Better Homes and Gardens tour

<p>Hello all! Oh my goodness, I have been <strong>so</strong> excited to tell you about the trip I took a couple weeks ago. I was approached by Better Homes and Gardens recently asking if I wanted to help promote their products at Walmart and then TAKE A TRIP TO THE BHG HEADQUARTERS. </p> <p>Uh. Yes, I would like to take a trip to the Better Homes and Gardens headquarters, thank you very much. It is an honor and I’m so excited about this partnership: </p> <p><a href="http://http://www.walmart.com/cp/Better-Homes-and-Gardens/1011919" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Network-Badge-300x298" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjWswAoV66gAYO4QxXE3CrWGYcY9Ub2_RnOhKxHkuCGiK6eIc7QEyINOBZpgmXR5gVZGMTa5l6ug2ezcdWDIidQdDk1UzIfvMztp3mYTRlOUs7XETrzisZn7DgvfDckgQrv13GuJiI6s/?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="Network-Badge-300x298" width="300" /></a></p> <p>I took a TON of pictures and this is only half of them – but still a lot of pics! The headquarters are located in Des Moines Iowa – which is really weird because the only two times I’ve stayed in Iowa in my life were this summer. </p> <p>They truly went all out for us: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxuEEDOLK7fPN2Kv1Bbo-xrdIT4LoxjhEYrpfgQPOG4nX23vCKDHj9wvTksELKSVpj8SO-Yq5FaRWKEkFut7fvnn_ZqMZwD9u3gjWGzAuTmnzWspvsKJPJWD7jme-oyrAJrJ8Oxl6Hgo/s1600-h/unnamed%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BHG bloggers" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SkXmuekyZo9kixknRbxPcT9RI5p923dE4yyX_EbWq-5iRnHuoyFMo5NGs_ntJI1FBRrvKS6CNkHBJ0TYoE25umMqMe3V1kTazQzWANFpUaH2YhDuAR5Luh0iiXwd1-DN73UaEw0y1TA/?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="BHG bloggers" width="500" /></a></p> <p>We got to see so many of their current and future products and in addition got a grand tour of the facilities. It was so fun. </p> <p>Nancy Hopkins, the food and entertaining editor, gave us a beautiful presentation in one of their test kitchens: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjto92K4rCt7gtVrjsWGpsTarug-Sg9r68xxs6ZCyQVl335eWk_819eo5SE_SjgIYHE0GOSJpobQMrKNagh7PjuXWhZjdiffi9zbar_do5UJPQoaJe5Bu6tPmjBcUlxMm7-qI4dmiVAWos/s1600-h/1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="BHG headquarters" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxTjzRV0WUzlOnUflAehyJ_ZxKr3EaHOR3T_fRIsfUsqUVnI59V173Zh9vCL0gYn_zf4XGyGhVBfNzWRNmL38d60-Nb-DT-Id6l3s_DQtytZyIzIy19HBbqQglXVJX7SzAiNdkw66xi8/?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="BHG headquarters" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Do you see the cutie fall cookie jars? Adorable. They’ll be out in stores soon. :) </p> <p>Nancy did the easiest, most beautiful entertaining displays using basic dishes and food. It was so simple, seriously. I think we way over think things when it comes to decorating sometimes. The simplest are often the prettiest: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHc10LOgDjaKuaxvEoF5QKrwE_u8xET_kbtKJuQkCGpydZiF2YAIku7pK_vO0m2cZrbmBiSJXJg-zSN8UErGal4LCOQLtgH75X6YdpC6kTh-3H-pV7RMme8L3NS3gI-J0Z_POy7NCs0TQ/s1600-h/2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7boxzXLPi2KFWoNVW_CfwhX1VmJJ3kjAtAmR2pM94Koza2m90EN6w8DIA9IPstQNkwMMsv6z65-hT0ytuI2shs06VGX7M8FZlGOi95227WdO85sD7V2dWrN3xTauHqW1QoBDLJg26pE/?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></p> <p>That was a plate, an upside down bowl and then another stacked on top. (She suggested using something like Velcro to make them stay put when entertaining.) </p> <p>We got a peek at the fall and holiday products that will be in stores soon: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZE3k4_oksi26rKTURcKwv_ygLlR0L_k25JnzTGr0Ff5trp2NRFOyWgmC0vfhAQeJOEPtiSZvUm1RBdF13PhS0T_VkiPyNq-pq6HWM2fJx_bW_Lakav2FIdbNQ34deWZBUssHb9nBXJA/s1600-h/IMG_9602%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BHG Christmas products" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwrXjrPtAMGBEMAM2kctnGRt4IJF1GlSg-Mb7LqPBdUE7ZlReXInOK1ZXCd1irPslpCiuh5IfbEU5dBhlO5qiuDELGJ9DXOx_Z38QWOTS0izB7FP7qzhIGH874ollEO3mD_pMsBjIqQo/?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="BHG Christmas products" width="500" /></a></p> <p>We also got a tour through the test kitchens – it smelled AMAZING: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjaQGe1QcjP7VQfY1-sKkmvW_5XYa_AITK4CuDRNdvL3wWjlP9lFUE4XrHC-LlxWThtuWBCbKPv7i4lh1eluyXns7RQojpYWTwJMRisvvDqqFkhMuWb3Sv_3HD_b5W6eo7k3OidVSQQE/s1600-h/6%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BHG test kitchen" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK21HNWkjiQxa0ZLkwrH4nCd-JqdlcDETHfbX4OB15mj8c3D7c6B5hXv1sOMUiuhxPelUL7iPEJN5IzTGrBl2ZG5P0pPWHD5243ZcVWPYucsGD_tRxcqQLTIMzNMi60oAv2kttvEzkh2A/?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="BHG test kitchen" width="500" /></a></p> <p>What’s funny is they were making this shrimp and pesto meal <em>and</em> Christmas cookies – and the combo still worked. ;) </p> <p>One of the most exciting parts of the tour for us bloggers was seeing where the shoot spreads and advertisements for the magazine. Rooms were built everywhere with fake window and “natural” light. You can’t even tell they weren’t real!: </p> <p align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCwdxOqxI8A6fVztXa0Z3BpmR3Jmo85cs5TZSwTzUFxwdLC_kgrX1r8OqET5L9eXrptN031ZqQIfFhRaAj-LFXfSoWjvsXkJu4xmDK5fM-Xz32bBqNXtbo0lIih5kj_isHUw6OUDr2p0/s1600-h/IMG_9607%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLjri8heDUFfrnFyTjyRzaJne2-G-b-QLcrXI9whXH48lLZ7r7bzujAgJYGNA98iSbop9QR2wnh-h26LDWjSoIGmCwP74GaoOFoXZXxWQtCPX8JNExjZfKXMGhEGw4ufq7KFBq7RKmjE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="270" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ArcN20UWcDSzsVe6VGabJRHkfSvQxUWYNrTCZ9NBHsyeejshsoZT7b1mcK2s6nLeXgKKMvJWAv6fbnWa14ZJdYXAEkysbSOue4MGlzZd_JVfKQTG2lICHVPxAuyA16NMo12xIvcFxiw/s1600-h/3%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfu_IocU2aYcZPltsS9DuKsrJmsgDLNIPYd8nYrwajOYNqxy1o39I_CGGo9z2UJAfoAjlItNKPHBlXOvd0JeXZ3VqSohSBx8wUEFKn9jGvH7TSHpiaZIwZbdQpJBFfZgg1vocRe5ojsw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="285" /></a>  </p> <p>And we got to tour the prop room. People. We could have spent hours in there poking around – it was crazy!: </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1auTO-OVbzSBSATIl6qhRk4m_Ch5xAtZpWeR5nBs69R5hfsd7GQbCagr6TUZPCFjmEvrIb02vlmPN4H77DdqJkwqhHmpGQfFhNk80I6nIjIX-YDt86BGuxbNAzVK73FRPw8B1abIS7Y/s1600-h/IMG_9619%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6H4sYpx5aCBpMRZ4bFOMrlfgdmrKntAyw8y8p0sJgmSqvV-te2VLhfnSYNheEcwZm-dNMBD_MgXgXmfm9CYwAAqFoTNwfAEl_HKP_Vk2_kFUYD0g43YhQrOTIaIL24YsrsE4XGgHCY0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwmflFrW9liJVnT7kcwEWKDHiyPTVqLnnyxFVYlktUfR9Gy97z5WtBknVVeaphSyj0VXnLNmOQ0UEn0Cp8deQwgXU8y_6TDkvEEbnN5D2wolv_t_mbqGeBhkiDWhi38RzKd3gYjlJ6iU/s1600-h/IMG_9621%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BHG headquarters" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFfNldRHJXDRBEPPqny8qnP_VBb0jWLJjGMo6n8UpGlQqYCk-CRi17ECqmKf52DK0hOdpzRwpNKsnbJA5KCZOhIxeXXniRFLCu6qx37_OW1ABJ3gaQpZLAJjrvthLASrIJtLbQ4SQzFc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="BHG headquarters" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>And really, so well organized too. Everything down to the cutlery was organized by color. So cool. </p> <p>We got to see some photo shoots in action too. We walked in to one and the space was so dark, I didn’t think there was any way they would get a good shot: </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeF4CRinR5-_PBfOCfxmt-AqK-zJgM-_HAXYMc5atOX3zcAJUPS0DjrT5DMlg3wNh0CPBxOBn3NZrj_am583FXFfhsRDGXjPIdfNp1LfkLw6C8qYg0lvHW4oBOGjB0uUmCgtCY4U2z8k/s1600-h/IMG_9622%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEw-vrIci2CXkHh82b1MYvankuBXpMd5h7sUsxFbN4lgZ-aNC0BKzhfNY5i0BWEoJ2fZNeCZ9D7VWcC4_eYr1j-1kZn1bNe5jqgup_KAqTBmbQ2r0mT4wfjt84NFkypEcA6MiV8OAQJg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJaoinEQbHTTAbsSEmp_8Rpj6UdTx6eudN91gBm1Z3JXWsEn97llmoGjw6Fw9Z7HVuFNKb2XRB-Ha3M99gGi7YW4zFbjphI44ctWz2_p1GHDMwcCjsy2TTVGpyv8nAToAA1SUP4tLsyU/s1600-h/IMG_9625%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwk9IvCl1CVxXqIS2kTAZgqbUtzm6npqwoDS0JtdI-Enq41StMcjpAvkGhstarWxr05P9QzMNrbIXHAQMrGdJCRRDxyzCQwAGOUUFiKzeP8HNSJXyB8RqlxPNgEfQgsvkK7jY0iTtQmkA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>But the images were coming up on the monitor and were stunning. It was fascinating to watch! </p> <p>One of my favorite areas was the workshop: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoP0j11k56TTOsvZ6OIy3S9TKymlJeehZYyybeU8zRKySDy9P9WPWTMHBXHBzXB9Yjw8Rc2w5GptU3wkq2eWj-CQkfkMar-NHvimY6-IJo0Z1gnTqRjv0ES4_f4Wrc95YvNYSshXN97R4/s1600-h/IMG_9627%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX1VbyGT-cNwxFiA90AAgsJk_bkjmTSJtSnzC9PrnTeUtA_lqmovn7mZGj97Ce9szZrMoQ-4YWJada4M0OU2D8TXxWdx_yR209cFFnk_A-epyXGgBL0AJJBz2NnLAv2IMjtU7P0_jMr4/?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="550" /></a></p> <p>Gah. This girl was in heaven! It smelled so good in there too. Pesto and wood – good smells. ;) </p> <p>They had a room filled with just walls – exterior and interior. My favorite was the board and batten wall: </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYva5ZAMnif5-3HFiHD9n4lt2t7NzIzOuhSzbY4QIcFhb0StEF5uxvUKlPPVBZlKt1_nyIdCBhAcplLU-nTmg_b8DvxtEuupUshplW6I84fOyjZi8a8tzi9RJVO69gfXgBEmx-aGKbYE/s1600-h/IMG_9629%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04OdY_r_TZ5n6013q4497f06kV-0_z0ZFuTWuq2vIjhPaSTJpt5FLnPKZL4lHs_OwCW_ogtTbn1ZzrhUYukE7bV7pbBH8Qj66X-aN4y4OBrXn3HDV-zfVL0XvDQg8B1LvU0ymui9oLRQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="550" /></a> </p> <p>There’s a planked on there in the back too. ;) The exterior walls even had lights and doors, it was so cool. </p> <p>The part of the tour I was most looking forward to was the test garden and it did not disappoint!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hGlTaSkQmTDWeezpPYufjPaL_eZkxuEtiStoFgpJhoecAakSsT4LJ4PtKEKuctWBXGIXvymuJ4EjxFDTMqXYxc2LsDPcZR4ThuaX60NV5YCT21ALAW-FRIOna0kgQVeTLZCO_8paUTE/s1600-h/IMG_9615%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BHG test garden" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_bN2Y9OXXFfviFGZlJ19pm-XQT2S-Sr2QjQ4L2WKhRy96asAYVKp0foEAI6AjNFWuf6eeUltI3eS8DGFbz5cpeTgKLGJAhLJtd-Ax8psSUwuL5ytpkMWD9yRULbHGvAVISSYoBdMYK4/?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="BHG test garden" width="500" /></a></p> <p>This is another spot I could have walked around in forever. It was beautiful: </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTB6RlGDrZK4hS3Zkvo3itkrj0Mm4YSgRS5wp6y0NPdnuop4bkWuziKCya2T9uhyP71XSLAgzru6xwVaCFSrS7CbvHv0jZ_ijmCE2IcqmgApDwF1Ku6bDvZ33PjVJYF1qvcjVHckarjVI/s1600-h/4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdF8zbZSdf8a_b6DMseamV4IxqzTOH3zmFuZi_Wf7gTVQHeYH1nTdonQ13Dn6Ux3HeYeO3t-w1FtEcjFRsgtknCEK8lEV2jdCMmWAieoFZQLewBEw6WSlEytQ2Y2afJ84h17oMzKRxmlY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCF-fMJVhMjDK-w1KeUe7sQuApAH-vq5jYN-uqx4gD8vSMPTPDKixdXmL85rchQ4udt3Xk7g_M0Je7kLNnxQg6XGKqiUmgVNq9GJRjJrUGrUS53iYSkQHW6zksbTfNCIR5tdvuwiJ5tk/s1600-h/5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lily pads" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGd3dFWaaLasEjJlWExI-AW3gccfJ4FEipxGPlprskVmArgCuOw0HUr5rSM8Kt7S3tSBXZla-OpBZTguKG6LEy7HMZfJ1aa2kks8rrQUWnAnKv4aCXTeiCP3315WalUZVYzUZjt81d64/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="lily pads" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>I think the shade garden was my favorite. I want to create one in our backyard just like this: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisM12jw2kGjrnbmZaNl32Cg894PDmkNkfQqOcoBeOrfjWisaSO8nOCtExzy74uYlAB71oZnRCz6XIIEyp3UTKzMCMm7idFD0sW5laznOGhQP76iBoXP0eeRlDViZZehRMUKCZTVvPjcko/s1600-h/IMG_9617%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="shade garden" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXl1vNf1yc4zdAn2l8wCa3mjb50kEXqPP58fzrQW7vZ-bim7pI3IU_LugpfvsXq6wBDSugSnCYrlGAvHZySMYTOdKNDjXehGTHDBdoymowUQ6OyN7bO6c4nAqbdBlec_ccq4FhX2rifI/?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="shade garden" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Easy, right? I love that they use this garden to see what plants work – how well they grow, what kind of light they need. I’ve become a bit of a gardening nut over the past few years so I was all geeked out. :) </p> <p>We finished up the day with a trip to the Iowa State Fair – we had dinner and then had a couple hours to play: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qsLQDjXxtM4_sKE8FLoZUDWu-fVDyvqZk-cFWo9IyWVga3RZrqP-5p1KRf_GzvBufUHedEEiCPyu5Y2EW4KIrGPXiHMOrobofHODZSA2e6xQOy_mwdu40BhfuqO2xBxo-Hg3TFnoHFs/s1600-h/7%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="Iowa state fair" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxZuCExx1Q9kXDelKB2g5L6XcAUIlIwdrh6yaf4qpaRNXuBElu94-j8WgSi5TGqCy4J1kTusAe0JHXKsfJTjiUQCxeTsYPiiVaMswrbtfyLL5tEf2oYsfYn5AHXI8AIZoARjQh3z6zDk/?