girl learning along the way

Stark on Modern Family last night

2011-01-20T11:51:00.002-06:00

We didn't watch it yet (it's still on the DVR at home), but Stark Carpet was mentioned on Modern Family last night.

That is a Stark rug on the show, but contrary to what they say, it can be cleaned.

(Wool is the easiest carpet to clean)

A Couple More

2011-01-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Neither one too fluffy nor flat.

But I like the idea of having both, a big fluffy duvet in the winter and a flatter cover in the warmer months.

And the Winner Is....

2011-01-16T21:58:00.003-06:00

Maggie from The Freckled Citizen!!

Congratulations!

*Because one of the comments on the original post was deleted, there were only 18 comments for consideration, not 19.

The Great Comforter Debate?

2011-01-13T12:34:00.005-06:00

I read a kind of interesting article by Sara Ruffin Costello the other day... and I say kind of interesting because it brought up a debate that I didn't even realize was going on.

Big fluffy down-filled duvets vs. simple and flatter blankets or coverlets.

For a long time now, it seems like big and fluffy was the way to go. You at least saw a duvet folded at the foot of the bed. But Sara brought up some good points in favor of ditching the big fluffy for the flat and simple, so as I looked back at my saved pictures I realized that many of them were already sporting the cleaner and leaner look.

I'm not sure where I've been, but there does indeed seem to be a battle raging... which side are you on?

Flat:

or Fluffy:

Flat and tucked in:

or Fluffy:

Flat and layered:

or Fluffy:

Flat with texture:

or Fluffy:

I've been kind of thinking for a while that I would take the down-filled comforter out of my linen duvet, and maybe just use the duvet cover flat as a coverlet. Chris hates sleeping with it on his feet (because it's too heavy), so most nights it ends up folded over into the middle of the bed anyways - even in the winter. (He doesn't understand why we can't just have sheets only on the bed.) I also really like the look of an interesting thick blanket at the foot of the bed, especially in plaid.

If you haven't already, don't forget to enter my contest for a $50 gift certificate at CSN Stores! All you have to do is leave a comment on that post.

New Year, and a New Kitchen (plus a Giveaway!)

2011-01-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

As you may remember, before Christmas, I took on the task of repainting my kitchen cabinets. Along with new paint, my cabinets also received shiny new hardware that I ordered from CSN Stores. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from modern dining room furniture to a large selection of cabinet hardware and accessories. I was really pleased with the selection of cabinet door knobs and pulls they offered, and I think they really help to put the finishing touch on my cabinets.

Now, on with it.

Here is my kitchen now:

Clean and white, with nice hardware.

But it wasn't always this way...

It took a lot of sanding...

And a lot of paint.

Here are some "BEFORE" shots of things like some dried paint drips:

Broken doors:

Original finish where the old hinges used to be:

Uneven texture and handles:

Before:

After:

Before:

After (without knobs):

I know it doesn't look much different - I did just repaint the cabinets white - but oh does it ever look better in person!! So much cleaner and nicer!! It was by far the hardest project that I've ever done, but it was so worth it!

In honor of my new cabinets with their shiny new hardware, CSN Stores is generously offering up a $50 gift certificate that's good at any of their online stores! All you have to do is leave a comment here on this post - simple!

The contest will be open through next Sunday night at 8:00 CST, when I'll announce a winner. (It would be great if you'd also leave a contact email so I can contact you).

Good luck!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!

We're headed off to West Texas for a few days, 4 dogs in tow.

See you next week!

Thank You

2010-12-13T10:55:00.003-06:00

Thank you all for your well-wishes, they are much appreciated! It was a really tough time, especially right before Thanksgiving. But things are starting to look up now. I realize that doggies can't really compare with children, but when you don't have children, and you've had the same dog for 16 years that you got as a puppy when you were only 19 - it's feels like they're your child. So it was really difficult.

I'm so sorry I've been gone so long, it wasn't intentional. Life just sort of got in the way, with Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping and work (everyone wants their stuff before Christmas, wouldn't you know it!?!).

But I'll be back with those pictures from our kitchen (finally.)

Hope everyone is doing well :-)

Last Week Sucked

2010-11-21T22:26:00.004-06:00

I tried to think of a better title than this, but there's really no other good way to say it.

On Friday night, actually early Saturday morning, we lost a dear part of our family. Rascal, my husband's loyal sweet and all-around awesome dog, passed away at the age of 16. While that is very old for a dog, he was in good shape and great spirits until the day before. It was all very sudden, and very very sad. The last couple of days have been among the toughest I've been through - it's been really hard. He's already greatly missed, and always will be. Just looking at the picture above tugs at my heart.

In addition to that, the same night, somebody broke into my old Jeep and stole the radio.

Seriously.

An almost 10-year old radio, from an even older Jeep.

We know it was either the kid or his friends from across the street, as instead of being ripped out, it was carefully taken out without any damage (plus, in our quiet neighborhood, he's definitely into a lot of trouble). Nothing else was taken. It was as if somebody needed a radio for their own car.

I'm sure they don't read my blog, but I'd love to put a sign in my yard that says, "I just want to thank the P.O.S. that broke into my car to steal an old cheap after-market basic CD player on the day my dog died. Thanks for that."

Looking forward to what I'm sure will be a better week...

A Sneak Peek:

2010-11-15T10:04:00.003-06:00

Taken from my cell phone (because I have a suspicion that my husband has the USB cord to our camera in his backpack...which is with him in New Jersey!)

Almost done!! Only 8 knobs to go, and some clean-up (of course).

Then - better and prettier pictures. Promise.

I Hate it When This Happens...

2010-11-11T22:53:00.003-06:00

All day.

That's how long we worked on my cabinets, and I'm tired.

I thought I would share with you some "before" pictures. And some pictures of what we did today...

But nooooooo.

I can't find the cord to plug the camera into the computer.

And did I mention that I am really tired??

And a bit cranky?

So, once the husband makes it home tomorrow night from his trip, I'll figure out where the cord is, and there will be pictures for everyone to see.

Until then, here's a list of what went down today:

Cabinets and drawers were taken down

Hardware was taken off

Degreaser was applied and all was cleaned

Holes were filled

And lots of sandpaper was used

Tomorrows fun will include primer, cleaning and sanding of the actual cabinet box faces that are inside, and *possibly* a coat of paint!

Later, dearies....

Miles Redd in Veranda

2010-11-10T12:43:00.003-06:00

Why hello there......

I managed to make it out of New Orleans in one piece (somewhat surprisingly, with all of the people that were down there, and the seeming rise in crime), and there have been so many things and ideas I've wanted to post about!

1) They should make computers able to take dictation so you can blog while running (mostly walking) on the treadmill. And they should make them affordable.

2) Canadian House and Home is awesome. Have you seen this month's issue? Chris now has a really good idea of something to get me for Christmas - a subscription (although, if he really wants to, I'd take Sarah Richardson's farmhouse too).

3) I'm getting ready to re-paint our kitchen cabinets and swap out the old rusty, loose, and crooked hardware! What I'm sure will be an interesting time starts tomorrow, so look for "before" pics.

But back to my topic for today:
Has anyone else seen the new Veranda (November/December) issue??

It arrived last week, and so far, is the most "Domino-like" to date. I'm not sure that is the best description for it (because it's definitely higher-end compared to Domino), but it definitely feels more like Dara's at the helm now than before.

Case in point - the cover story, designed by Miles Redd:

I love that green with the blue.

And I love this wallpaper.

But this bedroom had me feeling a little sense of deja vu, even though it's lovely....

See???

I guess Miles is just a big lover of scenic hand-painted mural wallpapers with 4-poster beds.

