The top ten of ‘10

<p>Well, the end is near. The end of the year that is. :) </p> <p>I had a great time recapping my top ten posts <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/12/tdc-top-ten.html">last year</a>, and this year my friend <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">Rhoda</a> is having a whole linky party dedicated to the biggest and best projects of 2010. </p> <p>So, without further adieu, here’s my top ten of this year, based on your comments! FUN! </p> <p>First up was the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/09/master-bedroom-redo-part-one.html">start of our master bedroom redo</a>. It was all about the bedding and I splurged big time on it. Cause we <strong>really</strong> like to sleep. Like, <em>a lot</em>. </p> <p>The previous $25 Ebay bedding:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUGHBqCDI/AAAAAAAALjo/j5jivQFsF6k/s1600-h/image%5B69%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUG7pR5VI/AAAAAAAALjs/GV3eYOLjbp8/image_thumb%5B23%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="381" /></a></p> <p>Was replaced with new duds from Pottery Barn and Target: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUH2gqK-I/AAAAAAAALjw/pESANCzTvsI/s1600-h/image%5B73%5D.png"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="Target bedding" border="0" height="733" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUIgAl0fI/AAAAAAAALj0/gem4QCShDgE/image_thumb%5B27%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Target bedding" width="560" /></a></p> <p>We did like the old set just fine – it just <em>didn’t fit the bed</em>. Huh. To say we love the change is a HUGE understatement. We quite literally melt into bed every night.</p> <p>There’s been quite a few more changes to the room since that post, like new lighting, drapes and accessories. You can see all of that <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/master%20bedroom">here</a>. </p> <p>And if you want to see how I used to make our bed, click <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-make-bed.html">here</a>. (It still makes me giggle to read that. And want to cry just a little bit.)</p> <p>Next up was our mini <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/family%20room">family room redo</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUJmS94JI/AAAAAAAALj8/n04Uo5vm_Ag/s1600-h/image%5B77%5D.png"><img alt="warm family room" border="0" height="747" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUK9w1vZI/AAAAAAAALkA/p-vz3jCsZNo/image_thumb%5B31%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="warm family room" width="560" /></a></p> <p>A new HomeGoods rug made ALL the difference in the world in there! LURVE. </p> <p>Next up, a project that was FREE and made such a huge difference in our dining room. I showed you how <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/07/dining-room-update.html">I removed this hutch</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwULs1gyGI/AAAAAAAALkE/RNFT13FLHI0/s1600-h/image%5B78%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUMQZjsDI/AAAAAAAALkI/dVfJsPIrr5A/image_thumb%5B32%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="370" /></a></p> <p>And found the beautiful buffet underneath:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUM_iivdI/AAAAAAAALkM/Zh3OYVapUZo/s1600-h/image%5B80%5D.png"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="dining room buffet" border="0" height="747" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUOYBnaMI/AAAAAAAALkQ/lbQD0bcEdvc/image_thumb%5B34%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="dining room buffet" width="560" /></a></p> <p>I framed out the mirror myself, and because everything else was so cheap, I splurged on those GORG lamps. (From HomeGoods. Shock.)</p> <p>You and I both loved my incredible <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/07/craigslist-love-part-two.html">Craigslist find</a> in the family room – it completely updated a wall from this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUPD4KOLI/AAAAAAAALkU/BPpGV83vumc/s1600-h/image%5B81%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUP8N2BnI/AAAAAAAALkY/jsedCXVY7ak/image_thumb%5B35%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="360" /></a></p> <p>To this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUQfYopLI/AAAAAAAALkc/eDCv25V-6og/s1600-h/image%5B96%5D.png"><img alt="craigslist dresser" border="0" height="533" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwURRMb8mI/AAAAAAAALkg/evNiPBc9YTw/image_thumb%5B51%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craigslist dresser" width="400" /></a></p> <p>My new-to-me <em>Drexel </em>dresser was only $100, and it is one of my very favorite pieces in our house now. And it holds a bunch of toys. All the more reason to love it. :)</p> <p>I finished a long, long, LONG process of taking our builder-grade kitchen island:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwURxlYplI/AAAAAAAALkk/n6EfzIXTiuM/s1600-h/image%5B97%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUSV6cUAI/AAAAAAAALks/PL_DoidEjuQ/image_thumb%5B52%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="300" /></a></p> <p>To a beadboard-wrapped, cabinet-painted, Ikea butcher-blocked one:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUTHGvHLI/AAAAAAAALkw/YSjX9bkQ6H0/s1600-h/image%5B99%5D.png"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="beadboard island" border="0" height="747" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUUZdrQSI/AAAAAAAALk0/IfJCm_aN1Ig/image_thumb%5B54%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="beadboard island" width="560" /></a></p> <p>You can see the details of the transformation <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/09/beautiful-kitchen-island-finally.html">here</a>, and the updates I’ve made to our kitchen this year <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/kitchen">here</a>. </p> <p>Speaking of the kitchen, you all loved when I took our basic, white pantry door and replaced it with a <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-pantry-door.html">glass-paneled beauty</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUVL7dkuI/AAAAAAAALk4/_mjxqSb84ls/s1600-h/image%5B100%5D.png"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="glass pantry door" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUVwYwgLI/AAAAAAAALk8/h4m_7gtGRks/image_thumb%5B55%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="glass pantry door" width="512" /></a></p> <p>The (awful) night shot above shows it with the contact paper installed for privacy, and the light inside (which we wired up and I’ll show you soon!)