There's No Place Like Home

Beautiful Custom Bunting from Pretty as a Picture Creations!

2012-11-14T12:12:00.003-08:00

Happy Wednesday everyone, and welcome to the first post of The Wedding Takeover!

Today I want to introduce you to Pretty as a Picture Creations, a wonderful Etsy shop owned by Rebecca!

ETSY FACEBOOK BLOG

She sells hand make photography props, birthday accessories, photo backdrops that would even be great for a photo booth, and even holiday decorations. She uses all kinds of super fun fabrics, and some more rustic looking neutral fabrics as well.

Here is the lovely two sided bunting she sent to me!

Seriously fantastic, right?!?! I plan on using it for the photos on the day of our wedding, as well as hanging it at our reception. I haven't decided where yet, but there are a million places it would look fantastic. I'm thinking our cake table, guest book table, head table, or some random place that it will look adorable.

What's even more cool is that Pretty as Picture Creations created this bunting custom for me. She asked what I wanted on each side, and in no time it was in my mailbox waiting. :-) If you don't find what you're looking for in the shop, you can always contact her and see if your idea can be brought to life too.

Here are some of the other awesome items you can find in the shop at Pretty as a Picture Creations.

This is one of my favorites of hers. Wouldn't this garland go beautifully with my fab bunting!?!

Love the gingham. Perfect for a kids photo shoot, birthday party, or baby room.

LOVE this. She makes several styles, and they are so sweet. :-)

So much fun!!

Cute little baby hats!

And birthday party hats too!

This is bunting is so bright and cheery.

If you are in the market for photo props, beautiful buntings, birthday party goodies, or especially a custom made bunting for your wedding like the one I got, head over to see Rebecca at Pretty as a Picture Creations! Hey, head over there even if you aren't in the the market and tell her I sent you! And don't forget, she is offering all of you 15% off any ready to ship items available in her shop for the month of November! Just use the promo code WEDDING.

A big thank you to Pretty as a Picture Creations for being a part of The Wedding Takeover here at There's No Place Like Home.

Nail Polish Swap!

2012-11-05T16:19:00.002-08:00

I found this nail polish swap today, and decided to participate. Sounded pretty fun!! Go check it out!

Seriously Awesome Free Sponsorship Opportunity

2012-11-05T15:44:00.003-08:00

Hello everyone!! Today I want to introduce a new series I will be posting about over the next several months. It's The Wedding Takeover!!

As you all know, I recently got engaged, and will be getting married this coming May. In the spirit of the wedding, I will soon be doing a series on my blog called “The Wedding Takeover”. For this series, I will be highlighting different areas of my wedding planning journey.

I will show Pinterest inspirations, share posts from other bloggers that I have found helpful, and photos and descriptions of things I have planned for my wedding. A big part of the series will be showcasing various online shops where you can purchase items for your wedding, or for someone you know who is planning a wedding! Some of the first shops I will feature are Personalized Bridal Hangers. and Pretty as a Picture Creations. If you want to get an idea of the kind of things I will be showcasing, go check out their pages at http://www.facebook.com/personalizedhangers and http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrettyPicCreations!

I have created a special promotional package for vendors who want to participate. I’m offering a feature review, 6 months free large ad space(which includes monthly group intro posts), and six months worth of facebook shoutouts to the vendors who choose to participate in “The Wedding Takeover” series. I’m doing this in an attempt to create great content for the blog, as well as aquire some awesome and unique items for my wedding and wedding party.

If you would like to participate, I am asking that you send an item or items for me to review. The promotional package I described above is worth over $50, and is a lot of work for me too. All this is negotiable, and promo packages can be created on an individual basis. If you are at all interested, or have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Everyone can look forward to the start of this series here in about a week! And don't worry, I will still be posting great DIY ideas, and some other home improvement projects I've been working on!

Melissa Marsh
There’s No Place Like Home

http://noplacelikehomekc.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/theresnoplacelikehomekc

melsm529@gmail.com

Loft Living and a Nice Night Out in Kansas City!

2012-11-01T13:43:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we had a really nice evening. My mom and step-dad went to a charity event earlier this year. They entered a raffle and happened to win a one night stay in a loft off of the plaza in downtown Kansas City. She invited the family to come over for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. It was really neat to spend a nice night in our own city, but in a unique location.

