Thriifty Decor Chick

Home decor in the gardening section

Hey all! Hello FRIDAY! I’m SO HAPPY the weekend is here. :) And we have a huge snowstorm coming too – I’ve just given up and decided I’ll just enjoy being snowed in for a few more days. Spring will come eventually…I think. I think I’ve taken approximately 25 trips to hardware stores in the past week, and on my last walk through Lowe’s I noticed some really beautiful new items for spring and summer. They’re all supposed to be for the outdoors but I think most of them work better for inside. I thought I’d share a few of my favorites (and a few finds at Target too!). There were a TON of candleholders – and a LOT of glass. These blue and green opaque holders were really pretty: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZcUZdpeXfZs/UxC2LVkG-9I/AAAAAAAAlfE/Gi9VTuc55W4/s1600-h/blue%252520green%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue green candleholders" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4n6efVwvdaE/UxC2MYBwwjI/AAAAAAAAlfM/LfkGf8KODlg/blue%252520green_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="blue green candleholders" width="450" /></a> I bet they’d be gorgeous lit up! The blue/green planters below would look awesome on a shelf all by themselves as well! These ceramic holders were pretty as well and were very West Elm looking: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fkAchAG4eOE/UxC2NyqBMtI/AAAAAAAAlfU/rBPiPnE4Chk/s1600-h/holders%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Ceramic cut out candle holders" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JCu_nw4zLEs/UxC2Onl271I/AAAAAAAAlfc/32XqpcCiIAg/holders_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="Ceramic cut out candle holders" width="450" /></a> Again, I bet they’d be beautiful lit up! I’m not sure who can keep this much glass outside but I liked these hurricanes with the navy blue bases a lot: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a6v1wXjk49s/UxC2PPoWh3I/AAAAAAAAlfk/yCpVQEKw-N8/s1600-h/photo%2525201%252520copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Navy candleholder " border="0" height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jYNAo2GqPb8/UxC2PyKJMYI/AAAAAAAAlfs/2xIHF8d5Pkk/photo%2525201%252520copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="Navy candleholder " width="450" /></a> These wouldn’t last long on our deck but I think they’d look great on a mantel! These little candleholders are super cute for spring: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z_BrKtrGqkM/UxC2Qn5t48I/AAAAAAAAlf0/u2F2DpH3oI0/s1600-h/photo%2525202%252520copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AF1Sd3Ix9IE/UxC2RVgDoNI/AAAAAAAAlf8/G0YSRwvr4UE/photo%2525202%252520copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="" width="450" /></a> They’d make a great little vase as well. :) I love seeing the new outdoor pillow designs that come out each year: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jNjLBiBE2M0/UxC2R84bh6I/AAAAAAAAlgE/D4-aFUGfOR8/s1600-h/pillows%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Lowe's outdoor pillows" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-di6YoY-Us50/UxC2SrAg2RI/AAAAAAAAlgM/tGdKTvsOs6c/pillows_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="Lowe's outdoor pillows" width="450" /></a> I’ve totally used outdoor pillows in the kiddo’s space – they’re super easy to clean! Target had some great outdoor-but-could-be-used-inside stuff too: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2Il0im6zn9A/UxC2TJjX6sI/AAAAAAAAlgU/jZdstMqlGAc/s1600-h/photo%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Target glass candle" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-te9lgiJbqvA/UxC2URh6ZYI/AAAAAAAAlgc/Wxz7Zb5aI18/photo%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Target glass candle" width="290" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H3NQGSUUeRU/UxC2VPdOy_I/AAAAAAAAlgk/_GNt-4Fyjg4/s1600-h/photo%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Target glass candle" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eiAwY_8b6wI/UxC2V6cWMqI/AAAAAAAAlgs/2CItUlocBVU/photo%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Target glass candle" width="290" /></a> Have you seen how much real vintage olive buckets cost? Wowza. Target has a cute version in the outdoor section: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vhT49SUyHkk/UxC2Wv70d4I/AAAAAAAAlg0/j83ne7g1ELU/s1600-h/olive%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Target olive buckets" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ICVGAZhukk8/UxC2XWUpVUI/AAAAAAAAlg8/874vyaPGdXQ/olive_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="Target olive buckets" width="450" /></a> They’re great for storage or filling with flowers (with a vase inside of course). They’d look adorable in a laundry room! I LOVED these ceramic candleholders as well – they had small and large versions: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ORUBN8_yddY/UxC2YaBy8bI/AAAAAAAAlhE/Xb14b9hL0pY/s1600-h/photo%2525204%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Target ceramic outdoor " border="0" height="600" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P4Y8UBTN40Y/UxC2Y6cUo9I/AAAAAAAAlhM/wuSkmLOxA9Y/photo%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="Target ceramic outdoor " width="450" /></a> Loved all the colors. Target came out with some great outdoor poufs last year and there’s more this season: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bazcDY3MhXE/UxC2Zt_iUeI/AAAAAAAAlhQ/c14WEv0b6cg/s1600-h/photo%2525205%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="outdoor poufs" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S8L0nq44Vqo/UxC2afm5SGI/AAAAAAAAlhc/RzIdQgTYYVg/photo%2525205_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="outdoor poufs" width="450" /></a> These would be FUN in a playroom or kid’s bedroom! So there you go, some decorating inspiration in the gardening section! Have you seen any fun decor in the outdoor aisle? I bought several outdoor lanterns years ago that I still use inside to this day. Have a great weekend! The next before and after party will go up this Monday morning! :)   P.S. Tickets for the <a href="http://www.havenconference.com" target="_blank">Haven Conference</a> go on sale tomorrow, March 1st at noon! We are so excited to host another fantastic conference this summer! Hope to see you there. :) <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ohvokeDgd94/UxC4NB41LKI/AAAAAAAAlho/YrCsAJcLRQo/s1600-h/Haven%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Haven" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lW1k08k1SsU/UxC4N06T-II/AAAAAAAAlhw/GpdvMIJlAXY/Haven_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="Haven" width="500" /></a>

Home decor in the gardening section

Hey all! Hello FRIDAY! I’m SO HAPPY the weekend is here. :) And we have a huge snowstorm coming too – I’ve just given up and decided I’ll ju...

8:16 AM

Storage in the closet!

