Jenni from the Block

New Side Tables

2012-01-08T17:31:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I've been slacking on my posts. I have just been resting and enjoying family time during the holidays. I haven't had much time for house projects. Today I wanted to show you my new side tables. I looked everywhere for mirrored tables and couldn't find any within my price range. Then, I came across these beauties at Target. I got them for Christmas from my parents. Aren't they lovely?

PS- The dog is a nice accessory.

My Charlie Brown Tree

2011-12-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

I know my tree looks pitiful this year. That's because we got this small tree while we were living in a tiny apartment. Now that we own a house, it looks pathetic, but I don't really want to buy another one this year. Anyway, Merry Christmas!

New Headboard!

2011-12-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

I am completely in love with my new headboard and don't know what I would do without my dad or husband! My dad helped me with every step and Daniel nailed the nailhead trim in when my weak arm muscles couldn't take it any longer. Sorry if I failed to take enough detailed pictures. I was a little too excited to remember.

First you need plywood. Mine measured at around 60 in wide and 54 in tall. It just depends on what size bed you have.

Next, we had to attach some extra plywood because we were using scraps and the original piece wasn't tall enough. My dad used 3 metal brackets.

I traced the pattern that I wanted on half of the wood and my dad used a jig saw to cut away! After cutting half of the wood, use the wood you just cut off to trace the other half. That way, it will be symmetrical.

We sanded off the edges.

Next comes the batting. I put 4 layers of batting on mine, but you could probably get away with just 3. Some people like to put foam and batting, but I just used batting because it was less expensive and it worked just fine!

Now comes the tricky part. I happened to like this leather material that doesn't give much and is hard to upholster. However, after stapling the bottom and sides, my dad figured out a simple method of cutting slits where the curved part of the headboard is. It helped a lot!

My dad made an interlocking bracket made of wood to hang the headboard. The piece attached to the wall is slanted so that the piece attached to the headboard will fit perfectly on top.

I had a really hard time finding a nailhead trim kit. I went to Lowes, Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, and Michaels...and left empty handed. I had to order mine online. You have to nail in every fifth one and it doesn't really take that long.

Cost:
Wood- free
batting- $11.00 (on sale)
fabric- $30.00 ( on sale- Black Friday)
nailhead trim- around $30.00
______________________________________
Total: around $70.00

Completely worth it! I have an original headboard that I adore and plus got some quality time with my dad and hubby!

Mirror Wall

2011-11-27T17:45:00.000-08:00

In my master bedroom I'm in the process of creating a mirror wall. I want mirrors to cover the entire wall...don't ask me why... I just think it would look neat. So far I have four up and am in the hunt for more! PS- If you notice, there is a sneak peak of my headboard. I'm still waiting on the nailhead trim to come in the mail and then I will show pictures ASAP.

Also, the TV is really annoying and doesn't fit with the whole mirror wall concept at all, but you know a girl has to have her late night TV in bed. I just wish there was a simple way to conceal it.

Guess What Came In?

2011-11-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

My bedspread from West Elm! It's love at first sight!

Now all that's left is a headboard, nightstands, curtains, art, WHEW! So much more on the list of things to do but glad I checked this one off! I'm making my headboard with Dad tomorrow so I'll post pics ASAP!

Curtain Dilemma

2011-11-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

Did you know there were soooooo many options for curtains out there? Yeah, I did too. But did you know how overwhelming it can be to search for that perfect curtain to go in your master bedroom? Yeah, me either. I am faced with soo many choices and color combos that my head will explode at any given moment. My favorite two stores that I have found have really good curtain options are Urban Outfitters (which I also go to shop for clothes) and Anthropologie.

Here are some that I like from Urban Outfitters:

And here is one from Anthropologie

The only problem is that they are way to expensive for my taste! What's a girl to do?

THE BIG STENCIL REVEAL!

2011-11-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

So it's been a looooong time coming...like two weeks worth of HARD labor. Okay, okay, not that hard but it was a chore! My stencil wall in my bedroom is finally complete! Here is the before picture, and please excuse the mess...we had just finished painting.

To stencil the wall, first I traced the design. Then, I painted the inside of every stencil. Pretty much just followed the tutorial over at Jones Design Company.

Here it is finished! I absolutely love it and I believe it will look great with my DIY headboard and bedspread I'm getting for my birthday.

The only hangup I have is that up close it doesn't look the best. Mainly because I should have got a F in art class. I am a terrible free hander. Or whatever they call it....

By the way, the paint colors I used were Cool Gray by Valspar and Steeple Gray by Olympic. I got both at Lowes. Also, the lamps are from IKEA, my obsession.

Let me know what you think! I'm going now to stare aimlessly at it. After all, a girl can admire her 2 weeks worth of work right?

