Home Design Image

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I'm dreaming that my house looked like this today... <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKyodUvyoLlKRP7EHiwhyBKt0KzEwR5OdMfMeWzL2mUFEJdXXM_xeOAYkZ76cj_6_Jk6w1SB0_x-02man9IaXR6HmY8xC91BKVyG3aToQhuL191Oo3uuh5O_9wphtDOPz3KqH0_TgKcA/s1600-h/415813410_TyNFm-L.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273145934054042994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKyodUvyoLlKRP7EHiwhyBKt0KzEwR5OdMfMeWzL2mUFEJdXXM_xeOAYkZ76cj_6_Jk6w1SB0_x-02man9IaXR6HmY8xC91BKVyG3aToQhuL191Oo3uuh5O_9wphtDOPz3KqH0_TgKcA/s400/415813410_TyNFm-L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" /></a> I am totally obsessed with peacock blue these days. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J8d8xVwj94Z2hLGIYqU9PbNZ66SKfKdg5dlssENL2paoBYZGlFqFa0DPseBISOV3LdXPrhzF3wy6LLGxlczr-ZGDUds0XngIR6hvZblIysIkQ7ih-YwFTwuphvr9V5m_7FwUv89I-9A/s1600-h/415813459_4kMoA-L.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273145938122343250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J8d8xVwj94Z2hLGIYqU9PbNZ66SKfKdg5dlssENL2paoBYZGlFqFa0DPseBISOV3LdXPrhzF3wy6LLGxlczr-ZGDUds0XngIR6hvZblIysIkQ7ih-YwFTwuphvr9V5m_7FwUv89I-9A/s400/415813459_4kMoA-L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 400px;" /></a> I hope today is absolutely wonderful and that you are surrounded by loved ones and delicious food! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI9J26_sr9eBvuzdcz4r_3KbfhwEMXRvVkXg3GseDOlcSssBt2Ixs2SybwEl-_l2q5aptuPbCNGWf08sK8t082c33bfK7jLhLL9jNU_VHYxqKirIJt832rxBYPeRAp-YfZHUHdKzavEM/s1600-h/415813388_bPgz9-L.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273145948271593186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI9J26_sr9eBvuzdcz4r_3KbfhwEMXRvVkXg3GseDOlcSssBt2Ixs2SybwEl-_l2q5aptuPbCNGWf08sK8t082c33bfK7jLhLL9jNU_VHYxqKirIJt832rxBYPeRAp-YfZHUHdKzavEM/s400/415813388_bPgz9-L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 400px;" /></a> I used this recipe for sweet potato casserole (adapted from <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/">Allrecipes.com</a>) last Thanksgiving and it was so good. I think it will make an appearance again today. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDlJDtsJQka64c7Jy1pwtQtlsX3GhyphenhyphenB8T_AAgDickiD_SFLeQnS0SfG85-b48ptdNYX7SVST_Tr2dBOowocIqFjwl_R-pKCVKtSpi_5wVcqyloIJNDd-dFyBlGpAcxjStBNpWOlhDpGI/s1600-h/sweet-potato-ck-1673131-x.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273146678577177650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDlJDtsJQka64c7Jy1pwtQtlsX3GhyphenhyphenB8T_AAgDickiD_SFLeQnS0SfG85-b48ptdNYX7SVST_Tr2dBOowocIqFjwl_R-pKCVKtSpi_5wVcqyloIJNDd-dFyBlGpAcxjStBNpWOlhDpGI/s400/sweet-potato-ck-1673131-x.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a> <h2>INGREDIENTS </h2> <ul><li>3 large sweet potatoes, peeled, chopped, boiled and mashed </li><li> 1 cup white sugar</li><li> 2 eggs</li><li> 1/3 cup butter</li><li> 1/3 cup milk</li><li> 1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li> </li><li> 1 cup packed brown sugar</li><li> 1 cup chopped pecans</li><li> 1/3 cup all-purpose flour</li><li> 1/3 cup butter, melted</li><li>2 cups mini marshmallows </li></ul>  <div class="recipe centercontent2">  <h2> DIRECTIONS</h2> <ol><li> Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 2 quart baking dish. </li><li> In a medium bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, white sugar, eggs, 1/3 cup butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish. </li><li> In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, chopped pecans, flour, and 1/3 cup melted butter. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture. </li><li> Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.</li><li>Sprinkle top with mini marshmallows, bake for additional 5 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown. </li></ol></div> HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! See you all Monday!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I'm dreaming that my house looked like this today... I am totally obsessed with peacock blue these days. I hope today is absolutely wond...

