Hope, Longing, Life

Funny Friday!

2013-05-17T08:59:00.002-05:00

It has been awhile since I have written a funny Friday post, but this week is one for the record books! All it takes is an InstaUpdate to see what I mean!

Lost little man and ballet class....this is where I found him! My sister asked, "What did you do!" I replied, "Took a picture of course!" I was giggling too much to get that mad. Hopefully it was an isolated incident :).

Then my adorable little puppy brought me this! She was shaking it in her head and just came bounding into the house with it. I was not sure what my threshold for yucky was as a Mom...but this was it! So creeped out!

It rained all day on Mia's birthday but she was determined to play with her new trampoline. This was her solution. Sun hat, bathing suit, and rain boots! Silly girl! Her brother eventually joined her and they had so much fun jumping in the rain!

Not pictured, but worth noting. Our silly puppy went sticking her nose where it does not belong (in a fire ant mound) yesterday morning. She was running around going crazy and whining. We we finally got to pick her up, we noticed her face was swelling up SO big! Quick trip to the vet for benadryl and steroids and she is much better now! Seems like we might have another allergy situation on our hands! of course our puppy would have allergies!

Whew! What a week! It was fun, crazy, and had no shortage of laughs!

Here's to a great (and hopefully uneventful) weekend!

Mia is 4!

2013-05-16T14:09:00.001-05:00

My precious baby girl is 4! I have been emotional about this birthday for her not because I am sad to see my baby grow up, but more in awe of the amazing little person she is becoming. 3 had its challenges! More school, less naps, more freedom, less coddling, more responsibility, and less assistance. I am sure that will be a lifetime journey, but the transition from baby into little girl was not easy for either one of us.

She is through that now and grown so much in maturity. She loves her brother and helping me meet his needs and almost always has a willing, helpful heart!

Here are some things about Mia at 4 years old:

- she loves all things fruit and would live on that alone if we would let her

- she never turns down an opportunity to create or craft

- her heart is happiest when around other people (can we say extrovert yet???)

- She is totally into stuffed animals and NOT into baby dolls

- she empties the dishes, puts drinks away, and takes out the recycling for her chores

- she loves ballet class and wants to keep moving forward with dance

- she mainly drinks milk, but never turns down pink lemonade!

- she is much more comfortable in a spinny dress or skirt than pants or shorts

- she thinks strappy sandals are totally playground appropriate

- she says "totally" for emphasis (hmmm...wonder where she got that :) )

- her puppy is her new best friend

- she can memorize a memory verse in no time at all and enjoys it!

- she likes to ride her bike and drive her jeep

- when she gets TV time, she likes to watch Doc McStuffins

- her favorite books are Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy. She has recently gotten into Gigi too.

- She loves edamame and broccoli, no hot dogs. Go figure!

- she likes her window down when riding in the car and kids praise music turned up!

- she loves make believe and fairytales and is SO disappointed that I married Daddy so she can't!

- She is dramatic! She says phrases like "it is just SO beautiful!" or "I can't believe it!" My personal favorite though is "It's ALL my fault!"

- she naps about every other day and will probably drop them completely this summer :(

- her heart is truly full of joy! She loves to get excited about the little things and I LOVE that about her.

She is not perfect, but she is perfect for me!

Mia Claire, We love you SO much! You are a gift to us in so many ways. I hope someday I am able to explain to you all of ways God has healed me and brought joy back to my life through you! Your sweet spirit is endearing and contagious. It shows in your friendships! I know God will do amazing things through you if you continue to allow him to shape that heart. You are His princess and He chose you out of all the people of the earth as his personal treasure (Deut 14:2). We can't wait to see what you do with that high calling!
Happy 4th birthday. May each year just get sweeter than the next!
Love, Mom and Dad

Southern Style Bathroom Design Plan

2013-05-14T09:18:00.003-05:00

I recently completed a bathroom design plan for an e-client. It was a new challenge for sure, but I think it will work out nicely! I found the tile at stores we both have access too so I could ensure a good match and wrote up detailed instructions for the tile installer.
Their bathroom is already nice and has a great layout! It just needed a little jazzing up! Here is the design plan...

The standard built in bathtub will be replaced by a lovely pedestal tub. Arched mirrors with sconces will also give a more custom feel. I used a lovely marble mosaic as an accent throughout the room, but also included subway tile to give interest and save the budget!