</p> <p>We have an unfinished basement that we treat as if it’s finished. We USE it. A lot. I showed you how my craft “room” looked before:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUWyH3pGI/AAAAAAAALlA/CwgdzddQ_zw/s1600-h/image%5B101%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUX3E76xI/AAAAAAAALlE/hQzEBTJ-B_4/image_thumb%5B56%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a></p> <p>And then with some organization, fabric, and more lighting:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUY47aE0I/AAAAAAAALlI/9WzcJQPwmLc/s1600-h/image%5B102%5D.png"><img alt="basement craft room" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUZkx6N6I/AAAAAAAALlM/StcusRibbC8/image_thumb%5B57%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="basement craft room" width="560" /></a></p> <p>LOVE it! :) You can see more <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-craft-room.htmlhttp://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-craft-room.html">here</a>.</p> <p>The next one really isn’t a particular project, but it resonated with many of you (and me!). It was a post about <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/09/stuff.html">STUFF</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUaXsKn5I/AAAAAAAALlU/SFBWi5XcF3c/s1600-h/image%5B103%5D.png"><img alt="STUFF" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUa5TYYAI/AAAAAAAALlY/TL0cSx3OdUA/image_thumb%5B58%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="STUFF" width="376" /></a></p> <p>My father-in-law’s passing (and the week’s after) changed me. I’ve learned a lot about the STUFF and my emotional responses to it since then, and I’ll tell you more about that soon too. </p> <p>The final two projects of the year were the ones you loved the most! First, the transformation of the Bub’s <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-most-favorite-room.html">nursery</a> to a <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/05/big-boy-room-reveal.html">big boy (airplane) room</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUbiwzCcI/AAAAAAAALlg/Mb9mmAfOevA/s1600-h/image%5B105%5D.png"><img alt="airplane room" border="0" height="747" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUc1dbt9I/AAAAAAAALlk/inI_j1YZz48/image_thumb%5B60%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="airplane room" width="560" /></a>  </p> <p>It is so clean and classic and crisp – I fall in love with it again <em>every </em>day. You can see the process to redo that room <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/big%20boy%20room">here</a>. </p> <p>And finally, my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-biggest-diy-project-stairs.html">biggest DIY project</a> to date, that was also my cheapest. :) I love when that happens!! I took our stairs from this before:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUdggrHsI/AAAAAAAALlo/fwu5Whvai04/s1600-h/image%5B106%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUe4zQ-GI/AAAAAAAALls/rgw4mOzaMi4/image_thumb%5B61%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="360" /></a></p> <p>To <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/10/falling-up-stairs.html">this</a>, with just about $30:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUfYpSk_I/AAAAAAAALlw/ltlDxC0I1Sw/s1600-h/image%5B107%5D.png"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="ripping carpet off stairs" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRwUgXdZ9WI/AAAAAAAALl0/HSe-5Ce-sOs/image_thumb%5B62%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ripping carpet off stairs" width="523" /></a></p> <p>Well, the <em>stairs</em> were $30 – the molding on the wall was a bit more later, but the whole project was still under $60. It helped that I had the paint, stain, and beautiful curved treads under that carpet. ;)</p> <p>BUT…all the hard work kind of evened out the money saved. :) It took some major sweat and TIME. </p> <p>I’d do it all over again though – it’s still my very favorite project I’ve tackled in our home. SO WORTH IT. You can see the whole slew of posts about the stairs <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/Stairs">here</a>. </p> <p>Well, there. you. go. The top ten projects here at TDC, determined by your comments. It’s been a GREAT year! Did you have a favorite? What did you tackle that made the biggest impact in your home/life?</p> <p>Check out <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southernhospitalityblog/PQqu/~3/ajS_8ZI245I/">Rhoda’s party</a> for inspiration for NEXT year! :) If I don’t talk to you before then, have a very, very happy, fun and SAFE New Year!! </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Thank you to my sponsor!:</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/photo-cards.htm"><img src="http://blog.tinyprints.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/stylish-christmas-cards.gif" title="beautiful christmas cards" /></a></p>

