Hi Sugarplum!

Mama's Got a Brand New Chair

2012-01-30T07:00:00.002-06:00

Or six new chairs, rather! Happy Monday, lovebugs! How was your weekend? Other than the permanent indention in my right hand from tightening FIFTY-FOUR 3-inch screws with a 4-inch Allen wrench...mine was divine! I wasn't actually in the market for new Dining Room chairs ~~yet~~, but when Overstock sends you a 15% off + free shipping code, you're going to check out your options!

Seeing as how my Dining Room looks like a giant brown Buick took up residence, I knew I'd eventually make some changes for the lighter.

Don't get me started on my list of projects for this room! ~~(Rug, chairs, paint, curtains)~~

Turns out, my option was the Crown Fabric Off-White Dining Chairs! I've purchased all kinds of things online, but never something as big as six chairs. Sure shipping was free, but if Rita Return had to get involved, sending them back would not have been. So needless to say, I was just as nervous as I was excited when the boxes showed up (less than a week later!)

Since the price was so great and they're from Overstock, I wasn't expecting much in the white-glove department. I was shocked to find them perfectly packed, with the upholstered pieces wrapped in individual drawstring bags!

But then I spent the next 15 minutes ~~shrieking~~ ~~destroying~~ searching the box to find the other chair legs and parts! "Son of a biscuit, no wonder my chairs were on sale, they don't have legs!!!" Before my fit reached wall-eyed status, I realized the seat cushion flaps peel back....to reveal chair legs and assembly parts. Really, nothing gets past me. Thank goodness no one else was home, or they'd surely have had me committed.

It was easy, but tedious, to attach the seat bottom to the back, and then the front two legs TWSS. The chairs are incredibly solid, with no wobbling, and the tufting and trim are flawless. The material is a natural linen, and the cushion is thick with a nice spring. I'd definitely give them 5-stars!

My table could seat eight, but it'd be a chair army in here. So I'll keep it at six, and bring in smaller, extra chairs from the Breakfast Room when necessary.

It's amazing how much lighter and brighter the room already is!

Okay, so I've made other changes since the 'Before' picture above, but we'll address that ~~if I ever~~ once I complete the Living Room makeover! (Remember, one room at a time! Ha!)

You may recognize the Metallic Lamps. I did a little switcheroo, which means we have another Lamp-A-Looza post coming up!

And for the big comparison, here's the Before & Afters.

Don't the chairs just change the room completely? The lamps help, too. Aaaaaand, I've already sold the old chairs on Craigslist, which puts my total expense at $200!!! Crazy, right?

I can't speak for other chairs, but I can vouch for these and Overstock. And you can't beat the prices! (They aren't paying me to say this, I promise!) So next time a coupon code pops up in your inbox, maybe you should just have a peek!

It's the Little Things

2012-01-27T07:00:00.004-06:00

Thanks for the sweet words on my outfit yesterday! And the key to my bun staying put? Dirty hair. For reals. Also, several of you asked how I created my Project Gallery. I use InLinkz , but instead of using the 'Link Tool' (like for link parties), use the 'Link Manager.' Once you've uploaded each of your blog links, you create Collections and drag the project to them. After installing the HTML on your blog, it will automatically update each time you add a new link. It sounds confusing, but you'll get the hang of it quickly. I suggest watching the video they have posted, it's very helpful and much better at explaining than I!

Big purchases like this one are exciting, and nauseating all at the same time. There is a lot of pressure when an item carries a big price tag. However, sometimes small purchases can make us just as happy.

On my recent trip to West Elm, I was wooed by their new collection of linens. I mean monogram + stripes?! That's pure bliss.

This little hand towel makes me strangely happy, and I think it completes this corner of the Kitchen. That's a big accomplishment for a $10 ~~rag~~ towel! It really is the little things that bring the biggest joy, isn't it?

I'm becoming one with the Allen wrench and should have these chairs ready to show you next week, and hopefully a Valentine project or two! What are you up to this weekend? Enjoy it, friends!

{Outfit Inspiration} Magenta & Black

2012-01-26T07:00:00.004-06:00

It's been awhile since we've had an {Outfit Inspiration} post. No fear, I haven't been running around nekkid, I've just been having a fashion dry spell. Instead of being inspired by my closet and creating fun outfits, I've been grabbing comfortable stand-bys. My apathy has also spilled over to my hair, so there's been a lot of buns and ponytails. I think it's about time to pull myself up by my sweat pants!

Magenta and leopard is a good way to bring some style and spunk back in to my daily life!

I'd usually be more inclined to grab a pale pink cardi for this skirt and top combo, but instead made it more season appropriate with a black cardigan and tights.

True it's easier to throw on pants and a sweater. But it's not like I'm terribly inconvenienced by the weather here, so I need to get back to embracing my more feminine style.

If you've been reading these {Outfit Inspiration} posts for awhile, then you've probably noticed I favor a bell skirt. I'm pear-shaped and short-legged, so a fitted top with flared bottom looks best on me. And I almost always belt my natural waist, which is a flattering look for everyone. If you're interested in a slimmer waist with longer legs, that is.

