Baby V. Nursery: Part 4

You guys want to see some more fun coming along in the nursery? It's almost done.  I know. It's early and a bit unnecessary, but to be honest, having this almost out of the way feels like a relief.  I know there are so many other things that are more important and worthy of causing a little stress (you know, like childcare and balancing work), and I just didn't want this to be one of them.  Now, granted, the nursery has basically no eternal value - you know, other than providing a home for the little babe.  But, the decorations, the paint, the toys? They don't really truly matter - and I get that.  But, it's been fun, and it will be fun to watch her enjoy the things we've curated for her. I'm hopeful that they'll grow with her and get her through many years in a room.

Here are some frames we've put up over her crib.  They are from a Rifle Paper Co. calendar.  We took 6 images out of it that we loved and that sort of matched the color scheme in her room.  Ikea did us a favor by selling us super affordable frames (like $9?), and my sister tirelessly sanded them down so that Brian could spray paint them gold (thanks Sis, I owe you).  For those that are interested in this Ikea hack, I can't recommend sanding enough.  We thought we would just prime them, but it didn't stick.. at all.  They needed to have a rough coat on them to accept the gold spray paint.

Sorry for the glare and the crookedness; hopefully we'll get some good pictures when it's all done.

Here's a few pictures I took through the process.  Oh, and the organization of this project? That's all the husband, not me.  I would have probably spray painted them on the ground. Him? Nope, he made a little ladder-thing for them..

Baby V. Nursery: Part 2

As I mentioned in part 1, we were really digging this lovely star wallpaper (below).  Not really digging the price tag though.  I've seen it range from $200 - $500 a roll, and considering we would need more than one roll just to cover the ceiling, well that really wasn't going to fly.  We've just painted the ceiling, and are now considering either going the stencil route, or applique like this smart lady did.  The problem with the latter is that we don't have one of those machines that would cut out the stars..

Here she is in action in a few little lady's rooms: 

I can't quite share a success story on this yet, but there's more to come on this little project!

Baby V. Nursery: Part 1

A year ago we didn't know where we'd be living now.  We felt like we were maybe supposed to move (not necessarily cities, but from our current house), but weren't sure of the details.  Well, a year went by and that desire truly subsided and we feel very content where we currently live.  If at some point we're called to move, well we'll do just that! But, for now, we know we've got a little room allocated for Baby V.  

For those of you that like these kind of details, here's a layout of the room and the measurements.  It's approximately a 10.5 x 11 ft. room.  

We messed around with furniture layout a few different ways, but because of the location of the closet, door and windows,  I think we're going to end up with a layout similar to below. 

With the above in mind, we mocked up an inspiration board. While I didn't originally think I was a pink person, I've changed my mind and we're going with a white paint with a pink tint.  It's not over the top, but it is definitely feminine.  Inspired by the Osborne & Little Coronata Star Wallpaper, we're doing a little DIY action on the ceiling.  Now we're on the hunt for vintage furniture, a crib, bookcase, curtains, art, ottoman and many other little things.  

Fresh Start

Work has started and I'm loving every minute of it.  It's crazy and busy, but that's just how I like it! I've been so inspired by all the people at my new company.  It's refreshing to start new and have a clean slate, but daunting to re-establish myself.  Fortunately, I'm still surrounded by great supportive people :-)

Now, onto decorating my space (because come on, you'd rather hear about that ;) This will likely be a work in progress, but for now I'll spend some time pouring over inspirations like this in hope that it will be just a 1/10 as beautiful!

via  small shop

3 images above via lonny

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Looking for inspiration with Thanksgiving literally days away? I've got your back.  We're not hosting Thanksgiving this year, but nevertheless I rounded up some ideas to stow away for future years, or to inspire you to get your creative kick on. 

For the dreamer in me..

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Now, lets get real.. or at least realistic. 

Place cards - good idea, especially if you're serving a large number of people.  It's always fun to shift people around from who they'd normally sit by. Helps strike up more interesting conversations. 

Oh, and personally, I would spray paint these pears gold (on a gold kick right now, and I can't help it).

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Alright, now Martha's people have got the right idea with these gold pumpkin place card holders.  I found little pumpkins like these at Trader Joes for about 60 cents a pop.  (Sidenote: Does anyone else say 'punkin' instead of 'pumpkin'?)

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Charger plates: The non-useful plates that go under the actual useful plates.  They are charming in my opinion - a complete waste to many others.  (we found some gold ones at Walmart last year on sale after Christmas)

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Flowers.  Yes, please. 

 

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Candles. I would personally add in some tall candles with this mix of low, but it's still a great table :-)

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A cute idea for a kid's table.  

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Now, lastly - make sure to leave room for the food.  

 

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That was fun.  What did I miss? Do you have any Thanksgiving decorating traditions you'd like to share? 

Happy Weekend

OK, halloween sort of creeps me out as I'm not really into the vampires, or monsters, or creepy costumes.. but, I think it's fun to get together and visit your neighbors and have a reason to eat candy.  This, is also awesome. 

Speaking of sort of creepy, we went to a costume party for work and Brian was an old man.  'Twas pretty entertaining. 

Just. Need. To. Make. it. Through.

One. More. Day..

Images via Pinterest

Cultivating Inspiration

The photo below inspires me.  Can I be honest friends? I haven't felt incredibly inspired lately.  I'm not talking about the blog/design/etc. it's more regarding life in general.  I believe God has been sifting through my heart lately, helping me find contentment in where I am currently, and moving my focus from the future back to the present.  It's such an incredibly difficult task for me.  I'm always looking for what's next to come - for my job, my family, my 'outer circle of influence'.  But, right now I'm just looking to be inspired by my current surroundings, and at peace with God's guidance, hand and will for my future..

via Pink Wallpaper



Open Shelving Kitchen Beauties

Via House Beautiful and Los Angeles Times

Ah the floors

Love them... each and every little square inch.. The rooms aren't too shabby either. 

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Dark and Stripey

I'm liking black.  Let's be honest, I always love black - but the below images have my heart beating just a little bit faster.  Oh, and the striped headboard? I think I want to try it..

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Pretty in Purple

I'm sure this may not tickle all your fancies the way it does mine, but I am loving the amethyst trend.  Now, it's way too expensive and probably not wise to invest in something 'trendy' - but it is oh so inspiring right about now! 

Hope all your days are going exceptionally well.  I have a friend visiting in Pittsburgh with me this week and she has been a huge blessing - it's just so nice to have girl time, and someone to share dinner with, etc...  On a different note, God is doing some exciting things in our family that I am really jazzed about and may someday share (nothing like moving or pregnancy or things like that though).

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Dreamin'

I want to be here right now. Sitting on that couch.  Gazing at that light fixture.  Instead I'm chilling in an airport on a synthetic leather seat with swollen feet from lack of circulation (flying always does that to me).  Quite a visual, eh? Almost to believeland (Cleveland, for you non-Ohioans).

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Kitchen Happy

Thought I'd share this beaut with you.  Love it. 

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Pretty

How does this work?  I am fascinated and aw'd. Does it make you crazy to stare at? Possibly. But it's still fascinating.  They are not videos, they are images.
   

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Lovely