23 Design Co.

12 Days Of Christmas : : get your modge podge on...

2011-12-15T22:10:00.000-08:00

I think this is day #4. This one is going to be another quick and easy DIY ornament...and it will be even easier than yesterday. Yay for easy, right?

Ok, so get out the same Dollar Tree ornaments, or honestly whatever flat surfaced ornament you have laying around. I think this would be super cute done on cardboard letters for an initial ornament or even a shape like a star or an angel...like I said whatever floats your boat. ;) Also grab any old books, music books, tissue paper or scrapbook paper and of course the modge podge.

Take whatever paper you have...I used some old sheet music and some brown tissue paper which made this a perfect gift for my kids' music teacher. :) Rip the paper into 1-2 inch strips and modge podge both sides and put on the ornament. If you want a blingy ornament you can add some glitter to this or if you want a more rustic look then tint the modge podge with some brown paint.

Attach some ribbon and a gift tag {shown in yesterday's post} and you are good to go. I'd say less than 10 minutes start to finish for this one...even less if you are making many which means this would be a good one to make in bulk for others or even for your own tree. Let your creative juices flow on this one!

12 Days of Christmas : : yarn and twine ornaments

2011-12-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome back for another day of Christmas goodness! Today, I thought I'd show you another cheap and easy gift/decor that we've had a lot of fun with this year...yarn wrapped and twine wrapped ornaments. The next few days I'm going to feature some ornaments to make all based with an 8-pack of metallic ornament balls from the Dollar Tree. A lot of these would look cute on or off a tree...or even done with the bigger size.

All the supplies you need are a glue gun, yarn/ twine, and ornament balls (is that what they are called??). You can do this two ways. First ( and easiest!), just start at the top and glue small sections at a time to adhere the yarn to. When you get to the bottom, it will be hard to keep it as close, so just wrap it evenly letting some of the metallic ball show through as seen with the ornament below.

The other way you can do it is to start at the top like before and then go to the middle and start from the bottom and meet the other strand in the middle. It's ok if it gets "off", just fill in with yarn.

I attached ribbon to these, but you could even use some cute fabric scraps. I also made gift tags with scrapbook paper. I let my kids write on them ( because these are teacher gifts) and then modge podge'd both sides to make it a little sturdier and help the hole punch not to rip.

Super EASY and I bet you have most the supplies on hand already....who are you going to make yours for??

12 Days of Christmas : : coffee filter magic

2011-12-11T12:47:00.001-08:00

I know this isn't a totally new thing, but I thought I'd pass this idea along to those who maybe have never heard of it. If you have a little time on your hands a just a couple bucks then coffee filters may be your go to item for gift-giving and holiday decor. Just a couple quick ideas.

The white filters can be used to make Christmas trees...just hot glue them in the middle of each filter in rows all the way up on a Styrofoam cone. Then you can trim with scissors when you are done to shape them up more like a tree. I kind liked the fluffiness so I didn't over-trim. Easy-peasy but just takes a bit of time. These babies are hanging out on my piano...for now. ;)

Then, I've also done a bit more involved, but still cheap and easy version of this project. This is a food coloring and tea dyed wreath. I took a whole package of filters, put them in water with a few tea bags and lots of green food coloring and let it sit for a few hours. Then, I dried the filters in stacks ( of like 10-15) in the oven on 200 degrees. This wreath has a completely different look. The filters dry flat and look a little crispier. It looks really pretty because some get more color than others and the edges tend to get the most color...someone even said it resembles rose petals. Just an FYI though, if you try for red with this method, you'll probably be waiting until Valentine's Day to use it...even with a lot of dye, it still comes out quite pink. It also looks great without the food coloring and just the tea...makes for more of a natural looking wreath.

And here's the original...I use the larger filters on the second to largest straw wreath that Hobby Lobby has. (I leave it packaged up too...less straw mess to deal with).

And just to keep it real, because unfortunately making the bed did not make the top of the list today....

If you try it on too small of a wreath, you'll have to improvise like I did. :) This one I made from the brown filters. I quartered them then glued them in a line going around the wreath. Then, I sprayed it with water and wrapped twine around it to dry.