Has the Winter season put you in a fashion slump?

{Outfit deets: Top: Banana Republic; Cardi: JCrew; Skirt: Old Navy; Tights: Target Assets; Shoes: Giani Bini Maryjanes; Belt: had so long I can't remember}

And a very Happy Birthday to my sweet Lindy Bird! My 'baby cousin' is 30?!? Lawdy, I'm getting old!

Blog Housekeeping for Better Browsing

2012-01-25T07:00:00.004-06:00

Some of you may have noticed, but I've been doing some organizing around Hi Sugarplum! I was having a hard time finding my own projects, so I figured you guys didn't stand a chance. It's a bit tedious, but I have most everything rounded up in this handy Project Gallery spot.

I'm still playing with the groupings and categories, but the pictures will definitely make it easier to spot projects.

I didn't realize the severity of my sweet-tooth until I saw all my Git in Mah Belly posts in one spot.

I'll also add a separate tab for projects related to any upcoming holidays.

My Blogroll is constantly growing, especially since I actually use it as my reader. I update it frequently, and recommend all of them as great reads.

My sidebar is starting to look like Sanford & Son, so I'm hoping to clean that up some, too. Feel free to play around, snoop in my drawers and cabinets, and look under the bed. And if you'd like to see more categories in the Project Gallery, or have other ideas, please let me know!

This Stool is Stepping Up

2012-01-24T07:00:00.005-06:00

I'm sure to spend this post fluctuating between snickering and gagging. You don't really think too much about a word until you write it. Repeatedly. For an audience. Such is the word 'stool.' Many of you ~~grown-ups~~ would have never thought twice about me discussing my stool makeover. But if you've been reading this blog for awhile, then chances are you're snorting along with me. So let's talk stools, shall we?!

Every home with young kids has a little step stool like this in a bathroom. I mean, how else are they going to glop toothpaste in the sink and spray water all over the mirror, if they can't reach? I guess I'd gone too long without holding a paintbrush, because I spontaneously decided this stool needed softening.

I raided my fabric swatches for something that coordinated with the Kids/Guest Bathroom, and found this sample. I had checked it out from JoAnn Fabrics ages ago for $5, and apparently never taken it back. I'm assuming that means I paid for it, and it's mine? Hope so, because my stool is wrapped in it.

These samples are the perfect size for a throw pillow or other small project, and $5 is a fraction of the cost per yard for these high-end fabrics. Jackpot! Does anyone know the proper protocol for "purchased" samples? (JoAnns refunds your $5 if you bring the sample back.)

Moving on. For the base, I simply took my fabric to the craft store and chose a coordinating color from the row of $1 acrylic paints. After brushing on a few coats, I sprayed it with a high-gloss finish. Then I cut the fabric to size and stapled it to the underneath, folding the corners like a package. (No foam or batting needed since this is a foot stool.)

Remembering this stool's intended ~~mess-maker~~ user, I covered the top in a second layer of clear plastic shower curtain liner, to protect the fabric from water and stains. Using oil cloth would be perfect for this kind of project, but I didn't think of that until after. You could also use clear contact paper, or laminated fabric.

Now instead of junking up the bathroom with kid gear, this little stool adds to the decor! (Just because kids use it, doesn't mean it has to be hosed down with yellow duckies.)

Of course it looks like this everyday. Don't your kids keep their bathrooms this tidy?!

I chose green to pull from the Anthropologie knobs and plants, and foresee this color ending up on the "5th wall" at some point. The wall stripes and shower curtain have a slight purple undertone that also work well with the fabric.

Someone needs to touch-up that vanity paint. 'Someone' usually means me.

I'd say $6 for paint and fabric is a steal for a custom step stool that looks intentional for this space!

Kid tested and approved!

Have you turned an everyday household object into something special? Don't flog me, but if you're in the know regarding the fabric samples, please share with the class.

{Pinterest Project} Chalkboard Mugs (as Teacher Gifts!)

2012-01-23T07:00:00.004-06:00

Hello and Happy Monday! I hope you had a grand weekend. We had a fun night out with friends, I struggled through Babygirl's first slumber party away from home (with non-family), and we whipped out some Valentine crafts...so it was a good weekend for us. Oh, and I primed the doors in the Pool Bathroom!

The {Pinterest Project} Series is where I step away from the computer, and actually tackle a project I've pinned...but adding my own twist. I kicked off the series a few weeks ago with Scrabble Coasters, and today it continues with Chalkboard Mugs! My pinsperation is this pin from Wit & Whistle. Amanda's mugs are so fun, but she special-ordered porcelain paint that required ~~patience~~ baking. I wanted to do neither, so I made mine with Martha Stewart's Multi-Surface Chalkboard paint found at my local Michaels for $4 (with coupon).

I found these over sized, flat-bottom ~~girls~~ mugs in the Dollar Spot at Target (aka Danger Zone). I played it safe and painted the bottom half of the mug, so it wouldn't come in contact with food or lips.

Using a small bristle brush, I applied 3 light coats of paint, letting it dry completely between each one. And unlike wall stripes, I found this paint did better if you let it dry completely before pulling the tape off veeeeeerrry slowly. After curing overnight, I rubbed them down with chalk, wiped clean, and personalized with pink chalk.

