A Whole Lotta Pumpkins!
SILVER
photo courtesy of bloomacious.com
BLACK & WHITE
and BROWN & GOLD
photos courtesy of ABlondAmbitionblog.com
LOVE this one!
photos courtesy of cuegly.blogspot.com
PLACE CARDS
photo courtesy of thedomesticprncs.blogspot.com
and martha stewart...of course!
I hope you enjoyed the pumpkins as much as I did...now i need to post my front stoop for you to view as well!
INDUSTRIAL is not just for the factory
If you've been reading this blog for any length of time then you may well already know that I am a huge fan of METAL, and especially anything galvanized!
But I love the feel it gives a room when mixed with a good fabric and a decorator trim...kind of like adding leather to lace
This past weekend, while browsing around one of my favorite spots I ran across this...Furniture Factory Cart from Restoration Hardware
insert angels singing...
now even though this may cost a gazillion dollars...i can see me searching high and low at a salvage yard for heavy duty wheels and a pallet and for nowhere near that price!
gotta love Martha...even though this kitchen is somewhat modern, i still love the metal bar stools and the island on wheels
LOCKERS
need i say more? i have wanted a set of lockers for-ev-er. and these are black!
last two photos courtesy of Maison Franschiase
i don't even know what this is but i want one! it's definitely not your typical china cabinet...huh?
i've had this table saved in my "good stuff" file for sometime now...it's made of zinc! add about 10 (considering the looks of this table) parsons chairs around this and you've got a beautiful dining room!
Industrial furniture doesn't necessarily mean "metal" either...gasp! Take a look at these beautiful vintage pieces at Oh Happy Day
Unless you're the modern type girl, not that there's anything wrong with that...the key is to mix it in with what you have and that will make it pretty AND easy
*add an antique locker basket filled with white towels to your guest bathroom
*grab that old chicken coop at your local antique store and send it to me to sort mail/bills or shoes in an entry way
*find an old sap bucket and add fresh flowers
*heck, go for broke and buy a Viking Stove
There are many ways to add a bit of "industry" to your life without looking like the local kitchen diner!
Happy Shopping
ORGANIZING the PLAYROOM
This is an area of life that can certainly be overwhelming, atleast for us!
I like to try and live by these words..."a place for everything and everything in it's place"
but this can be much easier said than done
As Jackson is getting older (the ripe old age of almost 8!) the toys seem to get smaller and they need a place to call home...all 8347 of them!
This was the best thing EVER that we have purchased for the playroom!
The Expedit...from IKEA
it will hold a TON of stuff!
We have loaded it down with baskets, locker baskets and metal bins and each of them have a purpose. The metal bins hold Legos, Transformers and other action figures, we have four small red metal bins for pencils, crayons, paint/brushes and chalk and the baskets/locker baskets hold bigger items that won't fall through the cracks.
and he knows where it all goes!
we also have four large metal buckets (came from Target) that hold balls/gloves, a million Hot Wheels, larger cars and trucks, Nerf guns and swords of all types
now it's not uncommon for almost ALL of these to be "dumped" out at one point or another but that's a completely different post...about chores or something?
but having a designated place/bucket/or basket for certain items is definitely a good thing! I believe this helps Jackson know where to find something and where to return it. I also know that he will play with more things when they are kept in their place...kind of like "oh yea...I forgot I had this"...or perhaps only child syndrome, maybe?
Here are a few tips:
ACCESSORIES There can be a million little items that come with a doll or a box of Legos...keep them together! Gallon storage bags are awesome and inexpensive. I have also used shoe box size, clear organizers with snap on lids, they are stackable, see through and can withstand some wear and tear!
MEDIA Try to keep this in an area by itself, if possible. Cords, remotes and hand held devices can become difficult to keep up...video center consoles are becoming more and more popular and everything will have place of it's own!
LABEL Label those plastic bins and buckets! It doesn't matter if your child is at the age that he or she can read yet...use pictures! There will be no more excuses for not knowing where something goes!
RECYCLE Get rid of those toys that are never touched or are in need of a new home! This will create more room for new toys to play!
Do you have any tips to share...leave me a comment!
Happy Organizing!
on Thursday...again
FUN NEIGHBORHOOD PEEK
do your ride by a particular neighborhood...the one that has always caught your eye...especially at night, when the lights are on so you can peek inside?
earlier this summer, on the way to a birthday party...we made a slight detour to a beautiful little local spot
and drooled from the car window
i don't even know it's name...because i am completely distracted by the entrance
i could move right it...
to each of them
they are very different from the norm around here...long and narrow lots, which would mean long and narrow homes...outside shutters, covered walkways, beautiful landscaping, gated pathways, courtyards, and did i mention P-A-I-N-T-E-D brick, and trellises everywhere
see what i mean?
don't you just want to go inside...
i love looking at homes and of course i always want to see what's inside...
i want to see their fabric, their kitchen and the color they painted their walls and to see if they have as much black in their house as i do!
wouldn't you?
we've been doing it for years...
do you "drive by"?