The whole issue of the new Veranda is good, though, and I'm excited to see them continue on the path they're on.

Tune in tomorrow for the start of "Project: Paint Kitchen Cabinets (so they don't suck as much)". Me, my Dad, and I'm sure a few dogs all mixed up with some white paint and satin nickel hardware!

A Few Things....

2010-10-27T13:19:00.006-05:00

1) I have been busy busy busy getting everything ready and taken care of so I can go here:

New Orleans! I'll be seeing you tomorrow!

2) This is a sneak peek of some things that are coming after Halloween:

3) Remember to watch out for the candy that's already been partially unwrapped!

P.S. - Go Rangers!!!!!

Office Inspiration Board

2010-10-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

office inspiration by Racheltx on Polyvore.com

So, here's the plan (minus the bookshelves which I didn't have a good picture of and am still trying to decide whether or not to keep black, paint white, or some other color).

Dark green walls, white slipcover from Ikea to tie in with the big white desk that is already in the room, side tables in natural stained wood, a big reproduction of a Texas map, accents of silver and chrome, a little bit of plaid, bamboo blinds and seagrass rug...

It's coming together, bit by bit.
(finally)

Is there such a thing as too much plaid?

2010-10-19T12:15:00.005-05:00

I think the above photo shows that there is...

However, I kind of like this hallway. I think because there's really nothing else going on - the plaid is it.

I came across these while pulling some pictures for an inspiration board for our office (yes, we're still slowly slowly working on it - but remember, the tortoise finished the race!).

I know it's such a cliche, but I really do love me some plaid in the fall and winter.

How about you?

Friday

2010-10-15T14:14:00.003-05:00

Black wingback chair.

Cowhide rug.

Perfect nook for reading on a pretty fall day (that is, if you're not outside enjoying it!)

Have a great weekend!

Who Needs a Cat?

2010-10-13T15:03:00.004-05:00

When you've got this little guy killing mice in your backyard??

Yes, he and the chihuahua tag-teamed a little mouse who was trying to live in a bag of mulch. The mouse put up a little bit of fight, scratching Charlie's nose in the process, but ultimately he didn't win.

You should have seen their faces afterwards. Charlie and JJ just looked so pleased with themselves, so (dare I say it?) proud!

They finally got one. After months of tracking and chasing and barking.

Okay, must get back to work now....

I Got Nada

2010-10-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

...but some pretty pictures that make me happy it's fall

Who Will I Be Rooting For?

2010-10-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hmmm....

That's me, with my two besties - my little sisters.

It wasn't always like that. When we were all about this age, despite my cute angelic smile, I didn't really like them all that much. You know, having to share and stuff...

But now that we're all grown up, how could I resist these two??

Love them.

Go TCU!

What a Sham

2010-10-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

I made some pillow shams for our bed recently, and am pretty proud of how they turned out:

(please excuse the wrinkly duvet... it was just pulled out of the linen closet!)

I have the tutorial posted here, if you'd like to make your own.

I'm so glad that it's Friday! It's been one of those weeks, you know, where both of your shoe laces break? (I heard that one this week, so evidently it's been one of those weeks for other people too.)

Have a great weekend!

And the Winner Is...

2010-10-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

Congratulations Linda!!

Linda, I know you said that there were two different ones that you liked, so email me and let me know which one you want!

Thank you all for entering!

2010 Historic Fort Worth Designer Showhouse

2010-10-05T11:41:00.009-05:00

I came across this slideshow and article by Rob Brinkley on our local PaperCity website. It covers the 2010 Historic Fort Worth Designer Showhouse, which is the old 1966 home of Eddie and Fran Chiles.

Designed by architect A. Quincy Jones, the house is gorgeous and modern. It's original interior decorator was Billy Haines, and the home still retains lots of original hardware and finishes.

Even more impressive than the Imperial Dishmaster above is the handpainted wallpaper below, which is in the entry and part of the living room. Original?? It was here when Fran Chiles moved out...

So pretty. I love hand painted mural wallpapers. Sersiously, I think you could stick anything in front of them and still end up with a gorgeous room.

Below is another view of the living room, including its Fortuny pendant light and strange and somewhat morbid poster art.

Dining room. Loving the wall-treatment here too, although it's not original. You can see a picture of the original here.

The view from the upstairs dressing room is beautiful. Not a huge fan of the blue chairs or lamp, but again - that backdrop makes almost anything look good.

Fran Chiles was a memeber of the Republican National Committee, and the Chiles' close friends included Ronald and Nancy Reagan who stayed in this room when they came to visit.

That is a Billy Haines' designed elbow chair there by the bed

The study area in Eddie Chiles bedroom. I like the rug and the artwork. The built-in shelves are nice.

The back of the house, showing the pool.

Look good to you? The house is up for sale for only $7 million through Kay Day Real Estate.

The home tour is on through the 24th, and you can learn more about it and the designers who participated here.

AND DON'T FORGET!! My giveaway for a Dash & Albert throw ends tonight, and the winner will be announced tomorrow!

*all above pictures by Rob Brinkley, here

Are You Ready for a Fall Giveaway??

2010-10-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today's giveaway is generously being sponsored by CSN Stores! If you haven't been to their sites yet, you should definitely go check them out - you can spend some serious time there. They have literally everything, I think, from furniture like a platform bed to home accessories, linens, and stuff to stock your kitchen with!

So, what is it that I'm giving away today?

If you win, you will have your choice of any one of the Dash and Albert thows offered on CSN's site.

Don't you love all the colors and stripes above??

With Fall and Winter coming up, I could totally see myself all curled up on the sofa, or in my favorite chair, with one of these. They're all cotton, and the weight is perfect to keep you cozy on those chilly nights.

They come in so many different colors and stripe patterns, it's so hard to choose!

To enter:
Go to their site HERE and look at all the throws, and then come back and leave me a comment with which one is your favorite!

That's it!!

**Edit** Silly me.... I forgot to tell you that this contest will be open until Tuesday night at 10 PM CST.

I'll draw and announce a winner on Wednesday morning!

(Please make sure to check back, and leave your email so I can contact you if you win!)

Good luck - and have a great weekend!

Business Plans

2010-09-28T21:27:00.007-05:00

You know how somedays you're just left a little uninspired? With such a plethora of pretty rooms and information out there on all the other blogs, I sometimes feel like I'm just repeating the same things - which is boring!

So, I thought I'd share with you something I've been working on. I've been working on starting up a small home business making dog beds and dog collar covers (because, you know, I have a little knowledge about dogs). I'm nearly ready to get it up and running, so I've been thinking of packaging - tags, bags, labels and cards.

I am kind of liking kraft paper. Cardstock for notes, boxes for the collar covers...

Tags - round or square? Maybe both??

I'm still considering iron-on labels for the beds. Yes? No?? Too cheesy?

I'll share more about the beds a little later, once I have some more to photograph. But here's a preview:

Another thing I've been up to?? Setting up an awesome GIVEAWAY!

Be sure to check back Friday for all the details.

My Case for a Second Home

2010-09-23T12:08:00.010-05:00

Sometimes, I really think I need two homes...

In the spring and summer, I love bright, light and airy:

But with the cooler months of autumn and winter coming, I lean a little more dark and introspective:

Cool, neutral and serene:

Warm and interesting:

Outdoor entertaining:

Welcome indoors:

All white:

Dark:

Unfortunately, you can't get all this depth and texture by just using a winter throw on your sofa. Psychologically speaking, it may be that because I live in such a warm (hot) weather climate, Texas, with it's long sunny summers, that I want for cool and simple interiors when it's warm outside. Hmmm...