Yes, I have horrible penmanship. They'll just think the kids wrote it.

I took advantage of the flat-bottom and wrote messages I thought suitable for teachers. Babygirl told me 'Zip It!' wasn't appropriate, so I switched to 'Bottoms Up!' Knowing my kids and their friends though, I'm sure the messages their teachers would choose are even more inappropriate.

And since the mugs are gifts, we wanted to fill them with goodies. I can't get enough of My Owl Barn's free customizable calendar, so I printed extras, backed with thick cardstock, and bound by a heart-shaped brad.

I added shredded paper (I buy mine at the dollar store) and chocolates with the calendar, and tied a piece of chalk to the mug's handle so they could write their own ~~profanities~~ messages. The paint gives no washing instructions, but after this whoopsie, I think it's probably safer to just hand wash.

Each mug is packaged in a clear gift sack and tied with a piece of satin ribbon.

It's the perfect inexpensive Valentine treat, that's sure to show our sweet gratitude. Thanks Wit & Whistle for the great inspiration!

Are you whipping up goodies for your Valentines? What message would you write on the bottom of your mug?

Well This is Cool!

2012-01-20T07:00:00.005-06:00

Did you know West Elm had a blog? I sure didn't, but now it's on my ~~milelong~~ list of daily reads! Especially after they were kind enough to feature Hi Sugarplum and my new throw pillows! (Slow news day on the West Elm front?)

I think it's pretty cool to have my house and West Elm in the same screen shot. I love their stores, and always devour every single page of the catalog. Their stylists do an amazing job, so I'm thrilled they like what I did with their Ikat Pillows! Thanks West Elm, and feel free to send me anything else you'd like to incorporate in the Sugarplum house! I've got my eyeball on a few things...

And I LOVE all the comments you guys are leaving on the Navy vs. Pink Door post...go voice your opinion if you haven't yet. I don't think I'm any closer to making a decision, so I won't be doing any door painting this weekend. Hopefully I'll bust out a few Valentine projects to show you next week though. What are you up to this weekend? A little West Elm shopping, now that I've added fuel to your lusting fire? Enjoy every second of it, lovebugs!

{Pool Bathroom} Navy or Pink Doors?

2012-01-19T07:00:00.001-06:00

Thanks for all the comments and tips yesterday! I knew I could count on my bloggy friends for advice. And so today, I'm getting greedy and asking your opinion yet again!

When the painter was first here, he asked if I wanted the doors painted, too. Why yes I do, I replied. What color, Mr. Pushy Painter asked. And my intelligent response? "Um, well, um, I'm not sure. Just um, leave them and I'll decide later?"

Which is laughable, really. Because I have to be the most indecisive person on the planet. At least I think I am. Maybe not? Yes, I definately am! (See what I mean?) Aaaaanywaaaay! This little bathroom (4-foot by 5-foot, not including the shower) has two doors...one leading to the rest of the house, and another to the backyard.

The whole point of painting the trim and cabinets the same navy blue as the walls, was to keep it from looking broken up. So blue doors would make the wall appear larger, and be really bold.

But, I found this really fun radish pink on the Home Depot 'Oops' paint rack awhile back, and think it'd be a great punch for the room. And come on, pink doors!!?? How fun is that?!

Here's the opposite wall with a blue door (the two doors face each other). I think regardless of the color choice for the door, I'll paint the little alcove on the right pink.

And again in pink.

I know it's hard to imagine since my pictures are just slivers of the room, so here's some eye candy to give you a better idea.

via

And once more, my doors....

I'm torn, and really could go either way. What do you think? And do you have a garage full of paint you didn't need, but couldn't resist the color and $5 price tag?!

{Pool Bathroom} The New Problems

2012-01-18T07:00:00.005-06:00

I suppose I am spoiled by how smoothly my Kitchen Renovation went, as well as the first phase of this Bathroom Renovation, because I am ~~annoyed~~ shocked at the delays and problems we're having now! Obviously it's fairly common, seeing as how HGTV has entire shows based on renovation problems. Things could be worse, so I should probably shut my trap. I showed you the beautiful new shower door that was finally installed after two months of waiting.

And the high-gloss navy walls, cabinets and trim.

And just when we started to settle back in (if adding a plant and nightlight constitutes settling in)...

Son of a biscuit, what the french is happening here?!? After only two showers, Mr. Sugarplum informed me the leak was back. I immediately called Rockstar Contractor, who assured me there was no way this shower would ever leak again. After his weekend housecall, he declared it the fault of the glass guy. You know, the one we waited on for 2 months (have I mentioned that already?)!

What happened wuz.....the gap in the door was installed too wide, causing water to spray out and seep down between the paint and drywall. High gloss paint is almost pliable when dry, so it was trapping the water and literally formed a water balloon on the side of the wall.

The fix is simple, but I'm wary of how it will look. They need to insert one of those silicone sweeps all the way up the gap (like the one along the bottom of the door), and I'm thinking that will look like crap! Does anyone have that on their frameless shower door? How wide should that gap be? Mr. Go-the-Extra-Mile Contractor is going to tile the bottom part of the wall too, just to be safe.

