Melissa's Heart and Home

Shades Of Summer

2012-05-24T18:06:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends!

Summer is here! Are you ready? The warmer weather always makes me think of color.

Greens, pinks, cool whites you name it, I love them all. You would think I had been working

outdoors and that is what this post is about but my allergies have kept me in for now. I'll get

started on that soon. Today I want to share with you my beauty finds, clothes, home stuff etc...

Join me!

I bought a super soft coral jacket at Marshalls. Love it paired with black or white, maybe even aqua.

The bright coral and orange chunky jewels have a splash of leopard.

The little bow was the icing on the cake for me. They came from Belk Hudson.

Some of you may remember these bead bracelets I bought at Michaels in almost every color.

For only $3.99 I had to go back and add a few more. The purple and royal blue colors are so vibrant.

Cool chunky silver necklace and bracelet sets are perfect for crisp white outfits.

These are Vera Wang from Kohls.

The gold set is nice for those romantic summer dinners.

I carry a lighter handbag during the summer. It's a cream color woven style by Anne Klein.

Oh my goodness the summer shoes! Don't you just adore the new cork wedges?

I bought this white flower pair at Ross. Love!

Another wedge shoe from Ross. I went with basic black to match everything.

I bought some soft summer pj's in baby pink and white. Ah, sweet dreams...

My new lipstick shade for summer is a deep rose pink called "Very Currant" by Clinique.

Summer nail shades! "Color To Diner For and "Senorita Rose-a-lita".

OPI always has the most creative names for their polish colors.

I ordered some new custom decorative frames from Kristen in our new "lighter" colors.

The dark wood frame has steel blue, rose pink and soft yellows. The colors in our master suite.

Please pay her a visit to place an order. She is very talented and easy to work with.

I switched to a green vase and found a bouquet from Kirklands in lime green, oranges and reds.

It made me think of summer right away and makes me smile. It matches a wreath in our entryay.

Another custom frame made by Kristen. This one may just be my new favorite.

She has made many lovely items for me over the years. Thanks Kristen!

It sits on our kitchen counter by the canisters and matches the new lighter color palette.

I bought a lime green tuscan style vase at Marshalls and displayed it above the cabinets.

Pretty summer colors make me happy. How about you? Added any summer colors lately?

~*~

Have a happy Memorial Day weekend!

Blog Transition & Family Room Updates

2012-05-17T17:24:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!

I have been on a bit of an unintentional blogging break. It seems that lately I have grown bored with blogging. I guess it's understandable after three and a half years of it. It used to be I would share at least three posts per week. These days I can barely come up with an idea for one post per week.

I actually have two other topics of a more serious nature I could blog about but they are completely unrelated to home decorating. I have been toying with the idea of changing the direction of my blog or starting a second one but at this point I'm still not sure about it. It would mean opening up in a way I'm definitely not used to. Privacy is something I value greatly but at the same time one of the topics well scratch that make that both topics would probably interest you and may even help some people.

I'll let you know what I decide...

In the meantime I am in the process of having a new blog design done and I know that always

helps me to get a fresh outlook. Look for that in about 3-4 weeks. I hope you will stick with me

while I go through this transition. Thanks to all of you who have always been here. I appreciate it.

~*~

Here is the final room I am sharing with you on our home updating project. The family room was one of the first we finished but it's the last I'm showing you. I'm not sure why it worked that way. Whew! We are both happy to be done with home projects for now. You know how that goes.

Join me for a tour of the updated family room!

Paint - Bone Folder / Martha Stewart at Home Depot

Leather sofa, armoire, tables / Ashley Furniture

Leather curved chair and ottoman / Sams Club

Leather club chair / Kirklands
Drapes / Bed, Bath & Beyond

Rugs, art, pillows / Kirklands, Marshalls

~*~

Have a wonderful week!

Friend me on Face Book and Pinterest. I'm always pinning away!

Mr Chestnut's New Room

2012-04-29T14:25:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!

How was your weekend? Ours went very well with lovely spring weather.

I'm continuing with our home tour room by room and today I'm sharing our big ole' kitty's room. Mr Chestnut will be turning nine in October and yes he is our fur child with his very own space to call his own. He loves it! This was the former home office and we relocated it downstairs into the unused formal living room. With new aqua blue paint the space has been transformed into a kitty sanctuary / work out room. Join me for a tour!

After!

New aqua paint called Tidewater by Martha Stewart. Blue is Chestnut's favorite color.

He told me this long ago...:)

Here is the room as it was before. The home office is now located downstairs.

The bookcase and wall collage.

C for Chestnut, M for me, A for my hubby and the large M for Miller.

A place to read and relax.

Chestnut sleeps here and uses the scratch pad. He's too funny.

A wall collage of Marine Corps Ball photos.

The closet full of cat food, toys, travel carrier and of course his clothes. Ha!

