Sid's 8th Street Cafe in Historic downtown Opelika, Alabama

On a recent shopping trip, I decided to visit Historic Downtown Opelika, Alabama.  There were many small shops and Bistro type places.  But, Sid's caught my eye so....I have to tell you it was Wonderful!!!   My husband and I love to go on junking trips and to be able to have a great place to eat...well you all know that is part of it.

We had the "Build a Burger", the single is $7.00 and you can choose your cheese and so many other wonderful items. $8.00 for a double.  Well, I had the single with Swiss Cheese, Bacon, Avocado as well as all the normal condiments.  This also came with fries.  I opted for the Sweet Potato Fries.....YUMMY!! It was a hand patted, grill fried REAL BURGER.. Every component was the correct temperature and it was Delicious!!

Mitchell our College Student Son from Atlanta met us (great way to get actual face time without the Atlanta drive...wonderful meeting place to shop).  He had a great day as well of junking and was delighted to join us at Sid's for a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich.  He ate every bite as well as his Sweet Tater Fries and said it was a wonderful treat.  His sandwich was only $6.50.  These are outstanding prices!!

Our Grand Daughter Alysa joined us as well and she is a discerning critic of all Chicken Fingers or Nuggets, so when this was offered on Sid's kids Menu she was happy!  She could not eat them all and Uncle Mitchell was happy to finish them off.  Sid's also serves Coke Products, which is always a plus!!

Here is Thomas purchasing a "NEW" Beer to try!!

Sid's has a great menu with many choices and a large and varied Wine, Beer and Bar Choices!  (There is a full Bar. 

There is a Sweet Alley with Tables.  This is a wonderful place to gather on a Sunny Day or a Cool Night.







Katie was our server and we could not have been happier.



Toppa Tom, Alysa and Uncle Mitchell

Sid's is just around the corner from Historic Rail Road Avenue!!

Some of the wonderful Architecture of the area

I plan on including some of the great shopping places and deals to be found in Opelika and surrounding areas in one of my next Posts.


If you get the chance...visit Sid's and please tell him Kay said Hello!!





Thanks for stopping in...Stay in Touch!!!

K

Budget Decorating...Flea Markets.. ~~Let's Talk~~

Hey Everybody!!  Hope this cold February Day finds Everyone Well.  Hope you enjoyed the Snow .  I am looking forward to SPRING!!

Today I want to chat about everything.  Let's start with Budget Decorating, how about a Kitchen for $500.  You have to be smart with your shopping, do what you can and know when to hire a professional.

Today's market has so many great materials to offer.  And, let's face it everyone wants a high end look at a fraction of the cost.

Floors....Big project, expensive.  It does not have to be.  Set a budget, stick to it.  If you have hardwood or Brick you are Blessed!!! If you have Hardwood floors and they are in bad shape, refinish them.  If that is not in the budget, Paint them.  Paint them a solid color.  Paint a pattern, stencil.  Do what makes you happy.  If you have Brick Floors, clean and put a poly coat to give them an updated look.  Ok, so you don't have either.  That's ok too!  If you have the champagne taste and beer budget there are options. Want the look of stone, tile almost anything.  Shop your home Improvement store.  Pick something you love.....then shop close outs, flea markets, your area thrift stores, garage sales.  There is always an option.  The tile that has the peel off the back can be beautiful.  Remember a clean floor that is sturdy, making sure there are no loose pieces...it can be covered.  Always start in the center of the floor. I like to draw chalk lines, something to keep from getting out of sync.  Try different patterns with the tile before laying it.  A small space is made to appear larger when the tile is laid on a diagonal. these peel and stick are $4 to $5 a square foot.  Great start to a $500 kitchen makeover.

Counter Tops

Everybody seems to want the Solid Surface.  They are great, but expensive.  Again, shop your Home Improvement Store, pick what you Love and then begin thinking...I can do this on a budget.  One of the great things offered today is an Overlay.  Get the look  of a Solid Surface at a fraction of the cost. 

This is an overlay.  You need to have a sturdy counter top.  If you have a laminate top, this can be put right over it.  Much the same way as the laminate is done.  The scraps from the solid surface are ground into dust, then put together with a solution that turns solid in a thin piece.  It is attached to a backing and you have the look!  You have to be careful of chipping with ALL solid surfaces and this is no different.  But....the cost is a quarter of what the Solid Surface cost and I promise it looks the same.  The fold over or rounded edges makes it appear thick.

