My chance to get creative!

I'm just in awe of people who can turn nothing into something; trash into treasure as it were.  I was self analyzing last night thinking that my decorating was more, go here buy this.  I didn't think I had anything I could turn into something.  Well that all changed when I walked into our garage this morning and found this.
My idea is to repaint it, attach some wood, and voila!  I'll have a console table!  My dream for it is to have it a wrought iron black with window doors. Possibly a contrasting color on just the shade?  Who knows.  But would that not be totally awesome?!  Lowe's is slowly becoming a top fave store these days!  This will also save us around $100.  Can't not mention that!  For other shutter project ideas, check this page out! http://www.robomargo.com/shutters.html  Truth is, there are so many possibilities for this one shutter that I'm already having an internal conflict on what I should really do with it.  Table?  Bench? Rack of some kind?  Time will tell.

Inspiration: French Door Curtain Panel w/ Tieback

Besides the blatantly obvious fact that I enjoy decorating my home, I also enjoy reading other design and home blogs; getting a feel for what other designers are doing and what kind of creative concoctions they come up with.  Tonight's topic, however, is based on the style-ings of a fashion blog.  The blogger has a monthly budget for which to duplicate designer ensembles at a logical price.  I had the idea to duplicate her duplication on a home decor scale, so this post shall be the beginning of a hand coordinated DIY; decor style. :D
Let's start with our inspiration.  A photo of a French Door Curtain Panel on said french door (JCPenney). Not only do I love the photo itself with the rustic edging or the wall color next to the sheer white panel, but I love the idea of having this type of curtain on my patio doors.  What's interesting about our doors is that only the left one opens; and it opens inward.  The other remains stationary.  So not only is this type of curtain more feasible, but it also will look better, IMHO.  If you know me, you know I'm not 100% about the practicality.  I'm a woman first, so whatever I do; it must look good.  Then the designer kicks in and I think of things like, "I can't use a decorative rod...they'll hit each other when I open the door" and "I wonder what fabric I'll use?"
 I recently ventured into JoAnn's Fabrics and Crafts.  That's them in a nutshell.  Practically half the store is taken up by fabric.  I can't complain too bad though, as it will give me endless options to peruse.  Right now I'm considering a wine red color.  Whatever I choose, I'm learning to take my time, really weigh my choices and find the best fit for the space.  What do you think?

Congrats to.......

Sabitha!!  You've won the Better Homes & Gardens pillow!

Winners are chosen based on random.org.  There were a total of 15 entries, after making a list of the names I entered 1-15 and 3 was selected.  Congrats Sabi!

To Be or Not to Be

I've been having an internal conflict regarding my mantle decor.  I bought a candle and holder for christmas to decorate it and it looked great.  I'm afraid however, I've gone candle happy. With a grand total of 8 candles (sconces included) does it not give the appearance of an alter?  I've considered adding some vases from a local store and removing at least two of the candles so that while taking away the alter aspect, it also simplifies.  Bear in mind I'm considering refinishing the mantle itself in a faux granite finish.  What do you think?  Alter or not?

Facebook!

We're now on Facebook!  The contest is moving there so the first 10 likers are entered to win the pillow!  Go now!

Product Review! West End Dining

Finding great style with sturdy and dependable craftsmanship can sometimes be a hard thing to accomplish.  But it's doable with the JCPenney West End dining set.  The table is 36"x54" normally but can be expanded with a built in butterfly leaf to 54"sq.  The table and stools are solid wood with a mocha finish.  It was incredibly easy to assemble (I recommend using your own socket wrench as the ones included are really just for temporary use.  Find one that will grip well).  This table is very versatile.  It would coordinate nicely with both contemporary and more formal styles.  The only thing evenly remotely negative I have to say is that though the table is theoretically able to fit a total of 8 people, it does not really have enough room allotted.  To sit comfortably, each person should be allowed 36".  This comes in especially handy should a right handed person sit next to a left handed person.  Sit on the wrong side of them, and you'll be bumping elbows all night.  With only 54", each person is given just over 2'.  I would love to seat 8 for our bi-monthly small group, but I certainly do not want to crowd anyone so I will limit my seating for now to 6.  Something to look for when shopping for dining sets is to purchase your table based on how many you'd like to seat while making sure that everyone has ample room to saw through those fabulous steaks you'll be serving up!  Happy Shopping!

Dining table charge pending!

Ordered last month....the dining table with 6 stools is pending payment now!!!  EEP, I can't wait to get that in!  It's going to look beautiful!  I'm not sure what to do about the rug though.  The plan atm is to take it to the road; let someone pick it up. Either way I'm sure I'll figure out something fabulous.  There is a photo of the dining set in the photos tab.  Or look here to view the set as well as all the stats.  Its a very well made set with style to match.  A wonderful combination.

Giveaway ~ BH&G throw pillow

Its time for the first giveaway!  When I get 10 followers (yes only 10, thats only 6 more!)  I will give away this beautiful Better Homes & Gardens throw pillow!  With vibrant colors and fabulous design, its the perfect pillow to bring the bright and anticipated colors of spring into your home!  With just 6 more followers, this pillow could be yours!  Size estimated at 12"H x 16"L; stripes are thin sewn lines of green, blue, and red thread.