Mr Chestnut says thanks for checking out his new room.

Happy week!

Mix of Styles TV Lounge

2012-04-20T15:51:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone!

I'm back posting already! I have a few more finished rooms to share with you.

Our new upstairs bonus room has turned into our primary TV lounge. We love it!

This room was previously the work out room / Chestnut's room. We moved Chestnut

into the former office and the office downstairs into the formally unused living room.

Now all three of the rooms are much more functional and most importantly used.

The sofa is new and is from Ashley. I know it's not the prettiest style sofa to look at.

I was going for comfort first and foremost. This is our third new sofa in less than five

years so I just had to get that part right. So far so good. I had a hard time with the rest

of the decorating and ended up with a mixture of both old and new. Join me for a tour!

After!

New paint, a neutral khaki called Sisal by Martha Stewart, sofa, tv cabinet

fan, leather ottoman used as a coffee table. The asian chests are 35 years old.

Before this was the workout room and "Chestnut's lounge".

Pier 1 table and family photos. This corner needed light. The room is large.

Lloyd our little yellow cockatiel stayed here in this corner. He's old and happy.

I added the pillows for some color and texture. They are from Kirklands and Marshalls.

The bronze fleur de lis lamp and table are from Ross.

More art from Ross.

The black leather cube ottoman opens for storage.

Chestnut enjoys this comfortable new room.

I displayed a zebra tray in copper with ivy and mosaic candles. All from Ross.

The asian chests open for more storage.

The drapes are from Lowes as well as the rod and the ceiling fan.

Another view.

The art above the sofa is by Thomas Kinkade. I'm sad he just passed away.

In the end the room came together with a mix of styles. No rules. Use what you love.

~*~

Thanks for stopping by. Happy weekend!

Master Suite Inspired By Nature

2012-04-16T20:14:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!

Whew! I didn't mean to be gone so long from posting but sometimes before

we know it we blink and another week has passed us by. Room by room I am

sharing our newly painted and decorated spaces. Next up is the master suite.

It was painted a soft cream called Bone Folder by Martha Stewart at Home Depot.

I like this neutral color and used it in many other rooms including the kitchen cabinets.

I have kept the same bedding made by Thomasville for no other reason other than I still

love it after eight years. It goes well with the dark wood bedroom set from Haverty's and

since that is fairly new it's staying. It's also the most favorite furniture I have ever owned.

I bought the nature inspired canvas artwork at Target and I was hooked. From that day

on I knew I had my starting point. I added new flower pillows, bird and rose canisters,

drapes, area rug and the room was complete. An accent color was introduced that I never

thought I would ever decorate with...rose pink. Never say never. Join me for a tour. Enjoy!

The adjoining master bath was painted the same and again rose pink is an accent color.

The ceramic accessories are from Kirklands along with the bench. The rug is Home Goods,

steel blue drapes are from Bed, Bath & Beyond, the rectangular lamp is Marshalls. The hand

painted ballerina art was a special gift from my sister Monica. She is supposed to be "me"...:)

Thank you for coming by!

Let me know that you were here. It's always a pleasure to read a comment from you.

Lighten Up! It's A Kitchen Makeover

2012-04-02T17:00:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone!

Finally the kitchen is done with it's mini updates. It had been about six

years since it had been painted and with the big move not happening it

was time for changes. By far this room is the most transformed. As they say

"it's amazing what paint can do." definitely was true in this case. Take a look!

After!

Newly painted cabinets in light cream transform the space.

It feels twice the size to us now. We really love it!

We did hire a crew to paint the cabinets since we had never done this before.

Thank you to Barb for her recommendation. They did a nice job and were fast.

Here is the before view with medium brown stained cabinets.

The new wall color is called Tobacco Leaf by Martha Stewart at Home Depot.

It's a neutral khaki color that really lightened up the space.

Another before photo from the same angle.

The walls were previously a gold color with a deep red accent wall in the dinette.

The granite is dark green and was my inspiration for accent color for the entire downstairs.

The hardwood floors are a dark cherry stain.

The sink is black porcelain and the appliances are stainless steel.

I bought the cream canister set at Kirklands.

I kept the same barstools and dinette set. The color in the fabric matches the granite.

Another view of the bar area.

The cabinet in the dinette area came from Kirklands.

I swapped out the red lampshades for a neutral color.

Light cream monogrammed napkins are displayed.

The kitchen dinette has new soft sage green drapes. I kept a few red pieces for a pop of color.

The drapes are from Bed Bath and Beyond. The leaf rod is from Lowes.

The cream cabinet paint is called Bone Folder and is by Martha Stewart.

I found a new wall clock with the perfect colors from Kirklands.

I added a new lime green tea pot and towels from Home Goods.

I displayed this french inspired metal tin and added a topiary ball to it.

