Home by Heidi

{ Small Improvement, BIG difference! }

2012-02-23T11:05:00.001-07:00

Just a really quick update...

After 6 years kids banging up the wood underneath the island.

I had to either...

#1 Refinish the entire thing
or

#2 cover the parts that the wood was the MOST beat up.

I opted for #2 as the bid for a new paint job was $500 OUCH!!

So here is what we did.

added a small piece of a v-groove board in the inner squares of the island, and then added an outer layer of decorative trim.

Look how it transformed the island!

WOW..Big change for little money!

LOVE HOW IT TURNED OUT!!

...BEFORE...

...AFTER...

{ SUPER CUTE VIDEO }

2012-02-21T15:56:00.003-07:00

I just had to share this darling video!
How's this for an engagement video? Love it!!!

This was a Family Affair! Brett's Uncle produced it, and the girl in the video is his daughter (our cousin)
and the boy is her fiancé
WHAT TALENT!!! I am seriously BLOWN AWAY!
Glad I'm related!!!
hehe :)

Myra and Kenneth from Romantic Wedding Videos on Vimeo.

{ Paint and Self discovery... PART 1 }

2012-02-17T15:34:00.006-07:00

My journey started back in July, when at the Evo Conference.
At dinner, I sat down with Shelley from House of Smiths and picked her brain about her AMAZING home transformation.
At the time, I knew I wanted to change something in my house but was afraid I was going to ruin the good things I had going in the space.

But... after 6 years of living with the same paint color, and seeing my personal style changing.
I was ready for a change.

Shelley convinced me to JUST DO IT!
So when I got home I put a plan into action.

At first, I thought I knew the direction I wanted to go, but soon discovered that the idea of the space I wanted versus the and reality of living in that space were 2 very different things!

But first things first... Let's Start from the VERY Beginning!

My first project was the kitchen, I covered the red paint with primer, and then set off to find a New color.

Here was the kitchen before...

I went through too many samples of paint to count in all shades of blues and greens.

My original plan was to get rid of ALL the red and exchange it out for blue.

The first color I attempted was a blue-grey paint called

Samovar Silver-Sherwin Williams
I painted most of my kitchen with this color, but stopped half way through. I wasn't 100% sure how I felt about it, and had to think about it for a week or so.
I finally decided that this blue was NOT the right blue so I moved on to a Warmer hue of blue "Comfort Grey-Shermin Williams."

Here is the kitchen with blue attempt #2

I have to say this room is VERY pretty, In all honesty...
I had nothing to complain about.
BUT... (there is always a "But" isn't there? :)

I REALLY liked the color, BUT deep down it just wasn't sitting right with me. The more I moved forward, the More things started getting kind of CRAZY.

By painting my kitchen blue, it opened up Pandora's box so to speak.
When I changed the kitchen, I then had to change the front room, laundry room, hall and entry. I knew I would have to change things, but never realized to what degree.

Night after night, I lost sleep over trying to come up with ideas for a NEW plan of how I was going to make the blue work. But nothing seemed to easily fall into place. I am a firm believer that if things don't fall into place and it feels like you are pulling teeth to make it happen, it's your gut telling you "STOP" and regroup/rethink. THANK GOODNESS that I listened!!!

Then winter set in and the snow started to fall . . . for some reason, the idea of blue in my kitchen now became gloomy for me. (remember I was coming from a warm red kitchen)

DON'T get me wrong. I am a HUGE lover of blue. The walls of my nursery, play room and Megan's room are blue. But for me, loving blue and trying to incorporate it in my main living space are two very different things.
Idaho is pretty much cold 9 months of the year, and for me I wanted to garnish the main living areas of our home with warmth because of the constant blizzards outside.

So...AFTER much pain and agony over paint and Fabric,
I have FINALLY come to a decision.

I AM BRINGING BACK THE
RED,GOLD and GREEN
and lets not forget Black and
Lots and Lots of WHITE!!! AKA...Trim work :)

I know, I know...it might not be EXCITING and NEW compared to the soft greys and blues that are so popular these days.
But..this is who I am, and these colors screams "HOME" for me!
I have ALWAYS loved these colors!

So I am going forward with the old colors and attempting a NEW look while still being TRUE to myself!

I am in the process of painting my house (including my kitchen)
a warm yellowy gold color called

"Gold 3" -Laura Ashely (found at Lowe's)

My cute friend who's home I have adored for years has this color on her walls, during the middle of my paint search I had forgotten about this warm inviting color.
Until one night when it hit me!
I KNEW it was the RIGHT color! Since that decision, EVERYTHING has fallen into place and I have never looked back!

Here is how I knew my decision was the right one.

#1 After removing all the red from my house, I REALLY started to miss it. For me red brings comfort, but this time around I am using red as an accent ONLY instead of painting the entire room red. I am also using a LESS bright red, and going with red with lots of black in it.
I have learned that red is GOOD in small doses:)

#2 It was great feeling bringing out all my red decor that I love so much and have collected over the years.
Here are just a few things in my collection that I am happy, once again, to have as part of my home!