And problem Numero Dos that's preventing us from moving on, is the paint application. Since I wanted a lacquer look (which shows every single flaw), I let a professional handle it. My painter 'floated' the walls (much like he did when expertly enclosing this opening), then sanded them smooth. The trim and cabinets are painted with a brush, creating a smooth, shiny surface. But for the walls, he used a really nappy roller....which caused the paint to dry with an orange peel texture!!

I know, that picture is lame, and you might not even ~~care~~ be able to see the texture. Normally I wouldn't be all that bothered by it...but the whole purpose of having him redo all of the walls (he already had drywall work to do as part of the reno to the shower) was to make them smooth!

Oh hello. Someone needs another coat of paint.

The only fix is to float and sand again, then repaint with a brush. Clearly he has to come back for touch-up work, but I feel awful mentioning the walls. And frankly, I'm ready to reclaim this bathroom! Do I let it go since I'll more than likely cover the walls with stuff? Is the texture even noticeable in a space this small? I'd love to hear what you think regarding the shower door and paint.

Three Wishes

2012-01-17T07:00:00.002-06:00

Everyone has dreams and desires. Things we like to daydream about, to take us out of our every day. Certainly as little girls, we all sat in our rooms dreaming of a fabulous grown-up life. What's funny, is now that I am a grown-up (loosely interpreted), my dreams are quite different. And what if those dreams could come true? I want for things every day, but if I could actually have anything I wanted, would I be able to speak those desires with certainty? My friend Michelle at Ten June, asked me just that...If I had three wishes, what would they be?

The hardest part was narrowing it down to only three wishes! Here's a sneak peek at what my selfish heart desires....

What would you wish for if it could be anything your heart desires? Come hang out at Ten June with me today and see if we share dreams!

{Pool Bathroom} More Progress, More Problems

2012-01-16T07:00:00.001-06:00

Hello and Happy MLK Monday! Do any of you lucky ducks have the day off? Never mind, I don't want to know because I don't! But if I did, I'd surely be home depleting my hot water tank in this lovely new shower, that now has a door!

As you can see, the boys didn't waste any time trying it out, as the 'man products' have already taken up residence. Before you start whining that you can't really see the door, I challenge you take a picture of glass. Oh, and in a room where you can get only 4-feet away from it!!

It is tiny little bathroom, but having the frameless door and white tile has opened it up tremendously. I love it. Love it, love it, love it. And I looooove the turquoise ceiling! If you can't have fun in a small, secondary room like this, where can you?!

As I teased in the lacquer post, we decided on dark navy walls and trim. It's Sherwin Williams Naval, but I had them darken it about 25%. I wanted it to be somewhere between navy and black, on the inky side. And the finish is a super high gloss...hence the hot spots in all the pictures! I had to open the outside doors to get enough light for you to see.

This door leads to the backyard.

Oooooh, so rich and yummy. We call this the Pool Bathroom because it's right off the backyard pool. I didn't realize at the time we bought the house, but this is a huge bonus, as it keeps dripping wet people from traipsing through your house in search of a bathroom! The dark walls are a nice break after the bright intensity of the sun. It's like being inside a cocoon.

This door leads to the rest of the house on the left, and garage on the right.

Here's a peek inside from the backyard, looking past the door we distressed last year. You may be asking yourself why I'd paint the trim and baseboards the same as the wall color, but leave the doors white? That's because I'm not sure if I want them navy, or another color...so I'm working on some mock-ups and will get your choice later this week.

The light fixture (this one from Overstock, hence my barrage of enticing emails!) was installed. It came with blue shades, but I'm still on the fence about them, as well as the pewter finish. I'll wait until things start to come together before hitting it with some Rub 'n Buff.

Everything is looking pretty good, right? Some great progress. But the title of this post indicates more. I can't bring myself to get into the problems today, so I'll ride the high of this progress a little while longer. What do you think so far? Did the navy have you skerred?

{Living Room} Pillow Talk

2012-01-13T07:00:00.002-06:00

Thanks to an after-Christmas sale, and some ~~dumb~~ color luck, the Living Room sofa now has pillows that coordinate with the rest of the room!

Oops! You can't see them too well with the stems on the coffee table. So as Mr. Sugarplum would so eloquently say, "Can we get this tree off the table?!"

Much better. As luck would have it, I was browsing the sales at West Elm when I spied these ikat pillows....for $14 each! (For some reason they aren't on sale online.) Because they were final sale though, 'Rita Return' (aka, me) wouldn't be able to pull her usual tricks...but I took a chance the colors would work anyway.

The down inserts are Ikea, and from unused pillows I already own. The zebra is an oldie from Pier 1 that used to live on my bed. And the lumbar was wrestled from the sweaty clutches of a maniac shopper at the Missoni for Target sale. *Part of that statement may be embellished.* Oh, and the striped throw is an Ikea goodie, as well.

Turns out Rita had nothing to worry about. The pillow colors perfectly coordinate with the room, and pull together the sofa, green wingback and peacock armoire.