Twelve dollars for both from Ross. Thanks for the idea Liz!

Here's a view of the fridge area. I rearranged some things and added a bigger lamp to it.

I used the same stainless steel drawer pulls. I may change them later.

~*~

We are very pleased with the changes. I had been thinking of painting the cabinets for years.

I wish I would have taken the plunge a long time ago. If you are thinking about it. Go for it!

Thanks for taking the time to tour. Let me know if you have any questions.

~*~

Have a wonderful week!

Formal Dining Room In A Nutshell

2012-03-27T14:26:00.001-04:00

Hello Friends!

How was your weekend? We had a very nice one and finally were able to

celebrate our anniversary with a dinner at The Melting Pot. Have you been?

It's fondue and very good. Yum! Afterwards we went to Home Goods and of

course I found some new goodies. I'll share with you soon. In the meantime

I'm showing you our rooms with the new paint jobs. Here is the dining room.

Join me! Warning, picture overload once again. :)

After!

The new taupe/green paint is called Nutshell by Martha Stewart.

I decided to keep the same color on the top and bottom of the chair rail this time.

I also kept the cafe' prints. They were my inspiration for color, style, etc...

Here is the before with dark red and gold paint. It was time for an update.

The buffet table after. I kept the same lamps and mirror.

The same table before the new paint.

I kept the centerpiece simple with an urn and orbs from Kirklands.

The cream shell plate is from Kirklands.

The scroll iron chandelier is made by Qorum.

The new rug is from Home Depot. I was happy to find the colors I wanted.

I added new taupe pillows from Kirklands.

Here you can see the ceiling was painted a light cream color called Bone Folder.

You can also glimpse a view of the freshly painted kitchen cabinets. I'll show you next!

The new drapes are a deep moss green from Bed Bath and Beyond.

Another view.

The buffet table.

The view from the kitchen.

And from the hallway entering the room...

Finally. The. Last. Photo. :)

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you like the changes.
~*~

Have a wonderful week!

Light and Airy Entryway

2012-03-19T20:31:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone!

We are finally nearing the very end of our home sprucing. As you may recall

about 5 weeks ago I made a very long list of things "to do" around here.

The only things left are the outdoor landscaping, waiting on the new furniture,

and the new hardwood flooring. At this point we may have changed our minds on

installing hardwoods for a few reasons. The first being the expense has not kept up

with the housing market here, the hassle of tearing the rooms apart...again, and the

darker floors would not contrast with dark leather furnishings in the room. I know

I can add a light area rug but still I'm not quite sure. I'm thinking about it...Hmmm.

I'm tweaking a bit but for the most part everything is finished. Whew!

Join me for a tour of the newly painted entry. It's so different to us. We love it!

After! The view as you enter. It's much lighter!

This cream paint is called Bone Folder by Martha Stewart. I used it in many rooms.

The view from the family room.

I bought a spring wreath at Kirklands. Spring is definitely in the air here.

The view into the hallway and formal dining room. I'll share that room next.

The opposite direction from the formal dining room.

Here is the same view "before" with a darker sage green paint.

Once again we liked it but after six years it was time to change things up.

The foyer is two stories high. Here you can see the light color well.

Here is the same view with the old paint colors.

The deep red was very dark and it carried all the way up the stairs.

Mr Chestnut is hanging out in his "old" room wondering where the new furniture is.

He does like his "new" room too. Look at his glowing eyes. My hubby took this with his phone.

We are really getting tired of sitting on the floor to watch American Idol and rental movies.

Tomorrow the tv cabinet arrives and for the family room downstairs but no sofa yet.

Of course it's on backorder. I have no patience. I need to work on that.

~*~

I hope you are having lovely weather where you are as well.

Happy first day of spring!

Sweet Dreams In Chocolate and Aqua

2012-03-11T19:52:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!

It's been one month ago exactly since we started our home sprucing up and I'm

happy to report we are almost finished. Can I get an amen? Whew, it has been one

month I don't want to do over again. Just ask my husband. Ha! Poor guy, I begged him

to get the room painting finished quickly and he did a fabulous job. The only rooms left

are the master bedroom and bath. That will be next weekend. Our new furniture arrives

next week and then it will be on to the outdoor landscaping. I have many before and afters

to share with you and today is no exception. Join me for a tour of the guest room and bath.

Warning, picture overload. :-)

After!

Aqua paint is calming and is a nice compliment to the deep brown.

I bought the damask lamp at Kirklands.

The new paint color is called Arrowroot by Martha Stewart.

A console table holds family photos that are dear to me.

Many of the accessories you may recognize from our master bedroom.

Since I am going in a different color direction in that room this worked out.

The drapes were previously in our master suite and are a perfect match to the walls.

The iron corner shelf holds accessories.

A bench at the end of the bed is nice for seating.