Let me know if you have any questions...would love to hear how y'all have maybe taken this and put your creative spin on it....and hear stories like mine of how my fingertips no longer are affected by the heat of hot glue. : )

12 Days of Christmas : Day 1

2011-12-02T07:44:00.001-08:00

I thought I'd do a little series called the 12 Days of Christmas to pass along some cheap and easy Christmas ideas for gifts and decorating. Whether you are trying to spruce up your house a little or you are like me and need about a gazillion gifts to give to teachers and other special people, hopefully this series can at least inspire you to think outside the box a bit and maybe even save a buck or two.

DAY 1 : Moss ornaments

This week I showed our Bible Study group a few Christmas-y ideas and this was one of them...probably the easiest too. I love moss on just about anything. Not sure if y'all remember the moss letter "o" I did earlier this year...but it has floated around my house and I still love it.

Anyway, all this ornament takes is a ball shaped ornament. I used a big one I picked up at the Dollar Tree, but I'm sure the little version of this would be so cute too! The moss is on sale this week at Hobby Lobby, so it was only $2.50 for a big bag (you can find it in the dried floral department). This moss has less of a green tint than the one I used for the letter...I like it's neutrality. Just hot glue the ball and press the moss on it. You don't want it too thick, but definitely thick enough to cover what is under it. This makes a HUGE mess, so either have the hand vac ready or do it outside. This would look so cute on a foam tree or even a wreath too.

Attach a Starbucks gift card on the ribbon or even your teacher's initial on it and there you have a quick and cheap gift that looks a whole lot more than the $1.50 that you spent on it!

Fabric thief

2011-11-11T08:08:00.001-08:00

I've been on the search of the perfect fabric to meld the orange and blue in my living room. In an ideal world my favorite fabric wouldn't cost between $130-$200, but it does. So it's not in my living room. : ) Doesn't Schumacher make such pretty fabrics?? Chiang Mai Dragon may just be my very fave right now...

So, I've been somewhat patiently looking for something a little more in my budget. I couple of weeks ago I hit up Garden Ridge, of all places, with a friend who's kitchen I've been helping her with. I don't exactly love Garden Ridge, but I'd heard you can get some great fabrics there if you are lucky. Everything is $5.99 and comes in about 2-3 yard remnants. So with 2- 3 year olds in tow, we hit it up. There is a lot of gnarly stuff there. I mean really gnarly....like maybe it's been there for a good decade or so. Anyway, after lots and lots of looking we came across this....

This pic makes it look a little darker than it really is. We originally got it for her, but after she took it home, she decided she wanted to go a little different direction. So...I happily took it off her hands. ; ) It is a P Kaufman Fabric for upholstery and it retails for about $26/yard....and we got 3 yards for $5.99!!

I think I'd like to do maybe a big ottoman with it, but today I had a few minutes while the kids were eating a snack and decided to make a pillow cover for it...hot glue gun style. I pulled a nice pillow out of the garage sale pile. Still liked the pillow, but I'm so over red in the house and couldn't wait to get it out of here.

This pillow has great shape and was in perfect condition...just ready to hide the red!

I simply folded in the raw edges and glue it up. Maybe some day when I have more than 5 minutes, I can sew it up, but this is where I'm at and I'm trying to embrace it! ; )

I'm loving the finished result!! It accomplished exactly what I needed it to, at the perfect price point! I almost feel like I stole it...ha! Have you had any "steals" recently??

Nutella goodness

2011-10-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

I've been in a baking mood lately, and what is there better to bake with than anything with Nutella? Oh my goodness, I could eat that stuff by the spoonful {and chances are I do!}. I wanted to make some cookies for my volleyball team and when I went to look for a recipe, I never really found what I was looking for....so I made one up and not to pat myself on the back, BUT these are stinkin' amazing.

Nutella Cake Mix Cookies
1 package of yellow cake mix {I think Pillsbury works best by far!}
3/4 cup of Nutella
2 eggs
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable/canola oil
1 cup of chocolate chips

Mix first 5 ingredients till well mixed. Then, stir in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes or until the top is just starting to crinkle. They kinda stick to the pan, but if you use a spatula to take them off when they are still warm, you can get them off pretty easily.

This is just one of my happy customers....

Decorating ADD

2011-10-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

I took a quiz in a magazine a few weeks ago and was somewhat surprised by the results...don't worry it had nothing to do with romance or finding my soul mate {I've already got all that : ) }. This quiz had to do with adult ADD and I think maybe I've just diagnosed myself with a mild case of it. I've also contributed my constant home-decorating to it....well, that and I just enjoy it. : ) Anyway, I said all that to say I've changed up the Living Room a bit....tried my hand at a little art {using that word very loosely}, put some signs of fall up, and just did some simple rearranging. Check it out...no biggie, but for a busy mom, I'm loving the little refreshers...