The top ten of ‘10

Well, the end is near. The end of the year that is. :) I had a great time recapping my top ten posts last year, and this year my friend Rhoda is having a whole linky party dedicated to the biggest and best projects of 2010. So, without further adieu, here’s my top ten of this year, based on your…

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Office update and the plan

<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeG3LfsR_YbzEKHhRuyRP5bYBNM8GYiRV4vS_0dR5BiDqZgbSJjIvdmvwMcdoh2wkPtOxoIuWfSCCmv9fHkM-BKef1TZFL0R3b4NUVGdue4oh0v8jwqdShnoJoBkrzKo2ZrAwS_yh2nA/s1600-h/IMG_2593%5B5%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="IMG_2593" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLPf_BswDRV6uXAJIs7BMQFuhwi6zl6aNMxw7dE40_JjzEzM0DyhQJYKp8Xl-3JgR76FfggmRKhf0OvJETIwP-cKllUJkhzGwg-M8twnt9Tbw8W879bsRiTyrbpWxfFeKs4zZ48Lb9Ww/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2593" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Well hello! I’m back with another update on my office redo. I’ve mentioned before that I had only one goal in mind when redecorating this space – making it BRIGHT. </p> <p>And whooowee, it’s working! :) I’m SO thrilled with the direction it’s going. </p> <p>Last time I updated, I showed you the difference a coat of primer and a couple coats of white did to the space:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Sp9yzyNJDcvGi7NQHzfAnjDEIZq4-pjFy3Dg1Ltovu3ZfgvXHXf46D7lJRWsoCSU-OsmeHeemV05-M0Y4MPoA_HcTf4nxpJ-enst5Z4Q3KhSxytQCiVSnQekSy9mWXxT8VEBpMfaV_M/s1600-h/image%5B13%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs80cRg15JRYbyABZ6ZqrCwKQuzQ9QfoemIGEww8mGZpooM8Bj8oQby38nPTVsG_4B-i8gWNE2C2qOAayFnXebUGsaSdkvQrCOY5nhjm-y1u8JfXF3qDzmqxYL4Bj1j65aUnLHO3P7p1g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" width="324" /></a></p> <p>OH my. Night and day. Get it? Dark room = night. Light room = day. Har. </p> <p>Anyway, next up was to paint the ceiling and the upper third section of the walls. After visiting the paint section at True Value, I found what I just what I was looking for. It took a while though:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZ13rzF_osGj_WsjINQUJqZJ8Ej5Znk5Mr3oYo3e9MqmroEp93i8SKAgCSypySF4_oQl73ea-iDfEETDzY2de1VyI5jWIMNwYLxAs1AguHxaORo-P0gKbH3qU1j3-fosCZi5AyhsnNVU/s1600-h/photo%20(2)%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="photo (2)" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScmwDZEzbmV_GpzcuGy3R3e4a2Uvyt8IaRyu82RoxXUAG46u1IaMrsxk31oVByKO1by48hGbfgzgFsKE0HmnLosPsV20ksViK6v1HEmbWBKqpb_kc4hWipZ-CzLsFOvh1XLa68J2565E/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="photo (2)" width="400" /></a></p> <p>Yowza – HUGE selection. </p> <p>I used my inspiration fabric and found two colors that matched perfectly! The first was the ceiling:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVErNiR7ZdB4Yu6nQcthE_vwSFgrQOS91ijW4yUCWnCqqLevgeXIy6auqpmY_rwTBYvxjbhyphenhyphenG9PmslKUeSgtnrMFs-iwgNQKNJ1iQ0Dhd3hkoaTCpzEidb1Tsie9aNE7KSIYy5gp3Ugyg/s1600-h/IMG_2601%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2601" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA37Tay82EYIQU3I-z7a7p6zXVxN_6RJL6nmo4muB3DmVHE26aT_MBZEdT0DKpBC3NSyON0hA64mPQukx1ky3i92jNaQ51ZSH8ioYEVE6wGc7cLp5ygjorxHcntvL2u7ib_2zVN454auc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2601" width="320" /></a></p> <p>I have to tell you – I hadn’t used Dutch Boy paints till I started this redo. But I am <em>in love</em>. I am SO impressed with how well it covers. </p> <p>The kind I got had a primer in it, but I still thought I’d have to use two coats. I had only used one coat of white primer over the (red) ceiling, (yes, red), and didn’t think there was any way one coat of blue would completely cover the red/primer:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeO73ovFijagB3gVfGI-T8GH-WWFYbhOctT1cNA9pDRypy-P1Clt3owZN-MZvEoAJlZHnlGvvPnCU8XuRgOhSgyX1YM5o7CKfWLZ7pYVRNJRKouxILa3QR3jbWgnRsvitfAegjSvXMD0/s1600-h/IMG_1975%5B4%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="IMG_1975" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEged7fpPGlI9yOKBPqQzie9pCZcpqhrF48RXScmlLc8Rtg_8uZlbJQq6TFmcs-lupzwxwZbUtNiSDbxiSNV1B0KBtmZEHHum0DJu54rTOXrum7XY-7nG-do6ASWZBOYr159-zsvtv8TcJA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1975" width="267" /></a></p> <p>(YES. The ceiling was red.)</p> <p>But it covered in in one coat, easy peasy. I painted it at night, (hence the bad night picture) and was sure when daylight came I’d have to do another coat.