HEY everybody! Man, I’ve been busy. I’ve been working on a master bedroom project and the master closet for the past week or so and it’s all coming together really well. My body is screaming uncle but I’m so excited about the progress. :) I wanted to give you an update on the closet redo I’m working on! A few weeks ago <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-master-closet-plan.html" target="_blank">I shared</a> how I’m planning to rework the back wall in there that’s just begging for some storage and organization. Up till now we’ve had random dressers and a bunch of wire shelves and they just aren’t working. So I came up with this plan I showed you: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VR4qerjCDLc/Uw9KsdoKFdI/AAAAAAAAlc8/v9KCJEF0vsg/s1600-h/Closet%252520design.jpg"><img alt="Closet design using kitchen cabinets" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ICsSyi3O2-g/Uw9Kta-LlRI/AAAAAAAAldE/mCvFi8OuUYE/Closet%252520design_thumb.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="Closet design using kitchen cabinets" width="500" /></a> Imagine that’s a fancy rendering, OK? Those black rectangles are supposed to represent the new storage -- using kitchen cabinets of course!:  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0Tx0s5vJX10/Uw9KuNDh95I/AAAAAAAAldM/NZ_nrIYvX90/s1600-h/4000014842274.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="368" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pgYbecdIrnA/Uw9Ku56TlXI/AAAAAAAAldU/y2QuHGViSoU/400001484227_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="229" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YXnnQD_xP6E/Uw9KvR1vdZI/AAAAAAAAldc/EG0hPdYc7yQ/s1600-h/4000014842894.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="417" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LUWKOMK6gC8/Uw9KwLS89FI/AAAAAAAAldk/a8BFTZRbp48/400001484289_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="202" /></a>   So getting these cabinets home and upstairs was quite a feat. First of all, did you know cabinets are crazy heavy? Yeah. I’m used to carrying around the uppers for projects and those are bad enough – the bottom ones are monsters. My sis and I went to Home Depot last week to pick up all the cabs because I can rent a truck to get them home. They found three of the six that we needed but couldn’t find the others, so they offered to deliver them all together the next day. I paid for the delivery but they graciously offered 20 percent off the whole purchase for the delay, which I thought was awesome. So the next day it’s all delivered and since my husband was out of town my sis came by again…God bless her. We carried each cabinet up the stairs and yes we are BEASTS. The tall pantry cabinets were a little rough. I swear they weighed 200 pounds each. We got the six of them up stairs and then I realized my mistake in measuring – I had two inches less than I thought I did. Two inches is a big deal when the cabinet is 18 inches wide and you only have 16 to work with. GAH. So…we took the two middle drawer cabinets back down the stairs (cursing a little at this point) and I had to rethink my plan for the middle. I finally came up with something that may work even better: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j2Myij6bcUw/Uw9KwgFeTxI/AAAAAAAAlds/tYUKiGqRSa8/s1600-h/unnamed2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KeudaAfj4Ao/Uw9KxnFP9LI/AAAAAAAAld0/XObvnZykRTo/unnamed_thumb.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="500" /></a> I ended up with the two drawers on each side, the taller pantries and then in the middle I put a 30 inch upper cabinet. This one holds shoes. :) <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dSac9ZM7OoI/Uw9KytYXgSI/AAAAAAAAld8/hX4_-Ig-9aA/s1600-h/4000014836193.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="450" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0gTrvZPGV_8/Uw9K0G3L8_I/AAAAAAAAleE/jzsxbr1D1y0/400001483619_thumb1.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="450" /></a> The great thing is, this spot was always going to be a vanity-like space but a chair would have been awkward right there. (With the original cabinets coming forward so much.) Now I’ll put the counter there and there will be a great spot for a stool. :) I don’t know if I’ll really use it as a vanity often (and actually sit down), but it will be a good spot to put on socks and stuff like that. I’m REALLY excited about the possibilities of all the storage! The taller cabinets are absolutely huge: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bHze2DcFGvw/Uw9K0myyfKI/AAAAAAAAleM/xgLjTEklW-c/s1600-h/inside2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="666" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kGgR8kgfaN4/Uw9K1dc89uI/AAAAAAAAleU/IVKOHuFhnYE/inside_thumb.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="500" /></a> They go back two feet. Because it’s so deep I have a plan to install more shelves and the make roll out drawers eventually. When I’m done I think it’s going to be awesome storage. For now I just love that we’ll be able to put everything in there and shut. the. door. I’m not a great cabinet installer but I did it all myself in one evening and it went pretty smoothly. It’s tricky to get them all level and flush and even but I got close on everything. You just have to make sure the cabinets are attached to each other and the back wall (in studs). These are really sturdy and aren’t going anywhere, which is most important to me. As you can see by the photos the light is horrible in there. I installed one of those directional light things (three lights that you can point wherever you want) years back and it doesn't work. I knew we needed something that just shines everywhere. I found <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_394653-85992-LWS0690C1_0__?productId=3745465&Ntt=style+selections+chandelier&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dstyle%2Bselections%2Bchandelier&facetInfo=" target="_blank">this</a> at on clearance at Lowe’s the other day and fell in love: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G_AfzGWMZD0/Uw9K2KYZO1I/AAAAAAAAlec/KgWp1IuVW0w/s1600-h/_576.jpg"><img alt="style selections chandelier lowe's" border="0" height="637" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F9MVsRCVTCI/Uw9K2kMIsXI/AAAAAAAAlek/ZXfBKWhRmtw/_57_thumb13.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="style selections chandelier lowe's" width="392" /></a> It’s pretty tall so I’m crossing my fingers I can make it work in there. We may just have to duck to walk under it cause I love it so much. So that’s the progress so far – it’s coming together pretty well! So much left to do and as you can see in the photo above we still need to go through a pile of the hubby’s clothes. :) But we’re already using all the cabinets and they are working great! YES!!

Storage in the closet!

HEY everybody! Man, I’ve been busy. I’ve been working on a master bedroom project and the master closet for the past week or so and it’s all...