The tile layout is not color correct, but it gives you an idea of the pattern. There will be a tall wainscoting around the room with the above pattern. The herringbone pattern will be on the top half of the shower. Soothing gray/green walls will give that natural spa feel. We selected ceramic tile for the floor that looks like wood. It will be so warm running under that stunning bathtub!
Here is a look at the bathroom now. We are leaving the cabinets and countertops, but updating the rest.

Can't wait to see it come together!

The Princess Tea Party!

2013-05-13T13:32:00.001-05:00

The tea party was a success! We had so much fun celebrating princess Mia and all of her dear friends! Here is party recap!

The outside:

Princess archway rented from Simply Pretend and princess castle tent.

"4" wreath made from foam we cut out and tissue paper squares hot glued on.

The Tea Party Room!

Chair covers purchased the Christmas Tree Shops. Table and chairs rented from Simply Pretend

Tea cups! Everyone got to take their's home.

Princess coffee mugs made for the perfect centerpiece vase.

Tea Station. We had Hot English Tea and punch from the Perfect Punch Company. Delish!

Food Table!

The cake! Vanilla bean with buttercream icing. Ordered from Lisa, a lady I use for all parties. Let me know if you want her number. The cupcake crowns in the back are made from gum!

Chocolate whoopie pies!

We also had tea sandwiches, fruit salad

The dress up Room!

The entrance was framed by pom-pom garland and pink curtains.

The ceiling was decorated with paper lanterns.

Hair and makeup station. The girls got to use blush and tinted chapstick. The pearls and hair bands were from simply pretend.

The dresses! All so lovely! Some were from Mia's collection, but most were from simply pretend.

Castle Decal!

The party!

Me and my princess!

Shopping for just the right dress

Accessorizing!

The lovely Chloe!

Mia and Ellie

Mia and Baby Ava!

Twirling during the fashion show!

ZaZa's dress! Thanks Aunt Heather!

Princess Piper!

We read Gigi's Princess Tea Party. I cried like a baby at the end. These lovely girls are all God's princesses and it is such a blessing to me to watch them grow into that big title!

The knight going after the princess! Of course Tripp had sword!

Happy Birthday time!

Silly Princesses!

Piper and Mia

Thank you to everyone who came to make Mia's party so special! She loves all of her friends so much. She does keep telling me that her next party all of the "babies" and boys will be welcome. Such an inclusive hostess!
Love you Mia girl...excited to celebrate you all week long!

Are Princesses Bad?

2013-05-07T08:02:00.000-05:00

I feel like this discussion has come up around us several times over the last few months. Are princesses bad? Is it wrong to expose your daughter to "happily ever after" or "fairy tales."

Here is where we stand on this issue for OUR daughter ( keep in mind that every child will be different). Mia is all GIRL! She loves anything pink, rainbows, butterflies, and yes....Princess! We didn't teach her these things, they are innate with in her. But we have also not overly protected her exposure.

The loves to put on a ball gown and dance around the room, prince or no prince. She loves things that sparkle and twirl. She learned that on her own too.

So the question is...should we limit or remove the exposure? Should princesses be banned to protect her?

We really don't think so! What we have chosen to do is channel the love that she has for princesses in a positive way. We talk about princesses in the bible and that Jesus is our perfect prince. Happily Ever After is true with Jesus...not by the world's definition!

I have mainly found that it is men that are the most uncomfortable with letting their daughters identify themselves as a princess. Maybe it is the perception of beauty at all cost or lack of humility that comes with the title? I struggle to see any difference in letting little boys watch sports and idolize an athlete. Those men are not perfect, yet sons are not often limited in exposure to athletes because of their worldly imperfections.

I recommend two resources that have helped us channel Mia's love of princess in a positive way. The first is Lady in Waiting for Little Girls (given to me by a sweet friend and amazing mother) and the other is God's Little Princess Devotional.

These books have amazing lessons that really grab Mia's attention and give us talking points throughout the day. We have discussed "princess lips" and what comes out of them. Why God chose Mary. And most importantly...that her king and heavenly father is Christ Jesus!

Our sweet girl is the Daughter of King! That makes her a princess by any definition. It is not title just be worn proudly though. It has responsibility and a high expectation to show the world her loving King!