#3 I didn't have the budget to completely change EVERYTHING in my home. And in truth I would have had to change A LOT if I had stayed with the blue!

#4 I am a warm girl through and through. I just got to a point that I had to do what I LOVED and not base my decision off of what everyone else was doing. I had to be true to ME!

#5 I NEEDED to start LIVING life again instead of being in chaos of decision making.

Phew...I have more thoughts on the matter, but I will save that for another day.

{Sending Our Love}

2012-02-10T09:00:00.002-07:00

Here is a Valentine from us to YOU!!

Wishing you a Valentines Day full

Lots and Lots of

LOVE!

My talented friend and photograper Chantri Keele Not only took the picture but also designed the card!!

Hands down, She the best in the business :)

{ Laundry Room Update! }

2012-02-06T10:24:00.001-07:00

It has been CRAZY around here. I had workmen (and Brett) working for an Entire day to assemble the laundry room cabinets. Things are looking good and I can't wait to show you all the grand reveil. BUT...I have a few things I still have to do, like get new lights and paint the room. But for now I will just give you a sneak peek of what's been going on around here!

Ok here is my laundry room

...BEFORE...

Really cute, but not very functional and felt very crowded in such a small space.

See HERE for more info on the Subject!

Here is the next picture of the cabinets removed...

Ready for the NEXT HOPEFULLY more functional laundry space.

The next step was stacking the Washer and Dryer and removing the lower pedestals.

I now have 2 Practically new pedestals for sale if anyone is interested :)

PHEW...Stacking those appliances was NOT as easy as it looks :)

The laundry room is only a 7x6' space, so I had to get VERY creative on space planning. I had at list a mile long of all the things I needed to cram into this small space.

Here are just a few things on my list.

~A place to hold dirty clothes waiting to be washed

~ A designated spot for kids socks.

(I go crazy running around the house on school mornings trying to find socks for everyone to wear. I figure having a drawer in the laundry area would be a perfect spot to find socks...it's on your way out the door:)

~Room for my mop, broom, vacuum, iron and the BIG one...The ironing board!

~ I wanted a place I could store seasonal dishes

~ I needed a place to store random things like the shoe shine basket, and extra rags, sewing kit etc

~ A hanging rod for wet clothes

~I also needed a reference place that I could put all my kids papers and reminders of upcoming activities

and the yearly calendar.

~ A place that I could store my laundry soap, fabric softener, bleach etc... that was conveniently close to the washer.

I Have a long laundry list (hehe..no pun intended) of things that were a MUST for the space,

I also wanted a clean, put together, functional, and well let's be honest, .... a CUTE space:)

I am EXCITED to say, that I feel like I accomplished everything on my list!

The ONLY thing I WISHED I could have done was pick a fun color cabinets over then white in the room.
But I had a few things that were working against me for that:

#1 I have a red washer and dryer and honestly, nothing really looked good other than white

#2 I know I was going to have TALL massive cabinets and I thought a colored cabinet of any sort would make the small space a bit overwhelming

#3 I want to go with a fun paint color or wallpaper for the space and again I felt a painted cabinet would limit my choices.

So other than the fact that the color scheme isn't much different than my original laundry room...I LOVE it!!!

#4 I really wasn't looking for a change for the room. More function, I figure...why change a good thing, right? :)

I'll be working on this room for the next week,
just finishing things off.

But here is a sneak peek of how the room is coming along.

Sorry about the pics, the lighting was bad, the workmen was there, and The room is so tiny!
it's hard to get the right angle for pictures!

Remember..this is JUST a sneak Peek!
Can't wait to show you the room when it's all done!

{ Darling Valentines Download }

2012-01-30T12:34:00.001-07:00

I LOVE these darling TREAT boxes from Poppy Seed Projects! Fill them up with a treat (like carameled popcorn) and you are good to go.

As a bonus Add the Free Darling download to the front of the box to REALLY make it festive!

Quick and easy for this upcoming Valentines Day :)

Stop over to their shop HERE and pick some up today,

There shop is located at 477 W. 9160 S. Sandy, UT

PERFECT for the LOVE of your life :)

Enjoy!!

DOWNLOAD HERE

{ Bangs, Fabreze and Valentines Day}

2012-01-27T13:19:00.002-07:00

There are a few things I am SUPER excited about.

First and foremost...do you remember this POST about THE INSANE Decision I made by cutting bangs. I mean, why did I expect I would like them? The last time I had bangs was in 4th grade!!!

It's really not a matter of the bangs not looking good as they are super annoying and a bit high maintain for me! Ugh....BUT, I do have some good news.

After hours of complaining to my sister about the problem, she suggested talking to our hair dresser. And GUESS WHAT....I'm getting extensions. Well, at least until I grow out my bangs. PHEW!!! I can now look myself in the mirror once again :)

The BEST part, I'm getting the problem fixed for under $100 dollars. I tell ya, beauty is expensive :)

Since I am spending all my money on others things (clearly) I Thought I might SAVE some money in other areas.

I was thrilled when I found this recipe on PINTEREST!!

or as I call it Pin(BLISS)!!!

LINK

I seriously go through Febreze like it's going out of style.