3:02 AM

Wallpaper on eBay

I really love the look of wallpaper. It can be SO expensive though! If you have a small wall or room to paper (like a foyer or a powder room or maybe the wall in your master bedroom that your bed is against), check eBay for some incredibly good prices. Here are a few of my favorites available now on the bay: <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Retro-Wallpaper-Turquoise-Green-Pattern_W0QQitemZ170281920086QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item170281920086&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A4%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">Vintage trellis</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtraREBSfy6a4ExPAUfLgkEil5aSit8cCg6DxM9yeRemfBi1k29-6ed25FVlxSbwceKtHjB0xQWueiIrTr8-HfZsJpFbxouNWiSUJHK0BUkdGCchAYFEv2GXOVE9g0Pj7dhonZya0DQ8/s1600-h/cafa_1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272428904256202178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtraREBSfy6a4ExPAUfLgkEil5aSit8cCg6DxM9yeRemfBi1k29-6ed25FVlxSbwceKtHjB0xQWueiIrTr8-HfZsJpFbxouNWiSUJHK0BUkdGCchAYFEv2GXOVE9g0Pj7dhonZya0DQ8/s400/cafa_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-wallpaper-arts-crafts-wall-paper-Westminster_W0QQitemZ170281669158QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item170281669158&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A4%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">Red and white</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25OUE8BFGEYZXvam9AdP1_q25ZoLihb3CIcP09TeGWhUeDC1Mlj7iQslVO2rtUpgLsufpznorwuj6fKYdGnKwKTYtY3_1IzhSpoAHuSicW1q7QjcdYMkoqzXc0XfV1VwyqAf4DKptWsE/s1600-h/4810_1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272428773543397938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25OUE8BFGEYZXvam9AdP1_q25ZoLihb3CIcP09TeGWhUeDC1Mlj7iQslVO2rtUpgLsufpznorwuj6fKYdGnKwKTYtY3_1IzhSpoAHuSicW1q7QjcdYMkoqzXc0XfV1VwyqAf4DKptWsE/s400/4810_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvMgqEZz61KlDuZLg79hYtXC86s0PmKc8L2zyAyazSF8fjF1ysJVTO-QkYDznAkJqN50kuKcyViBpZTpY2mBEj33DBZr8HUGpS2HurBqWOWuvXh6v9Xk5LOVh521XejTak3b6wFAPqCQ/s1600-h/4447_1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272428769273831618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvMgqEZz61KlDuZLg79hYtXC86s0PmKc8L2zyAyazSF8fjF1ysJVTO-QkYDznAkJqN50kuKcyViBpZTpY2mBEj33DBZr8HUGpS2HurBqWOWuvXh6v9Xk5LOVh521XejTak3b6wFAPqCQ/s400/4447_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" /></a> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Villa-Nova-Grey-Pink-Wallpaper-NIP-Victorian-Floral-NEW_W0QQitemZ260321347950QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item260321347950&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A4%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">Big medallion</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6YQ3wG9iPGc8AmwPFSUDyt0ydfB1KpQyddr6GYynLzLnc1Q5Vok_kSklqp_ANvPPN1c7BqIlaP9ugP0lQo8iWtvHN7RgAHwrwBTRFwFHgOv9qtCCkG2QizGAC3gx7QbvyrZDxp-IdWI/s1600-h/75b0_1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272428766146540466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6YQ3wG9iPGc8AmwPFSUDyt0ydfB1KpQyddr6GYynLzLnc1Q5Vok_kSklqp_ANvPPN1c7BqIlaP9ugP0lQo8iWtvHN7RgAHwrwBTRFwFHgOv9qtCCkG2QizGAC3gx7QbvyrZDxp-IdWI/s400/75b0_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=260312933734">Great black and white with birds</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJMNweT1OJKX_jXDrhLdUtYTGti8BPzIxauAGFrQPQEHHgRXBDR6ULauJZRVeQbYb4ItilP9umBjdZrsvfqnM-SD07G9sO8w6pIxG2B7nVTsEjS1RkA3P9Bau1HdHGQoxjDOCdWlR1vY/s1600-h/CH28278b.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272428913379563666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJMNweT1OJKX_jXDrhLdUtYTGti8BPzIxauAGFrQPQEHHgRXBDR6ULauJZRVeQbYb4ItilP9umBjdZrsvfqnM-SD07G9sO8w6pIxG2B7nVTsEjS1RkA3P9Bau1HdHGQoxjDOCdWlR1vY/s400/CH28278b.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/COLE-SON-PAPER-ROSES-WALLPAPER-3-ROLL-LOT-AVAIL_W0QQitemZ270306000070QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item270306000070&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A4%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">Big graphic floral</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJndY60NCiTOMsancbOBfK9WxMy8hmho3mVB02bm5yCHZz_q5tP42KkmKptbZ4DOi9W2rasPR4P0EaMAEhiT6yTlSuFTRaJ8u3Tl6R2AO_vk7RBtpk4DuE8oVXugTrRBplhgSawn_Lpw4/s1600-h/9783_1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272428776920268466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJndY60NCiTOMsancbOBfK9WxMy8hmho3mVB02bm5yCHZz_q5tP42KkmKptbZ4DOi9W2rasPR4P0EaMAEhiT6yTlSuFTRaJ8u3Tl6R2AO_vk7RBtpk4DuE8oVXugTrRBplhgSawn_Lpw4/s400/9783_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=260314620937">Gray Art Nouveau</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnLN9OH6D5ex8DdXrb8f3Xy0Osfl5WXjup5V7TkpPU5a3bJZFCS1CwwNBTVKTH29TkTwnw16SfIpsS9VwFVaFhhipMt1WxxgsCeyj8mCk_18qJthj8CKcEXAT5DAzAmvQgXnorsaURsY/s1600-h/TU27103e.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272428990512989506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnLN9OH6D5ex8DdXrb8f3Xy0Osfl5WXjup5V7TkpPU5a3bJZFCS1CwwNBTVKTH29TkTwnw16SfIpsS9VwFVaFhhipMt1WxxgsCeyj8mCk_18qJthj8CKcEXAT5DAzAmvQgXnorsaURsY/s400/TU27103e.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="ttp://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-WAVERLY-WALLPAPER-green-trellis-on-white-ground_W0QQitemZ220316837983QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item220316837983&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A4%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1308">Fun green trellis</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjky6jX-IJKXpjNkI0VVNm1eFVstFzcHYehtInHwxHnJZ1FAULVBF-CWr_voT8zSkILJyjR2KxQdcfhvuS-IYc8dBQNrVIZgXrrA4i1RmDq5aG2of-aYrit3HHsPkLHHsHC_Pu4C0JSc/s1600-h/c208_1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272428897739231714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjky6jX-IJKXpjNkI0VVNm1eFVstFzcHYehtInHwxHnJZ1FAULVBF-CWr_voT8zSkILJyjR2KxQdcfhvuS-IYc8dBQNrVIZgXrrA4i1RmDq5aG2of-aYrit3HHsPkLHHsHC_Pu4C0JSc/s400/c208_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=310086424147">Blue flowers</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzHzI3J1btMxbyDQUhjYYlRhHh-O-3wkqTYG3D2wUkzpR__tGkailgSdPWj3kIqv42J-0aiMejhiyp5SqG5k3JAXLNCL88r7wN3QC3u-b7slWR1s6p9hF85XD7PhH8_6llTmZf8u06yM/s1600-h/176488627_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272428892403399650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzHzI3J1btMxbyDQUhjYYlRhHh-O-3wkqTYG3D2wUkzpR__tGkailgSdPWj3kIqv42J-0aiMejhiyp5SqG5k3JAXLNCL88r7wN3QC3u-b7slWR1s6p9hF85XD7PhH8_6llTmZf8u06yM/s400/176488627_o.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Pretty-Damask-Wallpaper-in-Black-and-White_W0QQitemZ130270049918QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item130270049918&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A4%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">Black and white</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_-0bM4trKSx_H4kJFU6cL4Ril0Y7UdxmMIwmHCnbuR9Z2wz4z9j1KiyY6J3apQGsHpSJYlLyKBbZp6PDvK5zwi1S0E4bagT5ErbFMtbhU-nBMSJOAWsCx-Q6MHpq3nDuWGLYECFv2Kg/s1600-h/7840_1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272428773636825970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_-0bM4trKSx_H4kJFU6cL4Ril0Y7UdxmMIwmHCnbuR9Z2wz4z9j1KiyY6J3apQGsHpSJYlLyKBbZp6PDvK5zwi1S0E4bagT5ErbFMtbhU-nBMSJOAWsCx-Q6MHpq3nDuWGLYECFv2Kg/s400/7840_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=120325865976#ebayphotohosting"> Gray floral</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOvtbBKfris3ZvCKeMMIgGHCyqFd1-qekRHQXxn0f3di1lEBbSinWvYtRfS6nnYRl9qOUGW_M8oHaPGf1ZgP7bHHP-VSAMxaupfomvoibxdDODATm37F11fp_peW1wekZ53CZmRREOSw/s1600-h/d53c_1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272428915602452082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOvtbBKfris3ZvCKeMMIgGHCyqFd1-qekRHQXxn0f3di1lEBbSinWvYtRfS6nnYRl9qOUGW_M8oHaPGf1ZgP7bHHP-VSAMxaupfomvoibxdDODATm37F11fp_peW1wekZ53CZmRREOSw/s400/d53c_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>

Wallpaper on eBay

I really love the look of wallpaper. It can be SO expensive though! If you have a small wall or room to paper (like a foyer or a powder room...