So that is where we stand on the princess issue. She knows and loves all of Disney princesses, and we are okay with that. I am more concerned with her heart for her King! I think those two worlds can exist together.
Where do you stand on this?

Camping!

2013-05-06T08:50:00.001-05:00

We had an awesome weekend camping with a great group of families! I was saved from sleeping in a tent thanks to our unseasonable cold front. YAY! We put 5 families in a three bedroom cabin instead. That is roughing it enough for me!
The kids had an absolute blast with some of their best friends and we got to have great conversation over coffee and wine. There was great family time too! Altogether a really special weekend!

Loaded up and headed out! They were so excited! The caption on Instagram: "Here's to poor sleep and great memories!" So true!

The hammock! It provided hours of entertainment!

Playing around the campfire

Roasting Marshmallows. The weather was really cool so we lived around this warm fire.

Amanda going for it! We had jumbo marshmallows...why not???

The white streak in Mia's hair would be marshmallow. She thought it was totally worth it.

Mia and her girls! These three got along so well! They are precious little girls with amazing hearts!

Jeepin'! We took the jeep up there and found some trails to test out. Richard was pretty excited!

This is 5 minutes after pulling out to head home. I think she had a good time, don't you?

Little man was spent too!

All the kids did so good considering the sleeping conditions. I loved that they were able to enjoy the weekend even though they were tired. One benefit of being past the baby stage!
Thanks to all of the amazing families we traveled with. I loved doing life together and sharing some sweet moments! When are we going again!?!?

Hair! I can't ever make up my mind!

2013-05-02T09:11:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I decided to make a drastic change to my hair. It was back to blonde and bob and goodbye long and light brown. It was whimsical and un-calculated, but all of my hair decisions kind of work that way.
Here is a look at just last year...

One year ago...trying out being a brunette. I really liked it, but it would not stay in my hair at all.

Here is the medium length and medium color. It was healthiest this way for sure.

Here it is yesterday before the cut and color. Long. layered and subtle highlights. I was just pulling it up everyday which is a sign to me that is was time to cut it!

And here is the new blonde! The cut is short bob that should be super easy this summer!

I like it...this week!

It is a woman's right to change her mind right? I am the only one that does this???

Rug Switcheroo!

2013-04-30T20:28:00.000-05:00

After completing the entryway project, I was bothered by the way the dining room and entryway looked together. My main problem was that the rugs were competing with each other. Doesn't it always work that way??? One thing leads to another.

So...I did what every any ~~patient, content~~ woman would do and bought another rug on impulse. It was perfect, great deal, and brought in the dark blue that is on the dining room walls. I HAD to buy it!

Well my husband reacted just like I thought he would. He said where is that going? What are doing with the old one, and how much did that cost? Sound like anyone else's husband. God gave him to me to keep me in line!

Well I had no thought through all of his questions...but I came up with a quick solution! I listed the old rug on Craigslist and 12 hours later I had cash in hand for it! AND I almost broke even between the two rugs! How is that for a plan?!?!?

Here is how the dining room looked with the old rug.

Here is the full view of the old rug. Lovely, but just not going with my black and white entry way.

Here is the new rug! A natural fiber Jute rug with a subtle color weaved in it too. I love how it makes the dining room feel more casual and comfortable and no longer competes with the entryway. Yay! If only all of my crazy plans came together this way!

I will have to take full pictures of the dining room fully assembled later, it is under going a transformation for the Princess Tea Party. Here is a peak...

That red rug was never going to work in this pastel party theme either! This rug switch was just meant to be!

A little Bold and A little Funky Living Room Design

2013-04-29T11:31:00.002-05:00

I have been working on a living room design for a fun family. He is a percussionist and she is a photographer, so they have creative flowing through their veins! I recently bought a new home and wanted a living room design that would set the tone for the rest of the house. The home is lovely, but simple and traditional right now. I proposed bringing in some bold elements that would update the feel of their house and better capture their personalities. Here is the design plan:

Bold red and gold elements tie into their existing furniture and artwork. Modern touches bring life to a traditional family room.

Here is the layout for the new space. I had to think through this with built-in and fireplace on the same wall.
This layout will maximize the view to both while encouraging cozy conversation too.