6:25 AM

15 TIPS to Decorate on a Budget

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3c_Qpy69yyE/UwzIi6VR5PI/AAAAAAAABls/y9Xmht1-q3k/s1600/15+Tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="decorate on a budget, DIY tips, budget craft supplies" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3c_Qpy69yyE/UwzIi6VR5PI/AAAAAAAABls/y9Xmht1-q3k/s1600/15+Tips.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div> Decorating your home on a budget is easier than you may think. You don't have to be an interior designer, super handy or even artistic. You just have to have a little inspiration, a willingness to get a little messy - and perhaps a <strike>glass of wine</strike> hot cup or coffee. Inspiration is the easy part! <ul><li>Blogs</li><li>Pinterest</li><li>HGTV</li><li>Decor catalogs</li><li>Online Decor magazines</li><li>"Window Shopping"</li></ul> Once you've got lots of awesome ideas, you're going to need supplies, and I have a few tips on finding them, and how to save money on all kinds of decor and craft supplies. Here are 15 TIPS for buying craft and art decor supplies - CHEAP. 1. Home Depot and Lowe's paint stores sell the OOPS paint - cheap! Oops paint is paint that was mixed up to a certain color and either a customer didn't like it or never showed to pick it up. At Home Depot this week I got two really pretty colors of paint in sample size (about a cup of paint) for .50 cents each. You can get gallons for a couple of dollars. Stop by the paint sections and ask for the OOPS paint when you're shopping. 2. Again with Home Depot and Lowe's - If you're buying wood, big box stores will cut wood for free for you, or for a very nominal fee. JUST ASK. Check back by where they cut wood for customers for free. They usually have lots of scrap wood, which can be free. JUST ASK!  3. The Dollar Store - I used to be a DSS (Dollar Store Snob). I wouldn't set foot in one, but now I might possibly be their #1 shopper. The dollar store is perfect to stock up on: glass vases, mugs, plain white plates, glass beads, "silk" flowers and greenery, contact paper, anything - just wander around! 4. Garden Centers (especially in Lowe's and Home Depot). Jute and twine and burlap. Huge rolls of burlap are available in garden centers - cheap! Same with jute and twine. There's no need to pay big money at fabric stores. 5. Fabric - for small-ish sizes, check fabric remnants. Fabric remnants are always marked down and usually large enough to use when making pillow covers, seat covers, and smaller projects. Also, don't forget to ask clerks when the 50% off the red tags are for great deals on the best fabrics. 6. Pallet wood is always hot. But it's not as easy as it sounds to pick up pallet wood. But if you know someone getting work done on their home, or an appliance delivered - these things are usually delivered on pallets, so ask to keep the pallets that most people throw away. Pallets = free wood. 7. Thrift stores - mason jars, cutting boars, lamps, picture frames, canvases (you can paint over)... these are the things I always look for. 8. Garage sales - Of course you love garage sales! Furniture, mirrors, frames ~ just be sure to look for good "bones". 9. Acrylic paint, spray paint, glitter etc... Michael's, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby. Check the websites for coupons - NEVER go without one! (Or get the app for the stores so that you always have the weekly discount code right on your phone.) 10. ALWAYS sign up for email alerts for your favorite stores. Even the dollar store has a mailing list. This way you will see the special mark downs and be able to add your coupon. When I'm in the market for canvases - I wait until they're on sale, and use a 40% coupon and pay very little! 11. To save indirectly (read; gas), I rarely make special trips to specific stores. Frequently I ride with my husband when he has an errand at one of the big box stores, and then check the paints and wood scraps while I'm there. If I'm at the grocery store, the dollar store and thrift store are on my way home. You get the idea. 12. Amazon. This is a post in itself. BUT, one trick I love is this: If you want something but it's not on sale, simply add it to your cart, but don't pay for it. Check your cart once in a while and if the item goes on sale, you will get an alert with the new price! <div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe border="0" frameborder="0" height="31" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=41&l=ur1&category=amazonhomepage&f=ifr" style="border: none;" width="88"></iframe> </div>13. If you need fabric, do you have old sheets, curtains, blankets, shirts etc.? Maybe the pattern is perfect for what you need, and you don't need to buy fabric at all. 14. EVERYONE has junk they don't want. Just let your family and friends know what you're in the market for. I just scored a beautiful old mirror that my parents gave me. My mother in law gave us a head board, which I plan to re-finish in the Spring. 15. Rather than buy fiber filling, use old pillows (of your own) for the stuffing, or to re-cover. (I'm not suggesting you use other peoples pillows, NO! Dust mites and drool! I only tolerate my own dust mites and drool). Tell me your tips on finding craft and DIY supplies! I would love to add them to the list! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HEY don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter! (Above) All the cool kids are! OK, well, my mom did... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, if you would like to join in some fun link parties, click <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/link-parties_11.html">HERE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PIN: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3c_Qpy69yyE/UwzIi6VR5PI/AAAAAAAABls/y9Xmht1-q3k/s1600/15+Tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="decorate on a budget, DIY tips, budget craft supplies" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3c_Qpy69yyE/UwzIi6VR5PI/AAAAAAAABls/y9Xmht1-q3k/s1600/15+Tips.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>

15 TIPS to Decorate on a Budget

Decorating your home on a budget is easier than you may think. You don't have to be an interior designer, super handy or even artistic. ...