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="Iowa state fair" width="500" /></a></p> <p>We rode a bunch of rides and had an absolute blast. </p> <p>I have to tell you, I was SO impressed with the products – I was surprised more than once at what was available and the price. <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Jeweled-Damask-Reversible-Quilt/35433129" target="_blank">This bedding</a> was one of my favorites: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxeAkNXsZeBWNhrlaUB-SKd7xq34iBoG0GdtcIMrhr7T1BnPK4r_B5sAhA-BijVE9HLM__Mkb2ZoArLinw8eCDfnFacVNeh8vsjtRU4_4Y8BhwT37d7SdpoZ96kKPBQ1dZuzr9rawZg8/s1600-h/IMG_9583%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="colorful bedding" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jkurju0vFDEbPG4_jvWMXISUaNYeUJgxA3GVgJzBmpwt_BGkHFGIzQZPAaeObay4c-dNkvkcaK-MrntSNLaZgl0o8L6G2fxIChhtrEWcSRYaGm_dYmN15J5LmgtRUI5zIdSXDyZRaPE/?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="colorful bedding" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I don’t know why but I was obsessed with it. I just think it is so pretty – perfect for a girl’s room. Or an adult girl’s room. ;) I LOVE all the colors. OH and the <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Grayson-Linen-Headboard-with-Nailheads-Multiple-Colors-Multiple-Sizes/35031680" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">headboard</a> – (with nail head trim!) starts at $150 and comes in two different colors!</p> <p>I was so, so impressed with their lighting. I bought a very similar lamp for NOT $60 a couple years ago: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTV74Ed0wRd1PHdladgbyL3YUzg0IBPEpBDyq6PZ8kvYQ77wwRsJQ93MNSHd2azYuUB_k_dGYHM5Qjhl2AVbFuSSAgBhWKIcyVPEbnL5la2h8kf7RQ5SgNFLcOciyeOzlPX0bWtFNfn8/s1600-h/IMG_9586%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MUr_XJ7QtSRXP4Rhas6vKV1nSDUaL0OiFTUv-RWeFWdg9RbRsJdVaI6AHY3F_1IPcvVKrjHhE28qt86d_KEVEEAaQ_FkkhLqFoz_jYM0MV4mhNrpSiCdT2CM1dKTyyAZ-DarhrVZcs4/?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></p> <p>Here is the <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/BHG-BH43-020-299-01-Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Rustic-Floor-Lamp/32272932" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wood one</a> and I believe the swing arm lamp will be coming out soon.</p> <p>Their weathered wood pieces had us all excited – they look SO good and this finish is so popular right now: </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1Y6MNDfWukxySeIzgyZDFOnNpHMsDJuKg571fhYEWuIt9XWEcBkebDGdOQ4WCKN-5tojNhUeH8-4mdc4LTfWlhPldNe58SjN1vw0fPS-hKDNkA83ocDvfp2f-M07OgnGb5IF_bdiFMU/s1600-h/IMG_9594%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKmyxRpFyJr27N5pszvTIbSBTylI3gzrtJVJuV6eomg3WkL2KKEEu-lRtyWGW8c8jI2krncNyzxSFs8_gfXlFsV2OS7tp3f-AXJCzMyNY44DPvo54JYw0s07yMi6ywNkzyL8FhQ-nMzA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAqLAXQkYMS_i0D-vTcG7hb2cVelwlZq8zQVL9mLYR2xErFNPNWMVB8gVWBMkrzICiDPaJz80MF4i5JUOoDSpStOl8EVcF_mKARcIxySZDBnDpXcm3cOIMx6SfNzE1UG2i8sl0IYL0CM/s1600-h/IMG_9595%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqrJqhhYPlvWamOlQhCE6O05PBfAMdFJgwZTUFyyeqGuzmojX_-s7dXYZdiezoeBzzcPhox1ElGRKmlcDXOLxiuN3ItkfcD5sAFZdPHGgydaRMwEAmhOZkLAarlydS3XKP0pLoTjbVOE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>That <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Lintel-Oak-Weathered-Collection-TV-Stand-for-TVs-up-to-65/34703231?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs_middle&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id=36620290315&category=0%3A4044%3A103150%3A4038%3A644619&client_guid=36631627-cbd0-4d84-a840-15508930b15a&config_id=0&parent_item_id=34973878&guid=d2b90666-5d40-4a62-b5ad-d06f41ecd53a&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">console</a> on the left is really for TV components but I loved it as a sofa table – or in a dining room as a buffet. </p> <p>Their slip covered sofas and chairs were comfy and didn’t have that slipcovered look at all – I didn’t believe them at first. ;) </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjSec4S3SGwdA8aa2ua2Ya_XvMngStqHR_WHbjuB6i3txJgtjra-yhbd4tLQTIv00Rbdi2D8ASlZt7UYq8lLe7Qmy9VqoIZ2ul1bLeoqnopwoEKSSqonkjcDrNdBwPB8qO4d03tIjzb8/s1600-h/IMG_9596%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fish pillow" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXemGVEZ8LeYprD04KTklzfJJ_upag1OI6HsMrCvXNOu7DTIEUXVS8wykivD-xR_racjg01m80jDOEEOlEo-zN-zs2w0BCtWOAW93Q6jWYJ7FyasTGwxOs4Ryc6XfS_OxtjbgLd5o6D8/?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="fish pillow" width="500" /></a></p> <p>And I wouldn’t think I would like a fish pillow but those looked pretty adorable. </p> <p>Their <a href="http://www.walmart.com/browse/kitchen-dining/dining-entertaining/better-homes-and-gardens/white/4044_623679_639999/YnJhbmQ6QmV0dGVyIEhvbWVzIGFuZCBHYXJkZW5zfHxjb2xvcjpXaGl0ZQieie?_refineresult=true&facet=material%3APorcelain&ic=32_0&pref_store=923&ss=false&tab_value=all">dishes</a> were gorgeous (very Pottery Barn-like) and that little tray in the middle with the candles was so versatile: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBRXf2cl0AcPPnQbPLhwQch2qP_Ev-1y8prmdZ5Gnx9RGnSfJSj8g5ypXmGnWTjqyhXF6iGCD3YPI2l4MOo1Lj1gNPPzHxeOffOMImTtiC-larTcun8SyljX3wPYEW5TNkd06k5QUCAM/s1600-h/IMG_9592%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1qUl-Lj8RujESOHMlxk3hPE_m1nMyZqeDid43fMs8e-ad7YGg25o1IGk-4Epn9zW5FEs6hTXTxbRLz4FsBOAhJ-caJevzkPL4A7Sxy2Z_atiYL8JgqzSZ-FO6E_qyQTmDvdq5WrjVRU/?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></p> <p>It would be so easy to decorate your table for the fall or Christmas with that! I can’t find it online but I’ll do some checking and see if I can find it. </p> <p>Talk about knocking one off the bucket list! It was an absolute honor to be invited and they treated us so well. I can’t wait to show you more of the products in a couple months! If you want a link for anything you see here just let me know. :) </p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><em><font size="2">I received compensation from  BHG at Walmart for my time and participation in the BHG Live Better Network. All experiences and opinions are my own. :) </font></em></p>