Here is the existing living room. The artwork was the inspiration for the new living room as well as the existing furniture pieces.

Here is the new living room. The bold curtains will frame the view to the patio. The back of the built in will be painted red while the wall are going to change to a warm white. I left plenty of space for her to display her photography in an eclectic collage too.

It seems most a lot of my clients love red. Either that is just a happy coincidence for me, or they find me because I love red too! Either way, I am always happy when I can put red in a design!

Insta Update!

2013-04-26T07:56:00.000-05:00

I think I am WAY over due for an InstaUpdate! There has just been too much fun around here! Here we go!

Richard's Birthday! Candle in a Kolache...I went all out!

Bowling party for Richard. We went to Bowl and Barrel and had a great time!

Art party for some of Mia's sweet friends. She loved it!

Cheesecake factory date with my sweetie. Love this thing and how we both live for the dessert WAY more than the meal. We should just order it first next time!

Ummm....we OWN this! Why you ask? Because we are going camping. Pause for effect! This will be an adventure for sure!

I refreshed our duvet cover. I just like when they are fresh and new!

It is from Ikea. I love the floral, but they also has a stripe on the back. 2 for 1!

Jeep days! Tripp would let Mia drive her around in this thing all day! I love that they stop at "Sonic" everytime they take off!

New hair cut for my little diva. She prefers her hair short and I think she totally rocks it!

Cooking school! We were making pizza twists. Make them work for their lunch!

I helped a client stage her bookcase. She has traveled a lot and spent a lot of time on the beach. We worked it all into one small space. It is visually pleasing, but I really love that it is filled with things that make them happy!

We have the craziest weather this year! We took advantage of an 80+ day to play in the sprinklers!

Whew! After all of that fun, it was time for some Mom time! I squeezed in a much needed pedicure. I am loving my new Lilac toes!

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I have party planning to do. Mia's princess tea party is quickly approaching!

Design Boards - A Whole Lot of Them!

2013-04-24T20:34:00.001-05:00

Things have been busy around here! New puppy, birthday party season fun, and lots of designing! I am loving every minute of it! I apologize that my blogging has been more sparse and less creative. Bare with me through this season!

I am behind on sharing design board projects, so I thought I would do it one full update. Here is a run down of my latest projects...

Laundry Room Makeover. This project if for a home that is going on the market, so things are staying light, bright, and neutral. I checked in on progress today, and it is well under way. I will keep you posted as it comes together!

A grown up, but bright living room design. This board was for a girl that is from Europe and has an interesting collection of pieces because of it. We tried to bring in some youthful elements while still keeping in the style of their traditional home.

Master Bedroom Furniture. This project was a fun one! They already had the bedding, lamps, and art, but I got to pick out the furniture! Yummy and relaxing don't you think?

Another Master. This was a quick shopping list for master bedroom accessories. They had the bed, bedding, and nightstands. I finished off the room with paint color and the pretty stuff! The blue went on the ceiling in lieu of the walls and it is lovely!

Guest Bedroom - This one is an update from a previous design. We altered the color scheme some and brought a fun mix of pillows. I can't wait to see the dark navy drapes in the space!

Most of these boards are just shopping lists, not the whole room plan, but I hope you get the idea. My design services are really affordable and flexible, so let me know if you are interested!
Designs start at just $90! I saw a design that looked almost exactly like a little girls room I did a few weeks ago and that designer charged $425 for it! That is just not my style! I want you to love where you live with what you can afford! Save your pennies for the pretty stuff in the room. Let's get started!

Puppy Love!

2013-04-22T13:09:00.001-05:00

Well puppy fever got the best of us me and we brought home a precious baby this weekend. I would like to introduce to you ZaZa Puppy (Mia gets full credit for that one)! She is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier/Lab mix and we adore her!

She has a lot of personality and just generally sweet and affectionate. She is intimidated by this big world and likes to hang close to her people. The kids are doing well with her, especially Mia! Tripp and her are battling over who is going to be the lowest man on the totem pole around here, but we will make sure Tripp wins that battle :).

She should grow to 30-50 pounds and should not shed at all. Yay! Her personality should be fun loving, but strong willed. Kind of like the other females in her house!

Here are some pics of the precious baby!

Something seem backwards here? Tripp in the run, ZaZa out???