I don't like the aerosol, just the pump kind

(better for the earth, Right?)

I use the stuff when I make my bed in the morning to freshen up the sheets and the room. But it's PRICEY!!! I could go through a bottle a week (No Joke) In a month's time, that is around $12.00. In a year that's close to $100 dollars.

YIKES...so I thought for .15 cents a bottle I would give this recipe a go!

Guess what....I LOVE it!!! I am sooo excited!

So now my house will always be Febreze FRESH (wink)

OK now on to the BIG Valentines Day!

My little girl is SUPER excited for this day. She discovered a cute boy in her class, and then the other day I discovered a picture of him taped on her ceiling. Hummm, I think she might be trying to hide it from her mom. She knows what I would say,

No Boyfriends! Ahhhhh, am I REALLY at this point?

My baby girl liking boys. She's only 9. What happened???

Any-who, Valentines Day is one of my Favorite holidays. It seems to break up the long winter and is a GREAT excuse to go out to dinner and eat yummy CANDY!!

I love Valentines Candy Way more than Halloween Candy!

In the past I've made my kids these cute iPods for the kids at school

But this year I might do something a little different.

Here is the download for all you wanting to give the iPods a go, kids LOVE them :)

Here are some FUN Valentines ideas I thought were fun and wanted to share. I have them all pinned under my Valentines folder on Pinterest

Hope you all have a Fantastic weekend!!!

{ Megan's Room Take 2 or was that 3}

2012-01-20T17:37:00.006-07:00

OK...so I hope you're not tired of me sharing all the changes I am making in Megan's room?

At this point I think I have had at least 5 plans I've tried, but either the plan had to stop for some reason, or I decided half way through I didn't like the direction I was going.

Trust me when I say that this LAST DESIGN was suppose to be the ONE! I already bought the paint and everything. I was planning on moving forward and I REALLY didn't like the fact that my excitment for her new room was crushed when Pottery Barn Kids

told me that everything I ordered was no longer available!

AHHHHHH, :(

Oh WELL, it's my nature to change things anyway soooo, here is my NEW design plan. I REALLY hope it all comes together the way I am anticipating!

I went ahead and took advantage of Pottery Barn's White Sale

and bought this blue floral Duvet and Sham and Decorative pillow with an "M" on it :)

I also found these sheets on eBay!

I LOVE a great deal :)

This is her NEW bed we picked up around Christmas time.

It's like a princess bed. As much as Megan loves it, I think I love it even more:)

And here is the existing chandelier hanging above the bed!

Here's the best part: Megan has this very long wall that's bare, and it's only 3 feet away from her bed so can't put any furniture there. But, I found this tree that is SUPER tall and wide and will fill the BIGGEST wall in the room.

I used a 15% off coupon that I snatched off of eBay to help buy the tree mural!

Here's a paint color I'm LOVING lately

Benjamin Moore- Morning Glory

I would LOVE to paint this pattern on her celling... BUT I think this idea might be a little too ambitious :)

Well, as you can see...I am a Pottery Barn LOVER! or maybe it's because I have tons of gift cards I have to use because of their darn 30 day return policy. Why oh Why do I live 3 hours away from civilization, hehe! Oh well, you have to get more creative out here in the sticks :)

{ Moving and Shaken Things Up }

2012-01-16T18:50:00.001-07:00

Things are REALLY starting to happen around here.

I decided to take the NEW YEAR to heart and while I've been gettin' things DONE!!

Here are some pics of somethings I have been up to!

Remember this Room?

Don't get me wrong, my laundry room is a fun, bright room.

But having 2 HUGE appliances in such a small space has REALLY been getting on my nerves. Especially that when anyone comes in the back door while I'm doing landry, SLAM...the door smacks into the dryer!

Sooo, I just HAD to do something to make my 8x6' laundry room more efficient.

So I called up My AWESOME Cabinet guy from KVO cabinets and they hooked me up!!!

BTW if you ever need cabinets,

let me know, I can put a good word in for you :)

KVO cabinets will be installing the NEW laundry room cabinets this Friday!

Can't wait to share those pics with you, But in the meantime I want to show you where we moved the old cabinets and put them to good use!

Here is the BEFORE picture of my storage room!

Ahhhhh, I can't believe I am showing you this.

YES, you all know my deep dark secret. hehe NO JUDGING... OK :)!!

Especially after you see how I transformed the space!

AFTER

Now you can see WHY I have been MIA!

Watch for the More laundry room pics to COME!!! :)

{ The Boys Room }

2012-01-06T15:51:00.001-07:00

I have had a few emails about the boys room and their bedding. I was asked if I make their beds the same way I make my bed? Here is my answer...I prefere my kids taking care of their own spaces and cleaning up after themselves. I'm a bit military about clean rooms:)

But...I couldn't expect my kids to have a daunting task of making their beds if the process was too difficult.

So their beds are a bit more simplified, though they still have a GREAT store window look to them!

Here is how I make the Boys beds...

(Or better yet, How THEY make their beds! :)

1st Step....Hide the top sheet

fold it, knot it in a ball... I don't care what my kids do with this sheet as long as I can't see it!