Decisions, Decisions

2011-11-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

So I picked out a headboard that I'm going to try to DIY, of course with the help of my hubby. And guess what? It's neither of the ones I posted earlier, simply because this one would be easier to create in my opinion.


centsationalgirl.com

So the blog centsantionalgirl.com has a great tutorial for this headboard and I'm definitely following it step by step. I don't think I will choose the white, and am still trying to decide what will look best with my gray stencils and navy blue bed spread.

Are you ready for this coincidence? See the wall behind the headboard? That's pretty close to the stencil I am using now! Great minds think alike huh? I didn't even notice it until I had chosen this headboard!

So can you picture it? With this bedspread?


westelm.com

I can't wait to show you my finished wall! It has taken two weeks worth of work, for about 2 hours a day, to complete. I love it already and I'm not even done!

Headboard Obsession

2011-10-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

So I'm looking for a headboard and I can't get these out of my mind. It was love at first sight.

thenester.com

karapaslaydesigns.blogspot.com

Thoughts? Tin or Wood? Hmmmm....

A Wall Stencil

2011-10-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I recently decided to start to tackle painting my master bedroom. I want to stencil one wall for numerous reasons. 1. It's unique and different. 2. It's cheap. 3. When we try to sale the house, it's a better selling feature rather than wallpaper. They can just paint over it. 4. Did I mention that it's cheap?

The only bad thing is that it will probably take FOREVER. Man, what is it with me and trying to complete these loooong projects?

Well I looked online at places such as ETSY and most stencils that I liked were around 30 dollars. I really am drawn to the Moroccan ones. Then I luckily stumbled upon this tutorial and fell in love. Check it out: tutorial It even came with a free stencil. Yes, FREE!


jonesdesigncompany.com

I think I want to do some form of white paint with silver stenciling. What do you think? I'm definitely going to have a blue comforter when my birthday rolls around and think silver paint would look really great ! Well I have it pictured in my head, but seeing it on the walls might be a whole other story!

In the meantime, check out these other photos:


cuttingedgestencils.com


re-nest.com

royaldesignstudio.com

7thhouseontheleft.com

Dresser

2011-10-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I love antiques? Well I acquired this one from my sister-in-law a while back and I absolutely love it! I'm obsessed with the wood detail and the "secret" compartment on top. Right now I don't have a good place for it, so for now the office is its home.

You ask if I will do anything to it? Nope...some things are better left untouched.

What I Really Want

2011-10-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

I really want to put white wallpaper on one wall of our bedroom. The only roadblock I am having is when we get ready to put our home on the market, will people actually like it? Probably not. So is it a good investment? Would it be a good purchase just because we will enjoy it (or should I say I will enjoy it...) Hmmm....for now I'll drool over these pictures.


pinterest via Tara Murphy

styleathome.com

designsponge.com

I wish...

2011-10-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

I wish I could go jump in this bed right now. I've had a long, tiring work day. Here's to more energy tomorrow.

dreamywhites.blogspot.com

If you want to be inspired and feel tranquil, visit dreamywhites.blogspot.com, one of my favorite blogs. This is her bedroom.

Pumpkins

2011-10-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

Discovered at frugalflourish.blogspot.com. Who knew a spider could be so pretty?


Found at alishaburke.blogspot.com. She used dimensional paint and created her own designs. I'm in love!

Go to projectprettyblog.com and you can download the template for Southern Living's etchings.

These thumbtack pumpkins were from madiganmade.com. Genius idea, right? I might have to try to make these!

Sneak Peek

2011-10-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

Boy...this project is taking longer than expected. I might be finished sometime this month :] Hopefully it will be worth it!

Favorite Time of Year

2011-10-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

October marks my favorite time of the year....fall. I love the weather and especially love seeing the trees change color.

bhg.com

sugarpiefarmhouse.com

Simple Salad with Lots of Flavor

2011-09-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

This is my mom's recipe and it's soooo delicious. I just had to share!

1/2 c sliced almonds
1/2 head iceberg lettuce
1/2 head romaine lettuce
1 c chopped celery
2 whole green onions, chopped
1 16 oz can of mandarin oranges, drained

Dressing ingredients:
1/2 tsp salt
1.4 c veg oil
1 tbsp chopped parslay
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp vinegar
dash of Tabasco and dash of pepper

In sauce pan, over med heat, cook almonds and sugar, stirring constantly until almonds are coated and sugar is dissolved. Cool and mix together dressing ingredients. Last, mix lettuce, celery, onions and add almonds and oranges. Toss with dressing.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

2011-09-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

I recently got this mirror from my parents. It is a nice addition to my small living room.