Gold scroll candle holders hold ocean waters scented candles.

The urn trio in my three new colors.

A plate from Kirklands says it all.

A new silver and aqua lamp also from Kirklands.

Chocolate brown and aqua pillows. The bedding came from Marshalls.

A white ceramic cross tassle in chocolate and aqua.

I bought the damask shower curtain at Bed Bath and Beyond.

A teal blue urn from Marshalls and night light from Kirklands.

Chocolate brown and aqua blue towels.

A view of the vanity area.

Here is a before shot of the room so you can see the changes.

I liked it but I was ready for the new colors. Stay tuned for more!

~*~

Have a wonderful week!

Poppies In The Powder Room

2012-03-04T15:15:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Painting and more painting has been going on around here.

Let's not forget carpet cleaning, power washing, donating, general deep cleaning

and the fun part...shopping! Finally this past week a ton of progress has happened.

Here is the finished powder room. Join me!

I started with cheerful poppy prints from Kirklands.

It ended up that the entire room has a nature feel to it.

A sage green flower valance from Bed Bath and Beyond.

The scented oil is jasmine and it smells wonderful.

I hung hand towels in a soft sage green.

The lid cover is moss green. Oops. I forgot to add the matching rug.

I will grab it soon. The white flowers are from Kirklands.

Here you can really see the true paint color. It's called Sisal by Martha Stewart.

What a difference! Wow, this room was very dark before.

The sink and mirror.

I wish I would have chosen a lighter sink six years ago but it stays.

I placed a gold frame in front of the lamp cord to hide it.

Here is a before photo of the room.

Our next big project...

The kitchen cabinets are being painted cream on Tuesday. Hooray!

~*~

Have a wonderful week!

Home Office Take Two

2012-02-26T18:34:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

We have been painting rooms, cleaning, de-cluttering, donating, selling furniture

and buying new furniture all in the last two weeks. It's been crazy and I am tired.

Finally I can share with you the new home office which was previously the unused

formal living room. I really did like this room we just never used it. Ever. I had the

idea a few years ago to relocate the upstairs office to this space and here is the result.

Join me for a before and after tour.

After! The paint color is a light khaki color called Tobacco Leaf by Martha Stewart.

I was ready to lighten up the deep gold we had here before. The desk unit fits well.

Here is the formal living room before the room transformation.
Yes, we did keep this leather furniture for the family room.

Another before view. The french doors are one of our favorite features.

I used the same drapes from Target that were in the previous upstairs office.

Since they matched a chair I was going to use I saw no reason to change them.

The bookcase has been redecorated. I talked my husband into donating half of his books.

Let me tell you that was not easy. He loved his books but I know they will find a better home.

Photos of special events and the helicopter he flies.

On the other side I added an M and a few more decoratives.

The chair from Ashley was fairly new so it found a new home here.

This is my hubs spot for lounging on his laptop while I sit at my desktop.

The envelope pillow matches the drapes and came from Marshalls.

I was able to still use the rug from Lowes that was in the room.

This room will be changed to dark hardwoods soon though.

The same was true for the burgundy drapes from Bed Bath and Beyond.

One more view of the entire space.

We love this bright room now. The important thing is...we use it!

Thanks for coming by. Check out my Face Book and Pinterest boards.

I'm still pinning away and post on my FB quite a bit.

I'll see you very soon with another new makeover project.
~*~

Have a wonderful week!

Decorating Chaos

2012-02-16T15:01:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends!

If you read my previous post you know that I am now on a decorating frenzy.

Check it out of you missed it for an update on our move.

I'm trying to slow down but I feel like tearing each room apart and that is precisely

what I have done. Piles of *stuff* are everywhere Yikes! It has me uneasy. If you have

read my blog for any length of time you know how much I organize and clean so this

chaos is not me. I know it will all be worth it in the end. I can't wait to show you all of

the before and afters. Here is a peek of the new home office formally the living room.

It is cloudy and raining today so I can't get very good pictures. More coming soon.

We are using the chair from the family room and the same drapes.

This room will be changed to hardwoods in a few months.

I definitely can't handle that extra noise it takes to have them put in right now.

The long weekend ahead has us painting some more rooms and celebrating

our thirteen year wedding anniversary on the 20th. Where does the time go?

~*~

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Moving Conclusion

2012-02-12T16:39:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Remember our upcoming move to Maryland?

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would tell you this outcome.

Are you ready for this? We are not moving. At least for the next two years.

What? How did that happen? That is the military for you. Unbelievable.

We are both still a little in shock after finding out the news last week.

As you know we had been waiting for well over a year to have his orders cut

for a new assignment in Maryland. This March makes six years we have lived here.

As of this coming July he moves to a great new job at one of our local bases. He's fine.