2nd Step... The Duvet

Just throw the entire duvet at the top of the Bed! Simple as that!

3rd Step... The Quilt

Throw the quilt over the duvet and then fold 1/4 of it down

(just like in pic)

Last Step...Fold the duvet over on top!

Add your pillows!

It's as easy as that! What I like about this bed ensemble is that my boys, for some odd reason, like to cuddle right there at the top the bedding.

So in the morning it's just a matter of smoothing out the duvet.

You might think this bed is a little technical for little ones, but Brock at age 6 has mastered it.

I think kids can do more than we even realize.

I am still wanting to add one more decorative pillow to these beds, I just haven't found the PERFECT one yet!

Happy Bed making :)

{ Ring In The New Year GIVEAWAY... JO Totes! }

2012-01-04T11:32:00.003-07:00

I am sure you have seen these AMAZING BAGS around the shoulders of oh so stylish ladies!!! If not, I want to introduce you to

Jo Totes,Camera Bags

by April Johansen!

Stay ladylike while carrying your camera!

Jo Totes provide pretty day bags for carrying your camera and an extra lens with your purse items,

while out and about.

The padded interior can be custom fitted not only to protect a camera and lenses, but also to accommodate and organize items like a wallet, music, phone, keys, cosmetics and more. Padding is sewn directly into the interior lining on all four sides and the bottom of the bags. The bottom is also equipped with four metal feet to guard your bag from rough, dirty, or damp surfaces. Inside of each Jo Tote are removable pads which are completely customizable—you can use as many or as few pads as you wish, arranged in the way that best suits your camera, lenses, and other items. Each bag also includes pockets, strong and comfortable shoulder straps, a top-zippered closure, and a removable cross-body strap.

Check out the inside of this bag...you can hold a lot more than just your camera!
How great would this be while running around town or on vacation. Stuff your wallet inside with a few snacks and your camera and you are good to go...and Picture READY whenever that perfect moment might just happen :)

I just LOVE Everything about these bags!

They come in all sorts of colors and styles. Definitely something for everyone!

...Check out...

Jo Totes

OR BETTER YET...

WIN ONE TODAY!!!!

(remember to leave 4 separate comments)

Since this bag is a Hot ticket item, I am going to make this a little tricky.

You have 4 chances....Here is what you have to do

1st Entry....

"Like" Jo Totes on Facebook by clicking HERE

Don't forget to say Hi! and that Heidi sent you.

Come back and Leave a comment.

2nd Entry...
Go to Jo Totes website and tell me what bag you LOVE!

come back and leave a comment

3rd Entry...
Post about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog.

Come back and leave the link

4th Entry...
Introduce Home by Heidi to someone that might not know about it!
Come back and tell me who you told :)

Be sure and click to follow or subscribe to "HOME BY HEIDI" so we are able to continue such GREAT giveaways!! :)

Winner will be chosen on January 12th, 2012

Winner will be selected using random.org and posted on my

FACEBOOK page(HERE)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-02T14:54:00.004-07:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Were you wondering where I've been??

I have to admit sometimes I get in a blogging slump, or even wonder if anyone's even out there!

But, then I get inspired once again by all the super nice comments and emails I receive, and I feel once again that I am not alone in the world :)

The start of the NEW Year is a SUPER fun time for me. I love how all the stores start displaying all their sneak peeks for Spring.
Have I ever told you how much I LOVE SPRING?!?!

I love the Home Decor, Clothing and especially the SHOES!!! Spring makes me feel ALIVE again!

Winter sometimes can get me down, especially living in IDAHO! SPRING gives me something to look forward to...OR I WILL GO CRAZY!!!!

But, this winter (so far) in Idaho has been pretty good to me.
I can't complain about the lack of snow and a bit warmer temps.

But I also know once the end of January hits, we are in for the Long Haul 'til Spring! ugh :(

While spending a lot of time all cozy inside my house, I have been spenindg a lot of time window..or should I say online shopping (hehe)

Here are a few things I picked up with my Christmas money!

I am Looking forward to Summer to wear these beauties found HERE!

I hope by summer to have a baby bump to go along with these cute wedges.

Thus far, No luck in baby land... but we will keep trying :)

We have been doing everything that the doctor has suggested. He just upped my Clomid dose this month, SO WE WILL SEE???

We are coming up to our one year mark of trying for a little bundle :(
I just need to remember to keep positive!

In the meantime, shoes ALWAYS make a girl HAPPY, Right!!?!

Next on the list...BEDDING!!!

Here is the bedding I have been drooling over on

Pottery Barn Kids

I was SUPER excited about the Design plan...HERE...

I had all set for Megan's Room!

I had everything ordered and I was READY to go forward, and then all of a sudden I got an email from PBK telling me all my items I had ordered (ALL of which were on backorder)

were no longer available. Aughhhhhh! ;(

So it looks like I am back to the drawing board!

I really love the picture below bed ensemble,

What are your thoughts?

The blue floral and hot pink scream "MEGAN"

I might just have to look into this a bit more.

The Best part is, the bedding is on sale right now!