Better Homes and Gardens tour

Hello all! Oh my goodness, I have been so excited to tell you about the trip I took a couple weeks ago. I was approached by Better Homes an...

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Tearing down a wall!

<p>HELLO everybody! I’m back with an update on the wall demolition progress. Otherwise known as “BEST. DAY. EVER.” </p> <p>I’ll go through the steps and also a few of our plans – keep in mind that we are still early in this process when you see the pics. :) </p> <p>We started bright and early last Wednesday – I started scoring and taking down the boards on the office side of the wall so I can reuse them later: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DSSFODduuAIIo16mLMJ9tt64o6jrOvirwXVcyl8UMl8RM6STDQ02LM-N5uy8gXYTKqzASM9VSlUlggxwZWv0qleGLN9PiJV3tsPvRbbUE6xuENoK9PjO9AdHswVcetXThZXh5ZRfe_I/s1600-h/unnamed1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="removing wall trim" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTs7Q6QRn9N5xEla7uCJJSfHWylq5UnAvsbvLpeJ26TdJw5-sFQikhxJ30tbPe8jP4lut-99fcu4F5PglvZhCwI_BkUhVmNCt2BGMMB1JEKld32_SYuNnb9WIuptFx4fOIn6e4W3_EGY8/?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="removing wall trim" width="500" /></a></p> <p>More on where I’m using them in a bit. :) </p> <p>It was quite a treat to take them down and not worry one bit about the drywall damage: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoEnD2BM1O6Yf_55JpWdssOxRKuZLB-7BceixWIsyeEvU4JYdpMSM5bbYUat1U5yldSqBs_XnmzkI1crcLTRHHz2hAQT0wX-mkil5_Jxi1kCJpZblSQMq4_d44WktN4FPjxls6e3pZdw/s1600-h/2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="removing wall trim" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzU0-l3d-g4TmkoqYRP4P04UhzBjxNTwKvnv7Zrmgqfgg5s25_jb9-8FL1ZEGp3Va4JV1jWT8X0fJUmKAqWeqOpzgXI_eJZYXGeWHqmyIi65jR3dgcRDv807XH7A2mYb1161HwFL2OW8/?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="removing wall trim" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Side note – I didn’t use glue to put these up but it seems caulk acts exactly like glue when it seeps under the boards. Good to know. </p> <p>On the other side of the wall the trim was being taken down as well – I saved about 90 percent of it for possible use in other spots:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AnM9IEYdoOZv6nlpCWQyBqqrTLHlMDHVOQYWPFOe1dYQuGnzcGWe9vNX08PCeHeRm7DMZ2IcI3E85FP15n65zGyK71KVLXdc9C5qv0K1PzP_wAVNDhGIjoTCNpBHCLhfT_ghgtpzILA/s1600-h/8%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="prepping to remove a wall" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY25VeYLD1ELC7hGE2TPuoMMFyxOuymngl8zQE_RSwVvLoOn8p2jBZfE-qDvVC0QNO7R51MH4-0WvkS-C-kmO5zDulLIZV0pBAvMGCZpD14uH8JFCeYNryx3S0tWCKtJV9E6COnM_dUzQ/?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="prepping to remove a wall" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Early on the guys mentioned that they don’t take down walls like you see on TV – hammers flying, kicking in drywall. I was all, <em>DANG!</em> I was looking forward to that part. </p> <p>So they let me have at it. I laughed out loud when I saw my face in this picture: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNZHKer9LMYGlW1XeaWULvEAHpGZU4MFe_T7gBUp2ckG7P2xJrGUM1m8sy2-V_rF-JVt2hUK2PiFJB2CwVNoO_IZ40wz8h_ZjXvkoZX1izhyphenhyphenIwdCSsW58PGb7bk-3B6PhdVOi8OyoAFc/s1600-h/11%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="taking down a wall" border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94A30g31YCc3mR6oVQHY0ORceOoi3qBw0Uk8lXbg0kk78k5prlLSpJe0gdDEoicUQ8XOLLpsAyN93ZSkDH_1CCkGWbfqVi7x4UuzQfRUWE8CU0jtpvKjJo2Uzsekjo9wKMUd_vPDXxa8/?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="taking down a wall" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I forgot my protective eyewear, I know I know. I remembered later. </p> <p>Think this made me happy?: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VD9HpBRmM_lhOXfXw72AwmcMYtn-V4gytlkzYdnTPo-VOHdk1aoOvvNyK6MMYOPHUoefgIfD9-T4f68xJ_fGU0Vun-M3AD7YmYeM-X9hyphenhyphen48NVU_i1p3-jyFqcPiQ1QfwZWoeE4DUMAA/s1600-h/16%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pure joy" border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0Q6FilWCKg0s7qRd1k9SGLMRPvCG5JNGF7PRRL4x5r2RQWpK4WClCyJE6AuXuBgwCzmD0HFLEcPjFBgnKQLhZ6YNGnkSHkQpPSDSzVMtec9BZrqVwQJU7ngReMwNgVUmRy4sOKHo73k/?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="pure joy" width="508" /></a></p> <p>They had me slow my roll a bit when they realized the drywall was shooting all the way across my office – I was having fun. </p> <p>I tore down some of the drywall (while my sister and I marveled at how very little is really holding our houses together) and then stepped back and watched as the light started pouring into the family room: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfpaT3oz50yVgNBuDW8pN_TU4E0y6loWspoZl2ASI9IvVSTjcqSCz6OBigexlrTmjBKQJ9IG96LzlSED8Rdwn2gCiRul-Y0-hUOIKk91ptgowJ25bR2QXeVo6XUohFma8TmuBPqPauGE/s1600-h/18%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="removing interior wall" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrK2Wa60KSlF3Dc6fQo19h_0UQjBnEadwJP-FFWVfYxU5EaDuKbt-YdQgaxusFnFcfdlPE6pb8cjz0x6o_YZarjgEwoODeMXoPsg1ZOniu69JNwluzmlKh5CmJP-IKkeWJ8BHkjYJDic/?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="removing interior wall" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I actually watched a few YouTube videos on how to take down a wall the night before and I was happy (but not surprised) to see that the guys followed all the precautions mentioned in those videos. Things like moving boards with nails out of the way as you go, hammering down any nails sticking out of the studs so they aren’t a hazard and little tricks like tilting the outlets face up. That’s so when you pull the drywall out it doesn’t rip the wiring out along with it. </p> <p>By the way – we turned off the gas to the fireplace and all electrical in this wall before doing a thing. Very, very, very important. </p> <p>Tearing down the drywall was cool but knocking out the studs was way more fun. It’s not hard (again, surprisingly so). I mean, it definitely takes some force, but that was my favorite part for sure: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIt20OsduhI3IB4t2EgnryikTwyGqW41LqJXM7l9eslma_lU8ynroIYTbNk-ekEYMviShOsFs7GxOiCzMC8CBBo7yaHtTVAoiPa69XxvzYHHBVZ5i_VigLRnhk0StvH8NdCR9y-kwPmZ8/s1600-h/19%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="tearing out studs" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0edsY2QDxTpL6XRMivFZXblAgDKL0j3W3CeKRHDv-X_vtrf1TQl7h3Pg94K7827-HYCCiAkQHRHCY5SAPMfhzQKCD76Ktz1nYMtYjz1WPgyKGLeWf8VOmjhlkIQOAQg88N4oLfHnzMcI/?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="tearing out studs" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Those outlets you see were cut before we took out any studs so there was no need to take them off first. </p> <p>A few whacks and it was out – then you just pull and rock the wood so the nails out: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtby4Dou4uJmRq-8cr7P9LK7G0KQvteGqUwmpWSFe8KRVXNCaJOV3Sy-oak6sf6ZjCGwz5XZVriOdliyyFtmAHrsKk3f89BjZd1xqvUKvZjTEGJECKSadrp-ttj4mFFZOw2QacCZJExY/s1600-h/12%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="how to tear down a wall" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7IfrQXNU3ILav2pznmjx6Q_3h2npnahtT1lmpgZk01ard9G7tR5ylcGtMt_0Amfj2gkbYwazwPpqaS5bjBLl8AIf2LvJWyWYsy_ppKIhSz9bwlQt5cuMzkJezygRUmL1dLOCjXAtuf8/?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="how to tear down a wall" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I liked it so much I ended up taking out all the studs. ;) </p> <p>One more BIG thing – I knew from my own research that this wasn’t a load bearing wall for a few reasons. One, it was a partial wall that didn’t end with a large post. I could tell by using my stud finder that the end of the wall was just a few studs and not four or five next to each other. If you have that many it’s probably a support for a beam in the wall/ceiling. </p> <p>Also, I know which way our beams go in the ceiling because of how our hardwoods were installed upstairs – the flooring needs to be nailed into them so it’s installed perpendicular to them, not parallel. </p> <p>Because I knew the direction of the beams in the ceiling, I knew the wall wasn’t load bearing – if your wall is perpendicular to your beams it’s probably load bearing, if the wall is parallel with your beams it’s most likely not. Hope that makes sense!! </p> <p>Anyway, within a few hours everything was out and taken away. The debris overflowed the back of their huge pickup truck – I was shocked at how much was on that little wall so you’d need a small dumpster or truck if you try this even with a small wall.</p> <p>Of course it went fast because they had so much help: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghH-9-A5-bUoOLvtHW2IWBgLzGS4Y59FFtSe8iyuUkltQ_TkRG220TbZ9Zea21AQNecn_rTbf3J93SMuayGxT8qfAewhKgVkfkOFV0CRh3T-3rGRlKMYOytRcirNH6e1Wmpyo2hNu7p8/s1600-h/4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG8jKi4v6GyAEoJmbKRkCvrGVPP6E-aMf821UZRTshhSGUYIZLf2vaZyTlphzBRZrB_XMJ5jgBUtiG2xoa1JkPbrsG-Q0irdeOLTs_zKJudN0WWxc5OKuexlf0hWQBpkHK8jnITGk1bY/?