Ink and Elm

Tour de Dream House: Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Got your walking shoes back on?
Ready to go back through Cristi (of Hiya Papaya) and Jeff's beautiful home?

You might want to have a small towel ready to wipe the drool off your chin after taking the kitchen tour.

Hold on to your hats, here we go...

I mean, come on... seriously? Is that not the most beautiful kitchen ever?
I think my favorite thing about it is the recycled glass counter top. How refreshing to see something other than granite!? (click here for counter top source)
Another favorite of mine has to be the flooring. Reclaimed barn wood. Love it.
Want more sources? I knew you would ; )
1) 3 pendants fixture hanging over kitchen table: Lamps Plus
2) Fabric on window treatments: DwellStudio via The Shade Store
3) Windows in the nook: Pyramid Jade
4) Wallpaper on nook ceiling: Thibaut Parkland in Beige (Natural Resource)
5) Light fixture above the sink: Lamps Plus
6) Light fixtures over the island: Bellacor
7) Chairs at kitchen table: 4-chairs.com
8) Tiling: Greg's Tile Creations and Contempo Tile
9) Mirror: West Elm
Oh, don't you worry... there's still more to come. We haven't even hit the halfway point!
Thank you so much to Cristi for letting us walk and drool all over her beautiful flooring! We'll be sure to wipe it down when we're done ; )

Dream House Tour of a Lifetime!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:47:00 +0000

Ready for the dream house tour of a lifetime?

Cristi lives in Lindon, Utah and was kind enough to put her home on display in the Utah Parade of Homes. I contacted her immediately to request her permission to post these beautiful photos on my blog. Not only is she an AMAZING decorator, she is also an amazing photographer! She took all of these photos herself and has a website (and business) called Hiya Papaya. She also has an Etsy shop! Busy woman!

Want Sources? Me too!

1) Front door color: Benjamin Moore's Wythe Blue (HC-143)

2) Trim color (indoor and out) is Benjamin Moore's White Dove (OC-17)

3) Entry color: Restoration Hardware's Silver Sage
4) Address numbers on the door: Home Depot

5) Chandelier: laylagrayce.com

6) Rugs: 4-chairs.com

7) Boat wood chairs: 4-chairs.com

8) Wallpaper: Thibaut Waterbury Trail in Aqua from the Avalon Collection

9) Entry way photos (over by the mirror): DiemDesign.etsy.com

Moving on... let's keep a'walkin...

Want Sources? Me too!

1) White Paint throughout home: Benjamin Moore's White Dove

2) "Teach Love" print: thewheatfield.etsy.com

3)"It's Better Together" print: miniMooshee.etsy.com

4) Geometric print pottery under clock: West Elm

5) Wallpaper in living room (piano area): Thibaut Bentley in Seamist (Artisan Collection)

6) Clock: Four Chairs Furniture

7) Lamp in the living room (with urchin bulbs): Lamps Plus

8) Bike print: buckscountyframes.etsy.com

Feet getting tired? Well, give em' a rest and get ready for tomorrow. There's more to come!!
Is this not one of the most beautiful homes you've ever seen?

one step at a time

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:12:00 +0000

As stated in my last post, a family room makeover is currently in progress at a slow rate of
ONE step at a time.
Literally.
What have I done so far?
Well, I got a lamp. Yep. That's it. But it has made a HUGE difference in the room!
Sometimes it only takes a change or two in a room to make a drastic difference.

My mom also gave me this cute little notebook.
I love the pattern and colors (since they match the fam room) so I put it out on display under the lamp next to my starfish set...

Slowly but surely, I will have the large wall in the room done next...

I just have this little habit called procrastination when it comes to the "planning" part.

I am SO indecisive because I have sooo many ideas, and instead of going with one, I procrastinate.

Sound familiar or is it just me?

I'm thinking I should put this poster I made on the wall.

Maybe it will help speed things up.

Sorry about that!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:23:00 +0000

Somehow a VERY old post from like 2 years ago was just posted today titled "Happy Fall!"...
not sure how in the world that happened but it kind of made me laugh when I saw it!!