3:00 AM

Megan's IKEA Transformation

I love this email that reader Megan sent to me. I totally love what she did and I'm dying to try it! Thanks for sharing, Megan!! ---- Hi Jenny, I absolutely love your blog, it's great! I just found you yesterday after linking to you from Project Nursery. I loved your IKEA table idea, I've been thinking about doing the same thing and I was glad to know I wasn't crazy for even thinking of it. I was considering using wallpaper to get the crocodile affect, I'm pretty sure I've seen crocodile wallpaper anyway. In fact I did a similar project recently that I wanted to share with you after I saw your IKEA table post. We got a new TV that we're going to mount on the wall and I was looking for storage for underneath it, I found this chest of drawers that I loved, but it was way too much for us... <a href="http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=158&catid=13&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D13" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=158&catid=13&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D13</a> <img alt="inspirationdresser by you." height="326" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2959671001_3e317e0d78.jpg?v=0" title="" width="426" /> So instead I used IKEA Hemnes dressers and created a similar look using wallpaper to cover the fronts of the drawers.... <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meganc731/2960498578/in/photostream/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">http://www.flickr.com/photos/meganc731/2960498578/in/photostream/</a> <img alt="IMG_7538 by you." height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/2960498578_dafa3261bd.jpg?v=0" title="" width="500" /> I use this one to store our 2 year old's toys. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meganc731/2959657525/in/photostream/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">http://www.flickr.com/photos/meganc731/2959657525/in/photostream/</a> <img alt="IMG_7540 by you." height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2959657525_018cc86828.jpg?v=0" title="" width="375" /><script></script> Anyway, thanks for the great reads and ideas. I'm sure I'll be writing you soon to see if you can help me figure out my breakfast nook ;) Megan ------ P.S. Megan mentioned to me in a later email that she bought the short dresser on ebay and was able to reuse knobs from old furniture and saved a lot of cash. I've seen lots of Hemnes dressers on Craig's List too, so check there first if you're interested (like me) in copying Megan's look.

Megan's IKEA Transformation

I love this email that reader Megan sent to me. I totally love what she did and I'm dying to try it! Thanks for sharing, Megan!! ---- H...

3:18 AM

Heidi's Dressers

Heidi emailed me with pictures of her two vintage dressers. She loves the cottage, lived-in look and wants to bring new life to these pieces. This short dresser was purchased years ago by Heidi's family in England. It in not antique, but it is a nice, solid vintage piece. It has been well-loved over the years and there is a lot of wear to show for it. And recently some hand sanitizer ruined the finish on the top of the dresser. So Heidi is ready to to make some updates. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizavb5YVHDVNS1ZyL2yQ79qSvIl_GzxPKoejCcKRINKAoqoDQaVAN2hIYRe86ZqX4M6QyWSZi3S7sW3MuyQXZnf_dqhgVkHAwcclLwBOf5i9knRQffKsvVw6Eig7p7QnrWx80ooD7n7YU/s1600-h/IMG_4456.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270771568781224642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizavb5YVHDVNS1ZyL2yQ79qSvIl_GzxPKoejCcKRINKAoqoDQaVAN2hIYRe86ZqX4M6QyWSZi3S7sW3MuyQXZnf_dqhgVkHAwcclLwBOf5i9knRQffKsvVw6Eig7p7QnrWx80ooD7n7YU/s400/IMG_4456.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>I love the detailing on this piece. Here's what I suggest to achieve Heidi's favorite cottage look. 1. Trip to Home Depot. Pick up a quart of a soft robin's egg blue color. I like this one from Behr, called Aqua Pura. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_OxSk1NXUQM_Hha-KaouKn7cv_yIN4MdKRZSJeKHj2Q3M6wO5wy-__otwfYUAbm1TiXbSns_pJzxdJcFOnn4bgg17a25n6XRb0kOmWob9eeZsA8ZY4paU8seXK0VucjT5zdBXBRxLzk/s1600-h/Picture+18.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270799688151986370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_OxSk1NXUQM_Hha-KaouKn7cv_yIN4MdKRZSJeKHj2Q3M6wO5wy-__otwfYUAbm1TiXbSns_pJzxdJcFOnn4bgg17a25n6XRb0kOmWob9eeZsA8ZY4paU8seXK0VucjT5zdBXBRxLzk/s400/Picture+18.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 172px;" /></a>Also at Home Depot, get a quart of Ralph Lauren's <a href="http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/products/paint/pros_paint_assortment.asp">technique glaze</a> tinted in 'Tobacco.' <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkwW1nbroQtCix5GROppKnZ8hR_UE8wHwHo7Q72eEEyed9SFgtqZ3-6X2o1SwC1d_R2ow_Wqg1_N9H9iN-PC03Z2fQPdHtdUqMmFcJY1D8EgLdHVsg9o-f4JuFMI9jLye13ZjLfxm-uA/s1600-h/02_paint-assortments_31.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270796454759228418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkwW1nbroQtCix5GROppKnZ8hR_UE8wHwHo7Q72eEEyed9SFgtqZ3-6X2o1SwC1d_R2ow_Wqg1_N9H9iN-PC03Z2fQPdHtdUqMmFcJY1D8EgLdHVsg9o-f4JuFMI9jLye13ZjLfxm-uA/s400/02_paint-assortments_31.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 130px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh187EMCy-pEUx9lUwo6-vgzWpaS-1O6yKjPLmDbTLF_nksUWL_k2_2k5XKzyvJyU63Ax4zraMqbFvrZsED008vLqYPeaHqC1oce53aUlivoCG2J9QqZzow2R4r3WoExrd4gpM2CuRMNd4/s1600-h/Picture+16.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270796478916613106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh187EMCy-pEUx9lUwo6-vgzWpaS-1O6yKjPLmDbTLF_nksUWL_k2_2k5XKzyvJyU63Ax4zraMqbFvrZsED008vLqYPeaHqC1oce53aUlivoCG2J9QqZzow2R4r3WoExrd4gpM2CuRMNd4/s400/Picture+16.