Ok, I spent $6 of my birthday money on this gorgeous orange fabric {found it on the bolt at a thrift store with my sister-in-law}. That's basically free, right? I originally planned on using it for reupholstery, but I am loving the color it bring to the neutral walls. I'm thinking about adding a stencil to it....any thoughts???

Just a change to the TV stand....I'm thinking that pumpkin needs a black bow. Don't you love balance?

Here's my little artwork. I whipped this up one morning this week and I think I'm really liking the pattern in this room. Especially with the dark leather couch, it really brightens up the space and makes it more interesting. No one better look too close though...a perfectionist is one thing I am not! Best part about it...I had all the material so this project was FREE! I'm thinking it will look great with a wreath hanging over it in a couple months.

What are you doing around your home? Any fall spruce-ups or just a little decorating ADD like me? Either way, it just always amazes me how one little quick change can make the biggest difference.

Furniture Facelift : : Girls' desk

2011-10-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

I am getting so excited at how my girls' room is coming along and this is probably my favorite piece so far in the room. Both beds are painted and finished, I found a dresser and nightstand that has been refinished as well {minus a broken drawer}. Pictures are on the walls and and now I'm just shopping for the bedding. I needed a little desk for the room and really didn't want to spend any more money on furniture and you can only keep your eye out on people's curbs for so long, right? ; ) So, I shopped the house and remembered I had this piece that I wasn't sold on for the living room...

It's actually an old sewing machine that used to me my grandmas, but I thought it would make the perfect little desk for the girls' room. Their beds are orange and the rest of the furniture is white so I thought something in between would be perfect {and once again without making orange look circus-y}. So I started with a coat of primer and and then a couple coats of white paint. Then I put a custom spin on it to make it a perfect fit for this room...all done with just a little painters tape....

It doesn't come out great in pics, but there's also a light pink stripe {the color of the walls} in it to help tie it all together. I left the original hardware on...cause I liked it. The sewing machine is still completely functional {although with fabric tape in the house, I'm not sure it's going to be used any time soon : ) }. I LOVE how it turned out...just need to figure out a place to put all their desktop items...cause I don't want to cover this baby up! ;)

Orange you glad fall is here?

2011-09-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

Ok...sorry for the cheesy title...I couldn't resist. Y'all know I love me some blue, but orange is sure making it's way to being one of my favorite decorating colors. I just painted my girls beds orange {more deets on that to come} and I have hints of it in my living room as well...I love the bright cheerfulness it brings to a space while still giving it some warmth.

Some of my faves...

Statement on the walls...everything else neutral.

This may be a little much for me, but I still love all the color and patterns.

Love this new line...especially in orange.

Orange velvet headboard with green accents...you don't see this much but isn't it fabulous??

Love how the orange adds to the equestrian den feel.

Orange upholstery adds personality to an otherwise very neutral space.

Great calming color scheme.

Love this...all the white with orange trim...GORGEOUS!

I think I've featured this one like 3 times...I still love it!

Great office space...modern with lots of warmth.

Love this whole house {check it out here}...this rug MAKES this room.


One of my favorite designers, Sherry Hart, designed this nursery...almost makes me want to have another baby. Kidding.


Just a little orange in this room sure gives the eye something interesting to look at.


Great lines, colors and furniture.

This one is from House Beautiful...what a happy place to gather the fam to eat!

I love this...pretty sure my mudroom wouldn't stay like this for too long, but I still love the color scheme.

Is orange too much for you or are you jumping on the bandwagon with me? I'm loving it...and I think it's here to stay much longer than fall will. ;)

{All images via Decor Pad, unless noted}

Houndstooth

2011-09-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

There are a few fabrics that I associate with a certain season...it doesn't mean they are specific to that season, but in my head I automatically put myself to that time of year. Houndstooth is one of those fabrics. My mind quickly goes to Hunter boots, argyle sweaters and corduroy. I've seen houndstooth used in bright, happy and almost springy rooms and I still get that warm fall feeling. Here are some of my favorites...some all ready for fall and others and others still craving that summer sunshine.