I wanted to share some of the pictures with you guys because it had such unique decor. It was styled in a super cute loft fashion. Take a look!

My brother and sister.

My mom and step-dad brought a few bottles of champagne, and toasted to Garret and my engagment. It was a super sweet gesture...I loved it!

The boys

Me, my brother Eric, my mom Pam, and my sister Amy

Just the girls

View from the rooftop patio!

My sister and her husband

Me and Garret

Thanks for stopping by today, be sure to head over to

The Wedding Takeover info page, especially if you have a shop. I'm still looking for a few shops for various areas of planning for a wedding!

Linking up at:

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/11/feathered-nest-friday.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FQoLtm+%28FRENCH+COUNTRY+COTTAGE%29

http://www.livelaughrowe.com/live-laugh-linky-34/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: livelaughrowe (live.laugh.rowe)

http://www.52mantels.com/2012/10/thursdays-are-your-days-catching.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+52Mantels+%2852+Mantels%29

Come and Meet My Amazing and Talented November Sponsors!!

2012-11-01T08:36:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I'd like you to meet my November sponsors!!!! I am so lucky to have these fabulous women here at There's No Place Like Home!!

And here they are....

Pretty as a Picture Creations

Hello, my name is Rebecca. I learned to sew as a child and picked it up again a few years ago. After some photographer friends asked me to make them some props and encouraged me to open up shop I went for it. I sew for fun for my family, home and gifts but my shop focuses on props for photographers - buntings, canopies, upcycled hats, garlands and other items inspired by custom requests. I also have a little blog that I share my sewing & crafts on. I am so happy to be a part of The Wedding Takeover!

Rebecca is offering you lucky people 15% off any ready to ship items available in her shop! Just use the promo code WEDDING. Thanks Rebecca!!

You can visit her shop, facebook, and blog by clicking these links!

Etsy Facebook Blog

Eventually Cottage

Hey there!

I'm Dawn...911 operator by day...one crafty Mamma by night!

I work full-time as a 911 operator/dispatcher for our county...a job that I love! In my free time, I can usually be found in my workshop crafting signs, picture frames, candle holders, and gifts. I live in an 1850's carriage house turned cozy family cottage with my Prince Charming and our 2 teenagers, 4 rescue pups, and 2 cats! Yup it's a houseful but I wouldn't change a thing!

I hope you'll stop by often, see what's going on at our crazy little cottage, and hopefully leave inspired to create something beautiful!

Check Dawn out at these links!

Etsy Facebook Blog

Personalized Bridal Hangers

As a full-time college student graduating in December and getting married in February, I came across these hangers and saw how expensive they can be to purchase quality ones! Then the idea hit, I'm making practically everything else, why not try my hand at these? I made a few and realized I could really do something with them. By offering them at an affordable price, I feel really great being able to make them a reasonable expense for brides and at the same time, fund my portion of the wedding. I have been so blessed and feel humbled by the response they have received! Each and every bride who orders is helping my dream wedding become a reality!

Here are the links for Personalized Bridal Hangers shop and facebook!

Facebook Etsy

In the Spirit of Halloween, Here's Something FRIGHTENING!

2012-10-11T15:13:00.003-07:00

You guys. I'm afraid I have a serious problem. We have a spare bedroom in our house we haven't furnished yet. Instead, it has become a graveyard for unfinished craft projects, bloggy swag, wedding decor, paperwork, and disorganized craft supplies. I'm ashamed of how scary it looks, but I'm willing to share the photos to give you all a good Halloween scare.

BOO!!!!!!!

So, with Garret out of town over the next few days, this is my project. Wish me luck! I can't wait to show pics of it organized!! Or as organized as it can be with no furniture and shelving. (Not in the budget pre-wedding).

Speaking of, go check out some info on The Wedding Takover!

Here comes the bride! Here comes....

2012-10-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! Today I want to introduce a new series I will be posting about over the next several months. It's The Wedding Takeover!!

Everyone can look forward to the start of this series here in about a week! And don't worry, I will still be posting great DIY ideas, and some other home improvement projects I've been working on!