Some other fun things I found online over the christmas break!

Hollister is having a 50% off sale.
The ENTIRE store is ON SALE!

Thank goodness we have a store in our LITTLE ole Mall,
I picked up a few essential cardigans on SUPER Great Deals!

Check out these DARLING things at The Gap
Ohhhh, I just LOVE bright colored Spring clothes :)

Since we are on the subject of clothes, what better topic to discuss next would be... HAIR!

So...I don't know WHAT THE HECK I was thinking... but for some CRAZY reason I decided to cut bangs!!! YEP...CRAZY!!! The even CRAZIER part is my hair was almost grown out to all one length. Hummm, I might have been going through a mini mid-life crises at the time!
ANYWAY....

A cute girl in my neighborhood was talking about her hair crises a few months back on her Blog...HERE... and introduced me to the CRAZIEST hair growing solution EVER!

YES....it's a Horse Shampoo and it comes in a horse size bottle! I actually started using this even before I cut bangs and I have to say, I really LOVE it!!!

It really has made a difference in my hair, even Brett's curly locks are looking more sexy... if that's EVEN possible ;)hehe

I'm PRAYING for a miracle that Maine and Tail will help grow out the bangs and FAST!!!

I am officially in a hair slump and will be for the next 8 months or so! Oh brother :(

If you have any advice for me on the subject, I would LOVE to hear it!!

I am looking forward to this coming year, I have a feeling it's going to be a GREAT one :)

I hope you all have a

FANTASTIC 2012!

{ Last Minute Details }

2011-12-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

I know, I know I have been MIA for the past few days, but PHEW...I have been BUSY!!!!

Getting Christmas ready for three kiddos isn't an easy task :)

I have been REALLY feeling the Christmas spirit these past few days!!!

Our adventures consisted of, dropping off neighbor gifts, making Sugar cookies, wrapping last minute gifts, and of COURSE Christmas Parties Yahoo!!!

We've been having FUN around here, and so my poor blog has been forgotten about...SNIFF!!

I finally got around to hanging the stockings :)

How I LOVE these polka dot, animal print beauties!

I picked them up 2 years ago at Ballard Design!

The kids LOVE our tradition of Christopher Pop-In-Kins.

It's just like the famous Elf on the Shelf.

Just a bit more modern of a look :)

Naughty Elf!!!

Another tradition we follow, which also makes it EASY on ME, is a wish list for Santa. It also seems to be a balanced approach to gift giving as we're always conscious about the fine line between being generous or indulgent during Christmas.

I found this darling printout on Pinterest

I hope you all have a VERY MERRY Christmas!

Wishing you joy and happiness to you and your Family!

Love the Parson Family :)

{ The Girly Room }

2011-12-13T15:33:00.004-07:00

So in truth, I have been REALLY struggling with little

Miss Megan's room!

I have tried several bedding options, I painted her bed from green to white; I added a rug. I can't tell you how many curtains I have been through, and so far, I have painted the room 3 times.

NOTHING seemed to hit the spot for me :(

And then I did something totally drastic!

I got her a NEW bed for an early Christmas present and NOW (finally) everything seems to be falling into place.

I scored this bed from DownEast Home for less than $500!!!

Can you believe it? This bed at PBK is normally well over $1500 Dollars PLUS shipping on top of that price,

I LOVE DOWNEAST HOME :)

I downgraded from a queen to a full, and that decision has made all the difference in the room.

I also bought the fun sheer panels! The bed looks INCREDIBLE,

It is TRULY what the room needed!

Then I had to make the decision I have been dreading...
which bedding to go with?

I don't want Megan to feel like she is still in a baby’s room, but at the same time I am NOT ready to let go of the little girl feel either :) And even though she is 9 she seems ok with not having a teenage room. And I am so grateful for that!

So I hope I have created somewhat of an in-between look.

I ended up getting all her bedding either on

clearance on PBK and eBay.

Here is the bedding I went with!(notice)it's the same bedding as the picture above.

Pictures don't even come close to giving this bedding justice!

I ended up ONLY getting the quilt, grey dot duvet cover and grey dot sham and a matching decorative pillow.

I wasn't in LOVE with the quilted sham, so instead I went with the white Euro sham behind the grey dot pillow in the picture below.

Usually, I try and piece bedding together and NOT go with the floor model. But I have come to the conclusion that my brain hurts over what to do with Megan’s room, so I just let Pottery Barn Kids do all the work for me this time! :)

I also picked up these darling sheets, ALL on clearance!!

YAY...I love when that happens!

The NEXT crazy thing, in our lives, is painting Megan’s room...Once again!! Have you noticed I have no qualms with changing paint colors? Yep, I think it's a weakness of mine;)

This time we are going with the color

"Silver Chain" from Benjamin Moore

I wanted a color that wasn't pink and felt a little more grown up

And here is what it looks like on the wall

I also LOVE this Rug!! I do have a gift card coming

from Pottery Barn...Hummm?? I might just do it :)

I also have been eyeing these curtains on OVERSTOCK I want them sooo bad...but they are a bit pricey.