Style Hive


House Beautiful

House Beautiful


Williams Sonoma Home

Tobi Fairley

House Beautiful

Cottage Living

I love this print especially in the more traditional way, but I couldn't help but enjoy it in all these spaces. I think because it is a bold but familiar print, it brings about a comfortable feeling to a room. What do you think? Is it a fabric from the past or one that keeps on reinventing itself?

BUSY & Pinteresting

2011-08-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, sometimes I get my plate a little full around here....right now happens to be a time when my plate is heaping. It also happens to be a time that I've never felt so blessed... remembering that helps me keep my busyness complaints to a minimum. Anyway, along with agreeing to help out with our kid's choir at church {which I am SO excited about!}, getting 4 kids off for their first week of school, a plethora of dental and doctor appointments that were scheduled months ago, and other odds and ends, I took on a high school and middle school volleyball coaching position at our church's school. Ummmm....yes, I am crazy, but I'm loving every minute of it! Lucky for me, volleyball is a short season, but until this season is over it's going to be a bit busy. {on that note...my kids have eaten more fast food in the last two weeks than they had probably in the whole year....it's either fast food or no food some nights. ; ) }

Because of this new level of craziness, I thought I'd start doing a little series called "Pinteresting" showcasing some of the fun and "pinteresting" things to be found. It's fun {and mindless which is right up my alley right now!} browsing through my friend's pins and just some of the popular pins as well.

Here are some of my latest finds....most of these are fall related because I'm doing all I can to will it here. {It's been over 100 for like 60 days or something insane like that...I'm ready to be CHILLY!!}

I'm definitely seeing this DIY faux mecury glass lamps in my future.

Would love this aspen pic on canvas...gorgeous color.

If this entryway doesn't welcome you in, I'm not sure what will....love this!

Love this Indian Corn wreath...totally hackable.

This is such a classy take on Halloween...also totally hackable.

Frye's....sigh. I managed to get my hands on some Frye sandals a little over a year at DSW for $30 (yeah, I basically stole them) and they are so comfy....now to find that same sale on these boots.

Football games

Perfect for anywhere...classics.

Tweed and bracelets

Love the mums.

These painted pumpkins are FAB and will probably be making appearance around here.

Well, that's it for today. Hope you enjoy and have found some inspiration as I know I have!

Restoration Hardware Catalog

2011-08-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

So, back when I did the post on the store "cousins"? Well, I signed up for Restoration Hardware's catalog while I was on their site, and it did not disappoint. This "catalog" {that name does it NO justice} is about 2 inches thick. Not only does it show their great products, but on a few of them there are artitcles about the designers and artisans that create these products.

You can find out the story behind the amazing trunk collection...which includes this beauty of a desk.

One article talks about Jefferson Mack, one of their ironwork artisans.

Besides these features, the catalog also is just an idea book for every room in their house. The simple, industrial, but yet luxurious style makes them a unique brand. Take a look....

You can sign up for their catalog here....trust me, you won't be disappointed in the FREE inspiration!

Giveaway winner & a little weekend inspiration

2011-08-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

via

Just had to share this room. I think it pulls off sophisticated with a personality so well. The floors, the color scheme, the off white walls and almost sheer curtains make this room one of my all time faves.

Also, the winner of the design board giveaway is.... Laura!

Laura...you can email me at 23designco@gmail.com and we can get to work! If anyone else is interested in this service just email me for more info!

Have a great weekend...this is our last weekend of summer so we are busy trying to live it up! : )

Birds of a feather

2011-08-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else been crushing on this trend as much as I have? The rich colors, the "nature" aspect, the unique shapes...I think it's pretty spectacular.

via

Just make sure you don't confuse your beautiful peacock with something that says "gobble, gobble".....

Sunday

2011-08-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

-Prayer of St. Francis

My blog friend, Marriane, over at Haven & Home posted this today and it was exactly what I needed. I thought I'd pass it along with y'all too.

Happy Sunday!

Thank you

2011-08-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

This is my 100th post. I'm obviously not a super star blogger, but I'm not looking to be. I've had over 20,000 hits to my site since the end of January and I'm beyond grateful for that. In fact, I'm in disbelief. Thank you to ALL my readers for helping ignite this fire in me to keep writing and to keep exploring this world of interior design. I'm so grateful to my new "friends" out in blog world that follow me and comment. I'm so thankful to my friends and family who have sent me little notes telling me they read every post I write....it has encouraged me more than you know. I'm so thankful to my husband for believing in me and helping me take the first step and putting myself out there {just a nerdy math major trying to act like I know how to write}.