I'm fine as well. I just wanted to know the final answer. As you can guess I will be

decorating our current home up a storm! I am excited and I have wasted no time.

Here are the overall plans:

1. Paint every single interior room. It's all going to be lighter and brighter!

2. Rearrange three rooms. We will now use them how we live.

Goodbye formal living room, hello new home office, bonus room

becomes a media room, bonus room moves to the current office.

This includes selling and replacing some furniture. Fun stuff!

3. Have the kitchen cabinets painted a light cream.

4. Remove the carpet downstairs and have hardwoods installed.

5. Steam clean upstairs carpets and pressure wash house exterior.

6. Update flower beds and clean up our current landscaping.

7. Replace outdoor deck rug, pillows, clean back deck.

8. Update, redecorate each room along the way.

I hope to have all of this complete within the next few months. I hope!

I have held off so long with decorating thinking we were moving I'm more than ready.

Check out our progress so far. Big thanks to my hubby for all of his hard work.

Goodbye gold paint. This room is done! I'll show you soon...:)

Ugh...what a mess painting and moving furniture makes. I have no patience. Pray for me.

We will be selling the fabric sofas and armoire this week.

A cheerful aqua for the new workout, Chestnut's room.

I chose soft colors for the master suite.

A deep teal for the guest bath. Love this color with chocolate brown.

The guest room color will be another aqua blue shade.

My paint color choices for the entry, family room and kitchen.

All of the colors are from Martha Stewart at Home Depot.

The formal dining room colors. A painting was my inspiration.

New drapes and hardware for the future media room.

A new fan too. This is also the room that will need new furniture.

Stay tuned for many before and after posts right here.

Finally I feel like I will have much to share with you. Hooray!

Have a wonderful week!

Sneak Peek & An Almost Update

2012-02-09T13:38:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends!

A long time ago I promised to share with you photos from my sister Michele's new home.

Unfortunately she's been too busy with teaching and her two young sons that is has been
difficult for her to take finished photos of the rooms. Here is a sneak peek of her dining room
wall and buffet. As you can see their home has many unique pieces. I will share more soon.

~*~

On another note...

A few days ago I posted on my Face Book page about the status of our upcoming move.

The details are not completely finalized yet. I will let you know the surprising changes soon.

It has been one crazy, roller coaster ride that is for sure. Whew!

Stay tuned...:)

Have a wonderful week!

Basics For My Winter Wardobe

2012-01-29T16:26:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!

How are you? We are doing well but still waiting for our official moving date.

The day is actually getting closer and closer and I'm more than ready.

How about this warm weather? Is it really January or even winter?

I picked up a few new wardrobe essentials and thought I would share them.

What I like about them the most is that I can mix and match freely.

Join me!

A deep plum peasant blouse from Cato along with a ruffled gray scarf.

Look how cute! Cato is now carrying ballet flats in sparkle colors for $13.99.

I wear a size 6 and this is the only color they had in my size. I also added the plum jewels.

I bought a denim ruffled shirt and paired it with boot cut dark denim jeans.

The navy striped scarf and brown woven belt complete the outfit. All from Cato.

I bought the brown ankle boots from Etienne Aigner at Marshalls.

I paired a gray shirt with a bright tomato red blazer from Cato.

I will wear it with gray and red bead chunky strands.

I just love peacock, aqua, turqouise blue right now!

I found a soft cotton jacket and matching tank at Cato.

I found three silver necklaces with this blue color in it.

It's hard to see the true color here but this is a very vivid blue.

I like to wear the basics like black and white together. I found a white ruffled

cotton blouse at Cato that I paired with a black velvet jacket from Dillards.

I'll wear this chunky link gold jewelry from Cato with it.

I bought a basic khaki cotton sweater and paired it with a Vera Wang dotted scarf.

The khaki stone jewels and sweater are from Cato. The scarf is from Marshalls.

Mr Chestnut had to see what was up and he thought it all was all a bit strange. Silly boy!

A soft cotton wrap sweater in ivory and black button up blouse go well together.

Both are from Cato. I paired it with an animal print scarf from Marshalls.

Large size gold and black stone drop earrings complete the look.

How about a warm and comfy red velour workout suit from Marshalls?

I think I payed about $15 for it. You can't beat that!

I have been walking and weightlifting this week. I'm sore today. Ouch!

It's Chestnut approved this time.

I thought I would share this steal of a jewelry deal that I found at Michaels.

I had no idea they carried jewelry. Did you? They also sell it so you can make your own.

Look at the sparkle stone bracelets for $3.99 a piece. Love em'!

I am feeling blessed, grateful and truly lucky this week since I won not one but two

amazing giveaways from Shabby Apple and my blog friends Shenita and Barbara.

Here is the pretty black vintage dress called Boogie Woogie. Thank you Shenita!

I cannot wait to get it. It is adorable with the wide satin bow.

