Let's gossip!

You probably need to be of a certain age to remember the telephone table or gossip bench as it was more commonly called. Gossip benches were very popular in the 40's and 50's. Today it's hard to imagine that you actually had to sit in one spot to talk on the phone.  Phones were only as portable as the length of your cord.

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At the time, the gossip bench was probably considered a very clever creation - a place to sit and a spot for the phone - all in one!

This Danish Modern style gossip bench arrived in my driveway as a freebie from a friend. Thanks so much Meghan! Of course it was brown and had a vinyl seat.

I painted it one white and added some much needed cushioning (for those long conversations).

And added a bright and happy fabric.

And what a handy little shelf a your phone book!

Cute, right?

And this Early American style gossip bench came from a flea market late in the day. The seller offered it to me for $2. Seriously, how could I say no to that?

This one went a nice bright shade of aqua.

I don't actually remember having a gossip bench when I was growing up. But I do remember sharing a party line. That was sometimes very entertaining!

But just for fun, I decided to give the gossip bench a try!

We've definitely come a long way baby!

I'm linking to...

Jennifer Rizzo

Be Inspired Features and Link Party #33

Happy Tuesday! Welcome back for features and party day!

There's been a "white" painting frenzy going on around here. Just a few more things to finish up and I'm excited to move on to some bright and happy colors. But you all have definitely been embracing color. Here are just a few of the projects that caught my eye this time around ...

Painting a piano is a big project and a brave move, but the result is sooo worth it! Check out this beauty from  Doodles & Stitches. 

Love this beautiful roadside rescue from Fine Point Creations. Wouldn't it be fun to see the expression on the former owner's face if they could see it now?

You know that Shari at Turnstyle Vogue does amazing work with paint. But just look what she can do with stain. This is stunning!

And while I was painting everything white, Dee from My Painted Stuff went on a little painting frenzy of her own with Duck Egg Blue. This is just one of the beautiful pieces she shared!

Don't you love this French script lamp shade? You won't believe how easy it was! Head over to The Concrete Cottage for all the details. You'll want to make over all your lampshades!

Check out this gorgeous stenciled wall from Kathleen at Projects at the Pickett's! It totally transforms the room!

Molly B from The Poor Sophisticate challenged herself to use only recycled and repurposed items that she already had to create an eclectic, bold and elegant hall transformation. Amazing!

I love this sweet back-to-school vignette from Bell Jar Vintage! Ready or not, a positive outlook goes a long way to getting the year off to a great start!

And I can't think of a better lunch box treat or after school snack that these Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies from Country Momma Cooks!

Thanks so much to everyone who linked up and linked back! If you've been featured, there's a cute little button on the sidebar!

Now on to this week's party...

* Link up your furniture makeovers, DIY projects, home decor, crafts, recipes, thrifty finds, etc... We want to see whatever is inspiring you at the moment!

* Grab a party button and add it to your post or link back in some way. You must have a visible link back to be considered for a feature!

* And be sure to follow along with us!

We'll be back next week with features and a brand new party.
Now let's share some inspiration!

Harpoon Hanna's Coconut Muffins

There's a restaurant that we like to frequent when we head to the beach called Harpoon Hanna's. It sits right on the bay between Ocean City, MD and Fenwick Island, DE. It's a big and lively restuarant with multiple levels, a sports bar, a tiki bar, outside decks and even dockside parking if you happen to arrive by boat. The food is delicious, but in my opinion, the very best part is waiting for your food to arrive. Servers walk around with big baskets overflowing with the most delicious coconut muffins, blueberry muffins and huge slices of iced raisen bread. They are all so delicious, you almost don't want the food to arrive! The coconut muffins are my personal favorite and I was thrilled when the Baltimore Sun published the recipe a few years ago - oh happy day! They are a favorite at my house. I make them frequently and always get requests for the recipe. I thought you might enjoy them too!

Harpoon Hanna's Coconut Muffins

1 scant cup sugar

4 Tbsp. margarine

2 large eggs

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cup flour

2/3 cup coconut

1/4 tsp. coconut extract

1/2 cup milk

Cream sugar and margarine. Add the eggs one at a time, blending between each addition. Then add the remaining ingredients. Divide  evenly between twelve muffin cups. Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. ... How easy is that!

*I use Baker's Angel Flake Sweetened Coconut. A I just made a batch the other day where I sprinkled the muffins with just a dusting of sugar before baking. It made them sparkle and added just a little bit of crunch to the top. I'm adding that notation to my recipe card!

Enjoy!

I'm linking to...

Country Momma Cooks

Be Inspired Features and Link Party #32

Happy Tuesday! Welcome back for features and party day!

Another week of great links. I am constantly amazed by your talent and creativity. And gosh, I don't know how you find the time to get so much done! Here are just a few of the awesome projects that caught my eye this time around .....

Transformations from Jacqueline shared this stunning chair transformation. Just look at those curves and that yummy fabric!

Just perfect for fall, don't you think?

And just look at the details on this cherry blossom bureau from Kim over at Reposhture. This is a stunning piece of furniture!

Blue and white is a color combination that never fails to please, especially when paired with a gorgeous dark walnut top. This one is from Chrissie's Collections.

Dear Emmline shared this beautiful card catalog styled vanity. Those label holder pulls put it right over the top in my book!

And speaking of hardware, check out the knobs on a dresser from Leisure Living. Talk about all out glamour! ... And I think these are both great examples of how you can use hardware to really convey the feeling you want in a piece. 

I love the fun mix of fonts on this subway art inspired dresser from Deb at Twice Nice.  And here the hardware plays a supporting role.

And check out this stunning dresser from Shari at Turnstyle Vogue. I love rich colors and the typography is so unique. And look how she played with the hardware on this one!

Susan from Uniquely Yours or Mine went with a bold color combination for this beautiful secretary desk.

And since I'm on a roll with hardware, look how she coordinated the pulls ...

with the feet!

And before you think I've gone totally crazy for hardware this week, just look at these luscious jars of strawberry banana jam from Barbara at 21 Rosemary Lane. Please pass the biscuits!

Thanks so much to everyone who linked up and linked back! If you've been featured, there's cute little button on the sidebar!

Now on to this week's party!


* Link up your furniture makeovers, DIY projects, home decor, crafts, recipes, thrifty finds, etc... We want to see whatever is inspiring you at the moment!

* Grab a party button and add it to your post or link back in some way. You must have a visible link back to be considered for a feature!

* And be sure to follow along with us!

We'll be back next week with features and a brand new party.
Now let's share some inspiration!