(Your) little things make a big difference

<p>Hey there all! I’m enjoying this lovely Thursday and relaxing a bit today – it’s been a crazy busy week as I prepared for a big video shoot with the folks from Home Depot yesterday. We shot it outside on the patio and it was really fun and went great. I will tell you more about it SOON! </p> <p>For now I want to show off a few of those who linked up to the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/its-little-things.html">“Little Things” party</a> I threw at the last minute a few weeks ago. I LOVED this link up – I may do that again. It was so fun to read through the posts! </p> <p>I found a few (it was hard to stop) to highlight, so check them out! </p> <p>Carmel at <a href="http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/2012/11/dining-room-details.html" rel="nofollow">Our Fifth House</a> added some pretty hardware to the back of her chairs for some bling:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9BidHvpdVW1QYyHm-zIBgjHdMIBz7R-2X_M-3zUe4Kg2MNrq8faOscJMcFeXO3QstsZJtJ_gaHTP_q087WEGU2U_2ovhAGl0RC-_b8RCz2XLBOgiBahFDUSdnVeLiSuWoKsjot6p0Vo/s1600-h/IMG_7780%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="hardware on back of chairs" border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMHEhz7XeJ72MK2oxYKqGelbhARASz_Ew44Ue3quZTEu-pk1hqaZ09KCguHZ3OYJonVVmFfG93m7FTJvMmwhDm946iaJghxzpbJtdNrI4v86C4M5iiFYb-4Fln19AWXSE37yp3S8fExk/?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="hardware on back of chairs" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I’ve always wanted to do the same – I just think it’s a cool unexpected touch. </p> <p>I loved this simple trash can redo at <a href="http://www.batchelorsway.com/2013/03/office-redo-were-talking-trash.html" rel="nofollow">Batchelor’s Way</a>: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O17CZ3-bIz8/UZUCiNElwqI/AAAAAAAAdM8/0lQwf-uB_Fc/s1600-h/before%252520trashcanCollage%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="trash can with painted numbers" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GobG4dnveaA/UZUCi_Xm1-I/AAAAAAAAdNE/LFNQobyUGh4/before%252520trashcanCollage_thumb%25255B3%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="trash can with painted numbers" width="500" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.inspirationformoms.com/2013/04/diy-how-to-paint-lamp-shades-and-lamps.html" rel="nofollow">Inspiration for Moms</a> shows how to spray paint lamp shades: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7Pn470bIIfc/UZUCjY0A4MI/AAAAAAAAdNM/nv7Ci4JCFLM/s1600-h/finished%252520swing%252520arm%252520lamps%252520on%252520wall%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="swing arm lamps above bed" border="0" height="599" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o6w-fdXiJwk/UZUCjyi_y3I/AAAAAAAAdNU/Y8QAnhhk1eM/finished%252520swing%252520arm%252520lamps%252520on%252520wall_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="swing arm lamps above bed" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I LOVE how that room has come together – so classic!</p> <p>Lori at <a href="http://familylovehome.blogspot.com/2012/10/updated-exposed-wood-shelf.html" rel="nofollow">Family Love Home</a> finished off a basic shelf with some trim: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VdMZV__bEms/UZUCkVJvFcI/AAAAAAAAdNc/l2nGHx2kljE/s1600-h/shelf_b4after%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="laundry organization" border="0" height="502" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DIMfIhYtfV8/UZUCk9dbPZI/AAAAAAAAdNk/5Y25R34d28A/shelf_b4after_thumb%25255B3%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="laundry organization" width="450" /></a></p> <p>It’s such a little thing but makes such a big difference, right? </p> <p>I loved all the pretty vignettes over at <a href="http://www.shineyourlightblog.com/2013/04/favorite-corners-of-home.html">Shine Your Light</a>: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W4k-qfp2w_4/UZUClIymEWI/AAAAAAAAdNs/ot2o-Jy7k20/s1600-h/IMG_3231%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="art between windows" border="0" height="370" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AONvrdCekks/UZUClunV0aI/AAAAAAAAdN0/ovr1AtU208s/IMG_3231_thumb%25255B3%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="art between windows" width="500" /></a> Lisa talks about finding contentment with the little spots in your home, it’s a great read!