Just to make it clear: I'm not wishing you all a "happy fall" quite yet.
It is definitely still summer and I'm not even close to thinking about fall yet!

Stay tuned for another post later tonight! And I promise it won't be about Spring or Winter ; )

Project Family Room

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:07:00 +0000

In the process of making over my family room...

trying to make a huge change with little change (from the wallet).

Some ideas to get me going:

I'd like to take a little bit from each of these photos, mix em' together and see what I come up with!

I'll update as soon as it's finished!

Photo Credits: BHG mag, 6th Street Design, decorpad, house of turquoise

color me mine

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 03:39:00 +0000

What is it about fresh flowers that makes us feel so ... well, fresh?

I just love these dreamy colorful arrangements. I want them all in my home. Every single one of them.

Photos from here, here, here, here, here, here

Trip to the flower mart on Saturday anyone?

kitchen envy

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 05:15:00 +0000

In the process (the planning stage) of giving our kitchen a little face lift...

can I please just snap my fingers and instantly have one of these?

images found here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here

Are these not the most beautiful kitchens ever? I love the vintage style kitchens.

Neverending Story

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 25 May 2011 04:33:00 +0000

Laundry.

My Neverending Story is laundry.

Piles and piles.
There are currently clean piles on the bedroom floor.

Dirty piles overflowing from 3 different hampers. Not to mention the towel hamper (which would make hamper #4).

A pile in the dryer.

A pile in the wash.

A pile in Penny's room.

It really is neverending.

Maybe if my laundry room looked like any of these I wouldn't care. In fact, I would tell the neighbors to bring their laundry over too. Maybe I'd even start a laundry business. Okay, a stretch. But my point?
I firmly believe that an organized, functional, and CUTE laundry room are essential to transforming laundry from a mundane neverending story into an enjoyable and lighthearted activity... no?

Images from here, here, and here.

Color Combos I'm diggin'

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Mon, 23 May 2011 01:08:00 +0000

Coral is such a bold, beautiful color and really makes a great accent for a room needing a splash of color. I might be a little biased since it was also a wedding color of mine...

Loving the ambience of this bathroom... it's never a bad thing to go pee in style!

A big fat YES to the finish on the desk. Everyone's doing yellow and gray these days.. why not try something different, like red and gray? Sophistication without the stuffiness.

I love the clean lines and cheerful color scheme. I can't imagine this kitchen ever looking messy! And I definitely don't think any bacteria grows on these countertops!

(red and gray, orange and coral, black and taupe, blue and yellow)

Transformation Tuesday... well, almost...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 05:12:00 +0000

Current projects under transformation:

1) Master Bath

2) Guest Bath

3)Bedroom

4) Office

5) Guest room

6) Loft

7) Kitchen Cabinets

...

Ummm, it would have been easier to just say that my whole house (minus the nursery) is under the transformation spell.

Here's where we're going with the master bath...

(photo courtesy House of Turquoise)

Calm. Serene. And one of my favorite colors. Aqua.
Lots and lots of work... but all worth it in the end!

Wee Ones Wednesday! Amelia Jane

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:13:00 +0000

In honor of Wee Ones Wednesday, I'd like to introduce everyone (who knows a baby) to Amelia Jane. What an AMAZING baby boutique! This boutique is native to my husband's hometown of Santa Barbara and is a definite MUST if you are ever in the area.

I'll go ahead and let the pictures do the talking...here's a little sneak peak of the store:

Run, don't walk, to Amelia Jane!
2325 Lillie Ave
Summerland, CA

Love it.

Transformation Tuesday! Mirror Mirror on the Wall...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:33:00 +0000

Had this mirror for a while now... been sitting in the garage because I kind of forgot about it.

BEFORE: (well, kind of before... I forgot to take a picture until I had already started.)

And (drumroll...)
AFTER:

Unfortunately, I already have a mirror in this particular spot that I am very fond of... soooo.. this one's up for grabs. Takers? Contact me by email by click the "share" link above. I will post "SOLD" when it's gone!
(Note: SOLD! Sorry!)
Technique used for painting the mirror: Dry brush. Dab the paint brush into the paint very lightly and smudge excess paint off on something you don't mind getting paint on. The brush should feel pretty dry before you start painting.