I think maybe I need one more pillow (in place of the zebra) that includes the pink from the bookcases and rug. I do have leftover fabric from the bookcase project...perhaps with a dark blue piping? And even though this Living Room Makeover has been derailed, I haven't forgotten about the little nook on the left.

I just don't know what to do with it yet. I'd love to hear your opinions on the new pillows...adding another pink pillow...and ideas on the back nook. That's a lot of homework for this freaky Friday!

And if you're playing catch-up, here's the Living Room progress. Just click on each link for the project. Have a great weekend, lovebugs. I've got a date with an allen wrench!

LIVING ROOM TO-DO LIST

~~Paint Armoire~~

~~Paint Brick~~

~~New Mirror & Mantel Styling~~

~~Paint/Fabric Bookcases~~
~~Re-Style Bookcases~~

~~Paint (Replace) Table Tiles~~

Paint Hall Chest

Paint/Wallpaper Nook Walls

~~Paint Backdoor~~ (decided against it)

Add Nailhead to Wingchair

New Covers for Barrel Chair Cushions

~~Change Out Lamps~~

~~Customize Lamps~~

Clean Secretary

Gold Leaf Back of Secretary

~~More Coordinated~~ Sofa Pillows (halfway there)

~~Add Some Coordinated Accessories~~

~~Determine Fate of Side Table~~

~~Close the Hole, Baby!~~

What is Wrong with Me?!

2012-01-12T07:00:00.001-06:00

So much for my pledge to tackle one room at a time. Not only did I spontaneously pull down my Dining Room chandelier (months ago!), but thanks to an Overstock coupon code, this is what I'm staring at right now!

I am an advertiser's dream. Seriously, it's no wonder my kids are enticed by every commercial they see. When discount codes and coupons pop up in my inbox, I am virtually powerless to their pull. Next thing I know, I've clicked the dangerous little link and am browsing my options.

But I don't spend lightly, so you know I got a reeeeeallly good deal. Hopefully they work out since I've already got the old ones on Craigslist. Any ideas what I shopped?

It is no wonder I can't get projects completed around here. Please tell me I'm not the only one suffering from Homeowner ADD?!

Here's What I'm Thinking

2012-01-11T07:00:00.003-06:00

Maybe if we lived in Candy Spelling's former manor with 27 bathrooms, we wouldn't mind that our Pool Bathroom has been out of commission for three months. But we don't. And our 'Pool Bathroom' (named such since it's in the back of the house, right off the pool) happens to be one of three bathrooms in our house. So it's been missed. Especially when we have house guests forced to bathe in a toy-filled tub, and use a sink with constant toothpaste blobs.

After a 'Hey, remember us?!!' phone call, the glass shower door is finally being installed. Which means the painter can then finish the wall texturing and paint. You know I usually do the painting on my own, but I've got something a little different in mind for the tiny bathroom.

via

Oh yes, intensely blue, lacquered walls! The color doesn't scare me, but I noticed in all my inspiration pictures, the trim is painted the same deep blue as the walls. I'm a crisp white trim kinda girl, so this is stepping out for me. But so many of the 2012 Resolution posts I've read on other blogs inspired me to follow my own set of rules, trust myself, and do what makes me happy in my home. So I'm taking a chance and painting all the trim and baseboards navy blue. What's the worst that can happen...I hate it and paint them white? I can handle that. I ain't skerred! *okay, I kind of am*

{Pinterest Project} Scrabble Coasters

2012-01-10T07:00:00.004-06:00

There is no question that Pinterest is the internet world's newest ~~time-sucker~~ obsession. Some people try to hold out from joining, but eventually everyone caves. I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. But only because there are not enough (free) hours in the day to browse all the fabulousness!

I have a Projects I'd Like to Try board, and I've decided to actually start trying those pins. Hit or Miss, Pass or Fail, I'll share my versions along the way.

Today's {Pinterest Project} is a big, phat...that's right, with a PH...homerun! Intimate Weddings is the source behind this Pinsperation.

I actually made these Scrabble Coasters as a Christmas gift, but couldn't show you then since the recipient is a faithful reader! This is my kind of project...cheap, fast, and TV-watchable while executing. I ordered my Scrabble tiles from here for $18, but realized soon after that you can usually buy brand new Scrabble games for around $8. (Note: Scrabble games come with 98 letter tiles and 2 blanks.)

I was using leftover cork from this project, so my coasters are 4 tiles x 4 tiles. That's a good size for a drinking or wine glass, but you may want them larger for mugs.

1. Apply a layer of wood glue directly to the cork.

2. Press the letters firmly in place. My coasters curved a little, but I think placing something heavy on top during drying time would prevent that.

3. Once completely dry, use an exacto knife to trim away the excess cork.

4. Apply a few layers of varnish or shellac. My shellac is really thick which worked well to fill in the grooves between tiles.

I made this set for my aunt, who is a Scrabble/Boggle/Words With Friends wizard, so it was a perfect fit. I even arranged some of the tiles to form hidden words.

My Pinterest inspiration used them as place cards by staining the letters to form a person's name. Pretty clever!

I think I need a set for myself! They look great on the coffee table, and would make the perfect ice breaker at a party.