Well, at any rate, I guess this is one more reason to lean towards a dark green, or some other dark color, for our office. Dark and moody... a great place to curl up and read. Or to surf through blogs. With a hot cup of tea, of course!

Tonight, I'm so excited to be going to the TCU/SMU game! TCU is going to steamroll over the Mustangs, and I can't wait.

Hope you have a great weekend! Any fun planned?

Again With the Bookcases...

2010-09-21T11:43:00.004-05:00

The bookcases above caught my eye in one of Grange's new ads. What I am loving about them, and what made me stop and take note for our office re-do, was that they are finished black on the outside, and the interior is left with the natural wood or wood stain.

Our Craigslist shelves are black, but not "real" wood with a grain that we could sand down. I've been thinking that we would paint them, but this picture offers up a kind of cool idea.

Enter this:

Woodgrain contact paper.

Not the same as real wood, I know, but for smaller shelves filled with books in a small home office done a super tight budget... I think it could be worth a try.

I'll be filing this away for later... once the crap is fully cleaned out. (Yes, we've hit a few stalls and bumps in the road...)

I really like this room

2010-09-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's warm gray walls, those dark linen chairs, that dresser, the unusual wooden table.... It's beautiful and masculine without being *grunt* MASCULINE.

I wonder if I could convince Chris that he really likes this look? ;-)

Have a great weekend!

*photo from Reclaimed Studios (it's her living room!)

Meet Maverick

2010-09-14T11:26:00.002-05:00

She's cheap, cute, and sexy without being too slutty... and she's my Halloween costume this year.

We met online, and I mail-ordered her this weekend, so she should be arriving Thursday. She's also bringing to the party a black pettitcoat ('cuz my legs don't look quite that good) and a black hair feather-thingamadoodle.

I hope to end up looking like a high-class saloon girl from the Old West, so that I can accompany my rootin-tootin' gunslinger cowboy husband on Halloween in New Orleans.

(Can I just mention how excited I am to be going to New Orleans for Halloween weekend??)

Watched Nate yesterday, and it was kind of "eh".

I'm hoping that he gets more into the process of his design - why he chooses something over something else, etc.

I didn't dislike the show, just thought it seemed to be geared towards somebody who's never picked up a design magazine or watched a design show ever in their life. He says that his show will get into giving people "the tools they need" to design at home, so I'm still watching to see what tools he bestows.

It's just that I wasn't that impressed by his trash "transformation" of spray-painting 3 panel floor screen to use as a headboard (duh). And I wanted to see more about the design process of the kitchen he redid for the single mother.

I did, however, like how he helped a couple to come up with a paint/color scheme for their bedroom -that was actually pretty cool.

My grade right now: C+

How's your Tuesday so far?

Will You Watch?

2010-09-13T10:59:00.003-05:00

Nate Berkus' new show premieres today - are you planning on watching it?

I'm not really sure what to expect.... Lots of design? Lots of talk? Pictures? Demos? Martha??

I'm recording it on my DVR to watch tonight, so I guess I'll see.

Anyone excited about this show??

It's amazing...

2010-09-09T20:50:00.002-05:00

No, this isn't our finished office...
Actually, it isn't finished yet (it's getting better, though).
But! I think we have found a color! "Calke Green" from Farrow and Ball. Well, more accurately, a colormatch of "Calke Green" from another paint manufacturer because, you know, I just can't justify spending that much on paint right now.

Really, I just wanted to touch base here.

It's amazing how quickly two short weeks and a long holiday weekend have gone and how busy I've been.

It's amazing how many empty boxes and old junk paper we've cleared out of the office.

It's amazing how much we still have left to go in there.

It's amazing how soft THIS is! It makes the best dog beds (more on this to come). Soft and cushy like down, but more supportive. And it feels soft and silky-smooth like buttah, baby.

It's amazing that it's finally football season again! Yay!!

It's amazing how how irritated I get whenever I hear more about this story. Just move it.

It's amazing that we're going to New Orleans for Halloween. Sooo excited!

It's amazing how good my pillow shams for our bedroom turned out (pictures coming soon)! They make me a little proud and happy whenever I make our bed in the mornings.

It's amazing how many magazines I have. I'm slowly working through them, but of course, the Dominos and the Cottage Livings are all "keeps".

It's amazing how looking at paint for one room of your house makes you want to repaint other rooms. Right now I'm thinking a Churlish Green wasabi-like color for our guest bath...

It's amazing that it's the weekend (almost) again! Hope you have a good one!!

Dark Green Inspiration

2010-08-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you remember, this is where we've last left our color decisions for the office:

Chris wants a dark green for the walls, but I think the greens he's chosen are a little too dark for our small room.

So, I've pulled some images to show him for inspiration:

I'm still debating on whether I'd paint the bookcases white (to go with our white desk), or if I'd paint them the same color as the walls but in a glossier sheen. Also, whether I would keep the slipcover blue or get a new one either in white or beige.

Hmmm..... decisions.

Of course, this is just MY thoughts for the office. Chris has his own "vision", as he's told me. I would like to find a good color that we both love and can be happy with (and that doesn't look black on the walls!)

More to come!

Baby Steps

2010-08-24T11:30:00.005-05:00

It's going to take a while to sort through all of this, but we did make some progress!

Okay, so the couch is still camoflaged by crap, but the bookcases are in place. And one has been filled up.

You'll notice that you can now see the top of the desk!

Progress, people! Progress!

We also played with some paint. Chris wants green - like "golf" and "country clubs" and "the Fox and the Hound" (a pub). So he chose really really dark greens. I am trying to steer him towards gray. Or at least not so dark green.

So, it continues...

Are You Kidding Me, Philadelphia?

2010-08-24T11:10:00.004-05:00

God bless Texas, I'm glad I don't blog in Philly. Not that I have any ads on my blog, but still, this is a little ridiculous. Next thing you know, they're going to start forcing people to get business licenses for their kids to have a lemonade stand, or to have a garage sale.

You can read the story HERE , HERE, and HERE

Dang

2010-08-24T10:32:00.003-05:00

So, I'm trying to upload pictures of our office (don't get your hopes up - it's still not finished!), but Blogger is being really really really slow and not uploading them. We got a little work done, more than what it looks like, but still have a ways to go.

Oh, and we played with a little paint.

But, for now, no pictures. :-(

Weekend Plans

2010-08-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

So, this weekend, hopefully we'll be tackling this:

My husband's office.

Well, and mine too. But this is "his" room.
Can you tell???

(Truthfully, though, I'm a little guilty of adding to the piles in here, too.)

We have plans in mind, it's just going to take a lot of work.

A lot of work.

So wish us luck.

Hopefully, you all will be doing more enjoyable things, like my niece is.

Isn't she the cutest??
Wish I were there to swim in the pool with her.

Have a great weekend!!

Wallpaper lust

2010-08-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

Remember this wallpaper??

I knew there was a reason that I liked it!

Notice the wallpaper from my summer's guiltiest pleasure:

It's very very similar...

Fun show and great set interiors. (But all was NOT revealed by the end of the season!!!)

And I'm loving both of these wallpapers. No idea what either is called, or who makes them (so if you happen to know, please share!!).

Skirted Console Tables

2010-08-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love skirted console tables. They look so tailored, and they can hide a world of sins.

I finally decided to attempt my own skirt for the eye-sore in our bedroom... our TV console.

The console itself is a good size for our room, and because we don't really have the money to go out and buy a new piece of furniture to take its place, I thought a slipcover would be the easiest and best option.

Our console before:

And after:

Sooooooo much better. Soooooo much better.