Melissa Marsh
There’s No Place Like Home

http://noplacelikehomekc.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/theresnoplacelikehomekc

melsm529@gmail.com

Bowling with the Fam

2012-10-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago we had a family bowling day, and I just thought I would share some pics with you!!

These are my two cutie pie nieces, Charley on the left and Riley on the right!

And this is my nephew Hayden, he's really excited about something!

That's my step sister Shelby in the middle...

This is Garret(my fiance) and my Dad in the background.

And my sis, mother of the little ones.

Our good friend John.

Me and Garret!

John and his wife Kate.

Hayden and his dad(my brother-in-law), Dave.

Garret got a turkey!

And me...bowling in a dress. Yes, this was an impromptu event. :-)

Thanks for stopping by today!!

My Fantastic New Side Table!!

2012-09-12T06:02:00.000-07:00

Check out my FAB new find! I got this at Hobby Lobby on clearance for only $25!!

Isn't it seriously fantastic? So I found the table, and knew I had to have it, but wasn't sure where I would put it. I measured several walls in our house, and it ended up measuring almost exactly the same as a short wall in my kitchen. I knew immediately it was meant for that space. I ran to Hobby Lobby, bought it, and squeeeeezed it into my little Kia Spectra. When I got home, I brought into the kitchen and it fit like a glove!! Right above the table is this vino wall hanging. I then knew exactly what I wanted to do with the table.

I have this area on my kitchen counter where I was keeping a wine rack, a decanter, and a few other things. Plus and entire kitchen drawer was full of bar napkins and tools. This new table of mine could serve no better purpose than to house these items! And look what an amazing difference it made for my counter. So much more space, I love it!!

Scroll down for pics of the details, and my fab new table all dressed up!!!

A Few Weeks of Ups and Downs....but I'M ENGAGED!!!!

2012-09-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I'm sincerely sorry that I have not posted in several weeks. It's been a weird time, and I just now feel myself slowing getting back in my normal groove.

First the bad news, because it's more fun to follow up with the good news. My grandmother on my Dad's side passed away a little over a week ago. I've always had a really great relationship with her, and to lose someone you're that close with is devastating. She was such a fun person, and a very strong lady. She had cancer, and had a lot of pain for years.

Her death was especially hard for me because I work for hospice. I work with dying people every day, but it's just so different when it's someone you love. Luckily, I have a wonderful immediate family and extended family, and we were all there to support each other.

After the funeral, the whole family went to my grandmas house. We sat in the back yard and talked, the boys played football, and just laughed remembering all the good times we'd shared in that very spot. It was the best part of my day. I think she would have loved to see us all together having fun.

I love you Grandma, rest in peace.

Now, on to the good news. I got ENGAGED!!! Yup, it finally happened. After dating for three and a half years, he asked me to marry him! Oh, here's the ring!

The proposal was great, because it was just the two of us hanging out on a Tuesday night. We were just sitting there talking about our families, and our nieces and nephews. Then, all of the sudden he was down on one knee!! I was so shocked!!!

Even though the past few weeks have been hard because of my grandma, it felt so good having Garret by my side as my fiance through it all. For some reason knowing that he will be my husband makes me feel more secure through this hard time.

I think getting engaged has definitely rekindled the romance a little bit too. We both seem to be happier, and even Garret seems excited. The other day I went to do some wedding planning with my mom and I told Garret I felt bad leaving him all day long. He told me to go and enjoy myself, and do all the wedding stuff I want because I have the rest of my life to hang around the house with him. :-) Love.

So, the date has officially been set for May 4th, which happens to be our 4 year "dating anniversary". It's a pretty special date for us.

Here's a glimpse of the venue.

So pretty, right!?! It's an old building in a small town about 25 mins from our house. I loved it the moment I walked in. I've taken my mom there a few times, my sister(and maid of honor) once, and Garret went with us to sign the contract. They all really liked it....or at least lied and told me they did because they know I love it. Either way is fine by me lol!!

So looooonnnggg story short, I have a lot of stuff saved up to show you all. Just because I haven't felt like writing doesn't mean I haven't been taking picks of some things that have been happening along the way. Plus, I had a few blog posts planned before everything got crazy!!