The Kitchen Table
several weeks ago, i finally got the nerve to paint my kitchen table and chairs and I LOVE IT! i have always loved my 6ft long honey pine farm table with six matching chairs and with my favorite black and white check plates sitting on top
but now, I LOVE IT even more!
i believe a kitchen can say something special about a home...it gives a sense of family and togetherness and can be a place for us to sit and talk about our day
it's inviting
i like my table to be cleared of "things" and set with dishes and a nice "something" in the center
i want my table to say come, and sit here
oh my word! now this is my kind of table...
just look at this beautiful farm table with what looks to be galvanized chairs...i DO want to sit here even if it's to enjoy the flowers and the view outside
photos courtesy of BH&G
this kitchen looks huge! and that pot rack is to die for...looks like you could do some taste testing while sitting in here
now not every kitchen needs to be a big one...in fact, when we first got married we rented a place with a nice big kitchen that i walked myself to death in
sometimes bigger is not always better
photo courtesy of flickr
this small space looks to be an absolutely perfect spot for two!
add one more here...
check out these directors chairs in the Flower Patch Farmgirl's kitchen...what a fun idea and totally unexpected!
your table doesn't have to say "HOLIDAY" every day of the year...make it simple, make it pretty and make it inviting
i try to make it a point for our family to sit and eat together and although at times, it may be in a restaurant but we're still together
your kitchen table may be round with four chairs, a card table for two or enough to seat eight to ten people comfortably at Thanksgiving and Christmas
it may hold piles of papers, homework or mail from a week ago...
clear it off
and sit and eat together, you'll be glad you did!
ok, so it's thursday...bare with me
i wanted to talk about chalk...boards...and stuff other than plain ol' chalkboards!
that was a mouthful, i know.
it all started with this photo from Centsational Girl
it's a headboard...need i say more?
and here's another place to doodle from Design Dish
this frame is so pretty and what an easy little project to do!
and if you're looking for over the top...literally
photo courtesy of The Design Boards and i think this was magnetic chalkboard paint
Chalkboards are floating around the blog world in more ways that you can imagine. they are on the wall, displayed on a plate rack and i've seen them made with old cabinet doors and not to forget headboards and footboards too!
jackson has a HUGE chalkboard in his playroom...and we use it for everything!
spelling words
math problems
bible verses...
i painted it as big as i could get it and outlined it with yard sticks...it keeps him in the lines, if you know what i mean!
and i've always loved this!
galvanzied buckets and everything
Pottery Barn Kids has joined in...
showing their love with organizing...
a quart of this paint can go a long way and even a can of spray paint...it's simple and inexpensive and not just for teachers anymore
they are all using white boards, anyway!
Be sure to check out these links for more fun ideas...
you won't believe how many colors this stuff comes in Colored Chalkboard Paint
Imperfectly Beautiful great tips for doing it yourself
wedding ideas now who would've thought?
and last but definitely not least...
this one's just beautiful
now go get some paint, i'm sure you have something you can put it on!
This week we're talking Craigs List, The Goodwill, garage sales or heck...even by the side of the road!
i say that and my husband would shutter...but that's another story (and just for the record, he's actually coming around)
today, i wanted to feature a fellow blogger that i recently stumbled upon and boy, does she have some jaw dropping ideas for her thrifty treasures that will make anyone say WOW!
I would like for you to meet Holly at Life in the Fun Lane
she had me at this before and after...
need i say more?
we've all seen these ugly things...and wouldn't look at them twice, but not Holly...this girls got a great eye and can see the potential!
me...i tend to see junk!
but not anymore...i am a changed woman
in fact, i fell out of my chair when i saw this one...it's my absolute favorite!
it's so POTTERY BARN-ish
do you see how she took off those ugly overlays thingy-s (on the drawers) i would have never thought to do that...and then she added those beautiful drawer pulls
i hear angels singing
Holly is kind enough to give her readers all of her painting tips and other how-to's and let me first say that i am in need of a paint sprayer (especially after painting my little cabinet this week)
and i'm sure she would agree that the paint sprayer is her friend
the pallet of white in her home is undeniably gorgeous and i love the simplicity
but for me, i need a bit more color!
i'm sure these pieces could be transformed with any color to acheive even more beautiful results (not Holly's pieces, she probably wouldn't like that...but you know what i mean)
so go out and find you a piece of furniture!
one that needs some LOVE and the best part of this is that it is so BUDGET FRIENDLY! you can't argue with that, right?
i am currently eyeing two pieces of furniture on craigslist and hope to have my hands on them soon!
but be sure to pay Holly a visit and you will get to meet her precious little girl too!
thanks Holly for all of your ideas and inspiration and for sharing them with us!