To say thanks to all of you, I will be giving away one design mood board to a randomly chosen winner. This will be for the room of your choice {valued at $45}. We will have a consultation and you will get one set of "redo" for your room as well. Contest begins tonight and goes through next Wednesday at midnight. Just leave a comment telling me what room in your house/apartment you'd like to give a makeover to! You can also receive and extra entry for becoming a follower on my blog. {just make an extra comment saying so}

Cousins

2011-08-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever walked into a store and felt like you've been in some place similar? Like Gap, for example, it has it's fun younger cousin, Old Navy, and it's more upscale and mature cousin Banana Republic. Yet when you walk into any of them, there's kind of a theme...basics, industrial decor, trendy but not over the top. Well, the same is true with some other stores that you may not have realized...maybe I'm the only nerd who thinks it is interesting.

1. Did you know that Williams-Sonoma is the parent company to everyone's favorite home store, Pottery Barn? Besides their famous kitchen store, William Sonoma also owns their namesake line, Williams-Sonoma Home, which is amazing {and quite pricey} and the fun and hip West Elm line as well.

2. I'm guessing you probably realized this one...if you've had a child in the last decade. The Gymboree line has also reached all price points in kid's clothes. First, Gymboree brought the head-to-toe matchy-matchy look to the "mall" price point. Then it released the Janie and Jack line which is more of a boutique look and price. Then, in the last few years came along Crazy 8. I like to call it the Old Navy of Gymboree {I'm obviously not on Gymboree's payroll with that one}....it still has the Gymboree look but more of an Old Navy price.

3. This one may be my favorite "family". The actual brand name is Urban Outfitters, but they own some amazing companies you might have heard of. Anthropolgie is definitely it's older {and yet still very cool} cousin. Both UO and Anthro offer clothing lines, and household items. Some of them as you may have noticed are very similar....so if there's something you love at the wrong price at Anthro, it may be worth your time to check Urban Outfitters too. They also have the brand Free People, which is a great clothing line. And if you haven't seen the company's wedding line, BHLDN, it's pretty amazing if for nothing but inspiration.

4. Another more common one is Crate & Barrel and it's family of stores. Crate & Barrel not only has CB2, which is a more affordable and fun side to Crate & Barrel, but it also has the uber cute kids line The Land of Nod.

5. The last one is near and dear to my heart for many reasons, but it actually is not a "family" anymore...still thought I'd mention it. Everyone loves the Target corporation...I mean what's not to love...great products, great service, and it's just plain fun to shop there. Did you know that Target and Marshall Fields were under the same ownership for quite a few years? I actually worked at a Marshall Field's {technically it was Dayton's in Minnesota, but it was the same store} one summer while I was in college. For the record, I worked in the Ralph Lauren department and made exactly $0, but I still have some of the great clothes. ; ) Anyway, this company had amazing customer service which ran from their high end store all the way to the lower end. Marshall Field's ended up being bought out my Macy's...which was a step down from the great service and style that this company had.

There are still others I didn't mention...like Sears owning Restoration Hardware and Lands End & others. I find these relationships fascinating for a few reasons....sometimes as far as products go, you can find similar products in many different price points. I also love finding a company that has good customer service from the top all the way down. That way if you have a problem or issue, you know it will be taken care of. What are your thoughts? Company loyalty or anything goes?

ODDS & ENDS

2011-08-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

I know I've been super sporadic on blogging this summer...things are little bit more challenging with 4 kids at home...and I've been really trying to soak up my time with them. {you can read more about that here : ) } So basically this post is going to be as random as it gets...hopefully, you can keep up with me as I jump around to whatever pops into my mind.

First of all, I am so excited to announce that I am going to be offering interior design mood boards. In case you aren't familiar with this concept, I'll give you a little example....

This is a mood board that I made for my girls' room. I took things that I already have and added items that I wanted to use to give the room it's new look. The site I use, Olioboard, will link up to actual items you can get online....so you can go many different directions. If you want to just go online and purchase you can do that or if you are a fellow DIY'er like I am, I can just help you gather the ideas and then you can redo furniture or sew up pillows to help keep your costs down. The cost for an initial consultation, 1 mood board with 1 set of "re-dos" is $45. You can email me at 23designco@gmail.com if you are interested.

Second...have you seen this?