Have you been inspired by Pinterest? Do you have a project pinned you'd like me to try? Just link it in the comments and maybe I'll be your project guinea pig!

** Also linking up to Home Stories A to Z, Tip Junkie, Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Just a Girl, Remodelaholic, The Shabby Nest, The DIY Showoff, TaterTots & Jello, Serenity Now and Thrifty Decor Chick**

Reno Updates

2012-01-09T07:00:00.002-06:00

If you're like me, you get fairly invested in blogs...more specifically, a blogger's home and life. (Megan said it quite nice in this post about how home bloggers are opening their homes, and therefore, their hearts.) So if my blogger friend (because if I'm reading that blog regularly, I consider them a friend) posts about a project, I think about it in my regular life. And if they don't go back to the project for awhile, I wonder how it's coming along.

I'm going to assume you spent the Christmas break thinking to yourself,

"Darling Self, I wonder what's up with that bathroom Cassie had to unexpectedly remodel? I love that pebble tile she chose, I'll bet it feels pretty good to stand on."

Granted, it was a fleeting thought, before your mind rambled down another equally fascinating path.

So I'll tell you what's up with my Pool Bathroom Remodel. Let's refresh, shall we? We started with this hot mess of a leak problem.

My contractor busted his tail and gutted half the room, installed new tile, and even carved out space for new cabinet storage....in three days!

The original plan was to put the old shower door back on, but we realized pretty quickly that would look like doo-doo against our shiny new subway tile. So our genius contractor found a glass guy able to make a frameless shower door for half the cost. Whoop! Whoop! Unfortunately, we're now on his time frame....which means this is what the shower still looks like, two months later.

Womp Womp. That's the door to the bathroom sitting in the shower....just waiting for the new glass to arrive. Three days to remodel and two months to order a shower door. No bueno. But I didn't really want added chaos in the house during the holidays, so I didn't press the issue. I'm pressing now, and that shizz is on the way! So hopefully within a week's time I'll be able to tell you how the pebble tile feels underfoot!

As for Part Deux of the renovation, Mr. Rock-My-Socks-Off Contractor enclosed the pass-thru from our Living Room to Den. Yeah, in that same three day period he was working on the bathroom! Too shallow to call this life changing?

Well, some attentive readers wondered what the other side of the pass-thru looked like. It started as a sweet 80s wet bar.

Don't you just hear "She's My Cherry Pie" radiating off this space?

In six years, I used this spot for drinks once. So out came the mirror, sink and cabinet.

And in came a little desk nook.

How's that for slick work?! I'm not showing you much because I'm still undecided about how to style and use this space. I'm unsure of the type of shelves, desktop, and organizational system. So for now, it looks like this:

A little on the dreary side, but we love the usable space. It's almost like adding a room on to the house! Yes, there's also a new wall color. My painter works just as fast as the contractor...which happens to be faster than I can blog! I'll get to it ~~someday~~ eventually.

Any new projects cranking up in your house? Please tell me I'm not the only person who thinks about bloggers and their homes, even when I'm away from the computer?!

Winter Mantel

2012-01-05T07:00:00.008-06:00

Setting tables and creating mantelscapes. Those two activities have quickly moved to the top of my 'Love To Do' list TWSS. That makes me the most pathetic and boring person on the planet. But looking back through my overload of Mantel Posts, you people seem to love pathetic and boring! (Last year's Winter Mantel was one of the most popular.) I happen to be quite smitten with my simple Winter Mantel this year!

I decided to regenerate some of the items from the recent Pink Christmas Mantel, and just evolve it in to Winter.

The fresh magnolia stems dried beautifully, so I gathered them in a clear vase and set them alongside the reindeer.

I yearn for clean and fresh after the Holiday decor comes down, so I polished my collection of silver candlesticks and clustered them at one end for more impact (and good height).

The tapers are a moody gray-blue I picked up from the Pottery Barn outlet ages ago.

Simple, clean and crisp...just like the feeling of a cold, snowy day.

Are you imagining naked lounging on the sheepskin, in front of a fire? You are now. Freak.

I wasn't ready to pack away all the DIYs from Christmas, so some stayed behind as Winter decor. The Boxwood Wreaths are drying just as beautifully as the magnolia. They have retained their color, but gotten a little thinner. Fortunately I created them with green wreaths, so they've stayed looking full.

Hopefully the Snowy Pine Cones will bring us some real snow mojo this year! (Say that three times!)

It's not a full-out Winter assault, but subtle enough to signal the colder season.

Did you pack up all your Holiday decor, or do you let some of it hang around for awhile?

** Also linking up to Home Stories A to Z, Tip Junkie, Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Just a Girl, Remodelaholic, The Shabby Nest, The DIY Showoff, TaterTots & Jello, Serenity Now and Thrifty Decor Chick**

Like White on Rice?

2012-01-04T07:00:00.001-06:00

Much to Mr. Sugarplum's chagrin, I'm one of those people that takes the Christmas decor down as soon as the calendar turns to December 26. You know, the type that follows around a person ripping open their package with a trash bag. I'm responsible for everything but the tree and outdoor lights (the hub's department). Which means all the decor is now boxed up, except the tree and outdoor lights remain on display ~~indefinitely.~~ Don't be surprised if I show Valentine crafts hanging from a Christmas tree this year.