I used 2 old white Ikea drapes that I had (which had shrunk too much to use as curtains anymore), utilizing the top of the drapes as my hems. It really wasn't too hard to put together, although if I were doing it over, I would underlap the side panels more than I did to eliminate that gap on the corners. And I still think I will trim it out with some ribbon. But all in all, I'm pretty pleased with it! Especially being my first time at making one of these.

If you're interested in the step-by-step instructions I came up with, they'll be coming on a post over on EAD next week.

Seriously...

2010-08-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

Okay, going to be a little bitchy here....

This picture could be of my front yard. Seriously.

My marigolds have died. The New Guinea impatiens? Dead. My garden??? Although there's been two casualties, it's still hanging on by a thread.

Why???

Because it's been OVER 100 DEGREES (actual temperatures, y'all) FOR OVER 2 WEEKS STRAIGHT!!!!

100!!

So, to all of you out there bitching and whining about the heat... I laugh at you. And want you to shut it.

Just until we actually dip below the century mark, at least.

Which MIGHT be this weekend.

Maybe.

(If we're lucky.)

Oh, and if you stay outside for too long here, the soil isn't the only thing that ends up parched and dry...

Later, bitches. I'm off to sit in air conditioning. (Which is the best invention known to man)

Hi there!

2010-08-16T20:33:00.003-05:00

Whew!

Things are finally seeming to get back to normal for me... work isn't quite as crazy busy, inspiration is quietly coming back to me, and the want to just bury my head in the sand has gone!

I've been busy at home, too, with some things I'll share soon. A table skirt made to cover a not-so-great TV stand in our bedroom, some new pillow shams I've made to match our bedskirt, cleaning out our pit of an "office" (which is still not done, by the way), and a side project I'm hoping to get started.

I'm looking forward to making the rounds and catching up with everyone!

*photo from Timothy Whealon

Time off

2010-08-04T23:08:00.003-05:00

Sorry to be so silent the last week. Just need a little time off to catch up with work and life.
Thank you for your comments - they have been brightening my days recently.
Be back soon... promise!

*photo from Reclaimed Blog

Closets of the Rich and Famous

2010-07-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

All this work organizing my closet (and I'm still not 100% done!) has sent me searching for inspiration...

What better places to look than in the closets of the "rich and famous"?

Of course, they are all big, gorgeous, and perfectly organized...

Really, I think I could actually LIVE in some of these. I'm sure a couple of them are bigger than some of my previous apartments.

And maybe while this isn't a "real" celebrity's closet, who doesn't recognize this one?? I think this closet is about as famous as some of the girls.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

*right click on images to see the famous names these closets belong to

Cleaning Out the Closet

2010-07-27T11:07:00.003-05:00

It's a shame that this (above) is not my closet.

I have been thinking of painting my closet, however. The one above is really pretty - maybe it IS worth all the trouble....

Anyhow, my closet was looking more like the one below. Sad.

After getting a few new things to wear to work this weekend, I decided it was time to tackle and organize the mess that was our closet. I'm really ashamed to tell you that on the floor in a heap was a sweatshirt and a sweater that have been there since, well, the last time I wore them. Which was a long time ago, seeing as it's now July.

I'm almost finished. I still have my shoes and old purses (and other random bits) to go through, and then to put it all back together nice and neatly.

Hopefully my closet will look as nice and organized as this one. That would make me happy - am I the only one whose hearts skips a beat when I see things all pretty and organized like this???

How often do you go through your things and clean out your closets?

*pictures from: Google Images and TLC

TGIF!

2010-07-23T10:43:00.003-05:00

Sitting at home on a day off, trying to decide between staying at home and cleaning the house (which really needs it) or going out and doing a little shopping. I know, hard choice, huh?

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

DIY versus Aspirational Design

2010-07-21T10:26:00.003-05:00

I had an interesting conversation with a designer yesterday about low-budget/DIY-design versus skys-the-limit/aspirational design.

He was complaining about there being too many "flea market" blogs out there, advising people to "When in doubt, paint everything white" (at which time, I took a small gulp...).

While we both agreed that not many can afford to have the budget that many of the homes you see in magazines do, I think his point was that when you cheap-out on all your decor and design, many times you can tell.

(Not that I think the above room looks "cheap" - I actually kind of like it - but just pointing out that you can see the difference in money spent)
Not to say that you can't have an interesting mix of high and low, or that you can't truly find bargains and deals, but that spending some money on a few noticeable things really can (and often does) make all the difference.

I am lucky that I have access to some of the most gorgeous homes, and I love looking through all the shelter magazines and blogs - it can really be inspirational, even though my own home is a far cry from all of that.
Whether it is only the use of a certain color or finish, a furniture arrangement, the use of a cowhide under our kitchen table (still my current obsession)... and even though I know I will probably never live that lifestyle, these interiors inspire me to make the lifestyle I do live just a little prettier.

*pictures from: Jan Showers Design, Desire to Inspire, Town & Country, Desire to Inspire, Elle Decor (maybe??) via Cote de Texas

Giveaway at Appletree Staging

2010-07-14T16:11:00.004-05:00

Kristin over at Appletree Staging is hosting her very first giveaway from CSN Stores!!

As of now, I have a 50/50 chance of winning, and while that's pretty awesome, I think you should go over and enter too. Who couldn't use a $40 gift card to pick out whatever you want???

Enter by Friday, and if you win remember where you heard it from....

Black, White and ...

2010-07-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

every color under the rainbow...

(Just not all at once, please.)

Happy Tuesday!

Cowhide Rugs

2010-07-09T12:27:00.004-05:00

Right now, I'm slightly obsessed with cowhides...

I am thinking that a cowhide would be nice under our kitchen table.

Of all the different "colors", the one below is my favorite.

I know of a company that treats their hides with a silicon type of finish, which helps with cleanability.

Do any of you have a cowhide rug? What do you think of them?

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Any big plans??

Summer Camp

2010-07-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

We went to see "Grown Ups" this weekend (and it was hilarious!) - but it got me thinking of a summer lake house, and how I would decorate it...

Some nice throws available for those cool nights...

A touch of plaid or some stripes on the floor...

And a deep comfy leather sofa to curl up on...

Some modern with the rustic - a cowhide under the Bertoia stools in the eating area...

Classic and simple in the bedrooms...

And after a long day, a nice view of the lake from the bathtub...

How would you decorate your summer house?

The Red, White, and Blue

2010-07-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, and fun Fourth of July weekend!!

Can I Sleep Here?

2010-07-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

I'm not normally a loud-wallpaper kind of girl, but I'm loving it here. And after the week I've had at work, I'd like to curl up in this bed and just stare at the wallpaper until I pass out.
(Have you ever in your whole life done so much paperwork and writing that your deltoid is actually sore??? How about the bones in your hand - not the joints, the bones that go from your wrist to your fingers. Damn those 5-part forms... )

*picture from Elaine Griffin

Cloudy Skies

2010-06-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

With all of the welcome rain we've had in the past couple of days, I have been daydreaming of cloudy gray interiors like these...

There's something about sitting in a room like this while the rain falls outside.

(Can you tell that I wanted to stay home today??)

*pictures from: 30elm, and Design*Sponge

Patterned Carpets

2010-06-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

Wall-to-wall patterned carpeting...

What do you think?

Both pictures from Massucco Warner Miller

What I'm Loving Now

2010-06-25T11:03:00.004-05:00

The color green:

Go and read the rest of the list over at Elizabeth Anne Designs Living, where I'm posting today.

How My Garden Grows (in the heat)

2010-06-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Please excuse the glare, it's been a little sunny here.

So, everything has been growing like crazy, although with the heat they seem to have slowed down a bit.

The daylillies are blooming!

And so are the daisies!! Hard to believe they were teeny-tiny just a couple months ago.