Maggie got it for her birthday last week and I think it's the only movie we've watched since {and that includes a 13 hour car ride home from Colorado}. It is so good...honestly, may be one of my favorite movies. I love what an awesome family unit they portray, Bethany's courage and even more importantly the emphasis they put on her faith. I can't think of a better role model for my girls. Just beware...if you haven't seen it, have a box of Kleenex right by your side.

Third on the today's random list...my pictures on here are going to be sub-par for a bit. While we were in Colorado last week, we went on a hike to a watering hole and we managed to not only lose my camera, but my mom's and a bag of the kids clothes. So unless some sweet stranger happens to look at my Colorado Springs Craig's List "lost and found" post....I'm outta luck for a bit. The worst part??? Maggie's 10 year old birthday party pics and there were some of our hike {which included my jumping off a cliff into the water...REALLY!!!} are gone.

And last but not least....I just had to share with you the good deals I found at the thrift store my mom and I hit up in Colorado Springs. It's called ARC {in case you live in the area and want to hit it up} and everytime we go I hit the jackpot. The concept is really cool...they help locally with the thrift store money and then they ship the "leftovers" in huge semi-sized crates to places all over the world where it can be used. How cool is that?! So you can feel good about shopping...right?! : )Anyway, I just got a couple things {I could have bought half their furniture department to be fixed up though!}....

I'm apparently like a foot shorter than this model because it hits me maybe an inch or so above my knee. I'm thinking with a cute cardi and fun necklace this will be really cute. It's not available at Saks anymore, but they had it on ebay for $189 and I paid.....$3!!!

Then I found these Nine West wedges. Not sure if y'all have noticed yet, but the wedge is all over for fall like it has been for summer. This is exact pair except mine has a tiny strap around the top. So, so cute! I paid $3.50 for these babies and I know they will be getting lots of use!

Did you stay with me to the end of this randomness?? : ) I look forward to getting back to blogging more regularly and hopefully I won't have a crazy long post again....for awhile. : )

A river call DENIAL

2011-08-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

So, there are some monumental things going on in our house these days. My oldest, Maggie...yeah, she hits double digits this week. Seems like I was just bringing her home from the hospital yesterday. So, so proud of her and the young woman she is becoming...although, I'm not sure how ready I am for this pre-teen stage. She got a little early birthday present today. We've decided that 10 is the magic age of our girls to their ears pierced. Maggie got hers done this week...ummm...can I take back this gift because I am not ready for her to look 3 years older instantly. Actually, I am so excited for her. She's been talking about this day for ever.

{yes, it's wal-mart...she was too excited to get them done while on vacation and this was the only place...it actually was great!}

Then, there's my one and only son. He goes to kindergarten this year and although I'm so thankful for the 6 years I had at home with him...I'm not so sure I'm ready to cut that cord. He really is sweet. He's the one that hardly gets in trouble and is a constant source of hugs, kisses, and "I love you, mommy...you are the best mommy in the whole world." Yeah, I'm going to miss that. And you can bet that this mommy will be sobbing as I drive away from dropping him off. I know that Addison will keep me on my toes, but the impromptu games of horse and all sorts of made up games with any type of ball will be greatly missed.

this boy is ALWAYS in a sports uniform...this one just came out of the box...he even has the mean football face to match

We've also just had one of those few months where it seemed like all 4 of them grew up. I just want to bottle them up now so I can remember everything. Since I haven't run across that type of canning project, I'm definitely soaking up the final days of summer with my 4...I mean seriously, how many more times will I see them going hunting for beetles all dressed up like this?

Mary McDonald

2011-08-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Has anybody been watching Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators? I was {till we got rid of our cable last month :) } and although it is totally ridiculous at times {like paying $30,000 dollars for a rug}, I really enjoyed seeing these designers on their basically unlimited budget put a room together. My fave designer on there by far is Mary McDonald. Her designs usually have color, some drama and have an element {or two} in them that you just can't take your eyes off.

We spent most of Saturday in the car traveling and I brought along a some eye candy to look at as we went. One of my magazines was a Domino magazine from 2009 and I was so excited to see Mary McDonald's guest house featured. Hopefully, you'll enjoy it as much as I did...I've been looking over these ever since Saturday. : )

{Does this look familiar? I featured it in my chevron post}

What do you think? Are you ready to move right now like I am? Maybe it's all the blue, or great patterns...whatever it is, I think it's spectacular. What's your favorite pic? The light blue bath? The striped green and pink walls? I'd love to hear....although I'm not sure I've got a favorite in the bunch....kinda like choosing a favorite child....ok, not really.