Apart from baking and wrapping gifts, I didn't do one single creative thing during the break. Instead of being grateful for free time while the kids watched movies, I joined them. Instead of running to the computer while they played, I curled up on the couch with my new Nook Tablet (thanks babe!) But as much as I adored our Pink Christmas and down time, I'm ready for a clean slate and a return to creativity. I love the bare, minimal look of our house after all the decor comes down. Sometimes I long for pure, clean interiors.

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There is something so calming about white interiors. It's like the eye can relax and breathe. Well, your eyes don't breathe, but you get what I'm ineffectively saying.

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As I was gathering pictures for this post, I was oohing and ahhing over the peaceful interiors, and became fully convinced I needed more spaces like these.

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But if you've been following this blog for long, you know what started to happen.

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My search started expanding to rooms with pops of color.

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And eventually they became rooms with a full assault of bright hues.

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Then I left the white all together and my heart quickened when I spotted rooms hosed down with intense pigments.

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So while I love, and can truly appreciate a serene, neutral room, I'm drawn to rooms like this like white on rice.

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What about you? Do you prefer neutrals, the whole Crayola box, or something in between? I took advantage of a newly cleared-off mantel and created something for Winter...I'll show you tomorrow.

Say What?!

2012-01-03T07:00:00.011-06:00

Some pretty cool stuff happened while I was at home challenging the lycra on my yoga pants. First up, the super cool and talented Jamie Knodel, reporter extraordinaire for the Dallas Morning News, wrote a little story about holiday blog parties....which featured several of my Christmas projects! The story appeared in the Christmas Eve edition of the Dallas Morning News, and was a great gift to wake up to! Thanks so much, Jamie, it was a thrill to be included with those big-dog blogs (with my friend Shelli at A La Mode!)

Peek at Blogger's Christmas Style

I was still riding that high (or it could have been my excessive sugar intake), when my pal Courtney alerted me to CasaSugar's Best DIY Projects of 2011 post.

As if it wasn't cool enough to recognize my Starburst Mirror in their Top 7 Projects, but they also included my Chevron Glasses and Window Pelmet! A huge thank you to the editors of CasaSugar for selecting my projects and continued support!

I loved every second of my self-imposed break from all things productive the past two weeks, but the kids returned to school today, and I'm itching to paint or glue something!! We'll crank back up some projects soon...after all, I have to shoot for the 2012 List!

Happy New Rug!

2012-01-02T09:44:00.000-06:00

I'd like to start this post with an apology to my alarm clock. It took quite the beating this morning, in the still dark hour of SIX AM! I haven't seen that time of day in two weeks, and it was quite the shocker. I enjoyed every second of Winter Break, at home with my kids. I've only been at work for a few hours, and I already miss them and my house!

It's hard to dread work, when at the same time, I'm so grateful for my job! So while I'm still a little wobbly-legged and bleary-eyed, I thought I'd share a little golden nugget that popped up in my inbox today....

50% off more than 2,000 rugs at Rugs USA!!

My favorites list is long, but here are a few:

Just use code ENY50 for HALF OFF your order! And did I mention they have FREE SHIPPING and NO SALES TAX?! This certainly eases the pain of returning to real life. Happy 2012, sweet friends. I'm excited to see what this year brings!

Best Before & Afters of 2011

2011-12-29T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hello, hello friends! I'm taking a break from my eating, lounging, organizing, movie-watching week to pop in and bring you the Best Before & Afters of 2011! I can hardly believe this year is winding down. I never even got used to writing 2011, and it's almost time for 2012!? I even tweeted 'Check out my Top Projects of 2010' yesterday!

Well, ~~2010~~ 2011 was a busy year around here, check out my favorite Before & Afters. Click the link to read the full makeover post, and see the homely 'Before'.

Armoire Transformation

Mirror Magic

Bookcase Makeover

Golden Side Table

Painted Brick Fireplace

Metallic-Lined Lampshades

Closing the Pass-Thru Opening

Gold Leaf Sunburst Mirror

Framed Entrance Hall DIY Wall Mirror

Babygirl's Big Girl Room
This room was definitely our favorite, and clearly favored by the Blogworld, too, since it was featured by Young House Love, Centsational Girl, Baby Center, CasaSugar, House of Turquoise, Better After, Remodelaholic, DIY Showoff and Michaela Noelle!

I can't thank you enough for the support and encouragement, it gives me confidence to trust myself and tackle new projects! I've got a mile-long list of things I want to do in 2012, but for now, I'm going to enjoy the final days of Winter Break. Real life can wait a little while longer.

Have a most fabulous New Year!

Thank You for the Love!

2011-12-28T07:00:00.001-06:00

When I started this blog in 2010, I had no idea what I was doing, and I only hoped it would serve as a much needed creative outlet. I remember being shocked when I hit 40 followers, and wondering who those people were and how they found my blog. Today I'm amazed at the friendships this blog has brought in to my life, and still shocked everyday when people stop by to read my ramblings! But I know now that you all found your way to Hi Sugarplum because of other amazing bloggers introducing us. So thank you to everyone who has pimped me out, especially these guys, who are my Top Referrals for 2011.