Happy Sunday Night

2011-09-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hope your Sunday night was as relaxing as mine!

Zucchini and Tomato Pasta

2011-09-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is a favorite of mine and Daniel's. It's really simple to make and healthy too! I got this recipe a while ago from simpledailyrecipes.com

2 medium zucchinis, julienned (which pretty much means cut into slivers)
4 cloves garlic, chopped (I use minced garlic..so much easier)
2 shallots, diced (I leave these out...tastes just as good!)
3 tomatoes, diced
4 tsp olive oil
salt and pepper
crushed red pepper flakes to taste (this is what makes it a little spicy...I put about a tsp in mine because we like spicy foods)
12 oz high fiber angel hair pasta, like Barilla Plus
1/4 cup fat free chicken or veggie broth (I use chicken)
Parmesan cheese
Parsley

Cook pasta. Meanwhile, saute oil and garlic for about a minute. Add zucchini and season with salt and pepper. Cook about 2 min. Add tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, parsley, chicken broth and adjust salt and pepper. Stir for another minute. Drain pasta and mix with veggies. Top with parmesan cheese.

Trust me, you'll thank me later!

Nursery

2011-09-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

I can't wait until I have a baby to decorate for! Man that would be sweeeet!

houseofturquoise.com

I love the fact that books can be decoration and make such a great focal wall. I also love the painted ceiling.

muralwall.info

I am sooo gonna have a chalkboard wall in my child's room. How fun!

erineverafter.blogspot.com

How cool is that barn door? So rustic and original! Swoon.

weheartit.com

So I'm pretty sure you can get those letters from Etsy. Welp, I know what my first purchase will be.

vintageglamorous.blogspot.com

I love all of the patterns, and especially that rug!

etsy.com

So stinkin cute! Second purchase, check.

gallery.projectnursery.com

Why not wallpaper?

Smoky Chicken Pasta

2011-09-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

OMG! This pasta is to die for! It was super easy to make and my husband says it has a lot of flavors. I have to agree...I got this recipe from pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com This blog is FULL of amazing recipes that are simple.

SMOKY CHICKEN PASTA

1 box {8 oz.} bowtie pasta

1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. chopped basil

1/2 cup butter

1/2 lb. bacon, crumbled

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

12 oz. Lawry’s mesquite marinade with lime juice

Bake the bacon {foil lined baking sheet, 400 degrees, 20-25 minutes} and crumble to pieces; set aside.

You can either marinate the chicken on low for 6 hours in the crock pot or cook your chicken & marinade on the stovetop for about an hour. I did that because its easier to me to remember. Put chicken breasts in a deep skillet, pour the entire bottle of marinade on top, and cook on medium heat for about an hour or so.

Shred cooked chicken and set aside.

Boil pasta according to package directions and drain. In a small saucepan, melt your butter. Then add the whipping cream, garlic, basil, pepper, parmesan cheese, and crumbled bacon. Whisk it all together on low heat for about 5-6 minutes. Pour it all over the pasta, add the chicken, and serve.

You'll thank me later :] And remember go to pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com for more recipes!

Shredded Beef Tacos

2011-09-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here's another good recipe I found at gimmesomeoven.com.

Ingredients:

1-2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 pounds beef (boneless chuck roast)
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 cup beef stock
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
1/2 large sweet onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Flour tortillas
Favorite taco toppings

Method:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, combine the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

Rub the spice mix into the beef, covering each side evenly. Once the oil is hot, place the beef in the skillet and sear on each side.

Remove the beef from the skillet and place in a slow cooker. Leave the pan on the heat, and add in the beef stock to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the tomato paste and minced chipotle and whisk into the pan sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has reduced and thickened.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the seared beef in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce down over the onions, garlic, and beef. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Mix onions into the shredded beef. (You could easily skip this part, like I did, if you don't like onions.)

Serve the beef in the flour tortillas, topped with your favorite taco toppings.
Some topping ideas include:

guacamole or avocado
fresh salsa
Mexican rice
grated cheese
fresh lettuce
tomato
onion
cilantro
squeeze of lime juice

I love this website because it has a lot of easy, VERY tasty recipes.

Luxurious

2011-09-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I had a high fever and could have definitely used a relaxing bath in one of these luxurious bathooms. But mine worked just fine :]

pinterest via Ashlen Fowler

http://www.machouchou.blogspot.com/

houseofturquoise.com

hgtv.com

vi.sualize.us

roomzaar.com

curatingcuteness.com

Simplicity

2011-09-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I like white rooms. Something about them looking so fresh and so clean, clean. :]

citified.blogspot.com

2.bp.blogspot.com

willowdecor.blogspot.com

countryliving.com

29.media.tumblr.com

eclecticrevisited.files.wordpress.com