Living room : Before & After

2011-07-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

I know I've shown parts of our living room on here before, but I thought it was time to show the whole shebang....and the horrendous place it came from. It was bad...REALLY bad. {You've been warned!}

Here is the before. Our home was built in 1978 and really pretty much everything was original. It had been built and decorated well...just 3 decades ago. :) {Sorry, all my pictures of it include my kids...the ones without them were too overexposed to even make anything out!}

Moving day! Purdy blue carpet and paneled walls...ewww

It was a 70's Christmas that year....we should have dressed up in bell bottoms and plaid shirts and played it up completely.

Yeah, the red plaid couch pretty much made it worse...didn't think that was possible, did you?!

I'm not sure what that gun is pointing at...probably me since I was behind the camera....ANYWAY, are you repulsed yet?! I thought hanging that clock on the one nail in the wall was going to camouflage something.


Aaaand the brass fireplace to complete the look.

So basically, blue carpet, paneled walls, and if it was cool in the 70's it was in this room. The previous owners even left their flowing cream ruffled curtains....wasn't that generous?

The transformation has happened little by little, but it is finally about done...who am I kidding...I'm never going to be done. ; )

Here goes...

Love the dark floors...they can't stain, but they don't stay looking super clean for too long either. ; ) You can read more on the makeovers of the TV console, gallery wall and chairs.

This is the other side of the wall with the window. The rocker is an antique from the family. The end table was thrifted and refinished. The fireplace got a fresh coat of black hammered spray paint to mask the brass and a coat of white on the mantel. I think the mantel if due for a change....little too much stuff up there for me right now but I do love all the map themed pieces.

Aren't these spider mums great?! I also love these antique mason jars for vases.

The wall with the mirror is opposite the fireplace wall. I used to have 3 collage frames...one got wounded in a family game of horse. ; ) I love the mirror and how it reflects light from the window...although it is a bit lonely. Under it is a sewing machine {one of those built into the table}...not sure if it's staying there, that's why I haven't put much effort into accessorizing it. The blanket on the white chair is also an antique...it has my mom's family's brand {like what they used on their cattle} on it. I love the color and the meaning it has! Oh yeah, and the basketball hoop...gets used all the stinkin' time...and it matches the blue and orange color sheme...ha!

We've turned the wet bar into toy and game storage. It's decor changes almost daily. ; ) Next to that is Addison's play kitchen....that's one of those toys that if it didn't get played with SO much would be gone since there is no great place for it.

SO.....what do you think? I'd still like to add some blue/orange floral or susani printed pillows. I've got my eye on some....good pillows aren't cheap though. ;) Overall, I love this room. It had good bones....the built-ins, the molding, the beams in the ceiling {you can see part of one in the first pic}, and really a great size. It's been fun to see it come so far.

I'm planning on trying to do this throughout the house...it was SO ugly when we moved in and since this is our first go round at home owning, it's been fun to go through the processes of updating everything!

Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks for following this journey with me!

In the thick of it

2011-07-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I've been a bit MIA around here lately...I've bee a little in over my head in projects around the house.

We've been spending more time at the pool and have even attempted a family game of kick ball {yeah, that was my idea...didn't last too long at 3 in the afternoon but it was fun to get out} and some bike rides....despite the fact that it is July in Texas and over 100 degrees every day. Five years living here and I still haven't quite adjusted to the heat....although you won't find me complaining the other 3 seasons though. ; ) How cool is this pic that Maggie {my oldest} took at the pool...with my IPhone...and no photoshopping AT ALL!

I think that girl may have a job in photography in her future. :)

Anyway...on to the ugly. We were sitting on our ridiculously large deck last weekend {which happens about once a year} and decided to take it up...right then. So, it is up and we are so excited to have some reclaimed yard space. We had a townhouse before this house so any yard seemed big...till we put our kids in it and realized it was not. Our next place WILL have a bigger yard! : )

Deck when we moved in 5 years ago...we had done some work on it since

The deck today....just need the poles and roof taken down and it will be ready for sod....and soccer games! : ) {our toys and table aren't normally in our yard, but the cement patio was full of the other stuff so it's there a while...lookin' a bit trashy...ha!}

This is our master bedroom white cover...just trying to give you an idea. :)

The girls' room makeover is under way...I've finished one bed {and I love the orange!} and now am on the lookout for another free to extremely cheap daybed to match it. I also am on the look out for LOTS of white linens. I'm thinking lots of pillows will help make this a space they LOVE to be in! {and a TV....but they aren't getting that...ha!}

This also was one of those projects that was like the domino effect...I wanted to switch the furniture with the other kids' room and in switching I thought I might as well go through all their clothes and toys....for ALL stinkin' 4 kids. What was I thinking?? Anyway, that has left me here....