Paint Color: Valspar's Aquatic Edge (which we actually decided to use in our master bathroom...haven't done it yet, but excited to see the results!)

On the Hunt...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:48:00 +0000

...for the PERFECT gray...

HELP!

A girl can go crazy searching for the perfect gray!

I want gray in my half bath downstairs and for the master bedroom...

I was SO excited when I came across this picture:

This is EXACTLY what I have been looking for.

To make it even better- the picture came from BHG WITH the name of the paint used underneath it.

Sherwin Williams Requisite Gray.

So off I went. Bought it. Tested it. NOTHING like the picture. I know computer screens aren't very accurate but it was NOTHING like it. It came out brown-taupe. I tried it in a different room with natural lighting. Same thing. So dissapointed.

I have never had such a hard time picking out paint! Gray is so easy to go wrong. Comes out too silver, too purple, lavender, blue... there are so many tints to gray.

Any suggestions?

Mmmmm, Ruffles!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:56:00 +0000

Why are ruffles so yummy?!
And I'm not talking about the chips... (although they are quite yummy too) but I'd much rather inundate myself with the ruffles below...

(pom pom interiors)

(Urban Outfitters)

(BHG, if I can remember correctly!)

(I can't remember the source... I've had this pic for a while... someone help?)

(Martha Stewart)

(Pom Pom Interiors)

Ruffles will never get old.

Basic White

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 05:24:00 +0000

I bought this vintage nightstand quite some time ago... finally got around to the makeover. Not a drastic makeover... just your basic white. Can't go wrong with white, right?

Now up for grabs... Any takers? ; )

(Update Note: Sold, sorry!)

Forgot to take a "before" pic but you can only imagine what it looked like... yes you guessed it- basic brown.

Priming:

After:

Loving Yellow and Gray

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:53:00 +0000

I've always been a yellow and gray fan, but more so recently as it has inspired me to remodel my whole bedroom... And what a big project it is.

My inspiration for this genius pair of color? Well, to name a few...

(photo courtesy rightbank.wordpress.com)

(photo courtesy gray-yellow-alkemieblogspot.com)

(photo courtesy range of grays)

(photo courtesy somersetbayhome.com)

(designer David Jiminez)

(Crate and Barrel)

I've already purchased my bedding and am now in the process of picking out paint for the walls and dresser makeovers... pics to come!

Daddy Meets Penny for the First Time

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Many of you know that my husband was deployed to Afghanistan last October during my 7th month of pregnancy (pretty good timing, eh?). It was a long 7 months, especially after the baby was born; not because she was a tough baby to deal with, but because I wanted more than anything for him to be able to see her.. hold her... kiss her... to know her like I did.

When Penny was born, I emailed Dan pictures from my cell phone, but that was all I could do to make him feel a part of it.

Well, 7 months has passed and our new little family has finally been united. Thanks to the amazing Ryan Southwell Films, we will have this moment to treasure forever. I can't say ENOUGH about Ryan and I'm so glad he was able to be with us documenting one of the most precious moments of our life. Thank you Ryan for the greatest gift anyone could ask for.

If for some reason the video image isn't showing up, refresh the page or just go HERE.

Lieutenant Dan has been deployed in Afghanistan since last October and is on his way home. But what makes it special is that he has a new baby daughter waiting to meet him for the first time. Watch as this journey unfolds throughout the day as the tension builds and the family reunites for the first time as three. It's a crusher. You can't help but feel some of the patriotism when he arrives home. As I said in a prequel to this post, this is the stuff life is all about.

I chose this song because it starts soft and subtle, with a little bit of mystery. But the end has a huge payoff that I love. Lifehouse - "Everything".

Summer Vintage Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:20:00 +0000

Okay, so I feel horrible because here I am blogging about this amazing vintage backyard sale, and I lost the flier with the name of this sale!! If anyone recognizes this sale, PLEASE let me know the name of this traveling vintage sale!! I know there are more of these ladies' sales to come and I want to be able to provide the information... so please help me if you can!