</p> <p>Danielle at <a href="http://www.storypiece.net/2013/03/12/labels-and-life/" rel="nofollow">Storypiece</a> shared how she put together some simple organizational tags: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91C4dqJmUDSskVHPThYJZu1O27wet4g9adQeSu7lud_2W6I7trAJRTyECYrfbVtcte-nn1iQ3jLDXcHh9nyLLJFBtdVQGiuOkElhyJrd1F8odlLL9HsP1iG_f8Y8wOep8pGy9GYzBiPE/s1600-h/AttachedLabels%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard labels" border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIOtNerQv9J-W-ePAK3IjGo8DfbsUymvphD4Xkz8x9s56NbpzvahUJ141X1bskHRYLLwhH1kKdHlaMnncc8aMcYf8p7cRVhxZZcvMJE5a250mEBumAO4hnwNwQlzXjyVPrZI5L9YGXFw/?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="chalkboard labels" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I’ve been trying to decide on simple tags in my craft room and I think this is it! </p> <p>I loved the duct tape art at <a href="http://completepackagemama.com/duct-tape-art/">Complete Package Mama</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-isEaFJDlpxA/UZUCm7Ib3xI/AAAAAAAAdOM/17sBA9X7pRU/s1600-h/023-253x300%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duct tape art" border="0" height="474" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vfUBh0xoD0Q/UZUCnZY-TgI/AAAAAAAAdOU/CJuqr1r0dpU/023-253x300_thumb%25255B5%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="duct tape art" width="400" /></a></p> <p>Such an easy, inexpensive way to make art! </p> <p>I thought Tami’s little butterfly garden at <a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-easter-our-butterfly-garden.html?utm_source=bp_recent&utm-medium=gadget&utm_campaign=bp_recent" rel="nofollow">Curb Alert</a> was so sweet!: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AqblW_4jyLw/UZUCn4ltmPI/AAAAAAAAdOc/YqydndkPCEM/s1600-h/Garden%2525208%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="butterfly garden" border="0" height="374" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fZfsbrysABo/UZUCoSEpA2I/AAAAAAAAdOk/fCogHMVBjI8/Garden%2525208_thumb%25255B3%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="butterfly garden" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I love that she used a little corner and created a fun spot for her kids – I so want to do this!</p> <p><a href="http://www.no29design.com/2013/01/the-newly-uncluttered-kitchen-counter.html" rel="nofollow">No. 29 Design</a> used some cute IKEA hanging baskets to clean off her kitchen counters: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XYLxqOdwoJk/UZUCo53A3pI/AAAAAAAAdOs/LDcqS3qsf9k/s1600-h/IMG_0831%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="ikea hanging storage" border="0" height="332" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xgjXRQbkCss/UZUCpH4PmyI/AAAAAAAAdO0/AzrizZzvUIU/IMG_0831_thumb%25255B12%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="ikea hanging storage" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I have a couple of these and have never found the perfect spot for them – I love this idea! </p> <p>Proof of the power of spray paint – I love the blue chandy at <a href="http://threedogsathome.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-blue-chandie.html" rel="nofollow">Three Dogs at Home</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F6q89qXYg_w/UZUCplkdTUI/AAAAAAAAdO8/x7cIbvQlcuM/s1600-h/blue%252520chandie3_thumb%25255B6%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue spray paint chandelier" border="0" height="580" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hEwd2_1Uew0/UZUCqGjctbI/AAAAAAAAdPE/gyPaXRJ0wHM/blue%252520chandie3_thumb%25255B6%25255D_thumb%25255B7%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="blue spray paint chandelier" width="400" /></a>And finally, but certainly not least, I loved this simple organization idea at <a href="http://herothhome.com/2013/02/15/oatmeal-canister-turned-grocery-bag-storage/" rel="nofollow">Heroth Home</a>:<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v6UcyQ82ikc/UZUCqjftjkI/AAAAAAAAdPM/XX7Mp6BHCAQ/s1600-h/20130215-084824%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="food canister organization" border="0" height="450" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e_sYPyB7tFE/UZUCrCldcZI/AAAAAAAAdPU/TUyTPVKDKmw/20130215-084824_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="food canister organization" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Brilliant! Cheap! And cute! What more could you ask for? :) </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Ack! I love it all! You guys linked up some great stuff! If you missed this one, go <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/its-little-things.html">here</a> to check it out!</p> <p>Thanks for linking up! As always, if you’d like to Pin any of these posts, please do so from their respective sites. </p> <p>I still say some of the smallest things we do to a space is what makes it. It’s all about the details! </p>