Here is the beautiful gold feather necklace I won. I received it yesterday.

Thank you Barbara! It is darling and I plan to wear it this week.

Have you been buying new clothes lately? Where do you shop?

I seem to be sticking with my favorite stores Cato, Target and Marshalls.

I'll probably expand my clothing store horizons very soon.

~*~

Have a wonderful week!

Inspiration For Our New Home

2012-01-19T19:13:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!

It seems this new year is already starting to fly by as usual. How

are your resolutions going? I'm starting off slow on my exercise plan

but I'm hanging in there. With our moving day getting closer and closer

I can't help but find new ideas that I envision using in our future home.

I have been pinning away on my Pinterest boards the last few months.
All of the photos shown below are on my Pinterest board called "Inspiration For
Our New Home" with the original sources attached. Feel free to follow my boards!

I'm having way too much fun with my new pinning addiction. Click here to find me.

This large mirror and greenery looks beautiful in the formal dining room.
This lovely dining room buffet table belongs to Jennifer.

I would like to try a black and white collage wall somewhere.

It does look really great on the stair landing.

This deep gray paint by Benjamin Moore is a beautiful color. It's called Knoxville Gray.

I absolutely love the light neutral sofas and square leather ottoman together.

I'm keeping my eye open for the mercury glass candlesticks as well.

A sofa table is something I have always wanted to try in the family room.

I also like the double mercury lamps. We just got a Bose stereo so I would set it up like this.

This iron crystal chandy is my dream for the dining room!

A pop of zebra print will be a nice accent. I'm thinking in the master bedroom maybe?

Our next fireplace I'm looking for a more traditional style. I want a lighter, airy look.

We should have a fully finished basement for the first time.

I found this photo and was really inspired. I don't know if we will have a kitchen though.

I have always like drapes and plan to use them everywhere once again.

I liked this idea of using smaller ones as accents to the window. Like a frame.

Teal, aqua and or peacock blue colors are definitely on my list!

I plan to use it as an accent color "everywhere". Love it!

These long silk panels had me at Hello..:)

Here is a photo I found that I'm envisioning for the guest room.

Time will tell how it will all come together. I can't wait!

We still have about six more weeks before his official orders come through.

After that it should start to fly by at record speed. Whew!

What are your decorating ideas for 2012?

Are you changing things around, remodeling or moving? Please share.
~*~

Have a wonderful week!

Inspiration, Motivation...Where are you?

2012-01-09T20:38:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends!

It's a brand new year and most of us are de-cluttering our homes along with

trying to lose weight. Most of you have read my weight loss posts from the past.

You may know I lost 50 pounds a few years ago. Click on the top of my header under

"My Weight Loss" if you have not read them. I'm happy to report I've still kept it off.

Give or take about five pounds. The main problem is my lack of sticking with my

exercise plan consistently. I have been laaazzzy, and or "pinning". You know that

fun site that completely draws us in for an entire day. My ultimate goal would be to lose

about ten more pounds and have much more energy. Exercise helps to increase energy!

Who's with me?

Join me for some motivating photos from Pinterest.

Inspiration? Where are you? I've had low energy for a long time now.

Um, I'm trying...:)

Right now this is me minus the cardio oh and the weights too. Ha!

I do enjoy power walking. I will start again with that.

Some days I feel like this guy. Too funny...:)

This is very true. Should ten pounds really make me feel this way?

Overall I just want to be in better shape and have more energy.

Eat more of these!

And these!

And remember this...

I would cross out the "skinny" and replace it with "healthy" though.

I could do this right now...!

Weight lifting was the key to my weight loss. The bowflex will get some use again.

Here's me in 2012!

I'm more than ready for a new year of challenges.

How about you?

Organizing Desks and Bookshelves

2012-01-05T20:07:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Happy 2012! I hope your start to the year has been a good one.

Mine has already started out on a very high note. I could not have asked for better!

We are still waiting on my husband's official moving orders but this is "the" year.

Finally! As you know we will be moving sometime in the late spring or early summer.

I have already purchased a new aqua geometric shaped lamp and pillows that I plan to add to

the chocolate brown guest room. They came from Kirklands with a gift card I got for Christmas.

Hooray! You gotta love getting a gift card to your favorite store. I miss decorating and

posting more often. Please stick with me! I appreciate those of you that have. Also don't

forget I'm always on Pinterest or Face Book if you don't see me here. Come join me!

~*~

Join me to see my bookshelf organizing along with some inspiration from Pinterest.

Most of us start out the new year with some cleaning, organizing goals.

I really enjoy organizing our home and am always looking for new ideas.

I already had the blue polka dotted fabric boxes and when I spotted

the same style of photo album and scrap book at Target I was inspired.

A very special family has recently come into my life and I need a place for keepsakes.

I bought them into the bonus room and decided to rearrange my little bookshelf.