</p> <p>NOPE! Love love LOVE! </p> <p>I chose a beautiful light blue called Purify. Here’s the formula if you’d like to try it out:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17NYp3YRqQD3ViB6Y241ZDtPEyb563bbmE_u2eMGvE5bXvuGeEKgbjGgxNcwzCSnS3Wvhj5BUi8FByQlBvXBmJGPVWgcEHYXvetZLc7faoJ9JVEWpfJ-k9n60oJ1AvumkwVtUHRZ7X1o/s1600-h/IMG_2602%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2602" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A6t7PPMS6L0qfpB1JQDyH8tE7VmrwyEhdde_5NObZPMCjYd3FUPVu1sA15qQZyqhVmlJz2On1jaWvNJrraQRH4m0w8A3UmPS7gH8O6abuMThL0C2iY3LILtRHAl_KcQPh7P7U0TFd_c/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2602" width="400" /></a></p> <p>(By the way, remember to always use a flat paint on your ceiling!)</p> <p>I gotta give more props to “my” True Value – every time I get a paint mixed there, they keep record of it under my name. No more looking through the blog to figure out what the color of my walls are!  ;)</p> <p>Then it was onto the upper part of the walls. I picked a sand color that matched the brown in the fabric <em>exactly</em>. Again, I started painting at night, and right away I knew it was way too dark:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiEiBCf2oCdlc_SJ9kbttPYJqoiRi_wYeebg6IBxfxJxrVtnAE-dYLBC3cWuol7mtR6kEluxlhpJunEikldN144xafbLUHBVZ4BU13pvdz_KC78QC49tMrZNvvui6WyNFeNWb14J8o44/s1600-h/IMG_2246%5B3%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="IMG_2246" border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNmCF7_DxYT33qYtRoBYZxOAqvaWISMbK1SIhl9lQqqKNGluGM9pfHZOHLXDr_zfs0W5wH9LOC8WVBlFQEel5laxLYB5fUMqY9gvB5b2etTBOkI40hA48PXFViJ9PasCjrC0UZPaKlNs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2246" width="400" /></a></p> <p>It was a <strong>true </strong>sand color. I mean, like <em>the beach was on my walls</em>, sand. I stopped at one wall that night so I could see it the next morning. But when I saw it in the light, I was still sure it was too dark. </p> <p>We had the Bub’s birthday party a couple of days later, and I was completely outvoted – everyone <em>loved</em> the darker tone. :) I tried living with it, but it just wasn’t what I was going for. </p> <p>A friend suggested maybe I should try the color of our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/08/our-warm-and-cozy-family-room.html">family room</a>:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SVLg7c9v5U7CUDsH6bD2aZXzU7OPrk775wA6EvaHoY1MhGksJQddekwQu-jupe5tFkgbr335-SLrx9ze9Ssu7G33zeG5HfNMZVOMiEH-W86c1J5gSkM38WOGFkqID1Bn9C-cd9qMiYY/s1600-h/image%5B14%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtMZ3YTRAkpGxczh6OJd4fI7rAKb0BXpCoGnt-B_HLLEpUlsU000kAAoJisbg6SsAXhs1xrX24XydzllmwQjKY2AEJjv7KfzQAQ6hUPSTRVLsr4U1qN-8v0vIIN_rkIG7NPDbWKQsXm0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" width="391" /></a></p> <p>It’s called Sisal and I <strong>big fat puffy fluffy heart</strong> love it. It’s my favorite neutral. So I had it color matched, but lightened 25 percent. </p> <p><em>Helloooo!</em> It was perfect! </p> <p>It’s hard to tell in this picture, but the new, lighter color is on the left, the darker version is on the right:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjD_okTK2e2E9CdxiDtau4EfRYaK2gRHsJFSmFS31UcdwwHFz-dJMFtWZRkKMC39MbB4Oe9kcAigOnhOnjR2v8_WxfbT-yhKntMLS96Z6t3JyLjhyphenhyphenQy9YPp55BNQYYT0FLWU4kHmRPVCc/s1600-h/photo%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="photo" border="0" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWKA1qdDUfXnDsJRzjrbDlcWEmNKvTpi3YPiI7aoFaYkEhJxGPGJgyipWClE8GASAclXrGR3dc7k_VCTdkvBcyP8U2RO27KNazIAlRvRuj0G3s-J3nhDkrAzzClob6CRBrr2VEfNy0IY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="photo" width="300" /></a></p> <p>I know the colors don’t look <em>that</em> different in the picture, but trust me. Or it could be just me – very possible. :)</p> <p>Here it is against the lovely blue ceiling:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomgivXd2oEeWCwexbOKZT7UWIv_lSM7XcKrQWFHjeFYTh2IiWRym6ibuaTmqnF9uXM-gKXRx6iJ701I3uTGRLzI8E4PuV0vrJCKn9RalAEF5VYnadC5_asQQZUkE8BCqsC7xErELsQjo/s1600-h/IMG_2597%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2597" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHOiHa-DzJF8UgBawZgVxugniOiu3GSL0Ip1semKvDV-ja5wbHrV6KFgJpII8rlMG3O3bHNhw3_zIPq5E08gMYKCzoT7riW5WL-7UJCtVsAx8pPBo44RQXdaTHD6zU_KeCyy0d9diHBk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2597" width="320" /></a></p> <p>Sigh. It’s so PRETTY. (Don’t worry, crown molding will cover that red.)