I might just have to save my pennies for later

With Megan’s new bed, I did ended up with a slight problem with her chandelier.
The light hit the upper part of the canopy bar. Soooo I have to get the light moved over 18 inches. Crossed fingers, That will be fixed by next week.
Soooo I am hoping in the next 2 or so weeks I will have pictures of her new room to show you all.

And I am HOPING this is the LAST time I worry about this room for a VERY, VERY LONG time :) hehe

{ My Cents of Style Giveaway }

2011-12-07T18:42:00.009-07:00

We all have a Cents of Style, Right?! :)

Well guess what...I have the BEST solution for where to buy the latest trends and Darling Accessories like Scarfs, Shoes and Handbags, Hats etc... and let's not forget all the AMAZING jewelery!

I Would Like To Introduce You To

Lets do a little bit of window shopping and I will show you some of my FAVORITES!!

For all their amazing products click HERE

How about a SHOE to die for!!!

I will take one in each color PLEASE :)

I would LOVE this headband for ME and my little girl!

Soooo fun and stylish!

OK, so HONESTLY this Hat could NOT be any cuter!!! WOW :)

Hummm, I must be on a Black, White and Red kick today

Love this SUPER fun Scarf!

I personally own this scarf and I LOVE it so much! It's SUPER soft and goes with everything and the fun ruffle syle really makes an outfit extra special :)

Try all 3 colors!!

Cents of Style is offering YOU the readers an AMAZING discount PERFECT

for the upcoming holidays!!

Get an extra 10% off your entire order with this discount code "0209"

at checkout and of course you will ALWAYS receive Free Shipping

But what would awesome post be like without an AMAZING Giveaway?

Today we are giving away

TWO Necklaces

#1 necklace

#2 Necklace

Here is how to enter!!!

1st entry.... "LIKE" Rachelle's Cents of style on FACEBOOK

Come back and leave a comment!

2nd Entry... Blog, Facebook, or Twitter about this giveaway

Be sure and link back to Home By Heidi

Come back and leave a comment!

And for those of you that just can't take it anymore and want to take advantage of the

20% off til Christmas with code "0209DEC" at checkout

And...The first 5 orders placed during the giveaway will get a free surprise accessory from the Centsible Collection :)

Good Luck Everyone!

winner will be chosen Dec 15th

winners are chosen at random, using random.org. When entering giveaways please make sure to leave your email/contact information so that I can get back to you if you're the winner! Please take a quick minute to subscribe or become a followers of Home by Heidi. Having faithful readers like YOU is what make all of our great giveaways possible!

{ My Skin Care}

2011-12-06T18:28:00.004-07:00

I have to apologize to everyone for making you wait. I have had several emails asking me about the new skin care line I just discovered. I FINALLY got my act together and HERE IT IS...

I have SERIOUSLY tried EVERYTHING under the sun. My skin always felt dry and flakey and I would have MASSIVE break outs every single month!

It wasn't until my dear friend Jamie (Mrs. Idaho 2009) introduced me to Apriori. And now, my skin feels like it's a reservoir of moisture, I HARDLY ever break out and if I do I use my handy-dandy

Derma Firm Illuminator (DFI) machine

and the zit is gone in one day! NO JOKE!!!

OK, I am getting ahead of myself...let's start from the beginning!

Apriori is all about being 100% PURE! Meaning you will NEVER put anything on your skin that is a harsh chemical or that isn't natural.

Apriori also focuses on ant-aging. And at my age, this is starting to become a HUGE concern! I figure I want to grow old but do it VERY gracefully!!! and SLOWLY if at all possible;)

I've using Apriori now for the past few months and I HONESTLY have to say that I will NEVER use anything different.

I am SOLD :)

People close to me have REALLY seen a difference in my skin. They say it glows and that it just Looks healthier! I would have to agree with them. Even Brett has noticed how much softer it has become. Starting with a good cleansing system is the foundation for great skin. And then after that you can build on different products that can make a HUGE difference with skin when it comes to fine line and wrinkles, age spots etc...!!

Over the next few weeks I will introduce you to several different products that I love and have made a difference for me.

Today I want to talk about the 6 piece basic skin care system It's called the Advantage Set

Step 1 Crème Cleanse, Step 2. Activating Tonic, Step 3. Firming Complex, Step 4. Eye+Lip Age Eraser,

Step 5. Day Defense Plus lotion, Step 5. Night Repair Deep lotion,

It's really everything you need for great skin all in one set!

If you want even more details about this skin care line

click HERE

If you are interested in learning more, email or check out the website and do a little bit of window shopping! :)

www.useloveshare.com/ic/flawless

If you are in need of SOMETHING for your skin NOW, go ahead and become a client and order today.

If after 30 days you feel like Apriori isn't everything you had hoped for (which I PROMISE it will be:) you can return it and get all your money back.

Soooo you really don't have anything to lose.

Here are some REAL results from women who have tried Apriori

later than 28 days ...  

100% agreed that
lines and wrinkles appeared dramatically improved!  

100% agreed that lines around the mouth appeared to be
dramatically improved!  

100% agreed that
lines around the eyes appeared to be dramatically improved!  