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 140px;" /></a> 2. Trip to Ace Hardware to buy a small bottle of McCloskey Fine crackle glaze (or if you are not on a timeline, order it for <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/McCloskey-Effects-Crackle-Glaze-Porcelain-6451-1-Pint_W0QQitemZ360098098544QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item360098098544&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">cheap on eBay</a>). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihv6qBlYLWhxgiOGK9VMWaYp2RImjfoDkEOe02s00SJuYj6cyC-l3m20hLN-29pcifSRR_cP0fjPzdf2J0cGFtafq4zwAkM7pCt4870Ck11tPC-L2fyThdoZChVAFXDumG1Hw9K3wSyMY/s1600-h/3e5d_1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270796471149811506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihv6qBlYLWhxgiOGK9VMWaYp2RImjfoDkEOe02s00SJuYj6cyC-l3m20hLN-29pcifSRR_cP0fjPzdf2J0cGFtafq4zwAkM7pCt4870Ck11tPC-L2fyThdoZChVAFXDumG1Hw9K3wSyMY/s400/3e5d_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 400px;" /></a> FYI -- it's not this type of crackle. AT ALL. So forget that. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57bdcSf5aP45mNPhxM3X7mW4irDdsmt-DR62D58r3TKpfGEVRf6VX52FgkJzxQ336A6pkR0OoR1_WdaadT0L0PpvPhim0LAQoXfw7y0525QgHJw6XJpcYl0mocnU6cqt4CngIZ5tN1XE/s1600-h/Picture+17.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270796683074040194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57bdcSf5aP45mNPhxM3X7mW4irDdsmt-DR62D58r3TKpfGEVRf6VX52FgkJzxQ336A6pkR0OoR1_WdaadT0L0PpvPhim0LAQoXfw7y0525QgHJw6XJpcYl0mocnU6cqt4CngIZ5tN1XE/s400/Picture+17.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 296px;" /></a>It's a very, very fine crackle that looks a lot like porcelain crazing, actually (Heidi is a <a href="http://mudbuds.blogspot.com/">potter</a> and an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=621407">artist</a>). This crackle medium is worth it's weight in gold. I LOVE IT. It's so subtle that it looks real. (see the fine cracks here below?) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnPAbJYwlD373uOPRF46nf3GupUEqBDw7u7Fwwyqps2yn1xeQEysp20kfgQujI_2BM44eQtVv8n56nIi-R9gyuK36DFOmnGxKiO4DpbYb13COcLEp-l-TGVh9Mx9tJo7VWy_McEr3E9U/s1600-h/p-crackle-01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270796474000868722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnPAbJYwlD373uOPRF46nf3GupUEqBDw7u7Fwwyqps2yn1xeQEysp20kfgQujI_2BM44eQtVv8n56nIi-R9gyuK36DFOmnGxKiO4DpbYb13COcLEp-l-TGVh9Mx9tJo7VWy_McEr3E9U/s400/p-crackle-01.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 506px; height: 379px;" /></a> 3. Remove the knobs. Prime the dresser with zinsser (or whatever you already have). 4. Paint the dresser blue. Do a second coat if needed. 5. Following the instructions on the bottle, apply the McCloskey glaze in an X pattern. Let it dry for 24 hours. 6. Using a clean, smooth rag, lightly apply the Tabacco stain technique glaze. Wipe it on and wipe it off. Try to get more in the cracks and crevices, and especially in the detail of the wood work. This really ages the piece and gives it the cottage charm look. Don't go crazy with the glaze though. A little goes a long way. 7. Replace the knobs once everything has dried and you're done! You can go back later with some sand paper to lightly distress the dresser, but I don't think it's necessary. I think it's going to look great! I can't wait to see the 'after' pictures. <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Awesome-set-of-Bakelite-Drawer-Pulls-Knobs-Handles_W0QQitemZ110312560945QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArchitectural_Garden?hash=item110312560945&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"> </a> Heidi's second vintage dresser, which she bought at a thrift store for cheap, is going to be an easier process. I love this piece that is either from the 20s/30s or is at least inspired by that era. The current finish is not original. Someone went a little crazy with the shellac here. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLSWclsg4kI7c1PmFRTPAHg5NssdU5FwVgNzeKukHNiPDnY8-oossURY5LriRx7-t9YnQBgB9rZHt5MVWjQ3g0FavZ0n8qPt-JX9S4JNobYAwVjAY-hk0z5VjNYUZLzrMOuZwYwLTvkc/s1600-h/IMG_4453.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270771555763337266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLSWclsg4kI7c1PmFRTPAHg5NssdU5FwVgNzeKukHNiPDnY8-oossURY5LriRx7-t9YnQBgB9rZHt5MVWjQ3g0FavZ0n8qPt-JX9S4JNobYAwVjAY-hk0z5VjNYUZLzrMOuZwYwLTvkc/s400/IMG_4453.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> Heidi mentioned that she was okay with the finish and mostly didn't want to deal with stripping the piece. I think, though, that it would be very easy to prime this baby up and paint her in a soft creamy white. Heidi said in her email that she would especially like some new drawer pulls. While it would be easy enough to paint the existing ones, I think these incredible vintage <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Awesome-set-of-Bakelite-Drawer-Pulls-Knobs-Handles_W0QQitemZ110312560945QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArchitectural_Garden?hash=item110312560945&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">Bakelite</a> drawer pulls would be so fabulous. And I love that these are from the same era as the dresser. They were meant to be. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyFER25Cc2uIrB4yjBv-BKdfnGH7qZacPFCMOWirAChnY54Pjk-IBP-JtibeKRWExgltNJK6qIz0lTSdwB5ayxa9zcYu7dQimjKmbT3fXEhZnUiuhZ2Ayp5lkorCBYdCQzWeoaEx9KLM/s1600-h/knobs1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270796471148103186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyFER25Cc2uIrB4yjBv-BKdfnGH7qZacPFCMOWirAChnY54Pjk-IBP-JtibeKRWExgltNJK6qIz0lTSdwB5ayxa9zcYu7dQimjKmbT3fXEhZnUiuhZ2Ayp5lkorCBYdCQzWeoaEx9KLM/s400/knobs1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" /></a> The result of the creamy white paint and the tortoise shell-like pulls would be so unique and completely classic cottage chic. I'm jealous. {Got some old furniture that you're not sure what to do with? Email me: jkomenda(at)gmail.com}