I also have some super amazing sponsors I need to show off. And if you are a paying sponsor this month, you're getting next month free because I have been a basket case and you deserve better!!

Thanks for your patience everyone, and get ready because we are going to end the summer and start the fall with a ton of great posts!!!

Famous Footwear Victory, and a Fantastic Coupon!

2012-08-11T21:32:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Famous Footwear for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When it comes to shoe shopping, we all love it. But sometimes we just would love if it was easy. For easy shoe shopping, I always head to Famous Footwear! They have hundreds of brands in thousands of styles, and they make it super quick and easy to shop, whether it's for back to school or because like me you just love shoes!

I first fell in love with Famous Footwear when I was in high school, because my sister worked a part time job there. They have the best looks in tennis shoes, boots, high heels, sandals, and everything in between! They always have plenty of employees there just ready and waiting to help you. If you're having trouble finding a size, they will help you find it. If for some reason they don't have your size in stock, they can have your shoes delivered to your home or can order them through their website www.famous.com. What's even better is that if you want to order your shoes online, you can have them delivered to your nearest store for no charge. All you have to do is go pick them up. Now that, I love.

Right now at Famous Footwear they are offering a really great deal. 15% off PLUS BOGO(buy one get one half off!). That's something you can't find anywhere else. It's going to be so easy to get out and get everyone's shoes for the year with this kind of coupon! And guess what? All of you are in luck because you can print that very coupon off right here, just click on the link below! It's redeemable now through August 18th!

BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon

And don't forget to join their free rewards program when you go, it's seriously silly not to. First of all, you get a discount offer just for signing up. On top of all the other savings we just talked about? Love it! Then you get 1 point for every dollar you spend online or in-store. Those points will accumulate earning you up to $100 in gift certificates a year! Not to mention the other great offers you will receive just for being a part of their free rewards program. Sounds like a winner to me

So get out their and spoil your kids, spoil your spouse, and most importantly spoil yourself at Famous Footwear!

A Honey-Do List...To Myself

2012-08-09T15:19:00.001-07:00

Guess how many times a week I can honestly say there is no housework to do? Usually a big goose egg! This week I took Wednesday off to get my hair done, go to the eye doctor, and run some other errands. When I came home I cleaned the house from top to bottom, while catching up on all my shows. Now, here I sit in silence waiting for Garret to get home and I have nothing to do! That never happens!

The only thing is I have a ton of things I want to do, and several projects to work on. Most of them require me changing into my paint clothes, and making a huge mess. I don't have enough time for all that since we're going shopping for a birthday gift and to dinner tonight. So I thought I'd at least make a list for myself here, so you can see it and then I'm accountable!

The Melissa- Get Your Life Together List

1. Finish the dresser that's in pieces all over the garage. I think Garret's annoyed by it. (Side note: In order to do this you need to go to the paint store and purchase a new color since you didn't like the first one at all. Also, try and see if you can borrow someones sander, because you really screwed up the chalk paint recipe, and the paint job looks terrible.)

The before....before I screwed it up even more.

2. Do SOMETHING with the 6 emptied and cleaned wine bottles sitting on the kitchen counter. You've already looked up 4 different ways of painting and decorating them, and you even have some new ideas. So get to it before you decide you're sick of staring at them and throw them away!

3. Take some pictures and write the blog post about your cute new side table in the kitchen. It's adorable, you know you want to show it off!!

4. Organize the spare bedroom/junk room/craft room. Go find a couple shelves at garage sales, paint them pretty, and straighten things up! Oh, wait. That would require more painting, but you're much of a wimp about this billion degree weather to do it.

Oh, how I miss winter!!

5. Think about making some wall art for your bedroom. You have lived in this house for over a year now and the walls in that room are BARE. Just because you're too cheap to buy something, doesn't mean you can't make something for cheap. Maybe you should be on Pinterest right now getting ideas instead of just listing all the things you want to do because you're to lazy to start doing them.

Geeze, I was a little hard on myself with this list, but I guess no one else is going to get my butt in gear. So I'll leave you with that. If nothing else, I hope I motivated you to get some things done so you don't have a depressing list like mine!

Also, don't forget about the referral giveaway over on our Facebook page!!

Now Accepting Sponsors!