LETTERS and NUMBERS
if you've been reading my blog for any time now, then you have probably caught on to the fact that i LOVE all things decorated with Letters and Numbers!
signage included
while "window shopping" i've noticed a lot of do-it-yourself letters and numbers, so now i'm on the hunt for something to do-it-myself...a little enabling never hurt anyone!
i would love a set of stools, although i have no where to put them
unfortunately, i have no idea where i found this photo
these numbers are just stenciled right on top...how easy is that?
and check out this adorable eye chart chandlier, i think it would be a perfect fit in jackson's room
photo courtesy of real simple
now here's a fresh approach to a elegant dining room
photo courtesy of carolina panache
again...these are stenciled and that chalkboard in the background is to die for!
and this one is as simple as it can get...
photos courtesy of junkmarket style
number 7 anyone? i'm working on a collection of three's...since there are three of us and all
photo courtesy of Flower Patch Farmgirl
i may have shared this one before...talk about fall out of your chair GOOD! now that's a three...
there are a ton of ways to use Numbers and Letters around your home...maybe you want to have a grouping of the number of family members...or possibly stencil your Monogram on your bar stools (lucky you...) or you may pick up one of those letters at Hobby Lobby, 40% off of course and hang it on your wall...mine is waiting for the perfect spot
whatever way you choose, it certainly can be done on a small budget!
and if you're ever in California you must check out Timeless Treasures this place looks to be absolutely amazing! not that i've been there but if i ever...ever, ever, ever get the chance, i will be looking through each one of those letters and numbers to find just the right one...or two!
this weeks Wednesday Window Shopping is all about Burlap!
some of you may think..."ok, so what's the big deal"?? but lately, i am noticing burlap more and more and it places you wouldn't necessarily think of!
i really started to notice burlap when my mom pointed out some beautiful drapes she saw in a cabin, in the north georgia mountains! this was a log cabin and you may think that burlap is a bit rustic when used as a window treatment but it's NOT...
look at these from a beach cottage
beautiful! and it filters the sunlight while adding a hint of color and texture to your windows...
and i think burlap would look great as roman shades!
and what about a table cloth...
photo courtesy of cherry hill cottage
i have to admit, this is one of my favorites! even with the "ruffle" at the edge (i am so not a ruffle person) i LOVE this! it really makes everything on the table come alive...maybe i'm secretly in love with the metal "snacks" box...i think we all know how i feel about decorating with metal
and here's another awesome idea from a beach cottage
and with the writing...oh my!
and this table from the daily decorator with the ball jars filled with summer flowers! good grief...i want to do this on my table!
and speaking of "letters"...
rhoda at southern hospitality did this little kitchen cabinet up right! she stenciled different names of spices on the burlap and lined the back of the cabinet!
table runners
photo courtesy of ABCD Designs
and there are a ton of pillows over at Etsy which would give any room a nice touch!
burlap is vintage...INEXPENSIVE...industrial...romantic...up and coming...chic...rustic...antique...pretty...simple
it's FABRIC for goodness sake! the options are ENDLESS...
it's not just for a bag of feed anymore!
Happy Shopping
since it's summer time and we are (for the most part) staying around the house...we are spending ALOT of time outside on the deck
it's nothing fancy but as i find myself cruising the world wide web i'm getting some ideas..
OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES
actually, it was meg that got me thinking...just look at what she did with her front porch!
and she used what she had...makes it so much more fun that way!
and this little humble abode
i believe i could beg, borrow and steal for something as sweet as this...
photo courtesy of melissa at the inspired room
photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens
i LOVE LOVE LOVE the simplicity of this pergola and just so you know, i have always wanted one of these! this one looks very inviting and just for the two of you...
it really takes no more than a little of this and a little of that to make an outdoor space of your own!use what you have...maybe that outdoor furniture needs a bit of a "pick me up" with just a can of spray paint OR perhaps you need to fill those flower pots with pretty shades of red, hot pink and white to add color to your backyard? there are simple and inexpensive ways to make a outdoor space come alive!
try these ideas...
*do you have a covered outdoor area just waiting for you to enjoy? add curtains or blinds to keep the sunlight at a minimum and it will add that extra something you've been waiting for
makes me want to stay awhile, what about you?
photo courtesy of country living
*comfortable furniture is key. there's nothing more to keep you from heading back indoors than something uncomfortable to sit on...maybe you have some fabric scraps lying around (what you talkin' bout willis? i have personally never heard of such...) that are in desperate need of show! make some pillows or chair cushions...it's really not that difficult. this will add color too!
*you must plant flowers. if i can do it...so can you. keep these suckers alive, they look better this way and you can ENJOY the fruits of your labor! if you are unsure as to what to plant or when to plant it...ask the nice person at Lowe's (or the other place that is not as nice) they are always willing to keep you in the know. flowers and plants alike are also a perfect way to add softness to a deck or a porch. group these together and you have a beautiful back drop for entertaining!
*outdoor rugs because they look pretty
*water features because they sound pretty
*fire pits because i have always wanted one...
*don't just grill out there...eat too! we use our grill a TON in the summer and actually in the winter too! so why not take the entire meal to the deck? it doesn't have to be an elaborate table setting or just dinner for two...family night out on the deck sounds like fun to me!
*and last but not least...don't think you have to have the perfect floor, walls or even a ceiling to create and outdoor living space, consider these instead
floors - grass, mulch, a patio or deck
walls - hedges, flowers, gardens, water features and fences
ceilings - arbors, pergolas, umbrellas, canopies and awnings
the possibilities are endless!