Heidi's Dressers

Heidi emailed me with pictures of her two vintage dressers. She loves the cottage, lived-in look and wants to bring new life to these pieces...

3:02 AM

Kid-Friendly Living Rooms

Cottage Living (<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122705448910339327.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">RIP</a>) put out some really, really great articles. I will miss that magazine greatly. {**Note to self: they are shutting down the website too, so go through the archives and save your favorite pictures to your hard drive!!} One of the girls I am helping redecorate her house showed me <a href="http://www.cottageliving.com/cottage/homes/article/0,21135,1667874,00.html">this awesome article</a> published in Cottage Living a while back. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45HWtWr7OcvhpSArNPrRf6LC3m5molbLF8pjlpnFxtlYY58Uf6okdkNQe2sDfNhZGOXSxUY2lMr0BLbe2b7it68krho0SequViWti9l2tQUP47Gzu_je0s8SaiRJ_wmnLpxl9vZZLl0A/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415529255440946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45HWtWr7OcvhpSArNPrRf6LC3m5molbLF8pjlpnFxtlYY58Uf6okdkNQe2sDfNhZGOXSxUY2lMr0BLbe2b7it68krho0SequViWti9l2tQUP47Gzu_je0s8SaiRJ_wmnLpxl9vZZLl0A/s400/Picture+11.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 400px;" /></a> I am in love. The space is soothing, but not boring. Hip, but mature. Gorgeous AND totally family friendly! Want to know the details and how to recreate the look for less? Read on... This incredibly gorgeous sofa is made by my personal favorite furniture company Lee Industries. I can't tell you how much I love this sofa. It is perfection to me. The high back. The nail head trim. That gorgeous fabric. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEx5sN7LdKyebhPdRj30fmfCpCO6yVBNosAahinLoSer7ZNnQ09aQxR-U7dL3SsoLes6vcWwXWfuVnDFazALIo1CO2BDwrhjXdnPWfLONIbIUSLrKfv2w-5TN302_V4UIrloK403CMF8/s1600-h/Picture+15.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270416422769505858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEx5sN7LdKyebhPdRj30fmfCpCO6yVBNosAahinLoSer7ZNnQ09aQxR-U7dL3SsoLes6vcWwXWfuVnDFazALIo1CO2BDwrhjXdnPWfLONIbIUSLrKfv2w-5TN302_V4UIrloK403CMF8/s400/Picture+15.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 386px; height: 262px;" /></a> Speaking of, this family used one of the best tricks in the book - indoor/outdoor fabric on furniture in homes with pets or kids. It is SUPER stain resistant and wipes down really easily. This beautiful indoor/outdoor print here is made by Duralee for Sunbrella. Since Lee Industries sofas and Duralee fabrics can be pricey for some of us on a budget, I think it would be easy to find a vintage sofa with great lines on Craig's list and then have it reupholstered in indoor/outdoor fabric that you find online. I picked a random city (Miami) on CL and searched for "vintage sofa." <a href="http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/fuo/896204814.html">This one</a> is different than the Lee sofa, but still gorgeous with unique lines. Plus it's down filled and $350! If you live in FL, you should snag it fast. I love it. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukqpYEGVHBJeCgVHcD6f2P5GC_b9aKpTzTsBEvv84-INSfqmV2mCPHNghPMoCPUu7x_kyFANrPds9lZpEhoSQqhppjZdwRKK4ZqIDz2Y3GjZAfvpg8PI7mWzpoMBEmHJMe9FhXZJC9D0/s1600-h/1291g314aZZZZZZZZZ8ar456f673d953f1720.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270435664298557554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukqpYEGVHBJeCgVHcD6f2P5GC_b9aKpTzTsBEvv84-INSfqmV2mCPHNghPMoCPUu7x_kyFANrPds9lZpEhoSQqhppjZdwRKK4ZqIDz2Y3GjZAfvpg8PI7mWzpoMBEmHJMe9FhXZJC9D0/s400/1291g314aZZZZZZZZZ8ar456f673d953f1720.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" /></a> Here are a few sunbrella fabrics on eBay that I thought were cool. <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=220311629964">Wide stripe</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNn_38u-DUFhL57SIvUyu5pF_JrQQIsX49vtdbEcCoMDird0SD8JdTNwuIQUBSJik9tBk02spwxxXPj6TxKzQNwXZEuHHiWyf22-5Nygla2XVV4nO2ErY5wo8hAJEAJoJ8Lu_hxgf0Y0/s1600-h/maximcocoa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270435944872504434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNn_38u-DUFhL57SIvUyu5pF_JrQQIsX49vtdbEcCoMDird0SD8JdTNwuIQUBSJik9tBk02spwxxXPj6TxKzQNwXZEuHHiWyf22-5Nygla2XVV4nO2ErY5wo8hAJEAJoJ8Lu_hxgf0Y0/s400/maximcocoa.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=330273821433">Teal geometric by Schumacher</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0DNkUsVVax_-BHoy6ngNLT8-qR7ZvJZfTYU7a7h4P_weF5yWx_wzb1jtqxf379rP6q5SoPbFGgybJT4XVmg28hN1YJnXy4ESh0U5kX5xtp0zmiPj_eN5znKbD6466TqtspBEiXQAi8g/s1600-h/afc5_1_sbl.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270437753613995042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0DNkUsVVax_-BHoy6ngNLT8-qR7ZvJZfTYU7a7h4P_weF5yWx_wzb1jtqxf379rP6q5SoPbFGgybJT4XVmg28hN1YJnXy4ESh0U5kX5xtp0zmiPj_eN5znKbD6466TqtspBEiXQAi8g/s400/afc5_1_sbl.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a> These are from outdoorfabrics.com and are less than $15 a yard. <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=330273821433">Pretty paisley</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82Ia-AVITCrl5570DzURWI2cUaWyImmrzFSqtZTrjy_FerWZVbi-2p4dZyhhr8nv8JAo-Kst6ZJjISmlqB14PvPyKpDi9QvkoviajwyKTYXmri5FRWu9Jh-FHGY1JHaPsNm5osjUcS8E/s1600-h/25110-0003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270435668743403298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82Ia-AVITCrl5570DzURWI2cUaWyImmrzFSqtZTrjy_FerWZVbi-2p4dZyhhr8nv8JAo-Kst6ZJjISmlqB14PvPyKpDi9QvkoviajwyKTYXmri5FRWu9Jh-FHGY1JHaPsNm5osjUcS8E/s400/25110-0003.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" /></a> Gorgeous <a href="http://www.outdoorfabrics.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=1527&cid=16">damask</a> that reminds me of the expensive fabric in the article (that costs about $100/yard). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FpXYwLNWXZ-KtaQ4eGF9FkXnClNbu5jpozYO45ZgFfGslTPs7v8Jo6dc__PTGgwzAZxhI2qUMErBm4m3Xn4B2FU-mvZJtzZeCyV7TY28YfT4_T-H1G6OJ6QYaAKJuYLR24WjEB30SEE/s1600-h/25152-0019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270435672285310306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FpXYwLNWXZ-KtaQ4eGF9FkXnClNbu5jpozYO45ZgFfGslTPs7v8Jo6dc__PTGgwzAZxhI2qUMErBm4m3Xn4B2FU-mvZJtzZeCyV7TY28YfT4_T-H1G6OJ6QYaAKJuYLR24WjEB30SEE/s400/25152-0019.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" /></a> Fun <a href="http://www.outdoorfabrics.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=1510&cid=16">trellis </a>print <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-O8YUvGiqiX5KF-c811egCB3xNam-8crpao16eTTzGlO-xjR51bHGZ9pzPSKh9D-zXOkTf1eAFdIw2hdjg8AhA29p4OwLz3hH8bAIywXtaMZxkeHNH42emYiCTBusw-iL9JpqOrDP2I/s1600-h/25300-0001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270435675265650466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-O8YUvGiqiX5KF-c811egCB3xNam-8crpao16eTTzGlO-xjR51bHGZ9pzPSKh9D-zXOkTf1eAFdIw2hdjg8AhA29p4OwLz3hH8bAIywXtaMZxkeHNH42emYiCTBusw-iL9JpqOrDP2I/s400/25300-0001.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" /></a> JoAnn's is another good place to buy indoor/outdoor fabric, because you can use your 40 or 50% off coupons. They usually have some good choices in the special order section. The Cottage Living article seemed to imply that she used indoor/outdoor fabrics everywhere in their living room. {I love these chairs. And that zebra ottoman is awesome.} <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn5Nq7Hh5Zj1h63GqtSg82Ks1WIx-H_R_NeSqwWa2dQ5AeWoBNUUKBWD2EJOxRfi0tqq4QJxas_x-vT01x8hRZmWqPi9k_YW6O0-hsEesvZcU8IQfmFQKSQtTCuUM-bwyDbz6LXXXH8I/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415519257743474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn5Nq7Hh5Zj1h63GqtSg82Ks1WIx-H_R_NeSqwWa2dQ5AeWoBNUUKBWD2EJOxRfi0tqq4QJxas_x-vT01x8hRZmWqPi9k_YW6O0-hsEesvZcU8IQfmFQKSQtTCuUM-bwyDbz6LXXXH8I/s400/Picture+10.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 379px; height: 400px;" /></a>She even used all weather fabric on the cushion of this antique deacon's bench in her entry way. Those big hooks look cool. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpGvvClLXPuUMg6oV_zwuccnUJtY03yMx6t4plUubsztPhf_t8kd_-FUshWwop6RNIa443bQPZPeGCkAOyAAgeqZ0SLp5rsVQivjwriPfDTu9l-eDHrBvegmJaeGsZmstouIqTdBMBSU/s1600-h/henry_hooks_l.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415282116193362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpGvvClLXPuUMg6oV_zwuccnUJtY03yMx6t4plUubsztPhf_t8kd_-FUshWwop6RNIa443bQPZPeGCkAOyAAgeqZ0SLp5rsVQivjwriPfDTu9l-eDHrBvegmJaeGsZmstouIqTdBMBSU/s400/henry_hooks_l.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>Notice all the yummy texture everywhere? You can get the same look by using seagrass rugs. <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Basketweave-Seagrass-Rug-8-x-10/47347/product.html">Overstock</a> has a great deal on seagrass rugs that look exactly like the ones below. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45HWtWr7OcvhpSArNPrRf6LC3m5molbLF8pjlpnFxtlYY58Uf6okdkNQe2sDfNhZGOXSxUY2lMr0BLbe2b7it68krho0SequViWti9l2tQUP47Gzu_je0s8SaiRJ_wmnLpxl9vZZLl0A/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415529255440946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45HWtWr7OcvhpSArNPrRf6LC3m5molbLF8pjlpnFxtlYY58Uf6okdkNQe2sDfNhZGOXSxUY2lMr0BLbe2b7it68krho0SequViWti9l2tQUP47Gzu_je0s8SaiRJ_wmnLpxl9vZZLl0A/s400/Picture+11.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 400px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSw9zDztPAOwKQE6NYFOID0bvI9GCokk4aDDYoU55VbLrZLGfplY3lvkZ6oEPXTYCx-DLyzuGjiTDvJEhDC6nbl5eVznWX-rtDl62ddeV_GbS-RBb-miqMPgV6Hx22YEJVpdQSXmh7QI/s1600-h/L916678a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270435941946293218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSw9zDztPAOwKQE6NYFOID0bvI9GCokk4aDDYoU55VbLrZLGfplY3lvkZ6oEPXTYCx-DLyzuGjiTDvJEhDC6nbl5eVznWX-rtDl62ddeV_GbS-RBb-miqMPgV6Hx22YEJVpdQSXmh7QI/s400/L916678a.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" /></a>Notice her drapes? Striped fabric hung on the horizontal (called railroading) adds visual interest. I am totally crazy over those bamboo dowels she uses as curtain rods. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUotfDRq1eOaToa_I4YdBInsgTxOS0k_7ToLJo4pad1uuG2nuv17zy86lqwVA3UPSnF5QoQpBDcAhvjoUUMknBCkf5ZWORHVIWYBv_k8s-eYBKXAl_2iu-EaBf1zaxPzjlVWi6vPBkM4/s1600-h/henry_curtains_v.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415276991583218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUotfDRq1eOaToa_I4YdBInsgTxOS0k_7ToLJo4pad1uuG2nuv17zy86lqwVA3UPSnF5QoQpBDcAhvjoUUMknBCkf5ZWORHVIWYBv_k8s-eYBKXAl_2iu-EaBf1zaxPzjlVWi6vPBkM4/s400/henry_curtains_v.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 240px;" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2VDNCplZ0W8J-H1kmgo1XbfSq385vgHjLxLWkI3e22gy7OEhj2pDuBUqesOngPzB87Yr9UORzyCC41sfst_PsrdUSKcxXVIVfz_whWF3M7LZBFayDZPNTS9GL94A-f4zVnq7zD6WLGA/s1600-h/Picture+13.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415745639808370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2VDNCplZ0W8J-H1kmgo1XbfSq385vgHjLxLWkI3e22gy7OEhj2pDuBUqesOngPzB87Yr9UORzyCC41sfst_PsrdUSKcxXVIVfz_whWF3M7LZBFayDZPNTS9GL94A-f4zVnq7zD6WLGA/s400/Picture+13.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 379px; height: 400px;" /></a>Do you love her dining room as much as I do? She painted an old beat up pedestal table a rich chocolaty brown. She also painted a vintage pendant lamp a nice khaki color. I love a little touch of industrial in every room. The vintage sideboard was purchased at a garage sale and then painted white. Love it {although the fabric tie-pulls are a little too sweet to me}. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAA50nlmB3uTyLTHsiutOSXHnIAeSNyKaDL3DL_btY9ExvkIh02n42Qyc_Jca33IFW8_KT8-LF_a2HRwwQnoD9lPmQkYO-hrsbVQRLEhNQOb_6FoCayRz-cRIZrQX05LJxVYP8-LY5GDE/s1600-h/Picture+12.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415529453233266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAA50nlmB3uTyLTHsiutOSXHnIAeSNyKaDL3DL_btY9ExvkIh02n42Qyc_Jca33IFW8_KT8-LF_a2HRwwQnoD9lPmQkYO-hrsbVQRLEhNQOb_6FoCayRz-cRIZrQX05LJxVYP8-LY5GDE/s400/Picture+12.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 400px;" /></a>And those chairs. Wow, I love everything about those chairs. Can you believe this is the before shot? How many times have you seen this exact chair at Goodwill?! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgzIt5p-HPczvVsg5lEwluj-vn0AX0_fewUwfaFDT-iqLCs9hB-h-mGwYxBmyKXCR1RPiLJeqnJtt_70n52h0oLciN4oXVwXlkGQqFr4UmfkCE4AeiEh9_MtEJKuQZK3TdyaAVaKqWyc/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415512236311538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgzIt5p-HPczvVsg5lEwluj-vn0AX0_fewUwfaFDT-iqLCs9hB-h-mGwYxBmyKXCR1RPiLJeqnJtt_70n52h0oLciN4oXVwXlkGQqFr4UmfkCE4AeiEh9_MtEJKuQZK3TdyaAVaKqWyc/s400/Picture+8.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 234px;" /></a>She reupholstered them in faux (vinyl) ostrich (she wipes the chairs down with windex after meals!!) and then a striped and monogrammed fabric panel on the chair backs. So chic! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBVsoO1egLD89URVeJZRpDjvv04EU77W-bAl_x-hrg_rYaJs9vafdLqBrkMYjbEraiLXtTo2cOa7sedFsFVVILJLySr36mJ_hpAkZ5jXi5t94A1wzFJbQoUmvQhvJRS7-B_rQrG36aD0/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415515644399634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBVsoO1egLD89URVeJZRpDjvv04EU77W-bAl_x-hrg_rYaJs9vafdLqBrkMYjbEraiLXtTo2cOa7sedFsFVVILJLySr36mJ_hpAkZ5jXi5t94A1wzFJbQoUmvQhvJRS7-B_rQrG36aD0/s400/Picture+9.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 235px;" /></a> Get your own <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-style-OSTRITCH-FAUX-Skin-Fabric-Anna-Griffin_W0QQitemZ110305734203QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116">faux ostrich here</a> for $7.95 a yard. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjKru3epu8WDCLJGZti4Oi6vvH3QJuNld7lQmT8eznIrNpTcVkMqX7TeTbsQiRTWrSYFvrub4VOWv4pihAe4tlXwnaM7DO_uEsEy8DOlpoh4WHQ83irZZbTya60x5_x9PqOQN-xX_0ok/s1600-h/415c_1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270435665900136178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjKru3epu8WDCLJGZti4Oi6vvH3QJuNld7lQmT8eznIrNpTcVkMqX7TeTbsQiRTWrSYFvrub4VOWv4pihAe4tlXwnaM7DO_uEsEy8DOlpoh4WHQ83irZZbTya60x5_x9PqOQN-xX_0ok/s400/415c_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" /></a> And you know how I love fancy chalkboards. This one is gorgeous and would be so easy to recreate. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuxqCGBHFG4ovJiXQaus2sP_Vi9B89rfDhcG1BX-pmhuXzPA2DO6oWxTiw0mAUHAcRoEAc-nkYTGE6GmLxDAT85m3_46LlcCbalZvphQmaGRXAzPtwBJ6Jh4uSu4QLVFqv9vdxISHwRE/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415748597206178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuxqCGBHFG4ovJiXQaus2sP_Vi9B89rfDhcG1BX-pmhuXzPA2DO6oWxTiw0mAUHAcRoEAc-nkYTGE6GmLxDAT85m3_46LlcCbalZvphQmaGRXAzPtwBJ6Jh4uSu4QLVFqv9vdxISHwRE/s400/Picture+14.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 400px;" /></a>And, just in case you needed to see this picture for the fourth time, here is the kid-friendly living area in all its glory. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45HWtWr7OcvhpSArNPrRf6LC3m5molbLF8pjlpnFxtlYY58Uf6okdkNQe2sDfNhZGOXSxUY2lMr0BLbe2b7it68krho0SequViWti9l2tQUP47Gzu_je0s8SaiRJ_wmnLpxl9vZZLl0A/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415529255440946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45HWtWr7OcvhpSArNPrRf6LC3m5molbLF8pjlpnFxtlYY58Uf6okdkNQe2sDfNhZGOXSxUY2lMr0BLbe2b7it68krho0SequViWti9l2tQUP47Gzu_je0s8SaiRJ_wmnLpxl9vZZLl0A/s400/Picture+11.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 400px;" /></a>What will I do with out <a href="http://www.cottageliving.com/cottage/">Cottage Living</a>?

Kid-Friendly Living Rooms

Cottage Living ( RIP ) put out some really, really great articles. I will miss that magazine greatly. {**Note to self: they are shutting dow...

3:51 AM

Fancy Chalkboard

<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2008/05/my-kind-of-chalkboard.html">Remember</a> this favorite mirror-turned-chalkboard of mine? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQCGSoinndsCfTGQrEQe9_jsqfgdVtacU4LDVn1vPU_VWm4dOfJfBCu1mJ6O7WQj3hds3NNRtZooy8vsKWCDfyQOURpAaww5x6UCe8YJUrxb3EDVm9J0G8pmr6HFYopPZJF06Pv_4v88/s1600-h/Picture+1+copy.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269705351503162226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQCGSoinndsCfTGQrEQe9_jsqfgdVtacU4LDVn1vPU_VWm4dOfJfBCu1mJ6O7WQj3hds3NNRtZooy8vsKWCDfyQOURpAaww5x6UCe8YJUrxb3EDVm9J0G8pmr6HFYopPZJF06Pv_4v88/s400/Picture+1+copy.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 349px; height: 400px;" /></a>I've been looking for a good frame to try and copy the look. I think this <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=58233&CatID=58233&Grptyp=PRD&ItemId=14420f5&cmRef=http://www.jcpenney.com/products/C58233.jsp">one</a> (on sale at JC Penney for $119) just might do the trick. Except, I'd get rid of the tacky "gold" and paint the frame dove gray, which would look great against the black of the chalkboard paint. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFFhC2DYoHlV-ybu9ZgKyI4LshpIR14rLFbrkeHtrnkFWIY4gdiFe3rYV_u_69xlEeKIL6WqeOJIgMv5mel_4U_85BJqPl64MyFjMZaNgtXlKUXpNYDJdtAgbdfATx9W1IfjTu0wL0Zw/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269705340650989458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFFhC2DYoHlV-ybu9ZgKyI4LshpIR14rLFbrkeHtrnkFWIY4gdiFe3rYV_u_69xlEeKIL6WqeOJIgMv5mel_4U_85BJqPl64MyFjMZaNgtXlKUXpNYDJdtAgbdfATx9W1IfjTu0wL0Zw/s400/Picture+1.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 381px;" /></a>

Fancy Chalkboard

Remember this favorite mirror-turned-chalkboard of mine? I've been looking for a good frame to try and copy the look. I think this one ...