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="500" /></a></p> <p>Always. </p> <p>So when you take down a wall you’re never 100 percent sure what’s inside. I knew we had a cable, two outlets and a gas line. I wasn’t expecting the extra cable and speaker wires: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLeatPYYfQtTAuCDRS7u_Dr05Ag_JgyazqH6eiZi4V34PSGl5e0z4HWVkDcy7WSAL7iTQWawACZwSHcVO8ilfmOQFtGLGanCKoj4GA4Yp1RB5M5LiCXT2CkGaN607GnVZf68hqxvuWPI/s1600-h/IMG_9383%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to remove an interior wall" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShjNTU2NOAnnHEH8MDysoGQC2Ql7u6OptGnO-7s5s1GmW6iD_3CM52yT5aN7mnQG3b5t04UR_HXStEvQ1Ay_MemG4vmplfzX9dgqCW5Ym4I0CedSKa6Y0z8cAsf4gAMWSDBxcVRxf4JY/?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="how to remove an interior wall" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Those hung like that for about a week till the audio guy could come out today. They operate our sound system and cable in the family room so he rerouted it all through the ceiling and wall so it can be used when the TV is moved. Still some work to be done to pull everything over from where it is on the other wall – I’ll probably make the whole TV placement a post of it’s own. :) </p> <p>So far we’ve been really lucky with each trade coming in to do these separate things in a timely manner. I SO appreciate that. Also – I didn’t realize it but you call a plumber to move a gas line – who knew? Not me obviously. :) The same guys that did this also ran our gas line for the basement dryer years ago. They do a great job so if any locals need a name just email me. </p> <p>I wasn’t planning on the fireplace happening this early but the surround had to be built up in order to move the gas line. I shared my inspiration pics and the guys started building it yesterday. Because we have a direct vent gas fireplace we kept it right where it was, keeping the same vent. No new cuts on the outside of the house. Problem is, the fireplace box is about 16 inches deep, plus some room for the vent and you get a very deep fireplace. Most homes that are built with a similar fp have a “doghouse” extension built so the back of the unit can stick outside a bit. But to do that would mean cutting a hole in the house and getting permits and ain’t nobody got time for that. :) </p> <p>We were prepared for that though so this baby is deep! But by the time we’re done it won’t look quite as deep: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3Xd_Vni2s3sc1zk4PDdKeSD9dmHkC-HrXtcCnlNOp_wMlG626IbMmZ2iU3NUaH3I3IQhqLPTsKi-9JcDSTFgOHVKzJjpAnGIj2TtqpjvJ6TpS5khupAj30eH9JcZUyzPpRaCbdtnjaU/s1600-h/IMG_9388%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cabinets next to fireplace for electronics" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pSDuu7_donBovcN7uTq_D0bMOE3omEdTGgSAcpmahIoDKdcYXvHMhlS4Bm-s0lzaafpi48G2vHB7Rrlpq9VlInlmHtFZcax1RyEjnndD2ek2aUxU0_PTxIXuWyQV0AO6dI-iZEOGW_E/?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="cabinets next to fireplace for electronics" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Here’s my inspiration pic to give you an idea of how this area will kinda sorta look eventually. Fingers crossed: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2h0YlJ0PqwpOG8-e_95G8Scq7A0FsLyZYuHu45NOLt_BLASLxOI84YHY8dHXapZRRL36JuacACe_w1QwZTt1v3U2DXb9-5efmzCtZtiSZfkmNMG2Scy-5Ogh81_r-2Q5bNS4pOzVYWc/s1600-h/101915053.jpg.rendition.largest%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZgxiHa1b68wOInvPYIzdsN1Dat7FuUNe5semBergkVdjj28K9L4ozuhxbS4nHmrw0qfmro-0uoIbOk7mEVu2_i8dNkJcS2kM8_Yf2PCQHmIrNmtCpzaxemFlbwLsHAwEdw4N_zfR61s/?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="500" /></a></p> <p align="center">(<a href="http://www.bhg.com/rooms/living-room/family/family-friendly-living-rooms-/?socsrc=bhgpin101313familylivingroom&page=1&crlt.pid=camp.KtvDBpaTLFkY" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p>I was planning glass fronts on the cabinets to the side (I’m looking into different doors that I will have glass installed in), but I figure the TV components will need to breathe. So either we’ll figure out something to vent them on top of the cabinets or I’ll use radiator grates instead of glass. </p> <p>I think I’m most thrilled with the fact that this is now a standard sized, wide fireplace – I haven’t had one this big in our family room yet. :) </p> <p>Lots of room for trim and tile!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVpFlBFbF1cbfXqi24vUiO3M6jhMrlVu-d4QuZbJZXtCw_NqAuC7UPN-_VthVfkpv3XMDLXeNCLTqkaP55h1VGxnGjv_2rebzbz3A5KClIgzuuyXL88ZeBAXyV66xJb42Vl-BBMukfwo/s1600-h/IMG_9390%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="fireplace that sticks out from wall" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY0YLO0ORwWXI8Gzuec1TG8iKG7ZWTwicEmh6vWkzijznbBI1983MRX6Y92J27gY5pfz81vPey-8ljRRf1fl91pfioPWXJv01wZSSIFZY8so-On9kB_R85Z8gSOSrUp_8ZkUbeb5IwXw/?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="fireplace that sticks out from wall" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Even thought the fireplace comes out into the room quite a bit (which I knew before we started), I think the depth will actually be one of my favorite things about it. We’re adding a wall that will be at least three inches deep above it that will reduce the thickness just a bit – I think it will work out beautifully when all is said and done. </p> <p>SO many things to figure out still! </p> <p>Here’s the room as it is now: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLYvNzQL3BEv2MbmZzsFma_rw6JYiOjDUuqV0mrUJNKtvRRBrCmUWnwHh-mV03K5HcetnIIj5BELhb1rMHkBocyHVNIVWvIiisotov_-UWmN6F5Wvm3JmvZeWE2rOPqgkz_owY06pFn0/s1600-h/IMG_9385%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tearing down a wall to create great room" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NMwtzZc7YtwrorCaQcRNIAVYwCfYYuimuqtId3Da2L3NyZSCCIq8dy1X_3pxp-cPudRbQGw4kBOTkOkGgWFxxMK2CYn29fxRUNkBZ9sNd0lC7bx5mIIhNLU_WOU21G7CdrJwGcy4shM/?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="tearing down a wall to create great room" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The desk will be gone, the dresser will move and I have a plan for that side of the room but will have to see how it all comes together. The rug width and length will have to be <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/binding-to-get-perfect-rug.html" target="_blank">cut down</a> (or I’ll have to find a new one, but I really love this one) so it doesn’t sit right in front of the fireplace. </p> <p>The board and batten will continue throughout the whole space and french doors will go where the double windows are to the right of the fireplace. Thing is, this new room is MUCH more spacious, but it will be long and skinny. So the sectional/fp area will be cozy, but we knew that going in. It’s totally worth it with all the extra light!!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QSDljdKnMgjDe8itCP4ikoDfhyLie8vWN5L0hS3EaRQHz9FxY99bGHZWeV_hLIaQGxZ9N_l5IdYWbsjBA5lNjn-fFbiuxM2SUXib4WIzLHOLOK_duhpwLmNTrAAI0ARPdjOqmhZiRxU/s1600-h/IMG_9386%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="deep fireplace" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs20novEbttL5xX9m2Ho1G7YZlZjmnffBAzMNAqvZSOtYxFAe5k3y8IbAU20uRD9OUOQ_pi50fLCQCcnYXWi0HWpWdTzukfjV_ES0mxB_2PD1ZXx62phcIYCUc9XmxWzdL7r8i7mYIq4o/?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="deep fireplace" width="500" /></a>There will be a walkway behind the sofa that feels a tiny bit tight now, but that’s mostly because we’re just not used to it. I’m moving some furniture around that will help to open up that area quite a bit too. All these ideas make me giddy. It’s Christmas in July people! For real…this is my Christmas present. ;)</p> <p>And moving this all down into the old office makes everything SO much more open down by the kitchen, I cannot even tell you. It feels AMAZING. Ack! More on that later too. :) </p> <p>I’ve been told to plan for extra costs that pop up during a reno and it’s already happening. :) Since the ceiling it already opened up we’re taking this opportunity to add recessed lights throughout the whole space. Hallelujah! There’s no overhead light in my office so it’s needed. I’m thinking of removing the hanging light in the family room for a cleaner look – if I keep it will be moved to the center of the room. </p> <p>Next, the guys will finish up the fireplace build this week and then start on the lighting. The sound system stuff will be moved and then LOTS of drywall patching, mostly in the ceiling. After that I’ll have the floors patched – and then comes the new doors, installing a TON of trim on the walls (board and batten, base and crown) and painting the entire space – the last two jobs I’ll be doing myself.</p> <p>Whew! There you go – the progress and the plan! I’m so happy with it so far. I can see the finished result in my head and in there it looks pretty awesome. :) Are you seeing my vision? </p>

