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Monday, August 13, 2012

Back From the UK - Day 1 Photos... and a Coffee Table Makeover!!

I'm back!  And what a whirlwind.  Kevin and I looped around the UK - London to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Belfast, Dublin to Cardiff and back to London again.  I absolutely love everything about the UK (this is my 4th visit there!) and it was wonderful to visit again. 

I took over 500 photos.  I am quite a tourist that way. But this time I really tried to capture the mood of every place we visited instead of plain little pictures taken at a wide angle. I'll share my pics a little bit at a time so that you don't get overwhelmed (and bored!!)

DAY 1 - Toronto to London

Self- portrait- Hubby and I at the airport.

Our arrival at Victoria Station.  Everything was strewn with Jacks for the Jubilee Celebrations and the Olympics

Our London hotel was across the street from Earl's Court - the venue for Olympic volleyball.  It was so awesome to be near the "Action"

Our first "tourist stop" - the Imperial War Museum - planes, tanks, bombs, air raid shelters - my hubby felt like a kid in a candy store!
Next stop: Southwark Cathedral. I make a point each time I am in London to see a different church "gem."  This cathedral was begun in 1220 contains gorgeous wood and stone carvings.  The statues commemorating England's earliest kings are particularly detailed.    
A view across the River Thames. I thought this was particularly "British" shot. 
Kevin and I travelled to this spot just so I could see the Olympic rings on Tower Bridge.   I've never been in a city as it is hosting the Games.  It was quite exciting to be in the midst of it all!

I'll show you Day 2 the next time I post - Stratford and York!

Now onto the coffee table makeover.  Unfortunately I forgot to take "before" pictures of the aged coffee table that has occupied our family room for the last 4 years. I bought it back then for $30, secondhand because we had 2 toddler children and a third on the way.  I wanted a table without any corners on the tabletop and this one fit the bill perfectly.  

Here are the lovely knobs "before."  Gold burnished metal.  Pretty. No : (  So they got a sanding and a couple of coats of hammered silver spray paint.


And here is the table AFTER:
It all used to be the colour of the tabletop.  However I found that this wood tone blended too much with our wood floors. To make a separation,  I painted the lower part of the table a creamy white.  

It looks so refreshed and crisp with its new coating!  


I've wanted to do this job for months.  Had I know it was going to turn out so well I would have done it earlier!!


This little corner of the family room has become a cozy place for me.  Since we finished the basement into a playroom for the kids (lots of posts about this ASAP!) all of the toys have gone down there.  Now this comfy couch and table have become the perfect place for me to sip my tea and read my favourite magazines without the threat of attack from Beyblade spinners and naked Ken dolls.  :)

And the roses?
Present from my sweet hubby.  I am such a lucky lady!


11 comments:

  1. I came here to see the coffee table, but what a delight to find your photos of London!!!! I love that place and am so eager to go back. Looks like you had a fantastic time. Can't wait to see photos of York. Isn't it amazing! :-)

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  2. Your trip really was the trip of a lifetime! Great pictures. I can't wait to see more.

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  3. Wow, you did cram a lot into your trip. I love seeing people's photos of London, having been there many, many times before and having worked there also, you sometimes miss the beauty of it all, it's great to see it in the photos you've captured. I look forward to hearing all about your other little adventures.

    Tha table looks great, I love the contrast of the white with the brown, they work really well together. x x x x

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  4. Gorgeous photos!!!
    My hubby is from Yorkshire so can't wait to see more photos!
    Your newest follower - would love to have you come by for a visit
    and follow back when you can
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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  5. Welcome back! I love your photos and am admittedly very jealous!!! I can't wait to see more.
    Your coffee table turned out great by the way.
    Rhiannon

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  6. Beautiful photos of London, B! When I went to England it was a very brief trip but I recognize some of the sights from my two days in London. What an amazing city!

    Your coffee table looks renewed - and so nicely adorned with your beautiful roses :) Lucky lady! I remember my sister-in-law having to hunt for a new coffee table without corners after my little niece became more mobile!

    Glad you're back safe and sound!

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  7. This table looks great, and I really enjoyed vicariously your London trip!

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  8. Oh, I love it! I wish I had a couch like yours with these two dogs...
    Brenda

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  9. Wow! What a dream! I'd love for you to share at my party...it just opened! XO, Aimee

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  10. We love London too and are heading over there in December! I loved these pics and am more excited than ever about our trip now!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

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  11. Welcome home!!!! LOVE the table!!!!!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!

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Thanks so much for popping by my little world. I'd love to hear from you. Comments make my day!!