On another note, don't you hate it when your nail gets a tear in it and you have to cut it off?? Just when my nails were looking nice...

At least I won't be missing many outdoor activities this weekend when I'm inside doing my nails.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Outdoor Inspiration

2010-06-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, so if I did live someplace cooler - like, say the Pacific Northwest right now - then I could be outdoors enjoying places like these... without melting.

This last image would be perfection. A pretty arbor with a nice hammock underneath.

*pictures from: Domino, Domino, Cathy Kincaid Interiors, Southern Living, Domino

New Orleans on my mind

2010-06-21T12:09:00.008-05:00

It is H-O-T down here, with no relief in sight. One place that I wouldn't mind being during a heat wave like this is in New Orleans. It is just so pretty, and if you're going to brave the heat, you might as well have something nice to look at! Plus, the drinks are nice and cold.

These are some of the images that come to mind when I think of it...

Ancient trees covered in Spanish moss...

The architecture...

Gas lanterns...

Courtyards...

The mix of the old and decrepit with the glamorous and new...

The huge windows that often open up to a porch...

And the tall ceilings with gorgeous chandeliers...

Where do you want to be today?

Chartreuse Lime Fizzy

2010-06-15T13:55:00.003-05:00

Not a drink, but how I'd describe the color on these walls:

I love the color in this room. This weird color somehow makes me strangely happy, and I'm thinking about using it for our bathroom. But, the shade and value of it have to be just right, or else it can turn scary.

Trying to catch up - sorry for the radio silence, but the internet at our house is out, and work has been (thankfully) busy!

And thank you to everyone who gave their opinions on rug designs!!! I really appreciate all the input!

*picture from House Beautiful

Opinions please...

2010-06-10T20:00:00.000-05:00

Which type of these rugs do you prefer??

Do you like more traditional Oriental rugs?

More modern?

Natural colors?

Zebra stripes?

Ethnic patterns?

Sisals or seagrass?

Flatweaves? Geometrics??

Depending on the style of your room, these are all great choices. But what is your favorite? I'm really interested for work. As I'm sure everyone knows, the economy is not the best right now, and we're trying to come up with some different and popular designs to show on samples to help sales.

So, if you were in the market for a new rug, what would you want to see?? If you don't see something here - feel free to suggest it! I'm totally open to all of your opinions. And remember, anything is possible!

Ikea's in on the Gray Craze

2010-06-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

Like the Ektorp sofa from Ikea? Well, now you can get slipcovers in a gray, brown, or beige cotton/linen/rayon viscose/poly blend. Very pretty.

Very pretty.... for $249. I realize that this is a good price for a typical sofa slipcover, but this is Ikea, and I would have thought the new covers would be cheaper. The whole sofa (including a white slipcover) only costs $399.

I saw these originally over at Cote de Texas. I'm glad Ikea's offering some really good-looking options, but I think it's priced a little high. What do you think?

Working from home today

2010-06-08T10:17:00.004-05:00

Due to my allergy to ant bites and a swollen toe, I'm staying home today. It's really too bad that my home office doesn't look like this one from John Turck. I've had this image for a while, I think it's from 2006 or so.... but I still think it looks like a beautiful place to work from.

Hope your week's off to a great start - better than mine, anyway!

She sells seashells by the seashore

2010-06-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

I think seashells and coral can be such pretty accessories and accents. They add a natural element, and can be interesting to look at.

Just be careful to not go overboard... you don't live at Eddie's Fish Shack!

Have a great weekend!

*pictures from: Decorno, Wisteria, Wisteria, My Home Ideas, MHI, Elle Decor, Google, Wisteria, Google

Gummi Chandelier

2010-06-03T11:39:00.002-05:00

Seriously?

Over the last week, I feel like I should at least have something like this to show for all the work I've done. But no. Don't you love it when you're busy, but have nothing to really show for it?

This "chandelier" must have taken days upon days to make. First question would be "Why?". Next question would be "If you leave the chandelier on for a while, will the gummies melt?".

photo from Google

New Pillows

2010-05-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

Finally.

Used some fabric that I've had for a while to make some new covers for the pillows on the couch (pillow covers with zippers!). I'm really liking the more neutral colors, and the hint of green in the stripe ties into the big green leather chair (that's not pictured). I also swapped out the sage-y green throw that's usually on the couch for this orange one that I've had (from Ikea) because I thought it all needed a little jolt of color.

I think the little guys approve.

Ty Pennington and Good Design?

2010-05-26T07:30:00.000-05:00

Extreme Home Makeover has really been doing some good design work on some of their shows. Last week's episode had several rooms that I loved, like this bathroom:

And this kitchen:

This is a desk area in a girl's bedroom where they lined the walls in a fabric that mimics hay because she loves horses.

The design team has really been using some fantastic pieces, like this chandelier from Bobo Intriguing Objects:

Also in the Master Bedroom (which I couldn't find a picture of!!) was a row of these picture stands from Mothology, holding the love notes the mother and father had written together (*sigh* so sweet):

It was a beautiful backdrop to the bed and headboard.

I found myself seeing lots of great design ideas incorporated into the house, like a deep drawer that pulls out from under the sink, instead of a regular cabinet with a door, which makes organization so much easier.

Do you watch this show??
(Does it make you tear up too??)

Monday!

2010-05-24T12:55:00.002-05:00

After a busy weekend, staying up waaaaaaayyyy too late to watch LOST and Jimmy Kimmel last night, and then waking up at 5:00 in the AM to take my husband to the airport, I'd just like to crawl into this bed and sleep.

Thank you pretty bedroom.

And thank you LOST for an ending so emotional that I even woke up this morning with the same feeling in the pit of my stomach.

It's the Weekend! Almost...

2010-05-21T12:00:00.002-05:00

Wouldn't it be nice to have Sunday brunch here???

(And another example of a table with a weathered paint base and natural wooden top.)

Have a great weekend!!!

Picture of West Elm's VP Alex Bates' beach cottage from this month's Country Living

Check This Table Out

2010-05-18T15:00:00.000-05:00

Go over to This Full Life and take a look at this project. She refinished this table herself (it was painted all black)!

I think it turned out so well. And her blog deserves more visits.

How My Garden Grows: An Update

2010-05-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

This was my garden a little over a month ago...

And this is it now...

Things are finally starting to grow and get fuller.

My calla lillies have come up and are blooming!

My blue pin-cushion flowers were kind of small...

And now they are big!

The paprika yarrow has just exploded and is huge!

The peach tree is coming along, although we only have 1 peach on it for this year. My daisies, purple coneflowers, and the chinese orchids are still left to bloom, so there's still more to come!

Happy Tuesday!

Hot

2010-05-14T11:20:00.003-05:00

Our air-conditioner at work is broken. So I'm keeping this image in my mind, and a tiny fan on at my desk. Here's hoping the guys who "fixed" it yesterday will be back very soon to really fix it this time.

I think that I would much rather be in the picture above than just about anywhere. You?

Have a great weekend!

One of My Favorite Things

2010-05-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

When we moved into our house a few years ago, my husband surprised me with this mirror we had seen at a local thrift store while searching for Halloween costumes. At the time, it was a weird fake bamboo color, but I knew it would look great painted red!

It only cost $10, and my husband knew that I had really liked it... It is one of my favorite things in the house, and it's been hanging in our entry ever since.

What are some of your favorite things in your home?

Dreamy...

2010-05-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Like a cocoon of off-white....

I stumbled across this image by Phoebe Howard and fell in love. Which led me to do a little more investigating of her work.

This isn't the only dreamy off-white space she's created.

Maybe I'm late in discovering her work? But I thought it too gorgeous not to share.

Have a great Wednesday!