9:26 AM

My sister’s blog

Hello and how are ya? I’m knee deep in a bunch of projects in the house – after I showed you the new floors in the master yesterday I went in and tore all the door casings down to do my DIY craftsman trim in there. What the heck -- the house is already a disaster right now, why not add to it? So today I’m sharing a blogger very close to my heart…my sister. :) I actually have four sisters but this one is the one I grew up with so we have a special bond. She’s also ten years younger than me (she likes to specify that it’s really nine and a half) so I still tell what to do a lot. And she gets stuff for me. It’s going to be that way till we’re old and gray – I’ll be all, go get my my teeth! She’ll be all, whatever, get your own teeth! And then I’ll pull the older sister card and she’ll get them. Anyway. Back when I started this blog my sister Elizabeth was known as “stink eye” around these parts. She lived with us for a while after college and it’s so crazy that she’s now a married woman with a blog of her own. Sniff. They grow up so fast. My sister is a great cook and loves to be in the kitchen (that gene skipped over me), so that’s what her blog, <a href="http://organizerbyday.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Organizer By Day</a>, is focused on for the most part. She brought some of these over yesterday and I ate four within minutes: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lZsZmzEoRrg/UwyuZzz5T4I/AAAAAAAAla8/tHa4tP3mqHA/s1600-h/bar%252520up%252520close%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cinnamon biscotti " border="0" height="327" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-elRSxKv--gY/Uwyua6DSHKI/AAAAAAAAlbE/xPnbNhRghLc/bar%252520up%252520close_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="cinnamon biscotti " width="500" /></a> I would have eaten more but she had to take the rest back home to take “pictures for the blog.” Blah blah. (It’s a little weird to know someone else who uses that phrase all the time now.) These <a href="http://organizerbyday.blogspot.com/2014/02/homemade-all-strawberry-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">strawberry cupcakes</a> were delish!: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XECsHG70Fhs/UwyubslNPzI/AAAAAAAAlbI/bY56MQ1G44s/s1600-h/cupcake%252520with%252520milk%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="strawberry cupcakes" border="0" height="414" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I77a6gNEWB0/UwyucuvFO0I/AAAAAAAAlbQ/ldzAlGtOw7U/cupcake%252520with%252520milk_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="strawberry cupcakes" width="500" /></a> We always go strawberry picking together in early summer so I’m hoping she’ll make me some more of these. :) Her <a href="http://organizerbyday.blogspot.com/2014/01/20-crockpot-meals-each-under-7_8.html" target="_blank">20 crock pot meals post</a> was super popular: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CiNufY4g0eE/UwyudThqZkI/AAAAAAAAlbc/-QdFg3QHtro/s1600-h/meals%252520in%252520fridge%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy crockpot meals" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BSmyj8D7fwk/UwyueLgsoEI/AAAAAAAAlbk/NjIZBTjm4wY/meals%252520in%252520fridge%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="easy crockpot meals" width="500" /></a> She makes them ahead of time and freezes them – brilliant! This <a href="http://organizerbyday.blogspot.com/2014/01/apple-pie-chex-mix.html" target="_blank">apple pie chex mix</a> was super yummy too: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c5igSLKlsFQ/UwyuenrGchI/AAAAAAAAlbs/bEX5hT_8Bo0/s1600-h/red%252520bowl%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="apple chex mix" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4ZJo8U6p-qI/UwyufpPN84I/AAAAAAAAlb0/xL1QLfZgv3w/red%252520bowl_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="apple chex mix" width="500" /></a> I love how she changes things up – she likes to experiment with ingredients and try new things and it usually ends up pretty darn good! These <a href="http://organizerbyday.blogspot.com/2014/02/homemade-white-cheddar-cheez-its.html" target="_blank">homemade cheese its</a> looked so good: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FDl3t7zovMo/UwyugGPgFxI/AAAAAAAAlb8/-X1DJX4JIIs/s1600-h/top%252520view%252520of%252520seasonings%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="top view of seasonings" border="0" height="369" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0Wmr8XMZaV4/Uwyug21qxCI/AAAAAAAAlcE/HVU9GQ3YilE/top%252520view%252520of%252520seasonings_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="top view of seasonings" width="500" /></a> That cute cutting board was from me. Just sayin. And this <a href="http://organizerbyday.blogspot.com/2014/01/loaded-potato-bacon-chip-dip.html" target="_blank">loaded baked potato chip dip</a> looked amazing…but I wouldn’t know how good it tasted cause she didn’t bring me any: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C4DZP-TpeYQ/Uwyuhrw7vdI/AAAAAAAAlcM/nO-eGdNUnyM/s1600-h/up%252520close%252520dip%252520with%252520hand%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="loaded baked potato dip" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TPwAlfjHNAs/UwyuiRmYANI/AAAAAAAAlcU/LqVe2XfWiAU/up%252520close%252520dip%252520with%252520hand_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="loaded baked potato dip" width="500" /></a> Whatever. My sister Elizabeth is so creative and loves to craft – I thought this <a href="http://organizerbyday.blogspot.com/2014/02/call-me-corky.html" target="_blank">wine cork heart</a> was SO cute for Valentine’s Day: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rKupcqLwfVA/Uwyui30XipI/AAAAAAAAlcc/VGURuHWOR8g/s1600-h/heart%252520on%252520the%252520wall%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wine cork heart" border="0" height="618" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SMKSsu85gZk/UwyujhyCqKI/AAAAAAAAlck/sswYhJ_KkWA/heart%252520on%252520the%252520wall_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="wine cork heart" width="500" /></a> Love it! By the way, she goes by Elie on the blog, but don’t listen to her. Her name is ELIZABETH. Whole word. I don’t know an Elie. As you can tell, it’s fun to have younger siblings, cause you get to harass them. :) But in all seriousness I don’t know what I would do without her and I am so proud of her! Check out <a href="http://organizerbyday.blogspot.com" target="_blank">her site</a> if you love to cook or bake or even if you just want some easy snack ideas. Be sure to tell her her awesome older sis sent you. ;)

My sister’s blog

Hello and how are ya? I’m knee deep in a bunch of projects in the house – after I showed you the new floors in the master yesterday I went i...

6:54 AM

Hardwood floors in the bedroom

Hello my friends! Welcome to another (cold!) week! Hope you had a great weekend – my husband was out of town and I had finally recovered from the stomach flu, so my boy and I went out and took advantage of our beautiful weather here on Saturday. We did our Indy children’s museum, the zoo and the state museum all in one day. It was SO wonderful to get out without coats! I’m super stoked about the new floors that were installed in our bedroom over the weekend! We are slowly moving this house over to hardwoods throughout – it started with a bum fridge that leaked all over our laminate floors years ago. Because of that insurance check we were able to pull out the carpet on the main floor and put in <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/10/our-new-house.html" target="_blank">hardwoods throughout</a>. We do finished on site wood and I explained why I love them and the pros and cons <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/01/would-i-do-it-again-floors.html" target="_blank">here</a>. They do take longer to install than engineered floors, so there’s more patience needed. :) We got a quote about a year ago to have them put in upstairs but it was more than we wanted to spend at the time, so we decided to break it up. We started with the master because the carpets were truly, truly gross. Four animals and ten years tend to do that. On Friday they pulled the carpet and tact strips out and then laid the floor in a few hours: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eD9T3yLMu2k/UwtmV78buHI/AAAAAAAAlZU/rn6kh2Dkj_s/s1600-h/unnamed%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="on site finished hardwoods" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m7M5NnDiBeg/UwtmWzO51CI/AAAAAAAAlZc/M_kkbCIUXnI/unnamed_thumb.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="on site finished hardwoods" width="500" /></a> We use white oak, three inch wide boards. Back when we had them put in downstairs I wanted wider planks but was warned against them with our Midwest climate (that sometimes changes 30 degrees in 24 hours) because of buckling. I quite love the three inch though – they are classic. They use wood filler on the floor and then let that dry overnight. The next day the meticulous sanding is done and then the first coat of stain goes down. Yesterday he came back and I’m pretty sure he buffs the floor again just a bit because that first coat of stain usually has some imperfections. Then the coat of poly goes on and by last night it was dry: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bXb1N7X_p3A/UwtmX3b85-I/AAAAAAAAlZk/qaUXUfw0UuQ/s1600-h/IMG_8369%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="jacobean stain minwax" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b2DnMe0Rv40/UwtmZI1SnvI/AAAAAAAAlZs/lhL3F7aOWh8/IMG_8369_thumb.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="jacobean stain minwax" width="500" /></a> The poly doesn’t completely cure for a few days or even weeks but I may start moving a few things in later today. As long as you don’t drag items around it’s fine. As always we went with the Jacobean stain by Minwax and a satin poly: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lH-ixJG8qhc/UwtmaGRABVI/AAAAAAAAlZ0/M0SuwLfN5Bw/s1600-h/IMG_8370%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="jacobean stain minwax" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8x-akkFbpX0/UwtmbCL-OMI/AAAAAAAAlZ8/H77Un2TtLQ8/IMG_8370_thumb.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="jacobean stain minwax" width="500" /></a> The satin poly makes my life SO much easier (instead of a glossy) – you don’t see foot prints on them at all. It makes a HUGE difference! Our room is big, but it looks massive without any furniture! It makes me want to just put our bed back in and that’s it: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gLlodcmGnv0/UwtmcN_0VhI/AAAAAAAAlaE/uidRjEXZkco/s1600-h/IMG_8372%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="jacobean stain minwax" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uXfGTZuJNcM/UwtmdX6S3bI/AAAAAAAAlaM/RnzHEHt5Khc/IMG_8372_thumb.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="jacobean stain minwax" width="500" /></a> The floors will darken just a bit over time but this stain is a good color – not crazy dark but dark enough that it contrasts against the white trim. My very favorite thing. :) So if I was a better planner and if I hadn’t been hit with the bug last week, I would have tried to do things like paint the walls in the room before the floors were installed and pull up the old baseboards as well. Our base is installed so dang well it makes me sweat and swear to get them out. Now that the floors are in they are going to be even harder to get out: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xjlwFhykKmc/UwtmeUXnTzI/AAAAAAAAlaU/WfbFqzXEUT8/s1600-h/IMG_8373%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="jacobean stain minwax" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ITb9dAQCUis/UwtmfVF0zrI/AAAAAAAAlaY/EtYomTGYKRU/IMG_8373_thumb.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="jacobean stain minwax" width="500" /></a> Grrr. I so should have done that before! I was just going to extend them using some molding but I am doing a wall treatment and really want to have a different base. So, we’ll see. As anxious as I am to sleep in our comfy bed again, I may try to do this while everything is out of the room. Makes most sense, it’s just hard for my impatient brain to accept. :) So I have a ton of work to get this room back in order but I LOVE the floors! And I can’t wait for <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/clearancerugs/rugs-usa-diamond-shag/grey/200OZSG09A-8010.html" target="_blank">this</a> to arrive tomorrow: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mdq3yXP_rz4/UwtmgacgWsI/AAAAAAAAlag/PcIj_iRMI7U/s1600-h/200OZSG09A%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="diamond pattern rug" border="0" height="557" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D8EJxA2IY_4/Uwtmhifk8yI/AAAAAAAAlao/y226IlrvOpg/200OZSG09A_thumb%25255B6%25255D.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="diamond pattern rug" width="550" /></a> I hope it looks as good as I think it will! I got it 70 percent off last week and it looks like it’s 50 percent off right now! So could you live with hardwoods in the bedroom? We’re not sure yet if we’ll do hard floors in the other bedrooms someday or just replace the carpet. After seeing what came out of our carpet the other day I’m leaning towards hardwoods. ;) It will be an adjustment to walk around on hard floors in there but I think the rug will help quite a bit (I’m planning on picking up some padding to put under it today.) So far I’m happy with this change – I’ll let you know if I still love it in a few months! :)