The greatest thing about this sale was I accidentally happened upon it... don't you just love it when that happens!? It was right around my neighborhood and I just stumbled across a sign.. totally MADE my day!

The perfect way to start a Saturday!

Penny's Vintage Inspired Aqua Nursery

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:01:00 +0000

Finally a complete tour of the nursery! Well, it's still not 100% complete (missing curtains, lampshades, etc), but it's 90% done!

I wanted a chandelier, but wanted a fan too for the summer, so I researched a bit and found a chandelier attachment! The chandelier light is attached to the white ceiling fan... it's the only chandelier attachment I've ever been able to find!

The 1-2-3 was decoupaged just like the "P" in the last post!

This bookshelf will become a before and after post shortly... it was hideous before!

I got this darling picnic table from a friend's garage sale! I love it!

You can find these prints (and other cute prints like it) here and in all different sizes!

This pink shelf was hideous before the makeover. It was a $4 garage sale find in Santa Barbara and when you see potential, you can't pass it up! Add a nice little coat of pink paint and voila!

Hubby did ALL the bead boarding (installing and painting with spray gun) and also painted all the walls! A BIG thanks to him for all his hard work!

And ALL for THiS little thing!

Looks like she's happy with the nursery!

Paint Color in nursery: Sweet Pea by Olympic (at Lowes). Very aqua and minty but not too bright.

P is for Penny

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:08:00 +0000

BEFORE (I forgot to take a pic before I decoupaged the paper to the letter!)

I made this a few weeks ago but just got around to blogging it...

I think it's a rule that you always have to put your baby's name somewhere up on the nursery wall, right? Well, I was a little rebellious and only did the first letter of her name.

Easy project but here are instructions just in case:

Materials:

Modge Podge (decoupage)
Paint brush OR sponge brush
Letter or letters to create
Paint for letter
Sandpaper (fine to medium grit)
Cute paper
Scizzors

1) Purchase the letter/s (I bought mine at JoAnn's)- you can buy wood (mine is wood), paper mache, chipwood, etc... lots of options.. they all end up looking pretty much the same although some are lighter to hang than others.

2) Paint your letter with craft paint (I just used the cheapy acrylic craft paint in candy pink)... you can also spray paint but you might need to prime first depending on the type of material you purchase.

3) Pick out your paper or wallpaper to apply to letter. I used 12x12 scrapbook paper.

4) Put letter over paper and cut a square a little larger than the letter.

5) Apply decoupage with paint brush or sponge brush to the letter. Place scrapbook paper over the letter. Let sit for 20 minutes.

6) Apply thin coat of decoupage over top of scrapbook paper and let dry completely.

7). Sand all the edges off.

Voila!

AFTER:

Decisions, Decisions, DECISIONS!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:48:00 +0000

If there is anyone in this world who is horribly afraid of making decisions, I definitely earn the award. I sit on all of my projects forever because I am so afraid to commit to one final decision! There are so many colors, designs, textures, fabrics... how can you just settle on ONE?

Currently, the decision I am in the process of stressing over is my buffet table in the entryway. This was an antique find a couple of years ago that I painted white. I love white- so clean, crisp, pure... but I am feeling a need for more color these days. Maybe it's the baby bringing out the life in me.. I don't know. But whatever it is, I have been craving more color!

Current color choice I have been sitting on for the past week?

Robin's egg blue (or sea foam, or turquoise, or any greenish blue)! Can't go wrong, especially in time for spring. These shades of blues and greens have always been my favorite and can be found all over my family room... but hey, I can spread the cheer to other areas too.. it's MY house!

Here are some of my Robin's Egg/seafoam Blue Inspiration:

Robin's Egg Blue is one of those colors, that as an accent goes with any color scheme.

(images: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6) here 2) better homes)

Rock-a-bye Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:01:00 +0000

Did I ever tell you how talented my mom is? Well, I will just let the pictures do the talking...

Someday I will learn to sew... (keyword "someday")

We found the cradle at a little boutique shop but it was in desperate need of a skirt and bumper! So it was Mom to the rescue!
I just fell in love with the fresh seafoamy green damask fabric. And it's great because it will work for a boy or a girl!