A Dose of Sunshine

2010-05-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

It's been kind of overcast here the last couple of days, so I thought a little dose of yellow sunshine would be nice...

I think in the right shades, and in the right doses, yellow can be so uplifting! How about you? Do you like yellow?

Have a great Tuesday!

Pictures from: Decorpad, Martha, Cococozy, Absolutely Beautiful Things, Martha, Thad Hayes via Urban Sardines, Nskwood.net, Southern Accents, the Paris Apartment, Decorpad

And the winner is...

2010-05-07T00:30:00.000-05:00

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 17
Result:
10
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

and the winner is KRISTA!!

Congratulations!!

Email me and let me know which color you want, and your address (so I can come over for margaritas!!)

Stark at One Kings Lane

2010-05-06T10:37:00.004-05:00

Stark is having some major sale events over at One Kings Lane today! Everything from rugs and sisal, to their brand new paint collection...

As well as fabrics and wallcoverings....

The savings are big, people. Even for designers.

The sales run through Sunday May 9th, until 10 AM Central Time.

**********************************************************************************

And don't forget - this is your last day to enter the giveaway!! The winner will be announced tomorrow morning! Good luck!!

Color-Combo: Blue and White

2010-05-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Blue and White is such a classic color combination, and it seems like lately I've been seeing it more and more.

It looks gorgeous outside! I love using blue out in the garden, and it looks great here on the outdoor rug.

And there's classic blue and white pottery. Goes with anything!

It makes a serene and beautiful bedroom.

It can be an easy and inexpensive way to decorate a wall.

Still beautiful and serene in a bedroom...

It's interesting over cabinets in the kitchen.

And it adds some color to a foyer.

I'm using blue and white as accents in our guest bedroom to go with a painting that Chris' grandmother did - as a pillow on the bed, and in some pottery around the room.

How about you? Do you like the blue and white color combination??

And in case you haven't already - don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY!

*Pictures from: PVE, Cathy Kincaid Interiors, Wisteria, Little Green Notebook, Canadian House & Home, Domino, Habitually Chic, House Beautiful

Roman Shades Made Out of Mini-Blinds?

2010-05-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

It IS possible! And you can see how I did it over at Elizabeth Anne Designs today.

Thanks to Jenny from Little Green Notebook. :-)

GIVEAWAY!!

2010-05-03T10:58:00.007-05:00

Get out those blenders, and pull up those bar stools....

In honor of my 300 posts AND Cinco de Mayo, CSN Stores is partnering with me to host my very first GIVEAWAY!!!

Should you win, you'll have your choice in colors of this 1-quart ceramic bakeware pitcher. This super-durable pitcher won't scratch, and is dishwasher safe. Because of how its made, it will keep its contents either warmer or cooler longer than any other pitchers - which makes it great for my favorite drink, margaritas!! This is such a cute pitcher, it would be great for display even when you're not using it.

The rules are simple:

This is SPARTA!!

2010-04-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

Okay, it's not Sparta, but it IS my 300th post!

And in honor of that, I will have my very first GIVEAWAY next Monday!!

I will leave you with some Gerry-goodness...

Still kind of scratching my head about how a man like that watches TV on a couch like this:

Have a great weekend!!

Room photo from this month's Architectural Digest

My Favorite Kitchen...

2010-04-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

I have loved this kitchen ever since I saw in in the October 2007 Better Homes and Gardens. I love the island with that thick slab of aged marble, the built-in refrigerator with the chalk-board front, the little built-ins under the stairs with the baskets, the sliding doors to the garden, and I especially love the vaulted ceilings with the skylight.

One of these days, I will have a kitchen that looks like this.

Photos by Philip Harvey from October 2007 Better Homes and Gardens

Cupcakes, anyone?

2010-04-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

I made cupcakes. Carrot-ginger cupcakes with cream cheese icing. With cinnamon sprinkled on top.
Yum.

They were actually really easy to make, although I would go lighter on the icing next time (it's really rich).

Carrot-Ginger Cupcakes with Spiced Cream Cheese

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Makes 24 servings, one cupcake each

Ingredients
1 pkg. (16 oz.) pound cake mix
3/4 cup shredded carrots
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
1/2 cup Walnut Pieces, toasted
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
2 cups thawed Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip)

Preparation
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Prepare cake batter as directed on package; stir in carrots, ginger, 3/4 tsp. of the cinnamon and walnuts.

SPOON batter into 24 paper-lined medium muffin cups. Bake 15 min. or until toothpick comes out clean.

BEAT cream cheese in medium bowl with wire whisk until smooth. Gently stir in whipped topping. Spread over tops of cupcakes. *For sweeter icing, use more whipped topping and less cream cheese. Sprinkle with reserved 1/4 tsp. cinnamon. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutritional Information
Calories: Calories: 160
Total fat: 9 g
Saturated fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sodium: 125 mg
Carbohydrate: 18 g
Dietary Fiber: 0 g
Sugars: 10 g
Protein: 3 g
Vitamin A: 10% DV
Vitamin C: 0% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 4% DV

Kraft Desserts, MARCH 2010

Weekend Project: Painting Bamboo Shades

2010-04-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've been a busy girl around the house and at work this week!

One of my projects that I've been wanting to get done for a while is to paint a bamboo shade that I got when Linens N Things was going out of business. It's been sitting in the office waiting patiently on me for probably a year now, after I saw and was inspired by Eddie Ross and his dining room from the New Orleans Home & Garden Show.

This project was super easy. The hardest part is finding a place where you can unfold and lay the blind flat (the freezer in our garage worked well for me).

You'll need a bamboo shade, some paint, a brush, and a rag to wipe off the excess.

I decided I wanted to go for a whitewashed effect, so before applying the paint to the shade, I would wipe off much of the paint from my brush. If you are doing this, you don't want too much paint on your brush at all. If you're going for a more solid look, you can skip this part.

Start at one end and work your way up (or down) the shade.

All finished and drying! This only took me MAYBE 10 minutes, tops. So easy.

And, voila!

I really like how the shade looks in the bathroom, and I like the whitewashed effect. (Plus, if ever I'd like to change it, I can always paint right over it!)

Have a great weekend!!

Pimpin' Out the Porch

2010-04-16T12:44:00.015-05:00

Our back porch is nothing to get excited about. Unfortunately, the only thing it has in common with this space is that it's also long and somewhat narrow.

Now that it's warmer and we're spending more time outdoors, I'm on a mission to spruce it up a bit. The new-to-us used furniture from some family friends is really really nice.... but not the most comfortable. And it's not the prettiest shade of brown, either. So I'm going to start with some cushions and pillows:

These are from World Market - inexpensive and colorful. Fun.

We could also use a new rug or mat by the back door. How fun would something like this be??

Accessories... I love lanterns and candles. And pots full of plants. And twinkle lights. And old signs on the walls. Brightly colored cushions. And stone ornaments and statuary.

Hopefully soon our back patio can look something like this: inviting and comfortable.

Have a great weekend!!!

Pictures from: Cote de Texas, World Market, World Market, Dash & Albert, Ballard Designs, Pottery Barn, My Home Ideas, Martha Stewart

Oh, Martha!

2010-04-15T15:17:00.006-05:00

Martha emailed me today (personally, I'm sure) about some eco-friendly craft ideas she's had, and among the belt-buckle frames and tin-can jack-o-lanterns were these gems:

Painted recycled glass vases/jars/bottles. So pretty! And so easy!

How about a birdbath or birdfeeder out of an old basin? I really like this idea, and may use it for a replacement of our birdfeeder, since ours has seen better days.

And when you go to the beach, why not bring along your very own beach-towel bag?? There are so many cute patterened beach towels out there, and any one of them would make into a really cute and washable beach-tote!