100% agreed that
the products significantly improved skin's radiance!  

100% agreed that
the products significantly improved skin's overall appearance!  

100% agreed that
the products significantly improved skin's overall health!

Pretty impressive if you ask me :)

Can't wait to tell you all about the Derma Firm Illuminator machine "DFI" I'll save that for next time!

If you are interested in trying a sample of the 6 piece Advantage Set, Email me and I will give you all the details :)

{ Tis The Season~2011 }

2011-12-05T23:01:00.001-07:00

DECEMBER has ARRIVED!!!

I have to tell you my mood started off great around the first of November, I was feeling the Christmas spirit and was READY to put up lights and dig out the old boxes of Christmas decor, but by late November I became a little humbug about everything:(

(Maybe it was due to all the trying for a baby hang-ups going on in our life right now)

Such is life, right!?

Anyway, the Christmas Spirit finally found me and I have been listening to the original Osmond Christmas album from back in the 70's non-stop. This kind of music soooo brings me back to when I was a kid :)

I am EXCITED for Christmas, but I do have to say that I didn't go all out on the Christmas Decor as I have in seasons past.

I am in transition of wanting to go a different direction with Christmas Decor. But it's a bit too late in the game for that so I will have to focus on that next year and make a trip down to Tai Pan in Salt Lake 2 weeks before Thanksgiving (Note to self) when all the GOOD decorations are still in the store. We just went last week and there wasn't much left to buy.

In the meantime,

I am making due with what I have used in past Christmas's :)

The Tree

The Mantle

(I did simplify it this year, But it's still very festive)

My personal favorite...

The Reason for the Season!

Making the light and the chairs around the kitchen table

a bit more festive!

And lets not forget the outside...

This magic is ALL Brett's doing!

BTW the man turns the BIG Three-Five in a few days, so be sure and wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I have always felt bad for him that his birthday is during the Christmas season. Makes for an interesting birthday and also makes for an expensive month for me!

Especially when Brock was born in December as well

(just two days before Brett).

Oh well, at least they can share it together!

And it was fun bringing a Christmas baby home from the hospital on Brett's Birthday!

love those memories :)

{ Mikarose Giveaway }

2011-11-29T10:38:00.005-07:00

I am SUPER excited to introduce you to

They're an online clothing company that has a HUGE focus on modesty! Remember...Modest is HOTTEST :)

Even Emma Watson Agrees!

Not only is their clothing modest, they are DARLING to boot!

I was sent this shirt to try out from their collection

and I have to say I'm in LOVE!!!!!

The Color and quality is awesome

I got tons of compliments the day I wore it!

I would LOVE one in every color :)

Here are a few others I'm drooling over!

MIKAROSE also offers AMAZING dresses!

It is soooo hard to find modest stylish dresses these days

Here are a few of my FAVORITES!

Now for all you Fashionistas out there, how would you
like to win a

$50 gift certificate From
MIKAROSE???

Yep...I thought you might be EXCITED!

Ok here is what you have to do!!!

1. "Like" Mikarose on Facebook by clicking HERE

Don't forget to say Hi! and that Heidi sent you.

Come back, and Leave a comment

For one more entry, post about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog. Be sure and link www.mikarose.com

Come back and leave a comment

Winner will be announced on Home by Heidi Facebook page

Dec 7th, 2011

open to U.S. and Canada residents

{ Under Construction!! }

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Pardon My Dust!!!

Home by Heidi might be a little CRAZY for the next few days!

We are doing a bit of a makeover!

When it's all over things will look and run better :)

{ Kicking off the Season }

2011-11-25T18:41:00.004-07:00

What would Christmas be like without a little Bieber FEVER?

from the words of some of my nephews high school girl friends...
"Justin is just soooo FLAWLESS!,He is PERFECT in EVERY WAY!"
(giggle)

Now, I don't think I would go that far, But I do think this commercial should win an award for something!
It's SERIOUSLY so Darn funny!! ;)
ENJOY!!

{ Paint it? No, How about BRICKING it!!}

2011-11-22T10:01:00.003-07:00

Since the change of color in the kitchen I have been struggling with what to do with the front room.

My kitchen was transformed, and I kind of felt like the front room was left behind and kind of blah...UNTIL NOW!

I wanted to add something NEW and different to the front room. Something more unique than just hanging up curtains again.

Here is what I came up with!

Before picture...

And AFTER...

Ahhh, it's sooo much prettier in person!

Brett slaved away this weekend to put it all together. He had to cut off 1/2" slivers off real bricks (You can buy them pre-cut but, Brett wanted to save the money by doing it himself)

There were over 200 bricks, but my "handy man" . . .er, I mean my husband pulled through:)
Here are a few more pictures of before and after...

I LOVE IT!!!

The brick adds so much dimension and warmth to the room.

I can't wait to get my old chairs re-upholstered! I am also on the search for a rug for the front room, which I am finding more challenging than I thought. I also haven't figured out what I am doing with my mantle, so don't look at that at this point!