Pretty girl. She should lose most of the dark hair and be wheat colored when full grown.

Miss Wrigley can't decide what she thinks. ZaZa won't give up until she loves her!

My girls!

Sweet baby.

She is a little thing, huh? We are used to big dogs around here, so she seems SO tiny to us!

We are so glad that she has joined our family! Now if we can just remember how to train a puppy. Do they make a PuppyWise Book??? I speak baby way better than I speak puppy! Advice is welcome!

Rough Week!

2013-04-18T15:31:00.003-05:00

This weeks' events are just too heavy to justify blogging about home decor or kid stuff. I am just resting in the fact that my Redeemer lives and has a perfect plan. I pray that all those who have lost their lives this week knew Him and that countless more will find Him in these tragedies.
Going to love on my littles...

Agency Chic Design

2013-04-16T08:46:00.001-05:00

My latest design board was a fun challenge! The client works from home as a PR executive and hosts meetings there. She wanted a chic design that still incorporated some important antiques that were already in the space. Like an old secretary, and old door as her desk (in teal), and a beloved piano.

Here is what I came up with. A little old, a little new. Chrome but still curvy arm chairs, glass table to not take up to much visual space, crystal chandelier with a modern design, and lots of stark black and white to keep the space chic. The piano and secretary will get a paint treatment to freshen them up as well.

The table and chairs are already on their way...I will show you the progress as it happens!

Aggieland Family Day!

2013-04-15T13:25:00.001-05:00

We loaded up the kids on a whim and went to College Station with our besties this weekend. It was the spring scrimmage for the football team, beautiful weather, and a chance to start convincing our kids that there is no better place on earth😊!

Here are some fun pictures of an unforgettable day!

Girly Girl Bathroom Design

2013-04-11T09:35:00.002-05:00

Here is a fun bathroom design for two adorable little girls. We will do a custom shower curtain and valance with fabrics shown and accessorize with color and whimsy.

The room will be complete with all of the girl essentials of jewelry storage, a bow holder, and a cute lamp to double as a night light. I even a included an ottoman to double as a place to stand while they are getting their hair fixed or for mom to rest on while they bathe. A fun wool rug will take the place of traditional bath mats too.

I can't wait to see this space come to life!

Those Moments...

2013-04-09T09:34:00.002-05:00

Do you ever have those moments when you are talking to your kids and a face they make takes your breath away? For me, it is just an overwhelming moment of realizing the gift that they are and the amazing work God did in creating them!
I always wish I had my camera in those times so that I can capture the moment. So last week when it hit, I ran for camera. I tried to capture a little of what my eyes see that makes my heart just flutter. Here is the view through my lens...

I love those guys more than words can ever express! Here's to the moments! No matter how brief, rare, or fleeting...they are amazing!

Entryway Reveal!

2013-04-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

The entry way is finished and I could not be more pleased with it! It totally changes the feel of our house in a good way and feels so fresh and new!

Here it is now:

A reminder of the before:

But let's now dwell on the past! That is all behind us now. Good buy yellowish beige and yucky carpet!

Back to the new and improved!

This was not a complete DIY project. We did hire out most of the carpentry work and painting. We both love to DIY, but we had to be able to get up and down the stairs on a reasonable timeline. Our kids camped out in our room for two weeks while we were under construction and that was long enough!

We did hang the wallpaper by ourselves and that was a snap! Seriously, anyone can do it!

Here is the source list for the items used in this makeover:
- Wall color - SW Collonade Gray
- Trim and wainscotting color - SW Shoji White (BTW - I had the existing plaster mouldings painted in a semi-gloss finish and I love it! It really makes them look fresh and new while preserving the character of the house.
- Stain Color - Dark Walnut custom mix gel stain.
- Wallpaper - Design Your Wall - Graham and Brown Tattoo
- Gallery Frames - Michaels
- Sconces - Lamps Plus
- Chandelier - Original to the house
- Mirror - Target Threshold
- Console Table - Pottery Barn. Update information here.
- Runner Rug - Tuesday Morning
- X Stool - Target - spray painted gold - Fabric from Fabric Factory, Dallas
- Lamp - Hobby Lobby
- Boxwood, Tray and Baskets - TJ Maxx

I hope you enjoyed peaking into our new entryway! Let me know if you have any other questions about sources or how it came together!