This weekend, I have another project at home planned, and if all goes well, I'll tell you what it is and post pics. If it's a horrendous failure.... well, I'll just keep that to myself then.

Are there any cool projects out there that you're working on?

*All photos from Martha Stewart

How my Garden Grows: Part II

2010-04-12T08:39:00.011-05:00

I am back! Work and a wedding kept me busy last week, but I was able to squeeze in some gardening. Last weekend I went to a "plant swap"! How genius is this - you bring some of your extra perennial plants that you don't want or need, and trade them for some that other people have brought. I took some yarrow and strawberries (which are totally invasive, by the way!), and walked away with enough plants to fill in my bed!

I took home some purple coneflowers, which will look like this when they're fully grown:

And an obedient plant, which will look like this (only in pink) when it's mature:

I took some irises to plant around the base of my tree. They're a little floppy right now, but next year they'll look better.

Here is the peach tree - to the left and right are some autumn sages that my parents gifted to me from their yard, and in the back will be the purple coneflowers and some calla lillies. To the left of the autumn sage bush are some small sprouts of shasta daisies and the paprika yarrow that I already had.

Here is what the autumn sage will look like when it's grown and in bloom - really pretty! They attract lots of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Sandwiched between two more autumn sages is a Chinese orchid. I had never heard of these, but they are more like lillies than orchids.

Most of the time it'll look like an ornamental grass, but when it blooms, it'll look like this:

A close-up of the shasta daisies now:

And what they'll look like in a couple months:

So now that it's all filled in, I can't wait for it all to bloom!! As long as I'm lucky, they'll all live and do well. The bed was prepped, and I planted all of the newbies in the right places for light needs, so I'll keep you all updated!

I hope you all have a great Monday!

Hoppy Easter!

2010-04-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here's hoping that the Easter Bunny brings you lots and lots of chocolate!

Have a great Easter weekend!

Bookcases and Shelves

2010-04-01T11:43:00.003-05:00

This week I've been really busy at work helping to train a new hire, and I am so glad that tomorrow starts my weekend!

Today I am posting over at Elizabeth Anne Designs about bookcases and shelves. Go check it out here . Do you use your bookcases and shelves more for display, practicality, or a little of both? And are you one of those people who arranges by color or re-covers their books??? I've thought about covering mine old-school with the brown paper bags, but I didn't know if afterwards I'd look like a dork.

Camping

2010-03-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

"But the place which you have selected for your camp, though never so rough and grim, begins at once to have its attractions, and becomes a very centre of civilization to you..." - Henry David Thoreau

*picture from I Suwannee

How My Garden Grows

2010-03-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

This was my garden from last year:

Cut to 2010, and the great blizzard we had in February.

The tree? Dead (well, to be fair, it was on its last leg and probably half-dead already).

The pomegranate bush? The sage bush? Calla Lillies??

Dead Dead and Dead.

What did survive?
My orange daylillies, my blue pin-cushion flowers (pictured first above), my Japanese maple tree (thank God), and the paprika yarrow (third pic above).

So, we bought a peach tree, I dug up and divided the daylillies, moved the pin-cushion flowers and yarrow, and added a bunch of mulch - after we weeded and weeded and cleaned up all the dead plants. (Evidently, along with killing plants, snow brings with it lots of little weedy seeds because after the snow melted, the bed filled up with butt-loads of weeds.)

This is how it looks now:

Pretty sparse right now

Oh, and these little creeping blue flowering things... which I don't know the name of. But I bought a little 4-inch pot of them at Home Depot last year, and this stuff has grown!! So much, that I divided it, and the divisions are about 3 times larger now than the 4-inch pot I planted last year!

So, the plan now is to buy some more of the purple fringe-flower bushes to fill in the bare spots. I think that will help tie it all together, and I love their purple leaves!

More to come once those are planted, but for now, here is stage 1.

A Little Pink for your Friday

2010-03-26T07:00:00.002-05:00

I'm not normally a pink person, but in these images it just makes me a little happy!

Oh, and I'm so excited I just have to share with y'all - I learned how to sew a zipper into a pillow (finally)!! Sew exciting for me (har har)!
If you're interested in learning how to sew a zipper into a pillow too, you can at Design*Sponge.

Have a great weekend!

*pictures from: Decorology, Elle Decor, Better Homes & Gardens 1961 via Flickr, Flickr, Desire to Inspire, Joe Nye via Flickr

Pretty Window Treatments

2010-03-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

(I wish I had a better, more catchy title... but no.)

Curtains and shades add so much to a room. Here are some pretty pictures for your viewing pleasure:

Following those, here are some definite drapery DON'TS:

Hanging your curtain panels high can add height to your room... but don't hang them too high. Otherwise they'll just end up looking ridiculous like these do.

Toga style.

The fake-drape. Would it have been so bad to actually hang these on a real curtain rod??

I tend to like the idea that simpler is better. Too much trim, ruffles, pleats, pattern... it gets to be too much for me. But, I love the look of layering drapes over shades - natural or fabric.

Just my 2 cents.

Have a great Thursday!

*pictures from: #1 and #2 Cote de Texas, #3 Decorpad, #4 Traditional Home, #5-#7 Cote de Texas, #8 Decorpad, #9 Cote de Texas, #10 My Home Ideas, #11 Cote de Texas, #12 Cote de Texas, #13 My Home Ideas, #14 My Home Ideas, #15 Velvet and Linen, #16 Cote de Texas, #17 Cote de Texas, #18 Decorpad, #19 My Home Ideas, #20 My Home Ideas, #21 Desire to Inspire, #22 Little Green Notebook

**I am not naming where I got the "bad example" pictures from, however - if they are yours and you want them down, just let me know.

Plate Update....

2010-03-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

So I went to some thrift stores this weekend, but didn't find any contenders... not...a...one.

I think I'll need to scour some actually IN Dallas or Fort Worth. But I did find a really cute white purse for $5 at the Salvation Army!

It's Monday - back to the grindstone.
On a better note, at least the SNOW we got Saturday has melted!

Decorating with Plates

2010-03-19T12:22:00.010-05:00

Lately, I've been keeping my eyes open for some plates like this to decorate a wall in our dining area:

I love the look of plates grouped together on the wall. So simple and easy.

They can work in bookcases and hutches too.

What do you think? Are you a fan of this look?

And, more importantly, do you happen to know where I can find some inexpensive plates like the first picture in green/white?? (I've already checked with HomeGoods...)

Have a great weekend!

*pictures from: Google Images, Haven & Home, Desire to Inspire, Haven & Home, Southern Accents, Southern Accents, Blue Hydrangea

St. Patty's Day Green

2010-03-17T22:27:00.005-05:00

Unfortunately, it was ME that was green today! Chris was really really sick on Monday with some sort of virus, and guess what? Yeah, I caught it too. Thanks for sharing, sweetie. Luckily, I wasn't as sick as he was, but it's still no fun to be sick.

Hopefully, I'll be back to normal tomorrow.

Dallas Craigslist finds

2010-03-12T06:30:00.000-06:00

This week, Jenny over at MFAMB has been finding some awesome Craigslist buys for others who don't think their local Craigslist has much to offer. So, in that spirit (and since I was one of the commenters who said that my local Craigslist sucked), I thought I'd play along!

Here we go!

Here is a lovely settee for $250. With some linen upholstery and a whitewashed or limed wood finish, this would look great pulled up to a farm table.

This sofa has the same lines as Ruthie Sommer's from the original cover of Domino! Buy it for $200, cover it in some graphic pattern, and you can have the same look in your living room.

