter-free again - with the exception of our small pup Fynn. Am I sharing too much? Have I made you uncomfortable yet???
our ever-changing house...

But we aren't a chaotic mess all of the time. About half the time we are a fairly normal family of 4 (soon to be 5). Our home runs on a single income, my husband's, and it is because of his job that we have decided not to post pics of of our family and children up on the blog. Sounds mysterious doesn't it... It's not as exciting as it may sound but there is just enough risk that we feel strongly about keeping our family identifiers private. It was also the nature of his job and unpredictable schedule that lead me to decide to stay home with the kid's full time. It was pretty tough to give up my career and I do miss it from time to time, but I have never regretted the decision or wished for something different. In fact I feel pretty lucky to be able to have made the choice.  Staying home has also allowed me to explore some new hobbies like refinishing furniture, researching, collecting and selling a range of vintage/antique items and it has also lead me to continuously make changes to our home.
one of my favorite furniture re-dos

So while I can’t show you pics of my little ones, how about I tell you a little bit about them while continuing to show you some images that you will come across, should you decide to hop over and visit me.

one of my many lighting projects
Our oldest is about to start a major milestone in September, Kindergarten, I am in awe of how quickly the time has passed and how much this little lady has taught me in the short 5 years she has been on this earth. One of her ongoing lessons involves teaching me to embrace my inner girl. I will admit that my inner girl was pretty well non-existent before our little miss made her debut. I was never a lover of pink or fashion or makeup or any of it. I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, nothing too fancy. Now I am learning about fanciness and fashion and tea parties and dance. And you know what, I'm loving it. I don't foresee becoming a tiara wearing princess any time soon, but it sure is fun to play! 

my style, for better or worse
I am also momma to a little man. This one is all about trains and building. He is a boisterous and rough and tumble as they come and he is so much fun. He also suffers from pretty sever asthma and allergies. Until we got some control of his symptoms we were in  and out of the hospital and our pediatrician’s office. It has been an up and down battle and we have had to make a lot of lifestyle changes in order to accommodate his issues but everyday I am thankful for modern medicine and our easy access to great medical care. Everyday.

a local handmade show that my sis and I participated in...

Parenthood has brought so many surprises. As I’m sure it has for countless others. Who knew that I would have a “fancy” girl for a daughter and an all-out-boy for a son. I can’t wait to meet #3 and learn what s/he is all about. One thing I know for sure is that I would not be doing any of this without my family. They encourage and inspire me. They offer a helping hand when they can and give me their straight up honest opinions, which sometimes smarts a little when a 3 year old is telling you where you've gone wrong. They come along to craft shows and antique malls and they are always there for photo shoots and treasure hunting; and best of all they accept ice cream as payment for a job well done!

So that about wraps it up. I want to thank these wonderful ladies again for asking me to participate!


Thank you Keya.  It was so much fun to learn more about you.  I can tell you are a great mom and enjoy this part of life's journey for you right now. Good luck with #3 on the way.  How exciting.  Thank you for sharing with all of us.

Now that you have learned a little bit more about Keya.  Jump over to Susan's Blog and meet another talented blogger Lisa from Lee's Hideaway

Have a great week end.
Kris
:)

Flea Market Finds

This past week end was the Kane County Flea Market.  One of my favorites.

Here are a few of the treasures I am re loving into my home.


I got this stool from one of my favorite vendors at the flea market Julie Norkus.  Julie always has awesome treasures.

Julie stenciled on the words and the old vintage clocks.  I am putting this stool into my guest room.  I love the words she chose to put on this stool.  I think it will be perfect for my family and friends when they stay in our guest room.

Thank you Julie I love the new stool.


Ok I cannot leave well enough alone.  I had this skirt from the old ottoman at the end of the bed and it matched perfectly.  So I attached it and now I have two looks for this ottoman.



Then I saw sweet Rosemary from Villa Barnes and her booth was packed full of beauties to behold.  I forgot to take pictures I am always so overwhelmed by the white treasures.  I did however buy this beautiful piece from her.


Yep this great dresser with wheels.  Oh my had to have her.  Isn't she just too cute.

Look at her cute legs and wheels.  It was love at first sight.  Told Rosemary to put a sold sign on this little treasure.

Haaaa just when you might be thinking Junk Chic Cottage is only grey, creams and whites nope a pop of color!!! I found this cute blue ball jar and added some daisys to bring a pop of color to the top of the dresser in the guest room.


Nope did not stop with a little color at the ball jar.  Added my vintage phone to the side table too.

Hmmmmm my assistant Libby thinks she should be the first guest to try out the bed in the guest room.  She likes to curl up on the Ikea duvet at the end of the bed.

Yep I caught you!!!!




Well there are just a few of the little treasures I found at Kane County Flea Market this past week end.

I am changing up my dining room and hope to have a post on this soon.  Terry and his tools made me a brand new french farmhouse table out of my existing table.  I cannot wait to show you that.  Like I always say gotta love a man with tools and knows how to use them.

Have a great rest of the week.
Come back on Saturday for Spotlight.  Susan and I have two fabulous bloggers for you to get to know.
Kris
:)
Parties:
Get your DIY On
Wow us Wednesday
What's It Wednesday
Treasure Hunt Thursday
Share your Cup Thursday
Fabulously Creative Friday


Guest Room Change Ups

I have been working on some change ups in my guest room.  I showed you the new headboard made out of old doors in my last post.  Now I did a few other small changes in the guest room.

You know how one change leads to another LOL!


As you enter the guest room I have an old vintage mail box hanging on the door.

I have a special guardian angel to watch over my guests while they visit.



Some of you saw the new headboard made out of the old armoire doors.  I relocated the chandelier that hung over the bed to the side of the bed and put up this romantic candle chandelier over the bed.  Very pretty at night with the candles lit.


Then Mr. JCC relocated the electric chandelier over to the side of the bed.  It is hard to see in this picture but it hangs in front of the chippy cabinet doors over the side table.



I went to Morris (little town with all my fave shops)  with my friend and I found these double ruffle Sweet Dreams pillow cases for the guest room bed.



I added the old white chippy clock I had in my dining room back into this guest room.


I put the guest room sign over this old vintage frame I had.

So there you have it some small change ups to freshen up the guest room.  I love the soft creams and whites in this room.   I want my guest to feel serene and comfy when they stay in our guest cottage.

I am always tweaking this room.  So there could be more change ups down the road but for now I am liking the soft look to this room.

I love how warm this room feels with all the natural sun light it gets.

Thanks for your visit today and have a wonderful start to the new week ahead.

Kris
:)

Parties this week:
Show and Share
The Scoop
Inspire Me Tuesday
Twirl and Take a Bow
Get your DIY On
WOW us Wednesday
What's it Wednesday
Treasure Hunt Thursday
Share your cup Thursday
Fabulously Creative Friday
French Country Cottage
Rooted in Thyme
Thrifty Life Thursday
Show and Tell Friday
Every Room in The House Party


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