Paint your walls, make them flow with the rest of your house.  I normally say start with the walls but, when you are working on a tight budget, find the elements of your room first. Paint can always be mixed to match.  Check out those oops paints from your Home Improvement Center.  Even Walmart makes mistakes.  Most of these paints can be picked up for $5.00 a gallon.  

Lets talk Cabinets

Paint is your friend!  Don't be afraid to do several coats, color or even a glaze for texture. You would be amazed at what you can do. New hardware and a accessorize......you have a budget kitchen,  According to the size of your kitchen...$500 is very doable!!

We have talked about Budget Decorating and a little about Flea Markets.

Have I told you I Love Flea Markets! !Flea Markets are normally weekend things.  Early bird gets the worm.  Make a list, have your measurements.  OPEN YOUR MIND TO POSSIBILITIES !!  Look with an eye for "What Could I Do With This". Don't forget the local Thrift Store and Antique Malls.  Many dealers have items that you can use and let's face it in this slumping economy ...they want to sell.  Never be afraid to Make An Offer!!!!! some of the most wonderful things I have placed in clients homes have been a find at one of these places.  You just have to be patient when working on a tight budget.

I hope I have provided a few options or ideas.  Remember you can call me or shoot me an email and I will be happy to help.

In closing I just wanted to remind everyone that my sweet husband makes custom Farm Tables.  These Tables are always made with Repurposed Materials(keeping our land clean and saving materials from the landfills) and  A Lot of  Love!  According to size, materials, and legs we have tables in every budget starting at $100 and going up to $1000 for a really big table!!

Thanks to all of you that have purchased!!

 I wanted to share just a few of my favorite things before I go!!  MIRRORS!!  Every Shape and Size!! They add visual space.  They provide light....they are Wonderful!! I love, Love, Love Them!!

Thanks for Stopping in, Leave me a comment...tell me what you'd like to talk about.

Stay Warm and Stay in Touch!!

Kay

Cottage Make Overs~~~Simple Charm~~~

The Bedroom is White, Stark White....far out of my comfort zone. But with the infusion of Green I am comfortable.  I don't feel like it is too sterile, I know that it is a comfortable room.  Full of cheer and charm.

By using the architectural details of the house and expounding on them, the room has ample storage.  The closet is very usable but so is the ledge it's shape has created. Perfect for art.



The Chandelier gives the room a piece of jewelry.  Just enough.  Other wise this Cottage retreat uses it's very simple Beauty.  The Mix of Fabrics provide the Texture and the Basic Painted Floors Ground the entire Room.    Simply Lovely





This was my color palette.  The chandelier was a 1980's Brass, spray painted white and add embellishments.  The Bed is a 1970's Faux Bamboo, again painted White.  All the fabrics and Art Pottery are in this family of Green.

The Before Piece needed a good Cleaning, Sanding, Painting and Waxing.







The After is a Cottage Chest with Contemporary Flair. In Timeless Black.

Great Basic Kitchen.  Really didn't change the lay out, just modified the functionality of the Kitchen.  This is a Fabulous Farm Table, altered just enough to create the Perfect Island.  Everything in this Kitchen is designed around practical everyday things.  Still keeping the Simple Cottage Beauty.

This Kitchen adds the drama of COCOA. The Glorious Brown Transfer ware and a Few Roosters, But with the Simple White Cabinetry.  The Floors are Porcelain in Chocolate.  Just a few upgrades on the appliances, nothing structural. Simple Changes to help with the flow.

 Maybe my favorite Cottage Nest. The exposed Ceiling is Simple but so full of Drama.  The Cabinetry is Simple, Open, Timeless...but pay close attention to detail.  She wanted The Ocean inside this Cottage. So, the Floor offers her Sea Breeze and Ocean through Poured Polished Concrete.





So much can be done with very little.  Everyone's taste varies but, these were a few projects I thought you all might enjoy.  Simple Changes with a Wow Impact.
If you are interested in any of these projects, just contact me via my email designwithk@yahoo.com and I will be able to give you an idea of how I achieved the over all room and the budget. 

I will be happy to help with any project, large or small.  I love to make things Pretty!.  I can help you find your style!

Take Care and Stay in Touch!

Kay