Guess what she said …. I will give you a hint … I was jumping up and down and running in circles.  ”It’s Mine – It’s Mine!”  Yep – the price was correct.  This little light just happened to be the only one left in the store – in retail terms, that makes it a “reject”.  You know what was also almost rejected – ME – when I brought this light home to my sister-in-laws and told the Hubs that he needed to fit it into the car for our 12 hour drive home.  We had to ship boxes of clothes home to get this baby in the car and it was worth it.

Dying to see what I picked up?  First I have to show you what it replaced:

Oh you sad sad little ugly white fan – you are being replaced by a better model.  I must say that I am not sad to see you go.  You have done your duty and need to be buried in the 80′s ceiling fan cemetery.  Buh Bye!

I don’t even think this picture could begin to show you how amazing this light is … it’s the coolest green verdigre and metal and huge.

The wall looks like a funny color green, but trust me it matches my new light perfectly.  Even the Hubs knows it is awesome!

Here is a close up of the color.  Do you want to just hug it cuz it is so cool?  Oh – maybe I am the only one who hugs my stuff.  Guess how much I paid for my prize …. $53.00!!!!  Now do you want to hug it?

Have you ever found something that made you over the moon happy?  This is just one little change I have made in my office recently.  I can’t wait to show you what else I have done … rug, drapes, wire baskets … that a hint!

Hope your life is more awesome purchase heaven than white ceiling fan havoc!

Missi

This morning I filled my crockpot with the most yummy recipe. It was simple, smelled heavenly and tasted even better. You have to try this one:

I don’t put my pots and pans in the dishwasher so I always have to wash these by hand.  Since it seems like a pot is in constant use for Ramen Noodles, Grilled Cheese and Soup, I always have pots to scrub.  Which leads me to today’s post …

It feels like I am constantly under the sink digging for the dish soap or the bottle is sitting on the sink, dripping and slimy.  I decided I had had enough and needed to figure out a way to leave the dish soap out all the time without it being an eyesore.  Target and Rachel Ray to the rescue!!

I picked up this orange oil dispenser at Target this week.  You know I love the color, but the shape is so cool and it is so easy to pick up and use.  This container held an entire bottle of Ajax dish soap.  The soap comes out a little slower and you don’t get as much, but it is enough and I figure I am saving some money by not squeezing so much soap out onto my dishes.

The container looks awesome sitting up on a cake stand that I had in the cabinet.  I like how it is off the countertop, but still looks organized.  I added the bottle of handsoap and the little owl (just because I like an odd number of items in a grouping).  I have since moved the little owl and replaced it with the new Windex push top cleaner.  I wanted to put a pretty sponge on here – but let’s face it – sponges are gross.

Full disclosure … the Hubs thought I was nuts.  ”Why does the dish soap have to be in a pretty container again?”  My simple answer:  ”It makes me happy!”  End of story and enough said.

I used this bright orange oil dispenser, but you could use vintage bottles, oil and vinegar bottles or just about anything that makes YOU happy.

Hope your life is more pretty dish soap heaven than havoc!

Missi

See me here:

Read more at http://diyshowoff.com/2013/03/10/that-diy-party-7/#YYLIchLV0WecgHi7.99

The Smith’s got a lot going on around here outside and inside.  Some big projects and some small, but all make a difference.  I can get excited about the smallest changes.  Today’s post is about one of my small projects that has made me so happy!  This is a super easy and inexpensive way to add some fun to your countertops.

Aren’t they great?  I bought the glass jars at Target, but you can get them at Walmart and other retails shops as well.  Some come with glass tops and others with metals tops like mine.  I liked the contrast of the tops on these jars and also they suction to the jar which makes them perfect for flour and sugar.  Here is how you turn a plain glass jar into a cute countertop statement:

I purchased these rub-on labels from Etsy.com.  You could try to make these yourself, but let’s be honest – I was too lazy and too inpatient to figure that all out.  Once I saw these and that I could get them in Tangerine – I was sold!  They were $3.34 each and that is 100% worth it to not have to figure out size, color and printing.

My daughter helped put the words on for me.  Super super simple.  Just take the backing off the label, position on the jar and rub on with a credit card.

Peel back slowly, in case some of the wording is stuck to the paper.  Just re-rub and Ta-Da – gorgeous new canisters!  Love it!

You can choose any wording or color you would like depending on what you want to put on your countertops.  We are addicted to our Keurig coffee maker so I knew I had to have a canister for all our “pods”.  You could also fill your coffee canister with coffee beans.    If you click HERE, it will take you directly to the vendor I used for my words.  I couldn’t be more pleased.

I really love how it fills up all my empty space and it is usuable!  Little things can make such a huge impact!

Hope your life is more tangerine heaven than havoc!