Hardwood floors in the bedroom

Hello my friends! Welcome to another (cold!) week! Hope you had a great weekend – my husband was out of town and I had finally recovered fro...

7:34 AM

Paint Swirl Vases

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Clear glass is so fun and easy to paint. With this paint swirl method, you can use any colors you like, which makes it easy to match any decor. Plus with this method for painting glass, you don't even need a paint brush. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvI-yzv6rsk/UwjORDxloLI/AAAAAAAABgo/qHNJGU5N3_8/s1600/painting+glass+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY painted glass, paint swirl vases, painted glass" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvI-yzv6rsk/UwjORDxloLI/AAAAAAAABgo/qHNJGU5N3_8/s1600/painting+glass+3.jpg" title="" width="255" /></a></div> Last week I made faux milk glass <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/02/diy-faux-milk-glass.html">HERE</a>. This is essentially the same idea. To make this vase, you use the same technique, only you add another paint color (or two). Look what happens! I think it look so pretty! Pick out two acrylic paint colors. Pour in about 1/8 cup of your first color of paint in the bottom of your vase. My first color was white, and I swirled this around until about half of the inside of the glass was white. Be sure to swirl slowly. If you go to fast, the paint will drip all over. There was still some clear showing when I tipped out any excess white paint. You can tip it onto newspaper, or paper towel - whatever you don't mind throwing away. I tipped mine right into the sink, and washed the excess paint right down the drain. I have a stainless sink, but I don't know if you'd do this with ceramic...Then I added the second color. I swirled the glass with the two colors and they mixed into one another. When I was happy with how it looked, I tipped the painted vase upside down and let the excess paint drain again. After it had dripped for a while, I turned it right side up and wiped down the rim with a damp paper towel, to remove any excess paint. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XX-Yq5ng_lw/UwjKzb3SOrI/AAAAAAAABgU/ha5nzEAndZs/s1600/painting+glass+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY painted glass, paint swirl vases, painted glass" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XX-Yq5ng_lw/UwjKzb3SOrI/AAAAAAAABgU/ha5nzEAndZs/s1600/painting+glass+2.jpg" title="" width="310" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I then left the paint swirl vase to dry overnight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm using these as candle holders, but you could use your vases, depending on the shape, to hold dried flowers, or decorative sticks, or just on their own. (Don't put water in them though!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see in this picture below, how cool it looks even from the inside! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVLANzBF5zU/UwjRU3fvZRI/AAAAAAAABg0/eKCaBsNe4fg/s1600/painting+glass+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY painted glass, paint swirl vases, painted glass" border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVLANzBF5zU/UwjRU3fvZRI/AAAAAAAABg0/eKCaBsNe4fg/s1600/painting+glass+4.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I keep buying vases at the dollar store - several more painted vases look likely in my future. Don't you think these would be perfect as gifts?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Keep in mind that you can't use this glass for eating or drinking. Nor is it dishwasher (or hand washing) safe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HEY don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter! (Above) All the cool kids are! OK, well, my mom did... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, if you would like to join in some fun link parties, click <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/link-parties_11.html">HERE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>

Paint Swirl Vases

Clear glass is so fun and easy to paint. With this paint swirl method, you can use any colors you like, which makes it easy to match any dec...

11:11 AM

Make Your Own Coffee Creamer

<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div> I drink my coffee with LOTS of powdered coffee creamer. Classy? Perhaps not, but once you try this coffee creamer recipe, or the flavored version, you'll be hooked too, SO c'mon over to the dark side! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXOiH-A6j2Q/UweBWEcCeKI/AAAAAAAABeQ/zLI62n3R7nk/s1600/Make+Your+Own+Coffee+Creamer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="coffee creamer recipe, make your own coffee creamer, powdered coffee creamer recipe" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXOiH-A6j2Q/UweBWEcCeKI/AAAAAAAABeQ/zLI62n3R7nk/s1600/Make+Your+Own+Coffee+Creamer.jpg" title="" width="285" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h3>Powdered Coffee Creamer</h3>Makes approximately 2 1/2 cups 2 cups instant nonfat dry milk ¼ cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted Combine dry milk and sugar in a bowl. Add coconut oil, drizzling it over the top while mixing with a fork. Mix well until there are no lumps. Put it in a jar with a lid and give it a good shake. Once you have it all mixed up, you can store it in the pantry. For flavored coffee, add any of the following: 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp almond extract 1 tsp orange extract 1/2 cup cocoa 1 tsp peppermint extract 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg You get the idea! Just add one of the above (or combine a couple) to the dry ingredients, put the lid on, and shake for a few minutes to mix thoroughly. Wouldn't this make a great hostess gift, if put in a cute mason jar? What would you flavor the creamer with? <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/f7/c3/b3/f7c3b3764c5c3b0002ae55b2c2f5336b.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Please remember to subscribe to my email for my Newsletter (with coupons)!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">For a list of awesome link parties - <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/link-parties_11.html">CLICK HERE</a> !! </div>

Make Your Own Coffee Creamer

I drink my coffee with LOTS of powdered coffee creamer. Classy? Perhaps not, but once you try this coffee creamer recipe, or the flavored ve...