2012-08-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies and gents! I want to let you all know that There's No Place Like Home is now accepting sponsors!! I have the prices VERY low right now to kick things off! I'd like really like to have a great group of sponsors, so I've tried to keep the pricing super affordable. I can't wait to showcase new blogs and shops to you guys!

I currently have over 450 facebook fans, as well as a great group of followers here on the blog. I will be doing numerous facebook shoutouts for sponsors, as well as features and giveaways right here! If you have a blog or shop, and would like to be a sponsor, you can get all the info RIGHT HERE! I'd love for you to make There's No Place Like Home a home for you and your blog!!

Referral Giveaway Going On...

2012-08-07T13:05:00.002-07:00

Hi all! Didn't want to leave you out of the loop about a giveaway going on over on Facebook! It's a referral giveaway. The person who refers the most new fans gets 20 of these vinyl chalkboard labels in either brown or black!

And as a little incentive for your friends and family to "like" There's No Place Like Home on Facebook, one of the new fans will be receiving 10 for themselves!! Whoo hoo!! Spread the word, here's the link! I have the contest info pinned to the top of the page!

http://www.facebook.com/theresnoplacelikehomekc

Mailboxes, Doormats, and Birdbaths! Oh My!

2012-08-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! I don't know about you but it is HOT here! And guess what? My grass is dormant. My flowers are dead. They only thing that looks good outside my house is the lawn and garden decor. Honestly, I don't have a ton of it right now, but I'm working on it. I recently found some really cute house signs and doormats that can be personalized. There's a company called Mailbox and Beyond that sells all kinds of really amazing outdoor decor online.

I never realized how much variety there was in different types of mailboxes, address plaques, and doormats. They can even personalize a crock for you, which would be really pretty come fall when you can plant your colorful mums in it!

Now Garret and I aren't married, so personalizing everything with his last name might be jumping the gun a little bit. However, they can personalize using your street name and address, or just have it say "Welcome". Should Garret and I get married, I would love to have one of their wedding plaques. They say "House of (your last name), Established (your wedding date)". SO adorable!

Adding birdbaths, fountains, and bird feeders have also been a recent obsession of mine. All these are ways to beautify your lawn, garden, and porch. When none of your plants and flowers are alive, at least you will have the beauty of birds and running water!

So, those are my hot weather yard decorating tips, hope you enjoyed!

A Wonderful Weekend at the Lake

2012-08-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of taking a weekend trip to my sister's in-law's lake house. They own a home at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. I wanted to share a few pics of the fun we had, and also some pictures of the beautiful lake house. Talk about super fun nautical decorating. I absolutely love the way they have embraced the nautical theme, and how it is evident in every room. Here are a ~~few~~ TON of pictures. First up are some of the home itself.

One of the guest bedrooms with water and boat wall paper.

Mantle in the upstairs living room.

Beautiful big doors overlooking the lake.

Blurry...but love it.

Upstairs guest bath. How adorable is this?

Bunk room downstairs. Has three beds in this room.

The bar downstairs. Exactly what a lake house bar should look like.

Basket of sunscreen, with a patriotic touch.

Downstairs fireplace.

The dogs relaxing on the comfy leather couches in front of more widows that overlook the lake.

Shelf that lines the wall to the door to the back patio and lake.

Map of the lake!

Another lazy dog photo.

The dogs having fun!

And here are some photos of the group of us having a great time! Some of these were taken at the restaurant across the lake.

My Garret and my brother Eric.

My brother and sister.

Alligator bites! So yummy!

View from our table!

Cajun is the best!

From left to right, Garret, my brother Eric, and my boyfriend-another Garret!

The group taking some shots. It was my brothers birthday!

Me and my sister, singing apparently.

Anyway, that was our lake trip! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Caffeine Deprived and Giveaway Winners!

2012-08-02T05:49:00.001-07:00

First, I want to again apologize for being absent. We've had a busy couple of weeks, and I didn't get a whole lot of sleep for several nights last week. On top of that, Garret and I started a diet. This diet does not include caffeine, and for someone who had a Diet Coke obsession it's not easy. I never realized how much I relied on caffeine until the past two weeks. I've officially gone 11 days Diet Coke free, and have only had two cups of coffee in that time as well.