As a result of more clever readers, I was able to introduce sponsors in 2011! Thank you to these talented ladies for believing in my blog and allowing me to promote you. And for helping with my project fund!

Blogging takes a village, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this fabulous community of creative, kind and supportive friends! Best Before & Afters of 2011 coming up next!

Top Projects of 2011

2011-12-26T21:32:00.000-06:00

Hello! How was your holiday weekend?? Are you still digging out of the mess? I hope it was full of fun, food, laughter and love. Ours definitely was...so much in fact that we hid for cover today! After running from house to house celebrating with all the family, it was great to stay home and relax with all the new toys. Who am I kidding?! Of course we didn't relax. I made the kids purge their rooms and toy closet until the back of our SUV was stuffed full of bags to donate! It's not always easy for them to part with things, but there's no way we're ending up on the season premiere of Hoarders. But really, I also think it's a good time to remind ourselves just how blessed we are, and we can certainly pass it on.

That's my soapbox for today. Sorry, I've been home with the kids for over a week now, and I've got this ~~nagging~~ lesson thing down. Today I decided to count down my Top 10 Projects of 2011.

I did this last year (read about 2010 here and here), and loved looking back at all we'd accomplished creatively. If you're new to Hi Sugarplum! (welcome new readers from Saturday's Dallas Morning News article!), think of this as your Cliff Notes...without a pop quiz at the end.

DIY Convex Sunburst Mirror
This is certainly one of my most surprising projects. I made it on a whim one afternoon with wood shims, and next thing I know, it's being featured on Apartment Therapy, Honey We're Home, and Just A Girl. It's been hanging outside for almost a year and has held up perfectly.

Faux Crown Molding
My daughter's room took the end of 2010 and the better part of 2011, so it's no surprise several of the Top 10 are from her room. Creating this 'crown molding' with just paint and $30 of trim was one of my favorites.

No-Sew Pillows
There must be a lot of us who don't sew, because these pillows made the rounds, from The Nest to All Free Sewing. Stitch witchery has brought me this far, but I do resolve to conquer the sewing machine in 2012.

DIY Monogrammed Pelmet
The focal point in Babygirl's Room is definitely the window. This easy pelmet is constructed from foam board and monogrammed with a piece of felt. No one was more shocked than me when Good Housekeeping Magazine published it in their August issue.

Pancakes & Pajamas Party I loved every second of creating this party for my sweet girl, but I'll admit I got a little carried away. So much so that her birthday party in 2012 may end up at Chuck E. Cheese! Okay, of course it won't.

Fresh Magnolia Chargers
Designing Tablescapes became a surprisingly favorite pastime for me this year. These chargers I made for our Easter table were my favorite.

Stars & Stripes Pool Party
After throwing such a ridiculous party for my daughter, I didn't want to skimp on my son's. However, he's 10 and much too cool for an over-the-top party done up by mom! So we compromised with a cheery outdoor pool party during the July 4th weekend.

DIY Photo Canvas
I wanted to add my daughter's personality to her new room without spending too much. CasaSugar and TatorTots & Jello thought it was pretty great, too.

Chevron Drinking Glasses
The Missoni for Target line was such mayhem that I decided to make my own chevron. CasaSugar even included these in their Best DIY Projects of 2011! (Along with the Convex Mirror and Window Pelmet!)

Marbleized Ornaments
These ornaments are one of the most recent projects, but I included them in the list since they've been pinned on Pinterest a ridiculous number of times!

Did I include your favorite projects? I'm diving back in to the purging and organizing, but I'll return with Top 10 Before & Afters soon!

Merry, Merry!

2011-12-24T20:49:00.000-06:00

I feel so very blessed for all the amazing family and friends in our lives.

I could not continue this wee lil' blog without you guys and your amazing support and encouragement.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, peace, love and joy!

Llama Llama Wisdom

2011-12-23T11:42:00.000-06:00

Merry two days before Christmas, friends! We've crossed all the 'necessaries' off our list, and are now just enjoying the time together. I wish I could freeze these days and put Santa's visit off for awhile longer...the anticipation is so sweet! I came across the perfect sentiment in an unexpected place.

We stopped by the bookstore yesterday, and Babygirl went straight to the Llama Llama series. We snuggled up with a hot chocolate and Llama Llama Holiday Drama, and the ending made us all pause and smile.

I made a little printable of it for our fridge as a sweet reminder to us all during the final countdown. You're welcome to it, as well. We're heeding the Llama Llama wisdom and spending our days watching Elf, coloring and baking. Thanks to Martha Stewart's packaging and the 2-Ingredient Pumpkin bread recipe, we easily whipped up mini-loaves for our neighbors, mail carrier and sanitation workers. (Each bread recipe produces three mini-loaves.)

I also used this time to make Cinnamon Biscuit Buns, a recipe from Pinterest I've been drooling over for months. It did not disappoint!

How are you spending these last moments before Santa's arrival?