9:38 AM

For real

Well hello and happy Friday! Here in Indiana we had thunderstorms and near 60 degree temps just last night and now it’s 35 and snowing. AWESOME. I don’t know why I always talk about weather here. Because it’s annoying, that’s why. Anyway, I shared all of the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/02/our-paint-colors.html" target="_blank">paint colors in our home</a> yesterday and as I walked through the house last night I had to laugh. I like to share real life from time to time and thought today would be as good a day as any. There’s a lot going on in the house today and it shows. :) First up, the mud room. It’s delightfully empty in the most recent pics, but we do actually use it: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qFeJ0pRuLZ4/UweJHu_PsdI/AAAAAAAAlXo/AWVCMjetyXw/s1600-h/IMG_8343%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="mud room bench" border="0" height="675" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GAGRQ7x2P-I/UweJIe3cOoI/AAAAAAAAlXw/Os9bpIKsb9E/IMG_8343_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="mud room bench" width="450" /></a> I gotta say, this is pure bliss compared to how it looked way back. Always a pit. It is SO NICE to be able to come in the door and hang our coats, and sit to put on our shoes before we leave the house. I LOVE this spot. The shot of our family room looks like this currently – with the random Valentine/in between Christmas/mostly empty mantel, smooshed cushions and all: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RqTUwXz1IJw/UweJKBG8BAI/AAAAAAAAlX4/YTP2Y9Hfr0E/s1600-h/IMG_8347%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="675" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cTEipgX2sjE/UweJK4ok4GI/AAAAAAAAlYA/_-nZnYbR2Ps/IMG_8347_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="" width="450" /></a> I cleaned and picked up before these pics, I spared you that. :) Remember the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/02/embracing-karate-chop.html" target="_blank">“chopped” pillows</a> I showed you last week? Well, this is how they usually look: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mYbJqH97R7s/UweJM38zXCI/AAAAAAAAlYI/sHPb2Xcb51k/s1600-h/IMG_8349%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="675" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J6ChmIFB_4g/UweJNk8x6iI/AAAAAAAAlYQ/KFgN3CI-kdA/IMG_8349_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="" width="450" /></a> At least they’re not on the floor. I’m working on the master closet and the pile of donate/sell has been sitting around for about a week now: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EJwcoRQ7G48/UweJOZio-sI/AAAAAAAAlYY/HLz9w2lOxBk/s1600-h/IMG_8351%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="675" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mXGNV1fBUOg/UweJPtKJdVI/AAAAAAAAlYg/-Yu5Z-TciaI/IMG_8351_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="" width="450" /></a> The floors are filthy because of that beautiful pile of wood in our living room. The guys are here today to start the installation in our bedroom and they’ve been in and out all morning. Whooo HOO! So happy!! And who doesn’t love a little Christmas in late February?: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bUp44z1-dH8/UweJQEu8_lI/AAAAAAAAlYk/nfSthXT3EDU/s1600-h/IMG_8352%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="675" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PcR4OEsXdKg/UweJQy1FlRI/AAAAAAAAlYs/qbsdhOzLJBc/IMG_8352_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="" width="450" /></a> Fa la la la la…I need to take those down. And this is the loft currently, with everything from the bedroom piled in: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wRoU6vuxU1g/UweJRv0GJDI/AAAAAAAAlY4/k1r4_nSHeoo/s1600-h/IMG_8353%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="654" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2YUtzPn3nnY/UweJSfKGBpI/AAAAAAAAlZA/HF1SxmCm0GU/IMG_8353_thumb%25255B6%25255D.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="" width="464" /></a>It’s going to be a fun few days, but I’m happy to live with it.  So that’s a snapshot of our home right now. Any projects going on in yours this weekend? Have a great one!

For real

Well hello and happy Friday! Here in Indiana we had thunderstorms and near 60 degree temps just last night and now it’s 35 and snowing. AWES...