Missi

You can also see me at:

Read more at http://diyshowoff.com/2013/03/10/that-diy-party-7/#YYLIchLV0WecgHi7.99

My family purchased a fake Oscar in 1987.  We have been competing for that Oscar every year since then.  I keep the official ballot and everyone calls in their picks to me.  I keep track of everyone’s scores for the night.  Last night was Year #26 and now includes my children and my nieces and nephews.  I dreamed about watching the Oscars with my children one day and I cherish this night with them.  Whoever has the most correct picks for each category wins the Oscar for the year!!  Last year we had a tie between my brother and sister so they each got the Oscar for 6 months.  Guess who the big winner was last night – in a landslide I might add …. ME!!  Put the Oscar in the mail – this is my year!!

I plop my butt down on the couch with my clipboard, red pen, ballot and spreadsheet at 4:00 p.m. for the red carpet on the E Channel.  I do not move until after midnight. Food is ordered and delivered (I don’t even go to the door – this is the Hubs job).  He then delivers it to the couch.  I am doing very important pre-show fashion research and cannot be interrupted.  Ha!  Since I am the big winner this year, I feel like I must give you a few of my highlights and lowlights from the evening.  These opinions are strictly my own – so don’t freak out if you don’t agree.  It is all in fun.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1.  The old Hollywood Glamour on the red carpet:

Source: oscar.go.com via Missi on Pinterest

I love Jennifer Lawrence. She is so natural and pretty. She looks like a princess in this dress and I think it is big and perfect for a big and perfect night!

Source: oscar.go.com via Missi on Pinterest

Really? Could anyone else pull off this hair and this dress? She is a goddess! Absolutely stunning!

Source: oscar.go.com via Missi on Pinterest

I adore this color on Reese ( I consider myself on a first name basis with all the stars so just go with my fantasy). The color is so perfect with her coloring and her eyes. Very classic lines.

My favorite look and dress of the night.  I love the way the lines accentuate her smoking body, the color is spectacular with her skin and don’t even get me started with the hair!  True Love!!

Source: oscar.go.com via Missi on Pinterest

I think Adele is just the most amazing girl! She is just fearless and totally comfortable in her own skin. Love that. I think her old Hollywood glamour make-up is perfection!!

2.  Beards and their Beautiful Babes:  

One word …. YUMMY!

Source: oscar.go.com via Missi on Pinterest

Source: oscar.go.com via Missi on Pinterest

3.  Seth MacFarlane – the Host with the Most ?:

Yes, some of his jokes got some groans and could have been seen as inappropriate, but for the most part, I enjoyed Seth.  He looks like Peter Brady, has a voice like an angel (who knew?) and seemed calm and natural.  Not too shabby.

LOWLIGHTS:

1.  Bad Bad Bad Hair:

Source: oscar.go.com via Missi on Pinterest

Don’t you think you could untangle that rat’s nest for one night Helena? Don’t even get me started on the dress. Yikes.

“Hi – I’m Kristin Stewart and I just got up from a nap and decided to hop on down to the Oscars on my crutches.  This is the only time this year I have been seen with a smile on my face, but that is because my publicist is screaming in my ear to change my image.  My dress doesn’t fit me right and my hair needs a good brushing.  How are you?”

Why Melissa?  You are my favorite Hollywood funny lady.  Why try to make us all laugh with that terrible beehive/blow-back hair style?  I was so disappointed – but I still love ya!

2.  Hugh Jackman’s Wife’s Pantsuit:

Why would anyone think it is okay to wear a pantsuit on the red carpet??  I love Hugh but his wife is plenty “old enough” to realize that she should have worn a gown.

3. Brandi Glanville – Enough Said!

Who let this crazy bitch on the red carpet half-dressed?  Why would a “Housewife” need to be on the red carpet at the Oscars?  There are no words …

So those are my highlights and lowlights for Oscar Night.  What were your favorites and what made your mouth drop open?

Hope your life is more gold Oscar heaven than MTV Award havoc!

Missi

 

Area Rugs – Match or Contrast with Your Room Colors?

Nice contemporary style area rug

When you’re trying to choose area rugs for a particular room in your home, it can sometimes be tough to know where to begin. With all the choices in color, style, and texture out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One tried and true method of choosing area rugs that will always look appropriate is to choose either rugs that match your room’s colors or contrast with the room’s colors.

There are plenty of arguments to either side about whether to choose matching or contrasting area rugs. If you like design and prefer a stylish flair to your home, contrasting area rugs are probably the way to go for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a style that’s simple, easy, and clean, matching area rugs are probably a better bet for your home.

In order to help you choose, and to give you some options to think about, we’ve compiled a number of arguments in favor of either side – matching or contrasting. Keep reading to find out which of the ideas might suit you and your room’s colors the best!

Why you should choose matching area rugs:

Create a sense of symmetry with area rugs.

Provides a sense of symmetry.
Matching rugs will help a room feel completely pulled together. When guests enter your room, they’ll be able to make a visual connection between the colors on the wall and those on the floor. It’s an added touch than instantly makes anyone in the room feel comfortable and at ease. This is an especially nice touch if your flooring is already in a contrasting color to those used on the walls.

It’s easy!
Honestly, finding a rug to match your room’s colors is always easier than spending time trying to create contrast. Picking a rug or area rugs that match what you already have takes out a lot of the effort. To keep things from feeling overly matchy-matchy, try to pick a rug that pulls out one of the room’s more subtle or accent colors. Red walls and a red rug will feel claustrophobic, but if you’re got accents of khaki or another neutral in the room, a matching neutral rug will feel right at home.