This was the perfect opportunity to donate the books I wasn't reading anymore.

Here is the after! It's clean and fresh with a pop of fun color.

I ended up with an entire bag full of books ready to go to a good cause.

Even Chestnut got a new snazzy black frame. It fits him well...:)

Here is a unique idea from Pinterest. A double sided desk unit.

I really like the hanging blue baskets for magazines or artwork.

A built in desk and shelving unit in a deep chocolate brown.

The roman shade is a nice touch along with the accessories.

This is perfect for a teen! An armoire desk in aqua blue. Very cute and stylish.

The shelves are arranged neatly with storage boxes in white. The framed prints look pretty too.

A bright white office looks airy and very inviting.

The pop of warm red gives it a homey feel.

How about multiple memo boards for large families?

This is a terrific idea for a desk in a kitchen.

A cozy reading nook, shelves and a ladder adds a little something extra.

I have never been good at crafts but this precious room makes me want to get started.

Love those striped chairs and floor along with the ribbon dispenser.
~*~

How about you? Have you started any new organizing projects for 2012?
I'm more than ready to face the challenges of a brand new year!

Have a wonderful week!

Season Of Peace

2011-12-18T20:27:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!

How is your holiday season going? I hope you are enjoying it all.

We have two trees a red one and an ivory but this year I only put up the

red tree since it is a slim style and easy. I have been adding bright lime

decorations to it and am slowly but surely getting the festive look I'm after.

Join me for our Christmas tree tour!

I found the cutest new ornaments and lime sparkle sticks at Cracker Barrel.

Don't you just love that place during the holidays? They have the most unique decorations.

Mr Santa says Ho, Ho, Ho! I always like to add monograms and feathers.

Do you see the sparkly red bird with the lime wings and tail? He's my new favorite.

The topper is a big plaid bow I found at Michaels.

I added sparkly red twigs to it to make it shine.

It's hard to see the lime sparkle sticks throughout the tree. Can you see them?

They appear as dark spots instead of the bright green that they are.

I just adore the warm glow of multi lights. Our other tree has the white lights.

Which are your favorites? It's a tough call for me. I like them both very much.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Millers 2011!

~*~

The winner of my Kirklands Gift Card Giveaway is Michele Smith from

the blog "Dreaming of a Farmhouse". Congrats Michele! I'll be in touch.

Thanks to all of you for entering. I wish you could all win.

~*~

I'll be taking a little bloggy break. See you next year my friends!

Kirklands Gift Card Giveaway!

2011-12-11T15:40:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!

It's time for a great giveaway! The nice folks at Kirklands contacted me a few weeks ago

and asked if I was interested in hosting a giveaway on my blog.You know I said yes to that.

It's no secret how I feel about this fantastic home decor store. They have been my go to place

for just about everything related to home decorating. If you don't have one in your area

you are still in luck since they are now available online as well. Check them out here.

The lucky winner will receive a $50 gift card to Kirklands. Can I get a hooray!

I will announce the winner in one week. Just in time for Christmas...:)

~*~

1. Leave me a comment on this post letting me know you are entered.

2. No employees or family members of employees are eligable for this one.

3. Sorry guys, this one is limited to the US only.

4. If you would like to become a follower of my blog that would be fabulous.

I would like to get to know you better!

~*~

Here is just a small sample of the many items we have in our home from Kirklands.

Did I mention the prices are reasonable? Oh yea!

They were very generous and mailed me a new sunburst mirror.

Here is a close up. It's just perfect for our family room wall.

This table and crocodile lamp are the perfect accent.

Jars and urns holding grass sticks.

They have a huge selection of decorative plates.

Crystal accent lamps for our foyer table.

They have a beautiful selection of furniture pieces as well.

Here is a our buffet cabinet for the kitchen nook and the red lamps too.

This little red table is one my favorites!

A blue drum shade lamp for the dresser and another plate.

They have many pretty home accessories like these urns.

A small black accent table works well in our master suite.

They have many styles of benches like this one.

Don't get me started on the pillows. Oh my goodness. So many!

This piece worked out well for our master bathroom storage. The glass canisters hold cotton balls.

Last but not least they have too many lovely print styles to even name.

Give them a try, they have something for every style of home decor.

Thank you Kirklands!

~*~

Good luck to all of you. Don't forget they are also available online.
Have a wonderful week!

Create Christmas Cheer

2011-12-07T19:19:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!

How have you been? It seems the weeks are flying by for sure.

This always seems to happen around the holidays doesn't it? Whew!

This is the last Christmas for us in this home and I'm decorating light.

Join me for a tour!

Joy! I love this word. I found this sign at Tar-jay.

I added it to the powder room sink area.

Noel is on the other side. I'm really liking the lime color and plan to add more.

I hung a Santa tassle on the lamp and called it a day.