</p> <p>I love the colors with my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/05/diy-drum-shade-chandelier.html">DIY pendant light</a>:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKG3wo1dXHwt0Coyd-hx2-VjKxArrvsHv1rjqs9Vb6d7UgBlOYeCCiq5EvP_sPId6MvtnLk0n4iPhO1Nu7ZVYgIK98yWYtopScbsSUudLUhZqPohEPSqyZX98qoYOmrQriqhDuXEGGw5A/s1600-h/IMG_2590%5B3%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="IMG_2590" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwzZeWZa4FBrcCfWhQWxopm_QzUW0MOPNTqg6sleFa5YL9wV1siCshzwKyOoLoPACAb3zQMwsZzsrDrVCfMwcv-W6nBV3MKAjEpnNqnLBALgfXc5TnCubWtDKrsq-EpqVFuzpGm23BsA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2590" width="320" /></a></p> <p>Giddy. :) :)</p> <p>So, here’s the low down on the changes to come in this space…as you’ve seen, I moved my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/08/farmhouse-table-turned-desk.html">farmhouse desk</a> to this side of the room:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyLmkC5SStaIbnZhZGFueOcVIzOnnF2uIwXtWhQtg6yQ-Pc8CmDlX2YCF4qNBNRarxC3QDHBfUS1BGXg0MAuKAULbjB72HqWKJwJXjdHa8qEIxD2kVCukkmwZMFG8yQAzMR7tKWAJKTA/s1600-h/IMG_2580%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2580" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTt8ZLp_jzv5157BnX21cJvB6n727RDDXVLC305gvCT6uO59_U5Q-wN7mJTDXqdOznASeohihLwTL_B-5axwlNFZnjHHIU16VChZqU_YJ7rOJ2ekvbc0ExLJJ6i1Ca6iqcet_XzmQBm0o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2580" width="400" /></a></p> <p>Before it was squished into the other corner. I love this set up -- I can be on the computer or working and still see what’s going on in the family room and kitchen. </p> <p>This is the plan for the bottom two thirds of the wall:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX90-1zpQt3l7Rv0wSFEkLavbkzxb70cpYjC9VKt-6RLJSsiSwXwfxBQHBkdU2F0jsCxlYrojPj8QBcOA9d8UqsMOWNwgpvYJQJY14UlMLGkDF_k6M6Zvc6PY7iYLoNIwu7E__hKEU2qM/s1600-h/yedow-04_077%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="yedow-04_077" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeK1zxNx_PrghbF0thVrqU4QT-A2c6X8ZPZ7mM4YlICb2E6dF_uRnUXq_8oGPrQYu_-1PdzhWsVGfASn0F5tjfM6I3CSS3dmk2gq4iKKXS36qIP5sL5EF6RNQi_MoWedod4z-tHNk34Oo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="yedow-04_077" width="325" /></a></p> <p align="center">(<a href="http://blog.wainscotsolutions.net/">source</a>)</p> <p>Be still. my heart. :)</p> <p>The window corner will get the following:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwuHcSSJGsjzQisORulDT3TAjIW-gufFkcXiVrIkdqHU_XdgYjdieBfnD-mDJK6S470rgGRbBXuRivQSdd0mmvwjPqxzy5B2H6dX51O1TDyJ1MDJu6GEAqYCyy7Y8fwrOMKgKl5fDws4/s1600-h/windows%5B4%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="windows" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMoDBYeIBr5E3MiQfik2zAvnxi_gskNsT_nKcBrDXnsCwABpz7y7YmQJVaNZqIjeXMGs1e0LuEvpg74puOzh8xeBktNQWZlUoCVsTbbFLMQgpVkVoCSriS5bATXl5gWRNzk3vhyphenhyphenOFRS0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="windows" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I’ve tried moving my rattan chair over there, but then I can’t get to the windows to open the shades and <em>let the light in. </em>:) So my dream plan would be to build a set of window seats in that spot. </p> <p>Not sure how that’s gonna happen. </p> <p>Dad? Hello?? ;)</p> <p>Of course, the windows will get treated with this beautiful fabric:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RolKnHRnOEcWhTu9xYXRVEFvpGLPL5v81UzeXUrg-4MmPTSEStPucMgiS30Uhv_8vSxV13zgk-3TOGAWAJkkGrAGqxeumqEQn60kUGL3wuUqBloEOZGhERT6XNj5sG5vQCoTJ-ncegU/s1600-h/image%5B16%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-ERRMGJK3bTsE72ZKtwILDIqyjA-4KJwKAuBiZQmIEPsJBxdhCMrSrt9uAsBusinztG7mdSPMqcd5AeHoyDKVNDpt1k9GAlcAuMezkBShwA9NnJ_Y1E1l3k55QrTGxP4iPtsnAYMPEI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" width="320" /></a></p> <p>I can’t remember if I got enough of the stripe or the paisley for the windows. It will be a surprise for all of us. :) (By the way, I got the fabric at Joann’s.)