This dresser seems plain right now, but you could paint it a glossy color, add some shiny brass pulls, and it would be a knock-out! The dresser only costs $50, so you could really get a lot of look for not a lot of $$.

This chair is priced somewhat high at $450, but it has a wonderful shape and looks to be in good condition.

These chairs, though, are a steal! $60 for both! They need recovering, but they have a great classic shape that would look good in most decors.

And if those chairs aren't your thing, these wing chairs for $250 would look awesome in a bold geometric pattern.

Want a branch chandelier?? You can have this one for $800. A little pricey for Craigslist, but new ones run over a $1000.

Need a new dining table? Here is one for $250.

Too steep for your budget?? This one is FREE! Free, people. I'm really thinking I'll call on this one... I mean, it's free!

These two antique oak chairs are only $40. Paint them black, add some other black painted chairs, and go for the mis-matched look like Sarah Jessica did.

Did you ever see Little Green Notebook's red credenza re-do? It was fabulous. Fabulous! This dresser, which is $80 with the mirror included, could look like that (without the mirror, of course).

I really like the lines of this sofa, it's so glamorous! It needs new fabric, but for $250, you could have a new glamorous sofa for under $1000.

I have to confess, I've never bought anything off of Craigslist before. Have you?? What did you buy?

It's Friday people!! Have a great weekend!

Funny...

2010-03-10T23:20:00.002-06:00

Last night, my husband said the funniest thing.

After watching a "Just for Men" commercial and my commenting on how stupid they are, he said "They should make 'Just for Bald'."

*The above photo is NOT my husband's head, but this guy's.

Spring flowers

2010-03-10T06:30:00.000-06:00

You know, I planted some daffodil bulbs last fall. And I was so excited last month when they started to sprout! But then... nothing. Just little green shoots - no flowers. Boo.

I can't wait until I can start having flowers like these on my back porch again.

So I went looking for some spring flower inspiration!

Hopefully, in about a week, I'll be seeing these bloom! I think they'll definitely make up for my lack of daffodils.

Happy Wednesday!

Green Acres

2010-03-05T06:00:00.001-06:00

It's amazing that THIS is about 10 minutes away from me! 5.8 acres on the outskirts of eastern Fort Worth, where it meets up with Arlington and Hurst. If I had half-a-mil, I would totally buy it! Our very own little Green Acres...

I know this red barn has a tack room.... I wonder if maybe it could have a little room that looks like this?

Outside, I could set up something like this for picnics on pretty spring days (like the one we're having today!)

And on the back porch, a place to take off your boots.

Here is the foyer as it is. Blah.

It's narrow, so you can't do a whole bunch. But lightening it up, adding a more modern console table, and a seagrass runner to the stairs would do wonders.

And a lantern.

Also, I'd add a mirror like this one to help bounce light around. (It makes a great place to check your makeup before you run out of the door...)

Living room. There's some potential.

Other than the floors (which are beautiful antique pine), this is what I'd do.

Lighter walls with darker trim, charcoal doors and window sashes, woven window shades, natural rug.... neutral with splashes of color.

And some of these for decoration. Because I like them.

The dining room, once again, has some potential. But it's dark.

So, like the living room, do you lighten it up too?

Or, do you go with that cozy feeling and use darker colors?

The kitchen has red cabinets right now...

...which would change to something like these: grayed and aged-looking.

With a little white thrown in for good measure. Don't forget the butcher block island I'd have to add...

In the eating area, wouldn't it be fun to gather a bunch of mis-matched antique chairs around an old table? Oh, and the burlap balloon shades would be there too, because they're pretty.

Upstairs, we find a bedroom. Wait a minute... this looks familiar...

It looks so much better with a big antique mirror over the bed, don't you think?

Antique wood floors and flowy white curtains....

They didn't show a bathroom for this house, but if I were going to live here, this is what I'd like the bathroom to look like. Simple.

Well, it's about time to go and feed the miniature horses. Yes... because that's what we're going to raise on our farm!

(awwwww....)

Hmmm.... it's always nice to dream, right?

Have a great weekend!

*pictures from: Ebby.com, Ebby.com, My Home Ideas, Desire to Inspire, Head over Heels, Ebby.com, Desire to Inspire, Google Images, Google Images, Ebby.com, Cottage Living, Cottage Living, Blue Hydrangea, Ebby.com, Flickr, My Home Ideas, Ebby.com, My Home Ideas, Country Living, Smitten Design, Ebby.com, Country Living, Canadian House and Home, Alkemie, Google Images

Wallpaper lust

2010-03-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

If I had the money, I would cover my entire bedroom in this wallpaper! Probably our bathroom too!! Too much of a good thing, overkill, love - call it what you want, but I am drooling over this wallpaper.

The bright green color is so fresh and happy. I'm not normally a "green" person, but this wallpaper is doing it for me.

Awesome money-saving trick: not using the expensive wallpaper in the nooks where you wouldn't see it anyways! They just matched the green background with regular ol' paint!

This month's Southern Living magazine is all about Charleston, and this is super-lucky interior designer Jenny Keenan's living room. This room is gorgeous. Not 100% sold on the purple rug, and would probably use a slipcovered sofa, but love all the rest.

You can see the rest of the photos here.

New blog - Edit and Post!

2010-03-01T07:00:00.001-06:00

My friend Ami from Elizabeth Anne Deisgns is officially launching her latest blog today:

Have you ever wondered what figure skating can teach us about business?? Well, she can tell you!

For tips and advice on business and blogging, go over to Edit and Post here.

Let's talk about rugs

2010-02-26T07:00:00.001-06:00

I love this room.

When I think of decorating a room, rugs can be such an important component.

I think this rug would look beautiful in the room above, with it's washed out and faded design of cool tones. This is a new rug, made to look antique.

There are so many choices out there for rugs, made out of many different materials.

Cowhide rugs don't have to be hide-shaped. This rug is constructed with small rectangles, like a subway tile.

But you don't have to have a real animal skin. Here is Mrs. Blandings wing chair and boots on top of an antelope print carpet. Antelope print is really popular as an alternative to leopard or zebra.

Of course, striped carpets are a great pattern to work with (and look especially good on stairs!)

Brightly colored rugs can make a huge impact on a room.

And they can give you a color palette to work with.

But, neutral and softly colored rugs can really be beautiful too. I love really graphic patterns rendered in soft neutral colors.

Natural fiber rugs like sisal, seagrass, or jute are awesome. So so popular now because of their go-with-anything look and affordable price. They are great on their own or layered with another rug on top.

I love this picture from Country Living last fall! This is a flat-weave rug that was cut into pieces and put on the stairs as a runner. When you're installing a stair runner, it doesn't have to be one continuous length of carpet. Each step can be a separate piece, as they are either attached with tack strips or glued down.

Don't forget about your floors! Rugs and carpets really add to your room - bringing color, softness, and defining a space. Just please don't get an ugly one...

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

Monday (afternoon) caffeine

2010-02-22T12:34:00.009-06:00

A little pick-me-up for a Monday afternoon! (I apologize - I so meant to get these up this morning, but it didn't happen!) Any of these kitchens or dining areas would be perfect to sit in and sip on a cup of coffee or tea.

In love with the windows!!

I would KILL for architectural details like these!!

Nice mix of modern and trad.

I love the geometric tile on behind the range. And the green cabinets. And the huge island!

The open shelves are nice, as are the bleached ash cabinets and floor.

Since our kitchen is open to our dining and living rooms, I love being able to stand in the kitchen looking out over them while I fix a cup of tea, prep for dinner or put up dishes. Do you have a favorite spot in your kitchen or dining area?

*photo credits: #1 Domino, #2-#4 Flickr, #5 Cottage Living via MHI, #6 Canadian House and Home