Easy peasy. You have to love that at this time of year.

I added my favorite Joy and Noel ribbon frames to the buffet table.

I hung my Joy to the World tassle and added the wooden red birds.

Done, and done...:)

They are handmade by Kristen. She is super talented.

Here is a close up of the tassle made by her as well. She is a wizard with ribbons.

The guest room joined in the festivities with a plaid throw and snowflake pillow.

I found them at Target during the last Christmas season.

The final touch is an M ornament hung on the lamp.

Simple but festive. How about you? How's your decorating going?

Stay tuned for my tree tour but first I have a Kirklands giveaway for you.

Have a wonderful week!

It's Time To Deck The Halls

2011-12-01T18:15:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends!

Are you ready for the big day?

Have you started, finished your Christmas decorating or are you

way behind like me? It has been warm one day cold the next and it really has

me out of the spirit. This weekend we are definitely getting going on it though.

In the meantime enjoy some of my favorite images from my Pinterest boards.

Come join me on my Face Book and Pinterest boards if you haven't already.

Some of you have asked where I've been and I post and pin frequently there.

I would love to see you! The buttons to find me are here on my sidebar.

I realized out of all my pin boards my Christmas decorations board is the largest.

If you want to see more come and check out my nearly 200 images. I do love Christmas!

~*~

I was recently contacted by the folks at Kirklands to host a giveaway and I'm thrilled.

You all know how much I love that store and now I get to share it with you. Stay tuned!

Have a wonderful week!

Keep Calm and Gobble On

2011-11-23T15:30:00.001-05:00

Hello All!

Enjoy this special time with your friends and family.

This image is from my Pinterest boards...cute huh?

Have a wonderful Thankgiving!

Dress Me Up!

2011-11-18T14:58:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Do I need some new dresses to add to my wardrobe? The answer is *yes*.

It's been years since I bought a new one. Seriously. For many years I worked

in the fine jewelry retail sales industry and that is all I wore. Dresses, suits and

skirts all day everyday so I think I got very tired of them. Now I don't own a one.

Except for my wedding dress and a few MC ball gowns I have saved.

Join me to see what I've been finding and pinning to my Pinterest boards.

A lively green cross wrap style. Love the color.

Sweater dresses are very popular right now. This oatmeal colored fringe is adorable.

A plum color sweater dress with ruffled sleeves.

This army green sweater dress looks comfortable.

One of my favorites is this taupe sweater dress.

A cute sweater and skirt combo. Love the royal blue purse too.

How about a fun ruffled pink dress for parties?

Isn't this sassy? I love the wide purple skirt and bow. The shoes are wow too!

When spring comes around I'm going to add a maxi dress or two.

For next years MC Ball I am searching for this red beauty. Love it!

Do you wear dresses all the time or only once in a while?

What is your favorite place to buy them?

Have a wonderful weekend!

My Christmas Wish List

2011-11-13T15:59:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!

I'm dreaming and pinning these days so here is my wish list.

You know the list I mean. The one if I had endless amounts of money. He!

Join me to see what I'm wishing for. All images are from my Pinterest boards.

Come by and follow along if you would like. The P button is on my sidebar.

Dooney & Bourke tartan plaid purse.

Shiny red ballet slippers from American Eagle

Gucci watch in black and gold chunky links.

A black and silver necklace with ribbons.

A pink morganite ring in an oval shape with black diamonds.

A cashmere fushia wrap from Victorias Secret.

Gray boots with a bow. Adorable!

A snazzy lime colored trench coat.

Wired bird cloches. I have been searching for these. Yay!

They are from One Kings Lane online catalog.

A numbered pillow from One Kings Lane. Love the dragonfly.

Lovely perfume from Sarah Jessica Parker. I've always wanted to try this scent.

Last but not least why not have the cutest pup ever under the tree.

What are you wanting Santa to bring you? Just for fun...:)

Have a wonderful week!

Melissa's Heart and Home

Shades Of Summer

Blog Transition & Family Room Updates

Mr Chestnut's New Room

Mix of Styles TV Lounge

Master Suite Inspired By Nature

Lighten Up! It's A Kitchen Makeover

Formal Dining Room In A Nutshell

Light and Airy Entryway

Sweet Dreams In Chocolate and Aqua

Poppies In The Powder Room

Home Office Take Two

Decorating Chaos

The Moving Conclusion

Sneak Peek & An *Almost* Update

Basics For My Winter Wardobe

Inspiration For Our New Home

Inspiration, Motivation...Where are you?

Organizing Desks and Bookshelves

Season Of Peace

Kirklands Gift Card Giveaway!

Create Christmas Cheer

It's Time To Deck The Halls

Keep Calm and Gobble On

Dress Me Up!

My Christmas Wish List

Sneak Peek & An Almost Update