(Your) little things make a big difference

Hey there all! I’m enjoying this lovely Thursday and relaxing a bit today – it’s been a crazy busy week as I prepared for a big video shoot ...

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Front Porch Decor

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello There! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a rainy day, so I'll be honest, my job for today is scouring Pinterest and the HGTV website for ideas and inspiration for our front porch. It's working! I feel inspired and excited. Here's my conclusion: With a little bit of work, a few bucks, and some sunshine, we're going to have a comfy front porch this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a couple of pictures of our house and front porch (they're old pix, and don't show the foundation garden we put in last year, but I'm not going out in the rain to take a new picture for you - I might melt).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGCdJcvXXihftBKzZaQhnKBCRvhAkFgGXxlzQRTcNIhsENKejwg48vdPL39t-SlpHuYWa3O4fXsM-G_S9VJNpzs_yBHwQ6OLTNqHusTu9Uf0-xg8xcIKYUdobBwA7_6MStKgtgiWuG4E/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA7piXgl-3JfKOl5o2X6gLWlaD8j6jlfkDG5fvcFRp1WD6GyUkbUhTdS4rYI4ge-tEJ3ydQ50EXJrPJc7dCa31Y-qFEDQuE8zfkPrruo7nx4GijjCOhvRbF016LrvRAF8YMAxqUeMus0/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA7piXgl-3JfKOl5o2X6gLWlaD8j6jlfkDG5fvcFRp1WD6GyUkbUhTdS4rYI4ge-tEJ3ydQ50EXJrPJc7dCa31Y-qFEDQuE8zfkPrruo7nx4GijjCOhvRbF016LrvRAF8YMAxqUeMus0/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>As you can see the lattice is black, as are the shutters. (It's funny, in these pictures it looks like we could be in a development, but we're actually in the middle of nowhere land, with trees all around us!) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See, this is my front yard! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5bf1OvPGn_NYQ-Rtp29Gk6C260M-DvWDPMlDe1oSSnFZQJxS1Nb6CWFtX4qh6XjH7aJNxabrkjYfDceH2lGg3VoSZD_rHhpxSsSdLtTlKn5LcIx2t-DAqbSoks37pm_HyBr1dLd-Tis/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5bf1OvPGn_NYQ-Rtp29Gk6C260M-DvWDPMlDe1oSSnFZQJxS1Nb6CWFtX4qh6XjH7aJNxabrkjYfDceH2lGg3VoSZD_rHhpxSsSdLtTlKn5LcIx2t-DAqbSoks37pm_HyBr1dLd-Tis/s320/IMG_1291.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Sorry, I get sidetracked.  So, the porch is pretty long and skinny, therefore, my seating options are somewhat limited. Either side of the front door there is room for a small cafe table, or a few rockers. <br /><br />The first thing I want is a couple of runner sized indoor/outdoor rugs. That's about the only size rug I can fit.  I did search around various blogs and Pinterest for tutorials on making my own rugs. A drop cloth rug may be something I could do, but with all I have goiong on this summer (weddings, birthdays, graduations) - I'm hoping to buy a rug or two.  I feel kind of guilty, but, here's one I love. Yellow is my favorite color, and I think it would look great on either side of the porch. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K0N9i6KqXDH_NEMG0dxe3dDEYZGHuygrl3ylljjIX9okqSi3uujqNFqnAFRBClHtfr3CBeuzNnj9etqTJj5AlglTyma2izwMlb3SweH_EK41suqTdvzfXAKv9y18UzpzXeZW7tGRu-U/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="main-image" rel="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31iKeXjqZPL.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></div><br />This porch below is about the shape and width of our porch.  I am loving the curtains. I am going to hang curtains on the far ends (not along the front). I want something breezy and colorful. I'm making my own, using fabric from the fabric store. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/image-files/porch-curtains-lnl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Handmade curtain panels by Lori Lawson" border="0" height="525" hspace="12" src="http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/image-files/porch-curtains-lnl3.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I look at our front porch all I can see is the white front door. Look at me, I'm boing! (That's what it's saying to me - or maybe that's just the voices again). Anyway, my hubby, Big A, agrees that the door looks boring, and we're painting it black. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I did a little research, and found a tutorial on painting the front door. Sounds easy enough. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/painted-black-door-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted-black-door " border="0" class="aligncenter" height="604" src="http://www.theidearoom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/painted-black-door-2_thumb.png" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="how-to-paint-a-front-door" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How to paint your front door <a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2012/06/how-to-paint-a-door.html">HERE.</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Another easy fix for the porch is to paint all of the pots. Whether they're plastic or ceramic, a coat of fresh paint (spray paint works), is an easy upgrade. Just remember it's important to use paint that will withstand the elements outdoors. <br /><br />I've been checking out the local garden centers. All of the different colored pots are beautiful. I'm especially drawn to the gold, but I have to admit, gold wont work for our home. Not this year anyway. Everything is so new, (we built our home just 2 years ago), the gardens are a work in progress, and the grass hasn't fully grown in yet.  <br /><br />I'm thinking the gold might be "making a silk purse out of a sows ear", as my great-grandmother used to say. I don't really know what that means, but gold would be too fancy for our home. I think black for the larger pots and some colorful little guys, would look a lot better. <br /><br />The pot below is great - just paint a large pot and put our house numbers on it. I can do that!<br /><br /><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d8/b0/1d/d8b01d4a4e117b74a70588c841919dc7.jpg" style="height: 981px; width: 736px;" /><br /><br /><br />We have two rockers, similar to the one below, which were a gift from my parents. They're natural wood, and unfortunately, they were attacked by the dog.  Hey, it's hard to tell the differece between a chair and an intruder. <em>SO</em>, the chairs get a makeover - wood fill for the chew marks, and a new coat of paint too. I think they'll look gorgeous painted black. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/736x/e8/42/cd/e842cd6ebd6afb620b789962273284a8.jpg" style="height: 460px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 360px;" /></div>To match the yellow rug, I'm thinking some yellow patterned pillows for the black rockers.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/26/02/aa/2602aabbd615e72fed07d4f96f608b35.jpg" style="height: 640px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 480px;" /></div>I like the stripes and patterns above.  I'll make my own <em>DIY No Sew Pillows.</em> (All I'm going to do is use two tea towels, glue gun the edges and fill with fluffy stuff.) <br /><br />My favorite idea, is one I used at our old house. I am going to put Hostas and Coleus in the long window box planters, and put them along the front railings. As the plants grow they create some height and natural privacy. Plus, they're pretty easy to grow, and very colorful. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/4b/86/87/4b8687b54cc62b81c070794a5f8db7f1.jpg" style="height: 552px; width: 736px;" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/736x/8e/e5/5e/8ee55ee2c6a67634329a431bbf2740d8.jpg" style="height: 350px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 350px;" /></div>To hang them along the railing, I use the brackets below:<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000LNTXUE&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br />They hook over the railing, and they adjust to the width of the planter, which is handy. <br /><br />Now, in case Big A, wasn't paying attention, this is the rug I want. What? I'm just giving him ideas for my birthday! <br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fymoho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BBM5I3A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00BBM5I3A&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br />So what are you doing for your porches. Got any cool ideas?