</p> <p>My Pier 1 chair sits where the desk used to sit:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nENdBsvU1UFqbcdbwKRRv9Y2ELmO9rQTHLWmWDS0uMF43RX-LopOmCD7ArHKJqfBKc2QDDO3ZATSc-Abk93Y4rhdy4XnX1YmulJtVT-SJzVCkxkC2VfC097zFrcdi9i5IQkts57hHwM/s1600-h/corner%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="corner" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoil65NIeP-e9I-KNKGtQ0pmjX7SIOk5NrbYCdJi4eS9Ywcl0tYxA_EeLkdxK7y91D5TyMBVNzh_QrTgI8L9qhv9jn7f5PDwCxK6NM9IQYTcmJFyXWw56JUXT-nJVLhVXk8pdnDOdlPf8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="corner" width="320" /></a></p> <p>When I bought that chair years and years ago, I wanted the ottoman but didn’t have the money. Guess what I found a year ago at Goodwill? Awww yeah – the matching ottoman! For $10!</p> <p>Once I get those cushions covered, I think that rattan texture will be perfect in the space. </p> <p>Finally, the Bub’s old dresser now serves as storage:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HZpAoWt8DWqMS7mKSnU4IYvVYy_Zige6PmIIxdIsW2rBZfFOK_p5aIRYdGE3dR-rPJ51U5wa8Oio6-c48QX1fe9upvHxUr5KIYzkSKRt5PWiD0wwJSQYzLIzgPG0UZf9qHkyPN1Do5I/s1600-h/dresser%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="dresser" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GciLNvvwKdewKLI3vWA6_3oqHpPThyphenhyphen2IX-y-eUF5lNiy5bfHQGOXdiF9V49flO0UL-q-3hevS-aU6BjkWHFUFpL6qQtPlloh75Xcms8hmGfJ20IM02GXFIiHfEkUvmjsWAsP3r0CQjA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="dresser" width="320" /></a></p> <p>And now that it’s up against the white, I know I want some contrast. Just not sure what color it will be. </p> <p>I did find a gorgeous, <em>stunning</em> dresser on Craigslist, but it’s much wider. If I get it, the chair would have to move to the window corner. It’s a sacrifice I may just have to make, cause it is <em>GORGEOUS</em>. Ack!</p> <p>That is, if it’s not sold already. Crossing fingers and toes! For now I’m planning on not having it, just in case. </p> <p> So that’s the plan for the rest of this redo! I put off the painting for eight months, and now I know why. :) It took one coat of primer on four walls and the ceiling, two coats white, and a coat on the ceiling and upper walls. Yikes. That’s a lot for me, who usually does one coat and done. :)</p> <p>But if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a trillion times – paint <em>absolutely</em> transforms a room! The before:</p> <p><img alt="image" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CNUYhqRF4v3PdOgMRch1q3TtNWaFd7eTzKAZPxL0PVp0kYdn7JxJiRYmqh-Lb3ZOBvAwlKYX-z7gZBBgdTAvOWyv-FImvKcQrTq4h9kolDQPgFHarfiy5K5MeVFMKvu_xB4nY_Fzsv8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" width="360" /></p> <p>And now:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWGtYHjv_gpE5Rh7jqZBtdTyaRMVQBlpD9-TJLOjN1BMqXbEYMnnL4p95PxSrbzQfAhocJDWm_pttax9uyB1mCojjHoY6tTehcqRq8hZtFSHSFmz0gKUa4MqSZX2R1v00aZNYn5gZY0s/s1600-h/office%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="office" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w3cf40PqE-1z6txqti72MJm8nVFrmlp2MRVYhc-Zz3pSKfqacNd7Sfq6frdChYYehO1Fr-HiiFaaiDYWBilZwoL8pmeMO1teVPnm3duwP45Vu-wa5aZH27SofbXjVj1U4Z3tBkoSJx4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="office" width="400" /></a></p> <p>Fear not color lovers – there’s plenty coming. I plan on adding punches in the art -- I’m so stinking excited about that part! And I’m thinking about one more accent color…haven’t decided on that yet. </p> <p>And I am SO looking forward to having such a serene space! </p> <p>I need it. This is what I look at as I type tonight:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRrO1PwOwrI/AAAAAAAALjU/Ts6LM1Uy0CA/s1600-h/IMG_2603%5B4%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="IMG_2603" border="0" height="309" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRrO15bwmUI/AAAAAAAALjc/XDq7IiOHvn8/IMG_2603_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2603" width="344" /></a></p> <p>Ummm. <em>Wow. </em>Just…wow. </p> <p>(Think we have enough remote controls??)</p> <p>A Christmas/toy store/trash bin BOMB went off in my family room. Actually, my whole house. Glad I’m done painting the office – I’ve got plenty to do. ;)</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><em><font size="2">*I was one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about my experience. I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.*</font></em></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Thank you to my sponsor!:</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/photo-cards.htm"><img src="http://blog.tinyprints.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/stylish-christmas-cards.gif" title="beautiful christmas cards" /></a></p>