So long story short, I've been feeling pretty drained. When I come home I'm just tired, and the thought of doing much of anything makes my brain hurt. The last few days I have been slllooooowwlly creeping out of that hole, and I'm feeling a little better. I think I many have finally caught up on that missing sleep, and am getting used to a caffeine-less diet. Thanks to all of you for hanging in there with me. I do have some super cool things to show you over the next few days if I can get to them, so hang tight and we'll be back in the groove in no time! Okay, time for what you really want to hear!

The two winners for the 30 days large ad space are in! Congratulations to Erin H. and Rebecca! I will be sending you both emails this afternoon with details!! Thanks to everyone who entered, and we may be doing another giveaway very soon!! :-) Happy Thursday...ALMOST FRIDAY! YAY!

I'm Not a Total Blog Slacker...and last chance to enter giveaway!

2012-07-24T11:32:00.001-07:00

I know you guys probably think I'm a total slacker, but it's really not that!! I have been s-w-a-m-p-e-d SWAMPED! The past week has been crazy for me, and it doesn't look like there's any end in sight.

I had to sit at a booth at an inservice for work last week on Thursday. We had a three day weekend at the lake Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Garret's sister had her baby yesterday(YAY!!), so we spent all last night traveling and seeing the baby and mommy. I'm working my booth for work again today at inservice number two. I just found out Garret's parents are staying with us Wed night, which leaves me....ummmm....tonight to clean the house. Did I mention that I'm still doing my regular job on top of all this?

Trust me when I say I am not complaining about all the fun stuff I got to do at the lake this weekend. Or the fact that we have an adorable new baby in the family. And of course, not that G's parents are coming in town. I love them and it's always nice to spend time with them.

I just want you all to know I'm sorry I've neglected you, but I promise, it's not because I'm slacking. :-) Love you all and will get back to you as soon as I can get above water for more than a few seconds!! In the mean time don't forget today is the last day to enter this giveaway! Thanks for hanging in there with me!!

http://noplacelikehomekc.blogspot.com/2012/07/its-another-giveaway-hurray.html

New Bathroom Sink and Fittings? Yes Please!

2012-07-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

It's obvious I'm a renovation/redo/redecorate fanatic. My newest obsession-the guest bathroom off of my kitchen. Especially focusing on the sink. The sink in our guest bathroom off the kitchen is just a pedestal sink. I would love to replace the entire thing with a sink that has cabinets below. I love walking through different home stores and dreaming about all the different cabinet hardware, and bathroom fittings. Picking out a new pretty faucet...oh I wish. Here are some ideas of what I really love!

And here are some bathroom fittings I love as well!

I love the knobs on this one...

And this one too!!

The sleek look of this one is really awesome.

Picking the fittings would just depend on the sink, and cabinet that I chose.

WHY Did We Buy a House With Light Carpet!?!

2012-07-19T08:29:00.002-07:00

I love our house, don't get me wrong. But what were we thinking purchasing a home with such light carpets? The thing is, the carpet is really in great condition, so there is no need to replace it at this point. Give us a couple years with it, and I'm sure all that will change. The sad part about it is that it's just me and Garret. There are no children, and no pets! I mean, yes we have children in our house from time to time, but all the dirt was definitely not tracked in by them. Garret and I are both really good about removing our shoes, and leaving them on the wood floor before hitting the carpet, but not all the time...

I need to find a good carpet cleaner in the Kansas City area. I'm sick of trying to fight with it myself. There is a company down in Texas called The Steam Team, out of Austin. Here's there website if you are local and want to check it out http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-carpet-cleaning/.

I have tried spot cleaning with Oxy clean, I have tried renting the machines at the grocery store, and have borrowed Garret's mom's machine. Her machine probably worked the best, but the stains underneath the carpet on the pad came back up within a matter of days. If anyone knows of a good carpet cleaning company in the KC area that's affordable, send them my way!!!

It's Another Giveaway!!! Hurray!

2012-07-17T15:25:00.003-07:00

I'm feeling sad now that our last giveaway has ended, so I've created a new one to go along with me kicking things off for new sponsor opportunities!!