Tearing down a wall!

HELLO everybody! I’m back with an update on the wall demolition progress. Otherwise known as “BEST. DAY. EVER.” I’ll go through the steps ...

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Curated sale at Joss & Main

<p>Hello there! I’m SO excited to tell you about a fun event I have going this evening. Well, not me personally – I mean, I’d love to have you all over but that would get a little crazy. </p> <p>I was thrilled when Joss & Main asked me to curate a collection on their site: </p> <p><a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Thrifty-Decor-Chick~E8132.html"><img alt="Joss and Main Thrifty Decor Chick" border="0" height="183" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r8JwCK7dciw/UqfJk4fiATI/AAAAAAAAjYg/thqI60uunBE/logo%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="Joss and Main Thrifty Decor Chick" width="350" /></a></p> <p>Have you shopped Joss & Main? They are a members only online shop with AWESOME decor at great discounts. I just started shopping their site last year and it’s some serious eye candy. </p> <p>I was able to pick out a bunch of fun products that I loved and felt like showcased my style for my collection. I’m not a fancy decorator – I always want our home to feel lived in, with a simple but timeless feel. I named my collection Classic Comfort because that really symbolizes what my style is all about.</p> <p>Here’s a few of my favorites that will be offered in my sale: </p> <p><a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Thrifty-Decor-Chick~E8132.html"><img alt="Thrifty Decor Chick collection on Joss and Main" border="0" height="714" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ym4U8a3BvLc/UqfKexrgMFI/AAAAAAAAjYw/wS9HOsARS0o/PicMonkey%252520Collage.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="Thrifty Decor Chick collection on Joss and Main" width="500" /></a></p> <p>See those trunks above? Love those things! You can see how I used one in on the sofa table in my family room photo. You can get a better look at them on <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-little-somethin.html">this post</a> too.  </p> <p>Here’s some more shots from the collection:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8VZ7uHsOxYE/Uqc7eLqxyeI/AAAAAAAAjX0/wtgPddAV5QY/s1600-h/header2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Joss and Main Thrifty Decor Chick" border="0" height="216" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VSiV3Bpy0uI/Uqc7f3w1_gI/AAAAAAAAjX8/VhysyPAeMaE/header2_thumb%25255B2%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="Joss and Main Thrifty Decor Chick" width="550" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-im8IxwtG_mU/Uqc7g5Bqv9I/AAAAAAAAjYE/josYBXphDhA/s1600-h/header3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Joss and Main Thrifty Decor Chick" border="0" height="216" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sEMghXh0Yko/Uqc7iOxKm5I/AAAAAAAAjYM/0qpjJyRQ5pE/header3_thumb%25255B2%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="Joss and Main Thrifty Decor Chick" width="550" /></a></p> <p>How COOL! It was an honor to be asked to do this. </p> <p>Joss & Main is an invite-only site, so if you aren’t signed up yet <strong><a href="http://www.jossandmain.com/invite/2DD2BF">you can use my invite here</a>.</strong> The <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Thrifty-Decor-Chick~E8132.html"><strong>sale is now LIVE</strong></a> and will be open for a week. Perfect excuse to shop for <strike>yourself</strike> family and friends! </p> <p>And I hope to see you back here tomorrow for my Christmas home tour! No, I’m still not done. I’m having fun with it though and I can’t wait to show you! My son reminded me this morning that there are only FIFTEEN more days till Christmas. I haven’t bought one gift…but this is normal for me. I like the thrill of the last minute I guess. :) </p> <p>Again, the link to the <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Thrifty-Decor-Chick~E8132.html">sale</a> is here and if you aren’t a member you can go <a href="http://www.jossandmain.com/invite/2DD2BF">here</a> to sign up. </p> <p>Have a great one!</p>