Office update and the plan

Well hello! I’m back with another update on my office redo. I’ve mentioned before that I had only one goal in mind when redecorating this space – making it BRIGHT. And whooowee, it’s working! :) I’m SO thrilled with the direction it’s going. Last time I updated, I showed you the difference a c…

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Didn’t.

<p>I didn’t take my comfy pants off <em>for days</em> till last night. (Not the same pair all that time, mind you. Eww.)</p> <p>I didn’t put bows on the presents. Wrapped and done.</p> <p>I didn’t even use many tags. (Just coded them by wrapping.)</p> <p>We didn’t have a beautiful family picture for our Christmas cards – I ended up making a collage so all four of us would be represented. </p> <p>I didn’t get out of bed before 9 a.m., ever (even on Christmas morning – our children ROCK.)</p> <p>I didn’t make “real” cookies with cut outs or beautiful icing (and Santa still liked them just fine…<em>he told me so</em>.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRllQiE1-OI/AAAAAAAALgg/E5SIAZ8DO9E/s1600-h/IMG_2548%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2548" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRllQ98msSI/AAAAAAAALgk/0RsUzXD-LEQ/IMG_2548_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2548" width="320" /></a></p> <p>The Bub didn’t change out of his Christmas jammies for more than 24 hours, and that was just to change into new ones. </p> <p>I didn’t cook anything on Christmas eve. (Pizza. Thank you.)</p> <p>I didn’t take enough pictures – I was too busy being <em>in the moment</em>. (But I’ll probably regret it.)</p> <p>I didn’t pick up the millions of itty bitty legos that have been underfoot for days. (Still haven’t. I kind of surrender.)</p> <p>I didn’t make the bed once, even with tons of family here. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRllRfkBEZI/AAAAAAAALgo/wNJ9A7VjV-4/s1600-h/photo%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="photo" border="0" height="316" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRllRpOwdxI/AAAAAAAALgs/MExi7MafU8k/photo_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="photo" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I didn’t take one piece of Christmas decor down. (But I’m feeling<em> </em>the itch.)</p> <p>I didn’t mind <em>one single bit</em> when the whole family sat down and watched Despicable Me during Christmas dinner. I loved it – it was easy and fun and relaxed and US. (We love that movie!)</p> <p>I didn’t break out into hives when the house was trashed for 36 hours straight. </p> <p>And then I still didn’t clean it after 36 hours – I just left and went shopping. :)</p> <p>My husband and I didn’t exchange gifts – because being debt free is going to be our gift to each other and our family. (SOON.) </p> <p> </p> <p>Every year, I have all of these visions of what our holidays <em>will be</em> in my head -- usually there’s a soft glow around everyone, birds are singing (somewhere) and I look 15 pounds thinner…<em>it’s a great vision</em>. In my head. :)</p> <p>And those visions pretty much never happen. It’s <em>never </em>perfect. I never accomplish all that want to. Every year I say, I’ll make a list of those things I want to get done and make sure to do them. And every year <strong>life</strong> gets in the way. </p> <p>A whole lot of “didn’t” happens.</p> <p>And every year I realize how very OK with that I am. Our holidays don’t end up our like my visions -- they always turn out <em>so much better</em>. So sweet. So close. So much family. So much big, fat, LOVE. </p> <p>I hope your holiday was all you (didn’t) envision and so, so, so much more. :)</p> <p> </p> <p>I’ll be back tomorrow with an update on my office redo! </p>

Didn’t.