Drowning in kids' clothes and toys....but I think I'm going to LOVE the end result ~ clean, not over-stuffed closets and drawers all ready for the school year!

Girls room update & more FOR SALE items

2011-07-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

I originally talked about how I was ready to give my girls' room a major facelift a few months ago in this post. I have basically done nothing since then...you know, life happens. ; ) Anyway, a friend of mine a couple weeks ago told me she knew of someone wanting to get rid of a day bed and that has started the ball rolling again. I've gotten some input from my girls and I think we finally have a plan of action! Here is an idea of the direction we'd like to head....

Althought I loved the look of the upholstered headboard, we have taken a different direction with the day bed. The existing bed it a cream with gold accents and pink /blue flowers...ew. I'm thinking the bed itself is going to be getting a fresh coat of paint like this color...

gloss real orange

For a look similar to this....

via Kiki's List...she has amazing style!

I'm thinking LOTS of white bedding and orange and pink accents all over the room to tie it all in. So excited to get started on this! I was hoping to be able to not have to paint the walls again, and with this plan, the light pink walls will be the perfect canvas to base the rest of the room on. I've pinned some of my other ideas for this room if you want to check them out here. {You can message me if you need an invitation to Pinterest.}

In other news, I've put up a set of tables for sale on the 23 Design Co. Facebook page...

These were originally bedside tables but we have only used them as end tables. They have been painted a light grey/blue and have been distressed. I'm asking $75 for the set! If you are local let me know, if you are interested! Email me @ 23designco@gmail.com.

THANKS!

Back from camp and a t-shirt upcycle

2011-07-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

I made it back from camp in one piece....and I had a blast! It was exhausting {I got home and felt like I'd been hit by a Mack truck for the first day or so} but what's not to love about not cooking or doing laundry & hanging out with your kids and some really great people?! Ok...it wasn't quite as easy as that, but still, it was great and I hope to be able to go again next year! Some of my fave pics....

saying goodbye...man, my husband looked extra-good looking that day... : )

Saylor and her bestie from school who came with us

Maggie and her bff getting ready to zipline

more ziplining

my girlies

now us moms had to show them how to really zipline. ;)

me and my girls

canoe time {we went with the kids, but they were already out on the lake}

Maggie entered the fishing contest...so proud of her in the midst of all those boys : )

went with 1 best friend...came home with a room full. :)

Before I left I made each of the girls in our cabin a bracelet in our BLUE team color. I got the idea from Pinterest...saw headbands made the same way on there, but I just made them smaller....take a peek! {sorry about the iphone pics...my camera was once again MIA}

Cut t-shirt into 1-2 inch wide strips. stack 5 of them and then hot glue or sew them at one end.

Pull on the strips until they are not flat anymore and curl up. Start braiding but braiding the 3 on the left side like you normally would, only doing one "interval" of it.

Do the same on the right side, always starting with the outside strip. Then go back to the left.


Tighten as you go...it should look like this.


Still going after a week at camp. :)

I took this idea and carried it a step further...and made a scarf out of a shirt I never wore. I've been wanting a coral/orange scarf for quite awhile now & I just never got around to buying one.

My post-childbearing body doesn't do drapey a-line well....

I cut off strips in different sizes...some I left the seam on and other I cut so I could braid and then I just tied back up.

This may still need a little tweaking, but I LOVE how it turned out...just the color I was needing too! {Notice the iced coffee...still going strong on that one : ) } I may regret posting a pic with no make-up on...hopefully y'all love me enough to see past it...ha! ; )

Well, after not posting for over a week, I think this may be my longest post EVER! Hopefully it gives you some good ideas to use with those old tshirts sitting around. :)

It's great to be back and I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things around here!

See ya in a week....

2011-07-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

I'm headed to camp with these two girls till next weekend.

Hope y'all enjoy your week as much as I know I am going to! : )