You can use more.
Contrasting rugs are about creating a statement. Matching rugs are about providing function and completing a look. With that in mind, choosing matching rugs means you can pick more than just one. You can pick a couple of area rugs in varying shades of the room’s colors or use three in a row in the same color to help that tone really pop.

Why you should choose contrasting area rugs:

Use solid color area rugs to create contrast in your room.

Look like a design whiz with no effort at all!
Contrast is what often separates the amateur home decorator from a pro. But contrast is hard. It’s tough to know the difference between when you’ve got it right and when it’s gone completely overboard. Pick a few area rugs that are on the opposite side of the color wheel from your room’s existing décor and you’ll be well on your way to creating contrast.

Break up the look of a room.
Contrast is all about providing an alternative to the rest of the space. If you’ve got your room all together and you’re finding it looks a bit too matchy-matchy, a contrasting area rug can be the perfect solution. A fun way to do this is by picking something unexpected like a cozy shag rug that invites guests to relax and kick back (perfect in an otherwise formal-looking space) or a classic Oriental rug in a room where the furniture and décor are pretty casual. Design whiz, remember?

Highlight a particular piece of furniture or artwork.
A contrasting rug can give that needed sense of “Hey, come check this out!” especially if what you want to show off isn’t something that would shout its presence from the roof tops. A patterned rug in a contrasting tone from the colors used in the rest of the room will help create a focal point. Imaging placing an oversized zebra print rug under a black baby grand piano. That’s the kind “a-ha!” moment a contrasting rug can create.

Author: John James, Marketing expert at Bold Rugs – contemporary area rugs store with thousands of designs to choose from!

Doctor:  ”Wow – you have the butt of a 20 year old!”

Me:  ”Really?  My butt is as firm as a 20 year olds?”  I am smiling like a crazy person when saying this …

Doctor:  ”Let’s not get carried away … I just meant it has never seen the sun.”

Me:  ”Huh – thanks – I guess.”

I will fill you in on my results … I don’t think Doc is going to be as excited about my ass as he was last year … he will be too busy burning off the uglies.

Anyway … here are a few things that have caught my eye lately:

Source: hegeinfrance.blogspot.com via Missi on Pinterest

Source: quadrillefabrics.com via Missi on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Missi on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Missi on Pinterest

Source: martynlawrencebullard.com via Missi on Pinterest

I realize these are just a bunch of random images, but aren’t they great?

Hope your life is more beautiful images heaven than havoc!
Missi

EASY IDEAS TO REFRESH YOUR LIVING SPACE FOR LESS THAN $200!

Refreshing your living space every few years helps keep your home looking up-to-date with the latest trends in interior design. It also prevents you from feeling bored of looking at the same furniture and accessories year after year. However, completely redecoration can cost in the thousands of dollars, and not everyone has that amount of money to spend on their home every few years. This is why you need to find ways to refresh your home on a minimal budget. While this task may seem difficult, it only requires changing a few things for maximum impact.

Buy new colorful pillows and throws

It is easy to change the look of the living room, and even bedrooms, by simply adding new colorful pillows and throws. A good idea when decorating is to keep the main items of furniture in neutral colors. This way you can add accessories like pillows in bright colors, and just change these every few years for a brand new look. You can buy new covers for pillows in all budget ranges, or even buy cheap new pillows. It is also easy to find new throws at a cheap price, especially if you shop during sales.

Re-arrange furniture and layout

By moving some furniture around you can completely alter the look, and even functionality, of a room. Experiment by moving sofas, or beds in the bedrooms, around to see how the new room looks. Just remember to keep the larger pieces of furniture placed in a way that still facilitates easy movement through the room. This process will cost you nothing at all, while delivering a large impact in terms of design.

Add new frames

Adding new frames to your dressers, walls and tables can help add more depth to your living space. Try frames in vibrant colors and different designs for variety. You can even frame tiles and mirrors for added impact. Frames don’t cost much, and they come in almost every budget.

Repaint some of your furniture

Tired of looking at your bed? Why not repaint it? However, large pieces of furniture can be expensive to replace. It is cheaper to alter the look of furniture just by changing its color. For added cost-cutting, you can do this at home as well, but make sure you educate yourself on the entire process before starting.

Finish with new home wares like vases or bowls

Buy new bowls and vases during sale season for an instant change. Vases and bowls, and even other home ware products, are not very expensive (even when not on sale). You can buy pieces that go together, or those that contrast. They are available in varying heights and shapes, making it easy to find a perfect piece for every room.

It is easy to find ways to refresh your space for less than $200. You just need to keep your eye out for items that can serve as accents, and keep an open mind about how your furniture is placed.

Chris has been blogging about interior design for many years. Chris has worked on a large range of projects and specialises in French dining tables and furniture. Chris has written numerous articles on numerous online publications.

Hope your day is more flowers, candy and cupid heaven than havoc!  Happy Valentines Day!

Missi