If you would like to win 30 days of free Large Ad Space here at There's No Place Like Home, you can enter using the Rafflecopter below! I'm giving away two of these, so good luck to you all!!

(This Rafflecopter isn't loading very fast, so hang tight it will pop up in a few seconds)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Original Giveaway Winners, and ALL NEW: Sponsor Spots!!

2012-07-17T12:49:00.004-07:00

Okay, now for the giveaway winners of The Original Dish Drying Mat!!

Congratulations to Cat O. and Sandra M.!!! I will be sending each of you an email here shortly!!

Thanks to everyone who entered, and you can look forward to many more giveaways in the near future!!

http://noplacelikehomekc.blogspot.com/p/sponsors.html

Seagram's Smooth HouseParty!

2012-07-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I hosted a Seagram's Smooth HouseParty! Just wanted to show you a few pics! Don't mind my cluttered garage...

Drinks and party favors ready to go!

All the party guests!

Homemade Chalk Paint Nightstand!!

2012-07-09T14:39:00.001-07:00

It's finally less than 100 degrees outside after WEEKS of torture. I used the opportunity to finish a project I've been dying to get to! I found a two drawer night stand at a garage sale for $5.00 about a month ago. It was made of pretty cheap material, but I knew I could pretty it up! Read on for DIY details!

I would love to show you the before picture, but I forgot to take one! It makes me so mad when that happens!! I did, however, find one that looks similar to my before to show you if that helps.

Pretend this is my before, because it's fairly close other than a few details.

Here is a pic after two coats of homemade chalk paint.

And here is the finished product!! I did one coat of clear wax, distressed, then a light coat of dark wax glaze, followed by another coat of clear wax. Added some new hardware, and called it good!

RECIPE:

I have borrowed the chalk paint recipe from 2ndEssence. I did a half cup plaster of paris, half cup hot water. Whisk those together, then add one and a half cups paint. Works pretty well I think!

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope everyone has a fantastic week!! Don't forget to enter the 30 days free Large Ad Space giveaway!

Linking up at:

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/recycled-bottles-and-vases-become-beautiful-centerpieces-the-181st-metamorphosis-monday/?utm_source=feedburner

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2012/07/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no121-and.html

http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2012/07/craft-linky-party-inspire-me-monday-hot.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: SingingThreeLittleBirds (Singing Three Little Birds)

http://www.homemakeronadime.com/2012/07/creative-bloggers-party-hop-67.html

http://brassyapple.blogspot.com/2012/07/blog-linky-party-make-it-monday-39.html

http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/2012/07/poww-96.html

http://shadesofamberinc.blogspot.com/2012/07/chalk-paint-link-party_10.html

http://www.livelaughrowe.com/live-laugh-linky-18/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: livelaughrowe (live.laugh.rowe)

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/07/transformation-thursday-no-160.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: theshabbychiccottage/QsxK (The Shabby Creek Cottage)

The Original Giveaway!

2012-07-05T15:04:00.002-07:00

Everybody get excited! I have a great giveaway today, with two winners! I'm super stoked to do a review of The Original Dish Drying Mat!

When The Original company contacted me and asked if I would try and review their Dish Drying Mat, I was more than willing to. I had been wanting one for quite a while, but never got around to getting one. As much as I've used it since it arrived at my doorstep, I really should have purchased one a LONG time ago!

There are seriously dozens of ways to use this mat. The most obvious is for dishes. I actually have dishes drying on it as we speak. Before, I would let my dishes pile up in the sink until my dishwasher was empty again, but now it's almost easier to hand wash a few things and let them air dry on my Original Dish Drying Mat!

I use another Original Dish Drying Mat for my paintbrushes and other crafty supplies that I have to rinse out. Before my Dish Drying Mats arrived, I was just wasting a billion paper towels to dry my paintbrushes on. Or setting them in the sink, which I'm pretty sure irritated Garret to no end. Now after I wash them out, I just set that mat out and it's a perfect solution. Especially for someone like me who has wet paintbrushes hanging around 75% of the time!

Giveaway time!!

If you would like to be the proud owner of a brand new Original Dish Drying Mat here's your chance!! Enter using the Rafflecopter below to win!! I will announce the winners here on the blog, and email the winners as well!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway