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Our Home

I really love our apartment. We waffled so much on where to live - uptown? downtown? Brooklyn? Westchester? In a (very literal) last minute turn of events, we signed a lease on a loft downtown and now it's hard to picture us anywhere else. Well, at least for the next year or two! ;) <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LoftFloorPlan.jpg" /> </div>CONS: - One bathroom, though that's pretty standard here, and it's really only an issue when we have guests - We had to build walls to make the bedrooms and my office. - This is also sort of on my pros list, but the floors are white epoxy over concrete. I love the look, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that me and my Swiffer mop are closer than ever these days. We're making the jump to a "no shoes past the entry" household. <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Z6SinJyYp2F_kamjl-G84JmZo2BpYKSRqd-dnJvV4airXqCgnQ.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">picture taken standing in what is now the girls' room, looking into what is now our room, followed by Evie's room (aka glorified walk-in closet) our of the shot and to the left and then the bathroom straight ahead. </div>PROS: - It's a big place for NYC - almost 1500sq ft! - Washer/dryer in the unit! yay! - Big windows - Now that we have walls up (see the floor plans), we have all sorts of storage space. All of the partitions are closets or bookshelves. - the open concept living/dining set up is really working out for our family <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/getimagephp.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">LR windows </div>Also, the downtown location has been so perfect. My husband walks to work - he's even able to sneak home for lunch sometimes! His hours are sort of less than ideal now, so this time is especially precious. I have loved getting your emails and comments saying how excited you are to see our new place. And I appreciate your patience so much. There's so much on my plate right now, but I finally feel like I can start focusing on decorating MY home again! Which, let's be honest, is my favorite thing to do. Here's a little sneak peek of the furniture lay out. This is so NOT to scale, and a few things have changed, but this gives you an idea of the way we divided up the space with the walls and our furniture. <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/floorplancopy.jpg" /> </div> I'm going to call it a week and take tomorrow off. I've got some sick kids at home (boo to cold and flu season!), and an old college roommate coming to visit for a few days. She's really great though, and won't mind if I'm slapping a couple coats of paint on my kitchen island or hanging artwork after our outings! <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/loft1.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">picture taken standing where our dining table now sits. </div>Have a great weekend! xx jenny

Our Home

I really love our apartment. We waffled so much on where to live - uptown? downtown? Brooklyn? Westchester? In a (very literal) last minute ...

2:30 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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45HWtWr7OcvhpSArNPrRf6LC3m5molbLF8pjlpnFxtlYY58Uf6okdkNQe2sDfNhZGOXSxUY2lMr0BLbe2b7it68krho0SequViWti9l2tQUP47Gzu_je0s8SaiRJ_wmnLpxl9vZZLl0A/s1600-h/Picture+11.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEx5sN7LdKyebhPdRj30fmfCpCO6yVBNosAahinLoSer7ZNnQ09aQxR-U7dL3SsoLes6vcWwXWfuVnDFazALIo1CO2BDwrhjXdnPWfLONIbIUSLrKfv2w-5TN302_V4UIrloK403CMF8/s1600-h/Picture+15.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukqpYEGVHBJeCgVHcD6f2P5GC_b9aKpTzTsBEvv84-INSfqmV2mCPHNghPMoCPUu7x_kyFANrPds9lZpEhoSQqhppjZdwRKK4ZqIDz2Y3GjZAfvpg8PI7mWzpoMBEmHJMe9FhXZJC9D0/s1600-h/1291g314aZZZZZZZZZ8ar456f673d953f1720.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNn_38u-DUFhL57SIvUyu5pF_JrQQIsX49vtdbEcCoMDird0SD8JdTNwuIQUBSJik9tBk02spwxxXPj6TxKzQNwXZEuHHiWyf22-5Nygla2XVV4nO2ErY5wo8hAJEAJoJ8Lu_hxgf0Y0/s1600-h/maximcocoa.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0DNkUsVVax_-BHoy6ngNLT8-qR7ZvJZfTYU7a7h4P_weF5yWx_wzb1jtqxf379rP6q5SoPbFGgybJT4XVmg28hN1YJnXy4ESh0U5kX5xtp0zmiPj_eN5znKbD6466TqtspBEiXQAi8g/s1600-h/afc5_1_sbl.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82Ia-AVITCrl5570DzURWI2cUaWyImmrzFSqtZTrjy_FerWZVbi-2p4dZyhhr8nv8JAo-Kst6ZJjISmlqB14PvPyKpDi9QvkoviajwyKTYXmri5FRWu9Jh-FHGY1JHaPsNm5osjUcS8E/s1600-h/25110-0003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FpXYwLNWXZ-KtaQ4eGF9FkXnClNbu5jpozYO45ZgFfGslTPs7v8Jo6dc__PTGgwzAZxhI2qUMErBm4m3Xn4B2FU-mvZJtzZeCyV7TY28YfT4_T-H1G6OJ6QYaAKJuYLR24WjEB30SEE/s1600-h/25152-0019.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-O8YUvGiqiX5KF-c811egCB3xNam-8crpao16eTTzGlO-xjR51bHGZ9pzPSKh9D-zXOkTf1eAFdIw2hdjg8AhA29p4OwLz3hH8bAIywXtaMZxkeHNH42emYiCTBusw-iL9JpqOrDP2I/s1600-h/25300-0001.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn5Nq7Hh5Zj1h63GqtSg82Ks1WIx-H_R_NeSqwWa2dQ5AeWoBNUUKBWD2EJOxRfi0tqq4QJxas_x-vT01x8hRZmWqPi9k_YW6O0-hsEesvZcU8IQfmFQKSQtTCuUM-bwyDbz6LXXXH8I/s1600-h/Picture+10.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpGvvClLXPuUMg6oV_zwuccnUJtY03yMx6t4plUubsztPhf_t8kd_-FUshWwop6RNIa443bQPZPeGCkAOyAAgeqZ0SLp5rsVQivjwriPfDTu9l-eDHrBvegmJaeGsZmstouIqTdBMBSU/s1600-h/henry_hooks_l.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45HWtWr7OcvhpSArNPrRf6LC3m5molbLF8pjlpnFxtlYY58Uf6okdkNQe2sDfNhZGOXSxUY2lMr0BLbe2b7it68krho0SequViWti9l2tQUP47Gzu_je0s8SaiRJ_wmnLpxl9vZZLl0A/s1600-h/Picture+11.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSw9zDztPAOwKQE6NYFOID0bvI9GCokk4aDDYoU55VbLrZLGfplY3lvkZ6oEPXTYCx-DLyzuGjiTDvJEhDC6nbl5eVznWX-rtDl62ddeV_GbS-RBb-miqMPgV6Hx22YEJVpdQSXmh7QI/s1600-h/L916678a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUotfDRq1eOaToa_I4YdBInsgTxOS0k_7ToLJo4pad1uuG2nuv17zy86lqwVA3UPSnF5QoQpBDcAhvjoUUMknBCkf5ZWORHVIWYBv_k8s-eYBKXAl_2iu-EaBf1zaxPzjlVWi6vPBkM4/s1600-h/henry_curtains_v.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2VDNCplZ0W8J-H1kmgo1XbfSq385vgHjLxLWkI3e22gy7OEhj2pDuBUqesOngPzB87Yr9UORzyCC41sfst_PsrdUSKcxXVIVfz_whWF3M7LZBFayDZPNTS9GL94A-f4zVnq7zD6WLGA/s1600-h/Picture+13.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAA50nlmB3uTyLTHsiutOSXHnIAeSNyKaDL3DL_btY9ExvkIh02n42Qyc_Jca33IFW8_KT8-LF_a2HRwwQnoD9lPmQkYO-hrsbVQRLEhNQOb_6FoCayRz-cRIZrQX05LJxVYP8-LY5GDE/s1600-h/Picture+12.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgzIt5p-HPczvVsg5lEwluj-vn0AX0_fewUwfaFDT-iqLCs9hB-h-mGwYxBmyKXCR1RPiLJeqnJtt_70n52h0oLciN4oXVwXlkGQqFr4UmfkCE4AeiEh9_MtEJKuQZK3TdyaAVaKqWyc/s1600-h/Picture+8.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBVsoO1egLD89URVeJZRpDjvv04EU77W-bAl_x-hrg_rYaJs9vafdLqBrkMYjbEraiLXtTo2cOa7sedFsFVVILJLySr36mJ_hpAkZ5jXi5t94A1wzFJbQoUmvQhvJRS7-B_rQrG36aD0/s1600-h/Picture+9.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjKru3epu8WDCLJGZti4Oi6vvH3QJuNld7lQmT8eznIrNpTcVkMqX7TeTbsQiRTWrSYFvrub4VOWv4pihAe4tlXwnaM7DO_uEsEy8DOlpoh4WHQ83irZZbTya60x5_x9PqOQN-xX_0ok/s1600-h/415c_1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuxqCGBHFG4ovJiXQaus2sP_Vi9B89rfDhcG1BX-pmhuXzPA2DO6oWxTiw0mAUHAcRoEAc-nkYTGE6GmLxDAT85m3_46LlcCbalZvphQmaGRXAzPtwBJ6Jh4uSu4QLVFqv9vdxISHwRE/s1600-h/Picture+14.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45HWtWr7OcvhpSArNPrRf6LC3m5molbLF8pjlpnFxtlYY58Uf6okdkNQe2sDfNhZGOXSxUY2lMr0BLbe2b7it68krho0SequViWti9l2tQUP47Gzu_je0s8SaiRJ_wmnLpxl9vZZLl0A/s1600-h/Picture+11.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQCGSoinndsCfTGQrEQe9_jsqfgdVtacU4LDVn1vPU_VWm4dOfJfBCu1mJ6O7WQj3hds3NNRtZooy8vsKWCDfyQOURpAaww5x6UCe8YJUrxb3EDVm9J0G8pmr6HFYopPZJF06Pv_4v88/s1600-h/Picture+1+copy.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFFhC2DYoHlV-ybu9ZgKyI4LshpIR14rLFbrkeHtrnkFWIY4gdiFe3rYV_u_69xlEeKIL6WqeOJIgMv5mel_4U_85BJqPl64MyFjMZaNgtXlKUXpNYDJdtAgbdfATx9W1IfjTu0wL0Zw/s1600-h/Picture+1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmY8HppdiyIpxUJ1e4rRqepsZI2peFq6DTwpofZIwoCTMGcmcjm2_nTgse8mOHjeBUP0guJvRwmF_MGFo91EVMsNZVg7vWp7KvmZDkjyLH2Kcly8Oaqk7g7n-dyqJisccILKtg-B22Eo/s1600-h/2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvPVy784Q-frkwY92MV81MlRYaxGjCbFKpuU_qZfOggY9QWfHdAyivWhTzVFzbJr_zunUk7JDs5y_QCpXb5Hh1GNi9IqvQu5cQmaL6Z8rPieZsaXzzNCIS51wd0xrmN4HpctT7srywXs/s1600-h/7.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcfOgNwzh3XMOxGLIF6RACHrB8Z9WesuudMsj_llw_3XmolISpfno8w5FM3ZIwCjY0VfaEMqiIU3yBdusHmgwlYvmbJab0ewsV0CGQshmwtq3sK0ae815cSDJOYbqv2mNxcXLbHsUcSE/s1600-h/6.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4ckXG0uUjUjBpTa8bqRN7qZ2elC8BWuMshLnefWP30146B1LcDUY-ZMCz4qbUSy4z-kmBMGYp6-w57osVZH7vvw9_UAXsahFHqjwQ97vqsfuZt0TJfzwr8hMVRNJ9lCq9fgujz_u4Pg/s1600-h/5.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdjU3uPwgEfgwIr1kQAZkIdybG6dzB0oJX556lOhoD-6qoL7FTrG_f0HJgjtxnbR11CoFzHkuKAng_3jq2lDp4aM0UxyREoEkvGh4B_r4mpKWtRfzTPDbEjWEDG8S54a0TGSjkwAbABw/s1600-h/8.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsq-p4bHbwXdqqlxuolgpQd97E1MZSHtnfRb07T-xgOsG5eIzOfbMxfsQn_yYpE2ffGovET6slk5gGySi3R9BHKmutV7vkqmQbA3mljlMEgZ_C9YqeEtiHmoItz41KQ6BbSknhGwz0bIw/s1600-h/4.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTE2H_b5ZAqbUNDyJ-zGe3Gxt0RsyZRvH6_FQjSPXNX8tWZLsxMYi4wuEB7VGqZmCM-XpKnKyjAxwQeTh2KJH5fCelqySAWeJEBcVXbk7fOXt3E_tA5SlizP4DGrA9S5UJXwQdfypUoU/s1600-h/3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiMG210hGVVapkCH-IDLXC0-f-w_xB_y29R9ML2CJXyj3Innvw2zZUosS-QeTlsynhT1qvPVGH1jVmv4OzCMEj3c8qKPBhwmz9dkXVsBgmnihLWub2j3O2oLHO5a3X2nBjbgxV4OR7vc/s1600-h/1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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

Someone Check My Math...

Does <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40104270">$12.99 IKEA</a>... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCm8q7sToapn8lWSsr7NeEAsJpNtvTCnuS6Ppnf7XknhrCzrfvsV-tOX4SJf4qufUCPAwzj7bnljREehxdxFRPdNnZGflkPsL-g_r1pL3Ft-eoIFFqVpF-KzOqLKJatw0W0KTkRWm_GTcx/s1600-h/ikea+lack+red.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268369961087074498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCm8q7sToapn8lWSsr7NeEAsJpNtvTCnuS6Ppnf7XknhrCzrfvsV-tOX4SJf4qufUCPAwzj7bnljREehxdxFRPdNnZGflkPsL-g_r1pL3Ft-eoIFFqVpF-KzOqLKJatw0W0KTkRWm_GTcx/s400/ikea+lack+red.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>+ $5 of <a href="http://www.beaconfabric.com/vindex.html?cat148.htm">nailhead trim</a>... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BFlud_HhNSlb7DwWWUf551ObEQII-U14NPbmNvKV90n7Hmr6hgHHK-paldggDpVsz-Hz4jXoppEvofzipBDk6x0aToxL4OmNjrG_UC0HAbFfTtxsS1FkI1UVD6s7OuTLA3p1XDRT2Uo/s1600-h/nailheadtrimp.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268524483682691074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BFlud_HhNSlb7DwWWUf551ObEQII-U14NPbmNvKV90n7Hmr6hgHHK-paldggDpVsz-Hz4jXoppEvofzipBDk6x0aToxL4OmNjrG_UC0HAbFfTtxsS1FkI1UVD6s7OuTLA3p1XDRT2Uo/s400/nailheadtrimp.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 89px; height: 250px;" /></a> + Stack of coffee table books underneath (to make up for the missing tray shelf) ... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdd-PrGiAV6l0peXXJXEboT6IeCeejiG_zWz8fSs66QdkbcY3oVRui_eWbuxDKrQkrE4CCcpJurLL3dFrfizPJJETGacJ4zach5RMatzvTbZkSoS53zmjd-IQfYgjIC2dQdySMraNSpc/s1600-h/design+books.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268523767203136642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdd-PrGiAV6l0peXXJXEboT6IeCeejiG_zWz8fSs66QdkbcY3oVRui_eWbuxDKrQkrE4CCcpJurLL3dFrfizPJJETGacJ4zach5RMatzvTbZkSoS53zmjd-IQfYgjIC2dQdySMraNSpc/s400/design+books.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> = $400 <a href="http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod38050101&parentId=cat6050749&masterId=cat2020732&index=23&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000010cat2020732cat6050749">Horchow</a>? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-k6ZQ0A_qEHgOxiYMuHRmKGksi2qgYa3OeKRN3VuZaRaEo8zKpw7lsVACS38_UY_q3CvyplSMlouLdqXR-JkeQfD0-ytfvMeZGNgUhrdG5unX3G7kut3_mvjciSynnmc8fb91OfcgSoL/s1600-h/HorchowCrocSideTable.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268369957104741858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-k6ZQ0A_qEHgOxiYMuHRmKGksi2qgYa3OeKRN3VuZaRaEo8zKpw7lsVACS38_UY_q3CvyplSMlouLdqXR-JkeQfD0-ytfvMeZGNgUhrdG5unX3G7kut3_mvjciSynnmc8fb91OfcgSoL/s400/HorchowCrocSideTable.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 399px;" /></a> {Is it even close enough to make a comparison? I know I'm missing the crocodile, but I think it could still be DIY chic...} <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSV9gnQKHzsPdZU0t_DkonE_OUagsl9NIJwCOxdElfaNm5Vhre3mADtmsxhkI5wLHYARs7iEomUsrhgTknxD9SZs6TvNx5fFkP6DsFQ-LIDwxTjd7SlFv-RT20NWuXsuYdhvRBXMTWHhU/s1600-h/horchow1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268369958815578610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSV9gnQKHzsPdZU0t_DkonE_OUagsl9NIJwCOxdElfaNm5Vhre3mADtmsxhkI5wLHYARs7iEomUsrhgTknxD9SZs6TvNx5fFkP6DsFQ-LIDwxTjd7SlFv-RT20NWuXsuYdhvRBXMTWHhU/s400/horchow1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 270px;" /></a>

Someone Check My Math...