I didn’t take my comfy pants off for days till last night. (Not the same pair all that time, mind you. Eww.) I didn’t put bows on the presents. Wrapped and done. I didn’t even use many tags. (Just coded them by wrapping.) We didn’t have a beautiful family picture for our Christmas cards – I ended…

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Merry Christmas to you and yours…

<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkIqCe63I/AAAAAAAALfE/LwlHuNxiyuo/s1600-h/header%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkJRL0yeI/AAAAAAAALfI/ngQRu8_CJ50/header_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="503" /></a></p> <p>Hello all! We are prepping for the big day around here, and there’s SO much to do, but <strong>I LOVE IT</strong>. </p> <p>I wanted to take a minute to thank you all so <em>very, very</em> much for your support and love this year. I have the BEST readers out there. (I really do.)</p> <p>To wrap up the holiday posts, I thought I’d do a recap in pictures. A few shots I haven’t shown you yet, and some are of my favorites from this year’s Christmas posts. </p> <p>Enjoy the lights, glitter and cheer. :) </p> <p>(Click pics to get to posts.)</p> <p>Merry Christmas from my family to yours…</p> <p><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/let-magic-begin-mantels.html"><img alt="mantel" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkKarw19I/AAAAAAAALfM/m6k-cYq_YLQ/image%5B32%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="mantel" width="512" /></a></p> <p><img alt="" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkKyYx_cI/AAAAAAAALfQ/frRqPxtWLBg/IMG_2519_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="444" /><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/its-christmas-tree-party.html"><img alt="tree" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkME55FNI/AAAAAAAALfU/glQL1H0F8Gk/image%5B28%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="tree" width="512" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/before-and-after-party-festive-outdoors.html"><img alt="windows" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkNcF3vfI/AAAAAAAALfY/NZgVFxamGDc/image%5B29%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="windows" width="512" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/rustic-pottery-barn-knock-off.html"><img alt="NOEL art" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkOjlmTQI/AAAAAAAALfc/FhWhYjier1c/image%5B37%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="NOEL art" width="512" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkPFYpWLI/AAAAAAAALfg/nyKtmnEelb4/s1600-h/second%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkQOFOd-I/AAAAAAAALfo/TYQw-GuhF34/second_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="490" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/dining-room-christmas-vignette.html"><img alt="dining display" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkRbVGb7I/AAAAAAAALfs/EXn2GBVvQtU/image%5B30%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="dining display" width="512" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkR1p3QAI/AAAAAAAALfw/oL_KvgP3nI4/s1600-h/IMG_2505_picnik%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkSJqqI2I/AAAAAAAALf0/UyDA7TWgPOY/IMG_2505_picnik_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="512" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/santa-hat-craft.html"><img alt="Santa hats" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkS4l4DRI/AAAAAAAALf4/i4Mg6-GPJjc/image%5B31%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Santa hats" width="512" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkTeTKfNI/AAAAAAAALf8/0D-RNAgHKmY/s1600-h/IMG_2484%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkTq1VujI/AAAAAAAALgA/7LboZlLvtbg/IMG_2484_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="518" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/tour-of-our-christmas-kitchen.html"><img alt="kitchen" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkUK0PafI/AAAAAAAALgE/9KfaX4bmz6s/IMG_2303%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="kitchen" width="531" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-stairs.html"><img alt="stairs" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkU3UmCOI/AAAAAAAALgI/cGLUEOq_bfg/image%5B27%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="stairs" width="512" /></a><font size="4"> I hope you have lovely, <strong>magical</strong> holiday!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkVlD31GI/AAAAAAAALgM/_uHlznR71OE/s1600-h/snowMC%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TRPkV9bisFI/AAAAAAAALgQ/WbHlkN4R0b4/snowMC_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="515" /></a></p>

Merry Christmas to you and yours…

Hello all! We are prepping for the big day around here, and there’s SO much to do, but I LOVE IT. I wanted to take a minute to thank you all so very, very much for your support and love this year. I have the BEST readers out there. (I really do.) To wrap up the holiday posts, I thought I’d do a…

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