Curated sale at Joss & Main

Hello there! I’m SO excited to tell you about a fun event I have going this evening. Well, not me personally – I mean, I’d love to have you ...

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Outdoor decor ideas (My HD video)

<p>Hello all! You gotta love Thursdays right? I do! We’re in the home stretch as far as school for both the hubby and the Bub. Can’t wait to have them home all summer!!</p> <p>Today I’m sharing one of the Home Depot videos from the shoot I told you about <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/05/home-depot-video-shoot.html">last week</a>! It was a whirlwind of a day and as I mentioned, more fun than I thought it would be. (I was not, in fact, a ball of nerves like I thought.) ;) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2radd0w-EvT8I-WxDz_lsSxIR0hCKwAK9dX2pkD48A8rSjS9s8dXB7z-faQm6xCbWU-8mxM9kheFfBIq_Ri2ybGprQiERWFQckyPF30VosqOmFVdlbqdMBavPIN2h8sj-bc8IRCkbw50/s1600-h/header%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy outdoor decor" border="0" height="549" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9SePHT1ebDjQrSc9GsuozLmRbThKrXiyPBPjCGgU-8mgS-1xz0jK_5Pe9G9_j28StfSWbOFJewi65MznZ6duUOPqU_7I5IAte7zyT2zSdlQ0aDcNM3nesOXnEWC0AtTCAc8dA_V9-8Ti/?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 outdoor decor" width="450" /></a> </p> <p>All told I did about 15-20 different videos that day that will air on other sites, but this one is just for you guys! I watched it for the first time yesterday and did not want to puke…that’s a good thing.</p> <p>I haven’t watched it again cause I would nit pick myself like crazy, so I’m sticking with the first decent impression.</p> <p>I feel like I’m squinting the whole time – they had a big screen up to block the sun but man, those production lights are crazy bright! Soooooo, other than that and I loathe listening to myself talk, it turned out pretty OK! :)</p> <p>I’m sharing a few quick tips to get ready for outdoor decor and entertaining, enjoy!:</p> <p><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="270" id="flashObj" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="@videoPlayer=2399745823001&playerID=82843786001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAAHur4I~,diYZRj_HSFq3I0J5u4e4VKgTfmoM3B0i&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="@videoPlayer=2399745823001&playerID=82843786001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAAHur4I~,diYZRj_HSFq3I0J5u4e4VKgTfmoM3B0i&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="480" height="270" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object></p> <p>Have a great one Squeezes! </p>

Outdoor decor ideas (My HD video)

Hello all! You gotta love Thursdays right? I do! We’re in the home stretch as far as school for both the hubby and the Bub. Can’t wait to ha...