4:06 AM

More Budget Nursery Ideas

Here are some pictures of my girls' nursery. They are really old pictures that some of you have already seen before on our family blog. I decorated the room about two years ago and my taste has changed since then, but I still think it's pretty cute and there are some good ideas here for cheap decorating that I was hoping to share with you all. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmY8HppdiyIpxUJ1e4rRqepsZI2peFq6DTwpofZIwoCTMGcmcjm2_nTgse8mOHjeBUP0guJvRwmF_MGFo91EVMsNZVg7vWp7KvmZDkjyLH2Kcly8Oaqk7g7n-dyqJisccILKtg-B22Eo/s1600-h/2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269101566370150242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmY8HppdiyIpxUJ1e4rRqepsZI2peFq6DTwpofZIwoCTMGcmcjm2_nTgse8mOHjeBUP0guJvRwmF_MGFo91EVMsNZVg7vWp7KvmZDkjyLH2Kcly8Oaqk7g7n-dyqJisccILKtg-B22Eo/s400/2.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a> I got the color inspiration for this room from a <a href="http://www.qbaroo.com/CosmoCricket/main.cfm?categoryoid=1&productoid=15">package of scrapbooking paper</a>, oddly enough. It was great because I made a little reference notecard with samples of all the papers and colors to carry around with me when I went shopping for the room. It was especially helpful for choosing my paint colors. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvPVy784Q-frkwY92MV81MlRYaxGjCbFKpuU_qZfOggY9QWfHdAyivWhTzVFzbJr_zunUk7JDs5y_QCpXb5Hh1GNi9IqvQu5cQmaL6Z8rPieZsaXzzNCIS51wd0xrmN4HpctT7srywXs/s1600-h/7.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269101654011635922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvPVy784Q-frkwY92MV81MlRYaxGjCbFKpuU_qZfOggY9QWfHdAyivWhTzVFzbJr_zunUk7JDs5y_QCpXb5Hh1GNi9IqvQu5cQmaL6Z8rPieZsaXzzNCIS51wd0xrmN4HpctT7srywXs/s400/7.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>I bought the rug on sale at Kmart for less than $50. It's obviously not the highest quality rug out there, but the colors were dead-on and I like the pattern. The baskets under the crib hold shoes and extra blankets. I bought them at Target for around $8 each (although I think you can get something similar at Michael's for even cheaper with your 40% off coupon). I painted them different colors, which has been helpful in organizing. Grace knows that her shoes are in the pale pink basket. The curtains are from K-Mart also. Well, actually, I should say the sheets are also from KMart. I bought two patterned flat sheets, split them in two, and sewed some pink pom-pom trim onto the leading edge. So easy. And cheap (less than $20 for everything). The white rods and clip rings are from Bed Bath and Beyond. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcfOgNwzh3XMOxGLIF6RACHrB8Z9WesuudMsj_llw_3XmolISpfno8w5FM3ZIwCjY0VfaEMqiIU3yBdusHmgwlYvmbJab0ewsV0CGQshmwtq3sK0ae815cSDJOYbqv2mNxcXLbHsUcSE/s1600-h/6.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269101647412968130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcfOgNwzh3XMOxGLIF6RACHrB8Z9WesuudMsj_llw_3XmolISpfno8w5FM3ZIwCjY0VfaEMqiIU3yBdusHmgwlYvmbJab0ewsV0CGQshmwtq3sK0ae815cSDJOYbqv2mNxcXLbHsUcSE/s400/6.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a>I bought the kid-sized pink night stand at TJ Maxx HomeGoods in the kids section. The full price was $49 but I asked for a discount because it was a little beat up on one side (that, to be honest, wasn't even that noticeable, but it never hurts to ask, right?). They gave me an additional 20% off. The lamp is from Target. I hot-glued some ribbon and trims to the cheap, white shade to fancy it up a bit. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4ckXG0uUjUjBpTa8bqRN7qZ2elC8BWuMshLnefWP30146B1LcDUY-ZMCz4qbUSy4z-kmBMGYp6-w57osVZH7vvw9_UAXsahFHqjwQ97vqsfuZt0TJfzwr8hMVRNJ9lCq9fgujz_u4Pg/s1600-h/5.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269101578307963362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4ckXG0uUjUjBpTa8bqRN7qZ2elC8BWuMshLnefWP30146B1LcDUY-ZMCz4qbUSy4z-kmBMGYp6-w57osVZH7vvw9_UAXsahFHqjwQ97vqsfuZt0TJfzwr8hMVRNJ9lCq9fgujz_u4Pg/s400/5.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a>We found that white dresser on the street. We cleaned and painted it white and lined the drawers with fresh paper. Good as new. For additional storage in the closet, I bought one of those cheap tupperware towers. I hot-glued coordinating ribbons to the drawer fronts to make it feel a little less like what it is - plastic. I found the art (above) from the etsy seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5108910">belle and boo</a> (I bought the "Lost" and "Found" prints). The artist, Mandy, is so incredibly nice - check out her stuff! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdjU3uPwgEfgwIr1kQAZkIdybG6dzB0oJX556lOhoD-6qoL7FTrG_f0HJgjtxnbR11CoFzHkuKAng_3jq2lDp4aM0UxyREoEkvGh4B_r4mpKWtRfzTPDbEjWEDG8S54a0TGSjkwAbABw/s1600-h/8.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269101658625485474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdjU3uPwgEfgwIr1kQAZkIdybG6dzB0oJX556lOhoD-6qoL7FTrG_f0HJgjtxnbR11CoFzHkuKAng_3jq2lDp4aM0UxyREoEkvGh4B_r4mpKWtRfzTPDbEjWEDG8S54a0TGSjkwAbABw/s400/8.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> It's hard to see here, but I found two matching crystal chandelier sconces at Z Gallerie on clearance for $6 each. Steal of the century. I spray-painted them pink. Other steal of the century: the little wooden pink ironing board seen above. I bought it at Baby Style for, get ready: $0.99! Later, I found an old metal vintage toy iron at an antique store that I cleaned and then sealed for safety reasons, but they look adorable together. The other accessories in the room (like the buckets, the hooks, the clock) were purchased here and there when I saw good deals. A little paint helps things look like they belong together even if they don't. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsq-p4bHbwXdqqlxuolgpQd97E1MZSHtnfRb07T-xgOsG5eIzOfbMxfsQn_yYpE2ffGovET6slk5gGySi3R9BHKmutV7vkqmQbA3mljlMEgZ_C9YqeEtiHmoItz41KQ6BbSknhGwz0bIw/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269101574298511106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsq-p4bHbwXdqqlxuolgpQd97E1MZSHtnfRb07T-xgOsG5eIzOfbMxfsQn_yYpE2ffGovET6slk5gGySi3R9BHKmutV7vkqmQbA3mljlMEgZ_C9YqeEtiHmoItz41KQ6BbSknhGwz0bIw/s400/4.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>For artwork over the crib, I bought a ton of canvases at Michael's, two for $3. They were already painted with sad little flowers and that's why they were so cheap. Normally blank canvas is pretty pricey. Anyway, using scrapbooking cardboard letters, some of the paper I was inspired by, acrylic paint and some ric rac, I did a little ABC series. A- Arizona (where we're from) B - Boston (where we live) C - Claire (my daughter) D - Dog (portrait of our old dog, Gus) E - <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=28fddbdcc370c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____">Eternal... F - Family</a> (portrait of our family looking in the reflecting pool at the AZ temple) G - Grace (my other daughter) H - Home (ours) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTE2H_b5ZAqbUNDyJ-zGe3Gxt0RsyZRvH6_FQjSPXNX8tWZLsxMYi4wuEB7VGqZmCM-XpKnKyjAxwQeTh2KJH5fCelqySAWeJEBcVXbk7fOXt3E_tA5SlizP4DGrA9S5UJXwQdfypUoU/s1600-h/3.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269101572320823506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTE2H_b5ZAqbUNDyJ-zGe3Gxt0RsyZRvH6_FQjSPXNX8tWZLsxMYi4wuEB7VGqZmCM-XpKnKyjAxwQeTh2KJH5fCelqySAWeJEBcVXbk7fOXt3E_tA5SlizP4DGrA9S5UJXwQdfypUoU/s400/3.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a>At a used book store, I picked up a great book of Maurice Sendak posters. I framed three of these posters that advocate reading books and supporting the arts. I created my own matting with some of the scrapbook paper. I also used the paper to decoupage those wood letters that I got at Target. The children's table set was purchased at Bed, Bath and Beyond with a 20% off coupon that I got in the mail. I think I paid about $20-$25 for the table and two chairs, which I spray-painted. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiMG210hGVVapkCH-IDLXC0-f-w_xB_y29R9ML2CJXyj3Innvw2zZUosS-QeTlsynhT1qvPVGH1jVmv4OzCMEj3c8qKPBhwmz9dkXVsBgmnihLWub2j3O2oLHO5a3X2nBjbgxV4OR7vc/s1600-h/1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269101566970802626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiMG210hGVVapkCH-IDLXC0-f-w_xB_y29R9ML2CJXyj3Innvw2zZUosS-QeTlsynhT1qvPVGH1jVmv4OzCMEj3c8qKPBhwmz9dkXVsBgmnihLWub2j3O2oLHO5a3X2nBjbgxV4OR7vc/s400/1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a>Claire's Jenny Lind style crib was a total steal on Craig's List. I bought the crib and a matching changing table for $30 total. I painted the crib and have the changing table in storage for later. Grace's toddler bed was originally white. I ordered it on walmart.com for about $40 and had it shipped (for free) to the nearest store, where I picked it up. I painted it a dark purpley-brown that I really love. Like I said, I doubt I would decorate my girls' nursery the same way today, but it has served its purpose the past few years. And because I did it all for so cheap, I won't feel guilty when I want to paint everything and start again when we move this summer! :) What are your ideas for decorating a child's room on the cheap?

More Budget Nursery Ideas

Here are some pictures of my girls' nursery. They are really old pictures that some of you have already seen before on our family blog. ...

4:01 AM

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