Pink Dreams - A little girls Design

2013-04-04T12:33:00.001-05:00

Here is a design I completed for a little princess. Her room is really large, so I had some fun with different zones. There will be a dress up area with whimsical wallpaper, a vanity area, comfortable floor pillows and she can lounge and relax with friends as she get older. I hope it will be a room that she will love for many years to come!

Are you interested in a custom design board for a space in your home? Check out the services tab for more information. I would love to help!

Design Secrets: The best place to buy curtains

2013-04-02T10:02:00.002-05:00

Okay. The last design tip got a great response, so I am excited to keep it going!
It is time for the next one...are you ready???

The best place to buy curtains is Ikea. Hands down. Are you shocked? Here are my reasons:

1. Length! Curtain panels should hang ceiling to floor. So 84" length that most package curtains come in will NOT work.
2. Materials. The Ikea curtains come in linen, canvas, cotton, and even velour. They feel nice to the touch and hang nicely too.
3. Price. The curtains are so affordable so you can make a big impact! Maybe a whole wall of curtains behind your bed. You can also double on panels to make them look fuller and more expensive.
4. Tops. This one may be favorite! Most of the the Ikea curtains have hidden tabs along the the back to hang the curtain with. You can add rings or run the rod through a pocket if you want oo. The hidden tabs just look the best! You can't see the curtain hardware and it eliminates the bunchy look that the rod pocket can create.

Have I sold you yet? Here is a peak at some of my favorites:

Check out my board for pricing and sources.

Another great thing about the Ikea curtains is that they are easily customized. Check out these examples.

Here are some plain white panels that have been dressed up with tassels. Easy and so chic!

Source

I also love a great color block drape. I have been wanting to try to create the below look for awhile. You would use the linen panels in gray and beige to create the custom color block panels. You would have to buy two sets, but it would still be really affordable. You could actually do it in two different rooms too with extra fabric. If you know a decent seamstress, wide stripes of linen in the same concept would look great too. The linen also comes in pink and cream. Darling in a girls room!

Source

If you don't live near an Ikea, I first off offer my condolences. It is just a fun place full of affordable eye candy. But, there is hope! Most of the curtains can be purchased online.

Go forth and hang some curtains!

Easter Recap 2013

2013-04-01T07:25:00.001-05:00

We had a great Easter! Lots of special family time and lots of quiet moments to really reflect on what Easter is all about. It was emotional for me this year...I don't know if that is a parent thing or what, but I just feel abundantly blessed to be the Daughter of a King!

Here is a quick recap of our Easter...

Mia and I baked a Carrot cake with a toasted coconut topping.

Easter lunch centerpiece. With some Peeps of course.

Sweet Mia

My blue eyed blondies. I could not love them more!

Easter Table. We celebrated with my sister and Richard's sister and their sweet families.

Family picture. Always an adventure!

Cute cousins, Mia, Tripp, and Ava.

Playgroup Easter Party!

2013-03-29T09:14:00.001-05:00

We had the best time yesterday celebrating Easter with our amazing playgroup! The weather was perfect and the kids had a blast. I can't tell you what this group has meant to me going on 4 years now!!! Ladies you all rock!

Here is some of the cuteness of PG...

Michele reading and Easter story while the mommas hide eggs.

armed and ready for the hunt

All the kiddos. Sitting so still I might add!

Oh this boy...he is a very special guy! We love him!

Is she not the cutest?!?!

My sweeties...a little overexposed (sorry!)

He is rockin' his new rainbow camo cast. It was tough to hunt with it, but he had a great attitude!

Lunch!

We are having a great time really celebrating Easter with kid this year. Mia really understands what it is about and it brings me such joy to share the story with them.
Happy Easter and Good Friday. I hope everyone takes sometime to reflect on the gift available to all of us that none of us deserve!

Bohemian Collected Living Room Design

2013-03-27T11:29:00.001-05:00

My latest design project was for a friend and her husband in their newly renovated home. They wanted to cozy up a large open floor plan and add pops of color. They both love to travel and collect, so the style of the living room is a little Bohemian with a few touches of elegance too.

She shares my love for red, so I had a good time with this one!

Here is the layout plan.

The living room design. Trellis curtains in neutral prints with dress up a wall of windows without blocking the light. The rug was something they already owned and served as the jumping off point for the design.