9:13 AM

Our paint colors

Well hello! I had planned to do a little DIY project to share today but then the stomach flu hit and I did pretty much nothing yesterday. I had been looking forward to getting a ton done too – the day was totally empty and I was going to be in beast mode. Instead I was on the couch all day, which just about kills me when I have stuff to do. But I feel a million times better today! But instead of the DIY I’m sharing a post I’ve been meaning to write for some time now. I get asked about our paint colors a lot and try to keep up with them on my FAQ page but don’t update as much as I should. So I’m sharing all of our current colors in one post (and I will keep this on the FAQ page too). It’s been awhile since we’ve seen my boy’s room on the blog: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1fa2rGcjqHE/UwY6vlaIH2I/AAAAAAAAlRM/U8fpPvp3auw/s1600-h/IMG_1299_thumb133.jpg"><img alt="Admiralty, Lowe's" border="0" height="624" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DzbQMsOIXAk/UwY6wvzGVAI/AAAAAAAAlRU/GzTAbMAEu4Q/IMG_1299_thumb13_thumb1.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="Admiralty, Lowe's" width="450" /></a> It’s because I’m still loving it and don’t want to touch it. :) I went dark navy on the top and that color is called Admiralty: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HM3V6rveQ_Y/UwY6xRJ3jUI/AAAAAAAAlRc/1lFsstw8cpA/s1600-h/715195091176%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Admiralty, Lowe's" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--TcDTMsHQXs/UwY6yFlK9MI/AAAAAAAAlRk/AdPrIXzQoEw/715195091176_thumb%25255B2%25255D.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="Admiralty, Lowe's" width="500" /></a> Of course these colors will look differently on your computer than they do in real life, and this one is no exception. Here it looks like a dusty, grayish blue and it’s not – it’s a true, deep navy. The ceiling and the backs of the built ins are a Sherwin Williams color called Upward: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H1A7KUH_i04/UwY6yrFk4SI/AAAAAAAAlRs/jJ8KWHUEJyg/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-02-20%252520at%2525209.07.15%252520AM%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Upward, Sherwin Williams" border="0" height="452" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OcXRXKykoqo/UwY6zTa0FMI/AAAAAAAAlR0/1FNv7yna5MU/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-02-20%252520at%2525209.07.15%252520AM_thumb.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="Upward, Sherwin Williams" width="448" /></a> I am pretty sure I had it lightened just a tad, I think about 10 percent. It’s been almost eight years since I painted that ceiling. :) The color I get asked more than any, and is probably the number one question I get here on TDC, is the color of our family room and kitchen:   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RXIYMu-QGLE/UwY6zyIEHKI/AAAAAAAAlR4/qYJVwYxVl4Y/s1600-h/IMG_72102.jpg"><img alt="Sisal paint color Ralph Lauren" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GfA00SWcgGw/UwY60laj9fI/AAAAAAAAlSA/E7SFHPICzrk/IMG_7210_thumb.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="Sisal paint color Ralph Lauren" width="500" /></a> This is a color called Sisal from Ralph Lauren and I can’t find it anywhere online. I took a photo of the paint swatch: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R0EySoalpVA/UwY61QolsCI/AAAAAAAAlSI/I3GhiQd2ksU/s1600-h/IMG_83422.jpg"><img alt="Sisal by Ralph Lauren" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_idkkrQlrCg/UwY62FgqaOI/AAAAAAAAlSQ/ty8sNj6Zf1o/IMG_8342_thumb.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="Sisal by Ralph Lauren" width="500" /></a> It’s in their “Naturals” collection and the number for it is NA10. Home Depot used to carry it and I got it mixed there almost ten years ago when I painted these rooms. HD does not carry this line anymore but I believe they can find the formula, pretty sure anyway. Again, the picture is not quite right – the color is a bit deeper than that and a little more sandy looking. The photo above looks more gray and it’s not. Here’s the paint color in our kitchen: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4W35bZCVG7Q/UwY624eixfI/AAAAAAAAlSc/uxj-ol3OBKc/s1600-h/IMG_68262.jpg"><img alt="Sisal paint, Ralph Lauren" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wYwe_d1LULk/UwY63p_zTxI/AAAAAAAAlSk/DaKLmDJXkcw/IMG_6826_thumb.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="Sisal paint, Ralph Lauren" width="500" /></a> But it appears darker there than it is. The family room photo is a really good example of how it looks on the walls. Our kitchen and family room get great natural light so it works well in there. I also used this color, just lightened 25 percent, in my office: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e1A4smxM6J0/UwY64ZWziEI/AAAAAAAAlSs/f32rc4qKTik/s1600-h/IMG_72202.jpg"><img alt="Sisal, Ralph Lauren " border="0" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JalKXYKrFE4/UwY65Xa7BhI/AAAAAAAAlS0/T3GtpKidzjs/IMG_7220_thumb.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="Sisal, Ralph Lauren " width="500" /></a> It’s a really great base for a room – it works with any accent color! By the way, that ceiling color is called Purify from Dutch Boy. I can’t find it in their paint colors on line but here’s the formula: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-05nsMdqYSXI/UwY6547wE1I/AAAAAAAAlS8/NBWmsgvxM7Y/s1600-h/IMG_260232.jpg"><img alt="Purify, Dutch Boy" border="0" height="264" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fCWCW6_Vaws/UwY666Q_ItI/AAAAAAAAlTE/JOvO3EWKZGE/IMG_26023_thumb.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="Purify, Dutch Boy" width="500" /></a> Home Depot currently carries a Sisal from Martha Stewart that looks very similar to the one I’ve used: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gK7IkBxJlww/UwY67tNd1mI/AAAAAAAAlTM/UKmrA3gWZ1s/s1600-h/9435123037624431a9053fd98adb1ae4_100.jpg"><img alt="Sisal, Martha Stewart" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6q8i-tdfSl0/UwY68ZuxiyI/AAAAAAAAlTU/k2HmCWoWCqg/9435123037624431a9053fd98adb1ae4_100%25255B1%25255D.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="Sisal, Martha Stewart" width="500" /></a> This one appears to be a bit lighter than our walls but I like it a lot and it’s a good match otherwise. A couple years ago we had half of our house repainted and it was just about the best day ever. :) Our two story foyer, living room, staircase and dining room and loft were all painted in Analytical Gray: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5bwjYyhYkHY/UwY69NrxgSI/AAAAAAAAlTc/c3Jg9Yraqdk/s1600-h/IMG_4402_thumb13.jpg"><img alt="Analytical Gray, Sherwin Williams" border="0" height="651" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E5ml3j9Jm8c/UwY6954OkXI/AAAAAAAAlTk/B_nWGFlagSE/IMG_4402_thumb1_thumb1.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="Analytical Gray, Sherwin Williams" width="450" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KLEOis0hTIA/UwY6-pXWRNI/AAAAAAAAlTs/cQFAzbXHGT4/s1600-h/IMG_5423_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Analytical Gray, Sherwin Williams" border="0" height="748" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-shOiWEVK5Ss/UwY6_W8YPOI/AAAAAAAAlT0/oZoGlFTmpT0/IMG_5423_thumb%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="Analytical Gray, Sherwin Williams" width="500" /></a> This is a Sherwin Williams color and here’s the swatch from their site: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zrx-3xw1Po4/UwY7AMFjByI/AAAAAAAAlT8/NLMhZprtlzU/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-02-19%252520at%25252010.34.43%252520PM%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Analytical Gray, Sherwin Williams" border="0" height="462" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HfJeJXuq9kA/UwY7AovOIKI/AAAAAAAAlUA/rBOUhaRVBjE/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-02-19%252520at%25252010.34.43%252520PM_thumb.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="Analytical Gray, Sherwin Williams" width="456" /></a> This is another great neutral – I LOVE this color. Some say they see some green in it in my pics – I can see that a little. The darker you go on the swatch it does go a little green. It’s a great “greige” – beige/gray color that’s a great backdrop for other colors. I tried this same color in the main floor powder room and it was too dark, so keep in mind how much light you get in a room when using it. Instead I went with a similar color, Agreeable Gray in there: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PmXBVG_209U/UwY7Bu_eREI/AAAAAAAAlUM/rb6eLS0tXFU/s1600-h/IMG_57602.jpg"><img alt="Agreeable Gray, Sherwin Willams" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tkw6EEQNzv4/UwY7CaY92oI/AAAAAAAAlUU/MrnCKMRflsk/IMG_5760_thumb.