Does $12.99 IKEA ... + $5 of nailhead trim ... + Stack of coffee table books underneath (to make up for the missing tray shelf) ... = $400 H...

8:31 PM

IKEA Bookshelves Get A Facelift

We had sort of an awkward corner in our living room that wasn't getting much use. A quick trip to IKEA and Lowe's fixed that right up. I got two of these inexpensive and extra tall white <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/13690607">Billy bookcases </a>from IKEA. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGeZ-NvtIe_mWB6w3cro8ypQGwd-QNpbn7rVPwIDgoNJ5wKqfxd7CZxXGdCF5zP6pBz9BfoGAl9aMo9WRykDSX6JdOyGexf9v51PShzv88q9FvYejowXqJjTphcY-KY0IIAgaDR8cEM60/s1600-h/billy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267578423837262434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGeZ-NvtIe_mWB6w3cro8ypQGwd-QNpbn7rVPwIDgoNJ5wKqfxd7CZxXGdCF5zP6pBz9BfoGAl9aMo9WRykDSX6JdOyGexf9v51PShzv88q9FvYejowXqJjTphcY-KY0IIAgaDR8cEM60/s400/billy.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>While my sweet and handy husband assembled the bookshelves, I painted the big boards that act as the back of the bookcase. I painted them a shade darker than the color of our walls. After these boards dried and had been tacked into place, I started the next project for fancying up the IKEA shelves: adding trim. I bought four 8-feet lengths of the simplest, smallest moulding that Lowe's had (less than $5 each). Using my $7 coping saw, which is a hand saw that makes very fine cuts, I made mitered cuts and trimmed out the exposed sides of the book cases. These also got a coat of blue paint and then were applied with Liquid Nails. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3X98KOyryW-bFGrhF8E_FMECV93OwrebSNdhtI1b6nNJCKERqg6nUpyGQHK2N0qZXcLQOCq3nCMQx27Pw5LIcatefGHddYf_YY096MsSTyfw_-GcyAG3HxayStFwa6j-vj7hk3w29wh2/s1600-h/MPj01755020000%5B1%5D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267576712059320658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3X98KOyryW-bFGrhF8E_FMECV93OwrebSNdhtI1b6nNJCKERqg6nUpyGQHK2N0qZXcLQOCq3nCMQx27Pw5LIcatefGHddYf_YY096MsSTyfw_-GcyAG3HxayStFwa6j-vj7hk3w29wh2/s400/MPj01755020000%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 193px;" /></a> Once everything was dry, I used wood filler to smooth out the imperfections in the corners. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DeVdg-NAZ4NK7kOZasLTULVi1D5JeYNoN2Wy7k9YeaHqVI1X4cAGayKs59U6g1bsTBlDj3jtcqg4pVcJIsDCxXSwdPG5gu5dKP7zsMW2H6zCmiOZk1nRmklFEP-ee1YJrmQU4plxGLYq/s1600-h/bc3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267574548848797842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DeVdg-NAZ4NK7kOZasLTULVi1D5JeYNoN2Wy7k9YeaHqVI1X4cAGayKs59U6g1bsTBlDj3jtcqg4pVcJIsDCxXSwdPG5gu5dKP7zsMW2H6zCmiOZk1nRmklFEP-ee1YJrmQU4plxGLYq/s400/bc3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> And a final coat of paint to cover the wood filler. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfd3drDoANgrtR1ZI1yM_K8uBmNkfZ1oS3zXW-cFdLGUHcWdYrrfn_0-r_RrrQKqWuvVS2ob2AsItnL27pnK-eJ3GgFUT_zcSMCgrdbE-mCwefxD89q7UUPnypkD9EWB2lsmVbiRHrZi5/s1600-h/bookshelf+after.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267574566288780338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfd3drDoANgrtR1ZI1yM_K8uBmNkfZ1oS3zXW-cFdLGUHcWdYrrfn_0-r_RrrQKqWuvVS2ob2AsItnL27pnK-eJ3GgFUT_zcSMCgrdbE-mCwefxD89q7UUPnypkD9EWB2lsmVbiRHrZi5/s400/bookshelf+after.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a> We filled the shelves with all our clutter: an antique Dala horse, silhouettes of family members, bins for magazines and some children's books, picture frames, and other vintage and antique finds from our European flea market adventures. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_daMjeTaJcZ0uCwZqQfg502oJ16yuGY7ApYhQr-Xospqxgu7kNrkVL-C8yoZRy3vGts9HCqiLkz4yDuYIO2hpcHrjVQCS0-SyJ77ph9slEcJAcbMiX2JdiVnyLTJYv9HMCxQBX7vMwxNA/s1600-h/bc1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267574526548171474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_daMjeTaJcZ0uCwZqQfg502oJ16yuGY7ApYhQr-Xospqxgu7kNrkVL-C8yoZRy3vGts9HCqiLkz4yDuYIO2hpcHrjVQCS0-SyJ77ph9slEcJAcbMiX2JdiVnyLTJYv9HMCxQBX7vMwxNA/s400/bc1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a>And what bookshelf would be complete without books? Lot of old books. Arranged by color. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mUX3pA7IcT29jDXQvrbLVYprpMnr0n5qbcmn9MmM1bh7955ALSgCr3_Jk5HBToy5qkeGsLbiAWlkoR55dz5aq7ntusCK9BkLb-YiMIB5txCD8_tTB8rCuanjLROQ3Mfit4xKIFrfAgq0/s1600-h/bc2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267574538468634402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mUX3pA7IcT29jDXQvrbLVYprpMnr0n5qbcmn9MmM1bh7955ALSgCr3_Jk5HBToy5qkeGsLbiAWlkoR55dz5aq7ntusCK9BkLb-YiMIB5txCD8_tTB8rCuanjLROQ3Mfit4xKIFrfAgq0/s400/bc2.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a> I'm happy with the result. I think the trim and the blue background help take away some of the cheapness that IKEA furniture can bring. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSEr8bVATis1mhGfhDjSbA5SjZnRq3rVQWejzETT1zAW7d_e4uVWKQcDgyqlz_BAByaXJGctTSEuEXJEoYtvmrD6n1gqo7jp3q-RxVSb5uOhxS5olP4kvdSAJrWHxcJDu_wu9icwHSD2_/s1600-h/living2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267574835132822498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSEr8bVATis1mhGfhDjSbA5SjZnRq3rVQWejzETT1zAW7d_e4uVWKQcDgyqlz_BAByaXJGctTSEuEXJEoYtvmrD6n1gqo7jp3q-RxVSb5uOhxS5olP4kvdSAJrWHxcJDu_wu9icwHSD2_/s400/living2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>