Because the living room and kitchen are so open to each other, I included a list of kitchen accessories that would tie the two rooms together.

This client also has a large bookcase flanking her fireplace. I put together some tips for her to get it staged well and I thought you guys might like them as well.
Here is my bookcase 101 list:

1. Each shelf should have varied height and color.

2. Books should be bright, stacked in size order with largest on bottom, sleeves removed

3. Not more than 2-3 picture frames, white mattes, leaned at the back of the bookcase

4. Add pops of color and pattern in vases, art, or plates

5. Layer in sculptural items like coral and candlesticks or artifacts.

6. Stacked items on books like seashells or magnifying glass.

Easy Update to the Entry Console

2013-03-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

Our entry console table functioned just fine. I also liked the black. It was just not a very special piece. We bought it at Pottery Barn 8+ years ago and it has lived in several different room since then. I decided it just needed a little more special "jewelry" on it!

I added O'verlays to the front drawer faces and new hardware, and now I think it fits in with the style of our home much better now!

Here is peak back at what the table looked like before.

It was such a simple update with big impact. I LOVE those kind! Do you have a piece of furniture in your home that could use a little update? These overlays are a great place to start!
Entry is coming along...I promise! Remaining wallpaper has been delivered and gallery wall is complete. Maybe a reveal this week???

This is NOT 40!

2013-03-25T06:24:00.002-05:00

We have had sick kids this week and as most of you know, it can wear you out! After having to cancel our date night this weekend, we opted for an easy "non-thinker" of a movie. We picked This is 40.

We thought it would be a funny spoof on our reality. But the reality was...it was not funny at all! The problems were real, and scary, and just plain sad. Instead of "checking my brain at the door", my mind has been reeling with the frightening truths brought to light in this movie.
First major problem...their marriage is a mess. Neither parent is engaged with their two daughters and their dad never fully checks-in. Their fights are awful and hurtful and frequent! They do love each other and that was kind of the central theme. "As long as we love each other, then that is all that matters."
Their daughters are a mess because their marriage is a mess. The older one (13) is completely disrespectful and obsessed with all things bad things related to media. The younger one (8) is still innocent and crying out for help, but no one really listens.
I don't want to go into too much detail on the movie (I don't really recommend renting it either...) but I just had to put in words how it affected me! I was up most of the night after we watched it. My kids are nearly 2 and 4. Far from 13 and 8, but I think that will be here before we know it.
I got up at 4:00 in the morning Saturday to start figuring out the changes I could make so that my 40 does not look like their 40. One major thing we have going for us that they were lacking....
JESUS and TRUTH!
Here is what I came up with: - Media for the kids is all but going away. 30 minutes a day tops, at our discretion and timing - Occasional family movie nights that help grow our kids - Structured learning time about the bible, about truth, at least 3 times a week. I hope to make it fun and age appropriate! - Parents Media - very limited in front of the kids. I will to work on the computer when they are playing independently in their rooms or napping, before they wake up or after bedtime. Outside of catching their adorableness on Instagram, I don't want to have my phone around them much. For them and for me. I don't want to miss any moments because of this silly iphone! - Richard will plan a dad only or family fun activity a few nights a week. We it creates some great quality time with the kids and helps avoid the pull to the evening TV watching. - Most importantly...I want to love my husband well. On the days that it is easy and on the days that I have to choose it. I really want my kids to see it too!
So...now comes the hard part. Without TV and Ipads and iphones, what are we going to do all day? We are going to read more books, go to the library, pet stores, parks, go on walks, make amazing train tracks, build puzzles, do art, cook together, garden, splash, blow bubbles....endless possibilities!
I am also not super woman and need time to myself, so they will play by themselves or with each other when directed too. I believe it is not any healthier for them to be addicted to my entertaining them anymore than an electronic device. I will fill up their emotional tanks each morning with love, lessons, and playtime and then send them on their way to explore and discover on their own.
Summer is fast approaching and I am arming myself with some new tools to make the best (almost media free) summer ever. I will share some feedback as we embark on this journey!
This IS 32!
thanks for reading all the way to the bottom of my rant...I know I sound extreme, but that is the reaction this movie gave me. I know it won't be perfect, but hopefully it will help change the path for my kids ever so slightly!