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="Agreeable Gray, Sherwin Willams" width="500" /></a> Another one I love. This color is also from Sherwin Williams. Obviously over the years I’ve fallen hard for neutrals: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-74YNIL2m0HQ/UwY7DDKd7EI/AAAAAAAAlUc/o4oJvvX5vtI/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-02-19%252520at%25252010.37.19%252520PM%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Agreeable Gray, Sherwin Willams" border="0" height="456" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F2T-LfQsw5U/UwY7D0JAeRI/AAAAAAAAlUk/rhJEepKA_Yw/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-02-19%252520at%25252010.37.19%252520PM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="Agreeable Gray, Sherwin Willams" width="448" /></a> I did not go neutral in the laundry room turned mud room. :) I went with a deep peacock blue called Reflecting Pool by Ralph Lauren: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bPbiqTO5KFQ/UwY7EswXMYI/AAAAAAAAlUo/Bfg6OUEGM08/s1600-h/IMG_82132.jpg"><img alt="Reflecting Pool, Ralph Lauren paints" border="0" height="763" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DVzfx38JDdU/UwY7FfchFcI/AAAAAAAAlU0/SHz8rU4Gi5c/IMG_8213_thumb.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="Reflecting Pool, Ralph Lauren paints" width="500" /></a> This is the only swatch I could find online and it has more of a green tint: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kxyASu7i6LE/UwY7GCmbLnI/AAAAAAAAlU8/K3OZNvWpxm4/s1600-h/216ReflectingPool2.jpg"><img alt="Reflecting Pool, Ralph Lauren paints" border="0" height="498" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rGxySTRC5qU/UwY7G59KiQI/AAAAAAAAlVE/QZMbOxQAMLA/216ReflectingPool_thumb.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="Reflecting Pool, Ralph Lauren paints" width="500" /></a> I went with a white on the walls, but it’s not a bright white. It’s called Stone Arrowhead by Dutch Boy and again I couldn’t find it online. This is the closest I found: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eTqrv_4UX9Q/UwY7HkBkuII/AAAAAAAAlVM/Jv6JdQgEt4c/s1600-h/MPC0000885414.jpg"><img alt="Stone arrowhead, Dutch Boy" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mvNZvkNPFAU/UwY7IDSs4sI/AAAAAAAAlVU/7W_XfQTITgg/MPC000088541_thumb2.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="Stone arrowhead, Dutch Boy" width="400" /></a> I finally painted my stepdaughter’s old room last year and went with a totally different color than what I would normally use: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vbztXJdcV_k/UwY7IzluuUI/AAAAAAAAlVc/6pLM-c1mpjc/s1600-h/ombrewall2.jpg"><img alt="Ombre wall, Dew White Porter Paints" border="0" height="759" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IeMeQfwf6p4/UwY7JngNWYI/AAAAAAAAlVk/1ad427CkLE8/ombrewall_thumb.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="Ombre wall, Dew White Porter Paints" width="500" /></a> It’s so light and pretty, I really love it. The main color on the walls is called Dew White from Porter Paints: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lFROEod0i-g/UwY7KeDTw-I/AAAAAAAAlVs/IRxFQlb_kHM/s1600-h/lightgreenwallcolors_thumb15.jpg"><img alt="Light green paint colors" border="0" height="599" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ratyq48hDtc/UwY7LC0srRI/AAAAAAAAlV0/jFS7mxeVimY/lightgreenwallcolors_thumb1_thumb3.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="Light green paint colors" width="450" /></a> And the colors on the square wall go from Dew White down to Pond Reed, as you can see on the swatch. :) The master bedroom has had the same for about eight years now: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BWUwUoUZzQc/UwY7LxKQthI/AAAAAAAAlV8/ENF16X2PTPs/s1600-h/howtodecoratemantel22.jpg"><img alt="Tornado Watch, Lowe's" border="0" height="780" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2Q-s2sBXOIs/UwY7MnsP0MI/AAAAAAAAlWE/hROuGJmlTRY/howtodecoratemantel2_thumb.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="Tornado Watch, Lowe's" width="487" /></a> Most of the walls are a gray/green called Tornado Watch: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QLXux-yEtt0/UwY7NRGh-2I/AAAAAAAAlWM/CcuO5jDC-bA/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-02-19%252520at%25252011.07.52%252520PM%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Tornado Watch, Lowe's" border="0" height="348" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qXrftHuH04g/UwY7OEhlVeI/AAAAAAAAlWU/9_C05hUHOfo/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-02-19%252520at%25252011.07.52%252520PM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="Tornado Watch, Lowe's" width="350" /></a> The wall above our fireplace is actually a bit darker color, called Mossy Aura. Last year I started painting these walls and haven’t gotten very far. :) The wall behind the bed is now a light gray: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Kcq1rU5iG90/UwY7O4Mbz6I/AAAAAAAAlWc/eaWhTq0z12k/s1600-h/spray-paint-lamp2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Whitestone, Benjamin Moore" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8Hftz4kX0k8/UwY7PiDZsaI/AAAAAAAAlWk/0EalRKxwjZU/spray-paint-lamp2_thumb.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="Whitestone, Benjamin Moore" width="500" /></a> It’s called Whitestone from Benjamin Moore: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C-vbPNVyWgY/UwY7QZdzwnI/AAAAAAAAlWs/1C4H2KloWN8/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-02-20%252520at%25252011.55.44%252520AM%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Whitestone, Benjamin Moore" border="0" height="431" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ohai4h3eCDY/UwY7RE07TfI/AAAAAAAAlW0/734KFrgG5PQ/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-02-20%252520at%25252011.55.44%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.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="Whitestone, Benjamin Moore" width="500" /></a>The rest of the walls will get this same color as soon as I amp myself up to paint again. :) Finally, another color I get asked about often, the basement color: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ImFrqUmrPF8/UwY7R_9DWzI/AAAAAAAAlW8/odMVSMFXGmo/s1600-h/IMG_83182.jpg"><img alt="Marina Gray, Benjamin Moore" border="0" height="701" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iIrZrbk7c3o/UwY7Ss7z3qI/AAAAAAAAlXE/38i82V1sXcE/IMG_8318_thumb.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="Marina Gray, Benjamin Moore" width="500" /></a> This one is called Marina Gray from Benjamin Moore and I had it lightened 25 percent since we don’t have any natural light down there: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BCvbH3dUJD0/UwY7TeF20oI/AAAAAAAAlXM/27uo0ZURwso/s1600-h/marinagray_thumb12.jpg"><img alt="Marina Gray, Benjamin Moore" border="0" height="425" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B9e4Q__rGUM/UwY7UIIGzeI/AAAAAAAAlXU/sffCPgZs-TI/marinagray_thumb1_thumb.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="Marina Gray, Benjamin Moore" width="425" /></a> I used similar tones for the laundry and bathroom down there, you can see those <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/05/picking-out-basement-paint-colors.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Since I lightened that Marina Gray the other colors I used down there don’t really look that much different. To most it probably looks like the entire basement is the same color. Ah well, lesson learned. At least I like it! :) All the Ben Moore colors I mention are mixed in Sherwin Williams paints, just because I like the paint and they are a bit cheaper. All of the white trim or built ins in our home are painted in regular semi gloss white, off the shelf. Just a bright white, no specific color. You can find links to all of these rooms <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/1998/10/our-home-click-pictures-to-get-to-post.html" target="_blank">over here</a> if you want more info on any of them. :) Have you used any of these colors? Did I miss any?

Our paint colors

Well hello! I had planned to do a little DIY project to share today but then the stomach flu hit and I did pretty much nothing yesterday. I ...

9:28 AM