I also just pulled out all my red Christmas decor! Humm? Is anyone feeling the same frustration I am with adding red to a blue/gray room? I might just have to go a totally different direction with Christmas this year!! :(

In the meantime,I hope you all have a VERY Happy Thanksgiving!!

{ DownEast $500 Shopping Spree }

2011-11-21T16:25:00.006-07:00

" I want to be a Billionaire So freaking BAD"

OK...honestly, I don't think that is going to happen anytime soon.

BUT...I would feel like a billionaire if I won the $500 DownEast giveaway!!!

I have sooo much on my Christmas list and the $500 GARND PRIZE from DownEast would take a BIG chunk out of it! :)

Dear Santa, here is my Christmas list...Oh and let's not forget to add World Peace to my grown-up Christmas list :)

(In all honestly, I REALLY would love that wish to come true)

I would buy some Brand Name Designer Bedding!

And I might just have to get something AMAZING for my kitchen to hold all my Christmas mugs and platters!

I also wouldn't mind this beauty either. ** Sigh**
I admit it, I'm REALLY baby hungry!!!

I also wouldn't mind the $500 dollars to finish up

the girlie room!

And last but sooo not least, Home Decor and MORE Home Decor!

I just LOVE DownEast!!!

OK so here's how to WIN!!!

Go to DownEast Home Facebook Page

be sure to ‘like’ their page and then enter to win the $500 gift card for home decor items to spruce up your house this holiday season!

Be sure and tell them HI from Heidi!

YaY...SUPER SIMPLE RIGHT? :)

The winner of the prize can select a gift card that is redeemable for home accessories sold online from anywhere in the U.S.

Or, if you live nearby a DownEast Home and Clothing store

(in Utah or Idaho – all locations listed here,

an in-store gift card can also be provided.

GOOD LUCK everyone...If I were you, I would start writing your wish list now ;)

{ Details Make all the Difference! }

2011-11-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

In ALL honesty, I haven't been doing a lot on the home front. There is sooo much I want to do, but it takes time, money and waiting for one project to get done so I can move onto the next.

I also feel a little overwhelmed with motherhood as of lately. I have been wishing, hoping and praying for another little bundle to grace our home, but month after month it hasn't happened.

And in all honesty I have been pretty sad about the whole process and somewhat in a rut.

But, on the flip side stepping back from the emotion of it all,

3 kids is a lot of WORK!! Maybe a little more space between number 3 and 4 won't be a bad thing. Life is CRAZY as it is! You know the drill... Taxi driver, Cook, Maid, Laundry mat, Nurse, Personal Shopper, the endless jobs a mother gets to do! :)

I'm not complaining TRUST ME...My kids are my WORLD!!!

It's just been one of those days and I need to remember that day to day problems are just that...ONE DAY!

This quote is one that helps me carry on

"Hands full now, Heart full Later"

I have some REALLY exciting elements I want to add around the fireplace, but the project is going to take some time, and MORE hard work, so until then, I decided to forget about the front room and focus on what I can finish and that room is the KITCHEN!
I have been wanting my kitchen to feel cozy and warm, especially for the holidays and the upcoming cold weather. Soooo, I have been on the search for a rug, and I think I found it!

(This picture doesn't do it justice!)

Here it is in REAL life!!!

I ordered this rug online from Target it was FREE shipping and it arrived at my front door last Friday!

I couldn't be more excited about the outcome. I am REALLY loving the blues, greens and browns! I am almost tempted to paint my black island white with a glaze to match my other kitchen cabinets. What do you think? Should I do it???

I also saw this darling vinyl idea off one my friend's blog and I knew I had to do it too!

EAT...I think it makes a fun statement.

My kids have really had fun with it. I really believe it's the small details that REALLY make the difference in a home!

{ Is It Christmas YET??? }

2011-11-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

I am soooo ready to get things started with the upcoming holidays!!! I just LOVE this time of year!!! I am SUPER excited to start decorating but a little worried how my blues and reds are going to look together? Ahhh, I hope it all works out, this is going to be an experimental year! I'm crossing my fingers it turns out amazing:)

On the party side of things, look what I have been up to these past few days. I've been preparing for a

Cookie Exchange PARTY!!! Yay...what could be better than a PARTY!!!

I can't wait to kick things off with some YUMMY cookies, Christmas music and Good Friends. I am CRAZY for cookies and this darling box will be my success to the PERFECT Party!!!

I picked up this party in a box, AKA Cookie Exchange Kit, at my local Idaho or Utah DownEast Home and Clothing where the kits are available NOW!!! Or Buy it online!

Click Here for the link

Check out what comes in your little box of goodness!

12 Invitations and Envelopes, 12 Recipe cards, sticker sheet,

12 cookie ID cards, 12 cellophane treat bags

with tags and ribbons!!!

Ahhhh, I am getting so excited for this party!!

I'll post tons of pictures of this FUN holiday event :)

{ Quick reminder! }

2011-11-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give you all an reminder about the upcoming event hosted by

White Place Flea market.

A PERFECT opportunity to start off the holiday shopping season right!!!

Come and see many vendors offering fun and unique items you won't find anywhere else!

Can't wait to see you all there!!!