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Home Depot video shoot

<p>Hello all! First of all, I have to send out prayers to those in Oklahoma. We are just seeing all the news this morning and it’s heartbreaking. </p> <p>I’m back today with a recap of the recent Home Depot video shoot at my house. When they contacted me about doing a video in the backyard a couple months ago I was all, sure, that sounds like fun! I don’t have to leave my house, low stress right? </p> <p>Well then I realized I was doing interviews for three hours and the nerves started to creep in. ;) I gotta say, in the end it was actually a really fun day and I feel like it went pretty well. (Everyone else said so too, but I’m still not sure if they’re supposed to say that or what.) </p> <p>The promotion was set up so that I could chat with about 15 other bloggers via the phone while I was taped. We were talking about the new Procter and Gamble cleaning items at Home Depot specifically -- they are <em>great</em> for outdoor grime and dirt. The bloggers and I talked about getting your outdoor spaces ready for the season and some fun entertaining ideas. </p> <p>I’ll share one of the videos with you soon (I haven’t seen any yet – yikes!!) but for now I wanted to share what went into the shoot. It was mind boggling! The production crew came a couple weeks earlier to check out the house and patio, and when six guys walked in I started to realize what a big deal this was. ;)</p> <p>The day of the shoot we had more like ten crew members and then the producer from NYC (thanks Evan!) and the PR contact from Chicago (hey Mara!). They were super efficient but still took a couple hours: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYkO4HN0J27QkoTjxpBqasHS06ksou7KsKFUTMnXCcwPrXyAp9GqoDuH8TsdyNObWe5h5l3nAIMl_Wu4oXzNYJ2gOPACo224uWRvJ7R-OOaK3loej3MhtgkTHZVTmlnryz2_3Lfv6xZs/s1600-h/IMG_5698%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="video shoot" border="0" height="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtnsnA7EMREP_fdNLsVnPMzhpUAvJp4VJQxVkr0vA9PRUvDSbWgyfID9PGeR5I2DY9BnxWx8MKUBNCAWIuOzRQ0wtrN2OTfx8VDYyp7oesGYJQgWyOxuoWSRnG6TjuwVR6hXOFSYUZrk/?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="video shoot" width="450" /></a></p> <p>There were monitors and cords and stuff everywhere! It was insane! (In a fun way!) </p> <p>Here’s a better view of the kitchen: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxpxhCJ-ALNm-GM88E0CtG5Upn5N5xg2ne1cOXcCk5rZSLNagH-y-RzIiEgQQg0j6Sov4aM6fdNgePNXiOx4SicVyY0e445lFriW5Ki5ZAWmdt46mQnbhDGNNu6GoqipixAulCh9hgEs/s1600-h/IMG_5699%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="video shoot " border="0" height="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8Zh2KMCE6hYWIxUPVy175qyzrgBGBw5wAszGLq67bV2zQCEcY9fpaOvESlT2HL0kRFzg0ok3tMu56z6a6dgdd3BJwe1p5dDTriK2M_afmTXnlZRwRMw1ypVHdt4a2lfxRz9OHCRenBg/?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="video shoot " width="450" /></a></p> <p>Thank goodness for the new, bigger kitchen table. ;) There’s no way all of that would have fit on the old one. </p> <p>Speaking of, the old one served as our food station – both breakfast and lunch were catered in, ohh la la!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbqezcZtXgwoe75pO10-E9KGuPuslpJTHaqf0guHP2YBn86C3Gvo4SxQI7WwP6eaRlmcHdB2FoXh4bTsYJFki0OHqdv7DN837BOBYVEerZawQ7d2dp7cYCUdWY5GyzvnNu_aA5025nWI/s1600-h/IMG_5697%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5Q0xspTo_rdwuba9O_0IEczy9L0Jos_8MfK12vfMnL4X_n5N0ceIMMfeVU69PrXz90f4rEbDbuvfFTJLINbOjTK7TkAigtwH9BpdYANqmjE5TA-dfgCCjhWU9PAL2jtWTCd6DX9j2FU/?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></p> <p>Having the food brought in was actually a huge relief to me. All along I had been planning on feeding everyone and that was a huge thing I didn’t have to worry about that day. </p> <p>The patio was as crazy as the inside – they moved everything around so the fireplace was the focal point: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLiGO1fSE2Wb1x2vm3dEBFZ9AiO2tpGpNxoy59HtCD7RdA6t8pjWnbXSCYDS8PJVBqPlLD2yPHREt4u3Xym_fV2OY3cp6hyphenhyphenSdkyYZFe5WHGxSx3AZCHLKoLEItz9zjDaL8rARdCJnGbQ/s1600-h/IMG_5701%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="video shoot" border="0" height="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0B49X9nwKrLCw6jshcCMuihXiOYyl8_xpffUgl94LVvsRGCHe0Y6pnIAZ7OhWs7OJO0_Q5xt5aAYtsUX0_3eOpV-RBxyPoc-TiCo6C9kKbAwqHeyEgG9UG0tRkvQBzb0FrUTvCGPf0w/?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="video shoot" width="450" /></a></p> <p>We had a beautiful, sunny day so the big screen was up to offer some shade for the shoot – I asked if they would leave it and they said no, dangit. :)</p> <p>My sis was there for the day, thank goodness! It was a relief to have her there to help me prepare and just for support. She got a bunch of pics while I was getting prepped for the shoot: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmircl0efMhTX65hGsHiQayOXS8S7wuUfM4ehaAf4CKmYO4OvaMnWFuX95SZ0MMOLH9b8KX_QvZrZPFS34jQqCWSlzamuV7XoFCqSBUelAl4FP5Yf851TpoxwRkS9_v-1lEREu5HcsD8/s1600-h/IMG_5702%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="video shoot" border="0" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7PfAaaJxxLEATaOJnYMlHfCdc6Av05fYvay1c691w5-ouH3A3eQYZkbWF0HyT1CFj1KQ8TmdhGrER_Kv4T20bDJ0TN_-FfmkRXtz7MStvVfCCABJqXIIVP3M1x76eEzFqHahR5rNqhI/?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="video shoot" width="550" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6ga4RYJcD-imeqsGrNq514UK0Qxmo9LpjicZutZxBc3SbVBwR8ZKJd0zPYd1WGAyC8k7En8zkwCxRug7jfErOg9YI-wUE0ZTDgbB_29NcFzKohsUg7LAyBm_zo9Oqc2wGqpJNK93cWY/s1600-h/IMG_5703%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="home depot video shoot" border="0" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTWvkOsyNjt1bsrPM42MhlM4XLue-y52CGFX9b4xbhRQfUdMllWQ00QzxEirIQbL-Wj9sftachlyVCGrCv8wQEDoY1Rt5_Fcosni21E-r5un9GMpmQi8GPdXsQetNeKRu2Mq3uQ3RWzc/?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="home depot video shoot" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Nice face: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eYXrPZFD8xHtr6pafysKOrvjsw94klEbJ1lh2lOZQaC8YfuFi0hOuM3VtRnECeR0wBEBZcm8vJB9jQJgXFxy5lOMTE96BavEbZYvXeguihgHILTGjygPBuj6FeZPyS9VQ2LcNbwgbGI/s1600-h/IMG_5705%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9O7odp5BCtLdSpAVwIh1NP7fTz1zh9a1yIJsR6g82feumvTRbyjinqW9OZpeQazRD7rKru-gwu_BlvLIRYz-9lm2SX6QNPmJ44qRX9ZLHiAU1Nfj3OnjqZSfMNa66agEvUP9Vm3bLlAE/?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="577" /></a></p> <p>I have to say, EVERYONE was awesome -- the crew, Evan, Mara – they all made it fun and it was surprisingly laid back, which is good for me. I feel comfortable in front of a camera and have done it numerous times in my life (both for blogging and in my previous life in PR), but if everyone is stressed and hyper it makes me nervous. </p> <p>It was quite fun and even though I was nervous, I was way more relaxed than I thought I would be. I didn’t mess up too bad – except for the time I kept saying “cucumber” instead of couponer – over and over. And over. It didn’t help that I’d also hear everyone inside through my earpiece cackling every time I said it. :)</p> <p>You know how you say something wrong a couple times and then your brain just quits on you and you just CANNOT say it right after that? Yeah. I think it took six tries before I got it. </p> <p>Oh well, everyone needs some outtakes right?? </p> <p>It was a fun day and we flew through the interviews – the crew was packed up and the house was back to normal by mid-afternoon. It was a blast and I couldn’t have done it without my sister there with me: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYC9aaVcV1YaVCBP1mlCed7JrPAyaqTqJRGf2b_RXhmMKsTrPut1WSLtB3uHxhddfWXcgU6Xu7nPnzWGKXGpg8dxnTnkvbZS2tXllPazATuRJCPfOt3GznqflnYzJm3Z804Kqet1uRVi8/s1600-h/IMG_5711%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="thrifty decor chick" border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqdQ7voF_YQfgRnCNz87B6_h4oLX3SIr-BbnSMAv9VLvlrwOOaCZLwScr5jTSGAAvQT0sGI_HKCQpJ-35jDk5_qY58WdEBt2wSXYgVUFUV8QPA9yjlXuBj9P1PF6LTIswdWbSn9CAwp4/?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="thrifty decor chick" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Love her. :) </p> <p>The lovely folks at Procter and Gamble and Home Depot have put a little giveaway package together for one of you to win! You’ll get all the items I talked about that day – the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Outdoor Pro pack, Mr. Clean Outdoor Pro spray, a roll of Bounty paper towels <em>and</em> a $50 Home Depot gift card! </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpbmMgplIiZNTPIcmPJBlvankfwziw-drxKa-cyJ7Qe4IjzkUiXG0QV4uYTiayezw03KDESurr1u7wOuUJjMiFyj4jPjYGnau85l-bS3GC66uXnvqv3gOIZqD7XqRSU2XTe9sLyeOpDM/s1600-h/P%252526G%252520THD%252520Outdoor%252520Cleaning%252520Prize%252520Pack%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P&G Outdoor Cleaning Pack" border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wSslwu-xPgirH00V55Cybc6sIumwS-_z1u3NodY77bvBaBEnR2HD3UBKfCFQWOngOsq1PqrIoxAMvry1Vox_SqAMyYQTONHqxswwjXVg9H9cwWXfBNwjOvRKM9-tnbEUl16bwzw82R4/?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="P&G Outdoor Cleaning Pack" width="400" /></a></p> <p>WHOOT! I have already tried the cleaning supplies and they rock! Anyone else obsessed with the Magic Erasers? Love them. And with the gift card you can kick off Memorial Day right with some flowers from Home Depot, or maybe some outdoor pillows? Hope the winner does something fun with it! :) </p> <p><strong><em>**This giveaway is now closed – the winner has been contacted. </em></strong></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here. Remember if you are anonymous, leave your email as well! This will be open through Thursday at noon. </p>

Home Depot video shoot

Hello all! First of all, I have to send out prayers to those in Oklahoma. We are just seeing all the news this morning and it’s heartbreakin...

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