Beware the Ides of March: Guest Room Reveal!

What a day. It's almost like Friday the 13th here. I've been stressed it seems over one thing or another only comforted by Tiramisu and a visit by UPS. I get my throw pillows in and even though I'm missing a few minor details I go ahead and record a tour of the room; all while trying to not get nervous, remember to note everything, every source, and every reason for everything. I've gone through a dozen takes and just a few minutes ago managed an acceptable tour. I've been taking a few pictures throughout the day and had no problem loading them to the computer. But what happens when I get my tour down? The SD card won't read. The card itself is fine, but I'm concerned about the drive. Anyway, I get an adapter and load through usb. The video is saved and ready for uploading. Soon as hubby is done with WoW, the guest room video will be revealed!!! Until then, I've posted a couple of pictures merely showing the room. Enjoy!

Anticipation!

My pillows should be in today! I may go ahead and share pictures of the room when they come in, since I gave up paying retail for Lent. I'm horrible about not entirely caring as much as I should about prices. Anyway, thing is, I need a birdhouse. I have one picked out for my console table. I wanted some form of nick-nack to have in the room that coordinated with my slightly bird themed room :P Its practically all bird! Ok maybe just half. A stock picture of said house may appear in the photograph section simply to complete the feel of what the room will be. I am beyond ecstatic to have this room complete!! But what now??? Think I'll be starting my DIY soon and looking for new cushions for my patio furniture. Possibly the same as in the guest room?

My First DIY!

I'm so excited to be having my first DIY project! My parents had a structure outside....terminology escaping me atm....and I've been allowed two of these corner pieces. I'll likely be brushing them white to coordinate with some patio furniture I'll also be taking of their hands. Yay for DIY!

Keeping that stubborn bedskirt on

You've got a new bedding set. Its gorgeous and you can't wait to get it on the bed. But darn if that mattress doesn't keep pulling the bed skirt underneath forcing you to once again remove the mattress and straighten the skirt. I thought about this as I started putting on the new bedding for the guest room. I knew doing it myself I was sure to mess up the bed skirt as I moved the mattress back into position. Before you put the mattress over the bed skirt, I find it helpful to safety pin it to the box springs around the edges. How many you use depends on the size. For the twin bed, I used a total of 6 safety pins; one near each corner and one in the middle of each side. Keep the pins as close to the edge without allowing them to show. This should keep the bed skirt secured to the box springs and allow you to flop that mattress on no problem! Do take care in putting the mattress back on. To much force and you've got a hole on the unseen portion of your bed skirt. This technique while helpful, has not been tested enough to ensure its fool-proof.

Designer say what?

I once read in a Home magazine that people either have exquisite taste in clothing or decor, but seldom both. Designer say what? I may not look like a movie star, (ok maybe a teenage one) but I think my style is just fine. Take this for example. Easter is around 43 days away now and nothing says Easter like a fabulous hat! What hats have to do with Easter is really nothing at all, but the last few years its been tradition to wear a hat at Easter service and brunch. Kudos to ModCloth I found one fabulous hat. Dubbed the Kentucky Dainty Hair Clip, I thought it the perfect detail to base my holiday garb on. Dainty indeed.

My Magnum Opus

Our guest room is looking absolutely fabulous! Nothing short of fantastic! While it's not the exact image I had in my head, I cannot complain. I've been blessed with the opportunity to design this room and blessed to have received so many free pieces! All the furniture, save for the platform bed and headboard, were given to me; two pieces of art were given to me; I was able to use a hand painted canvas like picture we'd bought as the first decorative piece before moving into the house; and the rest was purchased from various retailers. I cannot contain myself much longer I'm so excited! I am so looking forward to posting all the pictures and going through piece by piece where everything came from! I don't plan on listing prices because if I've got the link to the piece, the price will be apparent. This room means so much to me. I think the fact that it has a purpose and will be usable again reduces if not eliminates the utter disappointment I felt after its original purpose was no longer needed. Our last sermon at church was about getting outside our bubble and how one way we can do that is to share our resources. The twins gave us tax deductions and without their lives and deaths, this room in this purpose would not be possible. To my boys. This room's for you.

God Bless FedEx

It's been raining all afternoon and my sweet, sweet Fedex driver hauled a very awkward box to my front door. The Headboard is here! Per my rules posted on Facebook, no pictures will be released until all is complete. Thanks to my MIL for providing two pieces of framed art, I only have two pillows and one birdhouse to go! BBB is my best best best friend!

New blog!

I am so excited to have this blog! I had one ages ago and cannot for the life of me figure out why I deleted it?! Decorating is what I consider a passion and I'm not about to let that go away! I'm in the final stages of our guest room (which has already had a guest!) and after that I've really got to figure something out for our stairs. Those walls look so blank. Some sconces downstairs and some quite heavy collage frames and I'm calling it. I'd love to paint downstairs but I'm at a loss on what to do. Anyways, thanks for visiting and look here for the latest on what I've got going on!