IKEA Bookshelves Get A Facelift

We had sort of an awkward corner in our living room that wasn't getting much use. A quick trip to IKEA and Lowe's fixed that right u...

4:42 PM

The day my life will be complete...

...is the day when we have a home big enough for a library ladder. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiOruWw5rg9QewBJAF89fvWke_eEaG5uP7PkHC0j3vQS5iootq3kESzSLdkJg3HWKfDmvbKTJvg14TwFFpbeHWkpVzllAnmGuftRrFWoNeXQZMAGit2aOXlyfpllr2DOaXd29B0SSPCw8/s1600-h/ejp3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249948923504938690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiOruWw5rg9QewBJAF89fvWke_eEaG5uP7PkHC0j3vQS5iootq3kESzSLdkJg3HWKfDmvbKTJvg14TwFFpbeHWkpVzllAnmGuftRrFWoNeXQZMAGit2aOXlyfpllr2DOaXd29B0SSPCw8/s400/ejp3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>I think ladders in open spaces are functional and oh so beautiful.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVZM5moUt9VgQDWaUX3wuqYILYdEVacCa8GXRKpuwxPpGalWFbHDtRPV0mumMRYOnop1wpHDNGP_A9qXsA71HrOKshokvzdcVAyRAjBEPSYxYfHf24aEcftS-04pjqVWu-tLlUYNbUvmI/s1600-h/reed.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249948927223250914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVZM5moUt9VgQDWaUX3wuqYILYdEVacCa8GXRKpuwxPpGalWFbHDtRPV0mumMRYOnop1wpHDNGP_A9qXsA71HrOKshokvzdcVAyRAjBEPSYxYfHf24aEcftS-04pjqVWu-tLlUYNbUvmI/s400/reed.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhc9BIOsP0KWwCIM_S8TLiJgv5dmLkTcH8bkxc-UU6SED6CuS1saOTmfVu84VbT-f8pHolTLsVmRsQoQ-1_3MYwuBMxMDtYs8eF1v97EDxtK-b8Cx89_hPbgl97rCnFJVKMQX3vnv9O5g/s1600-h/6a00e54ef51a88883300e55377ef0d8834-320pi.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249948928005565282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhc9BIOsP0KWwCIM_S8TLiJgv5dmLkTcH8bkxc-UU6SED6CuS1saOTmfVu84VbT-f8pHolTLsVmRsQoQ-1_3MYwuBMxMDtYs8eF1v97EDxtK-b8Cx89_hPbgl97rCnFJVKMQX3vnv9O5g/s400/6a00e54ef51a88883300e55377ef0d8834-320pi.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJj_0QaPjuNncbk5YGalLobgvKOwgZfJOH6T-FzOVTvQkRuNUK9aqW5Ubv_tvUCAJG1kOqP9Ibl5LYRWkUdLVXE98Va8bp06TEgzpMPi1hZUvtdN_AL-9mqJMVg-g9SpNnR2SM2pWgdTn/s1600-h/2710099036_b0753e5ddd.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249948929185183186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJj_0QaPjuNncbk5YGalLobgvKOwgZfJOH6T-FzOVTvQkRuNUK9aqW5Ubv_tvUCAJG1kOqP9Ibl5LYRWkUdLVXE98Va8bp06TEgzpMPi1hZUvtdN_AL-9mqJMVg-g9SpNnR2SM2pWgdTn/s400/2710099036_b0753e5ddd.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcUAc2dLUTw7E6oCN3v3Rj8qJ9V4N8PWIk7RmvuDMFvpE7ysvU_g_p7sh61XTaLW6S51WUaO7JQZHLGBXY_9Qfx2-FYsMSNOfAurV7PJ2t1Hof6DOxPx5Chs8K2w0_oglinZjnkt_4NXA/s1600-h/ladder.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249948920913576866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcUAc2dLUTw7E6oCN3v3Rj8qJ9V4N8PWIk7RmvuDMFvpE7ysvU_g_p7sh61XTaLW6S51WUaO7JQZHLGBXY_9Qfx2-FYsMSNOfAurV7PJ2t1Hof6DOxPx5Chs8K2w0_oglinZjnkt_4NXA/s400/ladder.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmm5Mmo_AMdTcDgy-Gel7Iu5qcbMusq4_AM7jc9QLYsG5k4wncMIOPqxqt8mHyGVO-62HRnuB1E_phXaIf7CjL00nM3D-sWtxiPxwrwn-_sN_WGGEVbc1BpWQQFZE9aI1kNVzTfKLvE2f/s1600-h/library.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249950403419897138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmm5Mmo_AMdTcDgy-Gel7Iu5qcbMusq4_AM7jc9QLYsG5k4wncMIOPqxqt8mHyGVO-62HRnuB1E_phXaIf7CjL00nM3D-sWtxiPxwrwn-_sN_WGGEVbc1BpWQQFZE9aI1kNVzTfKLvE2f/s400/library.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeasEbwbUqJoLXmIKLmu881nhscp3aEtsZx5JEMmEQMzVAedoPJAIOkODxDAPfUrrUKm13N-tKZtIWkYfOOTZWNNZOz14YaoCccS0U_DJxejHMq1nOvBr9rqAArlntgGPlXrr__xQTPBFv/s1600-h/opt-kitchen-ladder.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249950406666207250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeasEbwbUqJoLXmIKLmu881nhscp3aEtsZx5JEMmEQMzVAedoPJAIOkODxDAPfUrrUKm13N-tKZtIWkYfOOTZWNNZOz14YaoCccS0U_DJxejHMq1nOvBr9rqAArlntgGPlXrr__xQTPBFv/s400/opt-kitchen-ladder.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>

The day my life will be complete...

...is the day when we have a home big enough for a library ladder. I think ladders in open spaces are functional and oh so beautiful.

6:19 AM

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