We ended up velcrowing the skirt underneath the cradle so it's easy to take on and off if I need to (haven't needed to yet though!)

All that work for this little thing...

And here she is inside the cradle happy as can be. I think she likes it : )

It's nice to know people with talent!

Organizing My Life!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:10:00 +0000

Will I ever catch up? I feel like I am still 9 months behind on organizing... paperwork... closets...bedrooms... my office... ARRGHHH it never ends! I feel like I just can't catch up to where I want to be! Am I the only one that feels this way or is this just typical life?

HOWEVER... My office is about 75% cleaner than it was (pics to come soon!) and I wanted to share 2 of my newest organizational tools...

1) This gorgeous damask filer.

I use a filing cabinet for all of my bulk filing, but I use this handy little filer for my receipt filing (since it looks like a purse and all)... All the receipts that I deem important get filed away in this beaut. I have the files labeled as "dept. stores/clothing", "hardware stores", "Home Modification/Contractors", "Craft and Hobby", "Sporting Goods", etc etc... you get the idea. It's been so easy to find receipts that I need for returns or whatever the reason may be...
Oh and best of all? Got it at Marshalls!

2) I LOVE my Card Cubby!

I am a semi-avid QVC watcher and happened to stumble across this little creation and couldn't pass this up...
I had SO many cards; membership cards, gift cards, stamp cards (I like my buy 10 get 1 free yogurt cards, okay?!), etc etc that were taking up so much room in my wallet! And I know you all know how STRESSful it can be when you are walking towards the Costco entrance and have to strum through all your cards in your wallet to find your membership card! Well, stress no more!! All you have to do is simply take your little index finger and strum to the "C" file to uncover your wonderful Costco membership card!
How many times have you been at a store that you know you deserve that free yogurt/bagel/sub sandwich or whatever but you can never find your blasted stamp card. Well, this stressor is now stressLESS with the card cubby! Simply turn to "S" and pull out your Subway stamp card!
Isn't it great?
Want one?
Get it here!

Next on the list to organize? My MAGAZINES!! Anyone else a magazine hoarder? Oh man... do I hoard. Well, hoard no more.

Send magazines to an archival service, like Denver Bookbinding (denverbook.com), which will bind the stash into one or more hardcovers for $50 and up. If you want to keep articles only (which is my thing) try Scanalog ($50, scanalog.com), a software program that catalogs and stores clippings. I'm excited to try these out!!

Happy organizing to me!!

To My Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:42:00 +0000

A sneak peak of my Valentine's Gift for the hubby:

A HUGE thank you to the amazing and talented Lori Hull Photography.

Lori lives in California but also travels to Utah and Oregon for group photo sessions!
She also shoots in the comfort of your own home (as seen in my session)!

Although you won't need any ideas with her extensive and impressive creativity, she is always open to your ideas.

Her use of color, editing, and skill is absolutely amazing.

And best of all... if you mention Shabby Addict and book a session with her before the end of March you will receive $100 off your portrait package!

Thank you, Lori, for capturing Penny and I together in one of the most precious stages of our lives.

Creative Valentine Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:52:00 +0000

I am so tempted to buy these darling vintage Valentine dishes... I love seasonal kitchenware! It makes the holiday so much more fun... especially for kids! You can snag these darling vintage glasses and plates at Pottery Barn Kids.

See how much fun they add to this Valentine table setting? Love it!

For all you talented crochet artists, patterns for these darling Valentine's hearts are found here. I love the colors. This darling garland proves that Valentine's Day doesn't always have to be pink and red! If you don't crochet, paper hearts in vintage valentine scrapbook paper attached to string by clothespins would be cute too!

Got even more time on your hands? What cute Valentine's these make! Stamp, print, or use Valentine scrapbook paper to wrap chocolate bars in personalized Valentine wrapping. Add embellishments like ribbon, candies, tags, etc for the final touch!

I thought these were so cute. Any jars would work for this fun project. Find the tutorial here.

These cookies are amazing. If someone gave me a plate of these cookies, I would never eat them! These edible images are cut out by hand and applied to the cookies with almond royal icing, and the edges are accented with piping and sparkling sugar. You can purchase these here!