Front Porch Decor

 Hello There!   It's a rainy day, so I'll be honest, my job for today is scouring Pinterest and the HGTV website for ideas and insp...

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Powder room paint (with an EZ twist!)

<p>Hey hey all! </p> <p>So a few weeks ago during our conversation a conversation with a friend I mentioned that I’ve only painted most of the rooms in our house once. She kind of laughed and didn’t believe me, but it’s true – half the house was the original color for eight years, and the master and bathroom, my stepdaughter’s room, the kitchen and family room and more have only been painted once and have stayed like that forever. </p> <p>There’s a couple rooms I’ve painted like eleventy billion times though, so I think that’s what led to her confusion. But I’m on a mission and most of those other rooms I mentioned will be painted…someday?</p> <p>The powder room is one of those rooms that’s been painted <em>a lot</em> -- five different colors to date. Two of those within the past couple of weeks. Over the course of two days. ;) </p> <p>Well the folks from <a href="http://www.homeright.com/products/paintstick-ez-twist-paint-roller-applicator">HomeRight</a> contacted me a few months ago asking if I wanted to try out one of their paint sticks and I was like <em>yeaaaahhhh!  </em>I was so excited when they arrived and I got two! One is just a normal paint stick and one is the EZ-Twist, special!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2Bh9-9jk8XsFirgbPuO89AFHMlEgy0l3zWsN-uHf45cREg2d41a7vq3FbaFfq5gtFX7bgLu2fLQkEd6xreUzi56Tm6yOW5i7OPq7_TfcMfe0aBiOXMaZm8y3dZWCPsZNCcCotK5mtV8/s1600-h/IMG_5663%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Home Right paint stick" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsLI7jIEY2v3YLXF9KStA6yATMkH8tZd3r4xzuAC029e89nZQ8uyfjHhEXrZXuMXsSixttUn3jbQw0WOCYYoLr4h0jRM4vb1zaItOqlolIvfodibusoYRS6FXCyDgC6iRBDa8spuK0pU/?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 Right paint stick" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I <em>needed</em> to get the powder room painted – there is so much other stuff to do but I’m avoiding painting that wood paneling again till I absolutely have to, so this was easy in comparison. I’ve had that blue color up there (I honestly can’t even remember what the name of it is it’s been so long), and then I experimented with the red and I just needed it all covered and DONE. </p> <p>I went back and forth on colors before deciding I really wanted a nice neutral. The art I’m planning to hang and the accessories will bring in a ton of color, so I wanted a nice, clean backdrop to it all. I had half a can of the Analytical Gray (Sherwin Williams) left so I figured why not use it up!</p> <p>OK so here’s the thing – it seriously took me longer to get the paint stick out of the plastic packaging than it did to figure out how to use it. ;) It wasn’t hard at all – you just take the little nozzle jobby and clip it on the side of the paint can: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwP2xv8-HXg0eHoKo2wqoAmFR4a7Oq0npogmGzXVSldL8YuCL8TwKnWRM4PjnfTkomXSPGO7WUyG7F-191gnCEsYxkDWg3g304zB4dNN-hImrJgqKSuRZ4esPfZCZyqqxz1g0NTpzcCX0/s1600-h/IMG_5667%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Home Right paint stick" border="0" height="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXbcGtPXIVVgTTrLhwh2XbUeMUNaSV4WgZHF1qig3Mfh2m2y_xYxR5s7ZjWwjekd3VvNcD36hUhAOE7urKLp59wWApQuy9YUEc5ifGXMPn9laexOZGxbU82siXPCFCXUoaff9BJL67yI/?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 Right paint stick" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Then you place the stick on it (it’s already assembled when you get it), flip a little switch, then pull back on the stick and watch the paint get sucked in!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ48AjDIsUkijlomtZztlQBpsIy5OM7jsTkOjXWdwdwkHYRWnpJoHuXKl9vN3vm48-LStVxpQfiE2BfOWZkkELL0IvOTyNzOMSu2UV0dqym-nnlG2KaqztAdMxwnVVI6hT2S_a5sajATQ/s1600-h/IMG_5668%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Home Right paint stick" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMh6JdaykOoYItz1xAEtKmb1kW8TksOCI4Ke9uOfnA41YpSqR3sBy5BTqoz6IplRA_Hjj96UmTY2NeOitkKL9oVj_qDPeV5rRUBT5LC1QytV9LomnJPQwHxGKOF2KEh8lKxSzqo22F0aw/?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 Right paint stick" width="400" /></a></p> <p>The first time I used it I didn’t suck enough up in there (you want to make sure the stick is mostly full) – but you just place it back on the nozzle and pull again to fill it up more. </p> <p>I gotta say, I really, really liked this tool. I talk to myself when painting and I may have mentioned a few times “this is so cool!!” to…myself: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ72CmepOU_cJjIRku8J88IBlLfuvGkZlQfSaAM1TeLn7tbz-OQme000t-9b3_sU-6Kq5SaG32d12NEoKGc0Yqa3KvyKB8h5mV0o5SC7KMuEl_8ual0m0OFheAe8ZtWP2UhmGfnAypuY/s1600-h/IMG_5509%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Home Right paint stick" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdu3KMWQgtk9gXDCoPeXBZ16LuYzaJLGXpw87eKjFeq7jCQ6igqEyJeFN_cKBH_TdMKr36l1ky-3XACtuohkL8ncuYsJ8Djwj_2H2IA7FoIQZTnSbK5vYiYscvQfWO4Ri0dRkghkbvmUw/?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 Right paint stick" width="450" /></a></p> <p>A picture of the blogger!! Whuuut!</p> <p>When I paint I have this weird fear that I will run out – even if it’s a tiny room, I will use as little on the roller as possible. You should <strong>not </strong>do this by the way. :) I end up pushing too hard to get it out of the roller on the wall, and it ends up killing my shoulders by the time I’m done. </p> <p>This stick totally took care of it all for me – I just twisted as I went to get more into the roller. I was surprised at how little I had to twist too. And it went on SO stinking smooth. Every time I paint I have to watch for the lines of globby paint along the side of the roller because I push so hard. I didn’t see any while using this. </p> <p>So it took me no time at all to get the walls done – seriously like ten minutes? I still had to cut in, but I realized pretty quickly that the color wasn’t what I wanted. It was too dark for what I envisioned – this color works great in our big open spaces in the house with lots of natural light, but in here it was a little drab. </p> <p>So I went back to the paint deck and went with Agreeable Gray (SW) instead. I ended up cutting in first this time: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM5JzN8x2XVbcBN9yB8ss-n2zgN5qOMCI1kwfWAalOa5V8zW1P-fIvccSTkY_l5GD28HwMh-Yp7L8QayqWq6iP4xto_K9hJ4ei6Rno16d0rPYDSV1go4lwzjH_CzbX8voM-8w0fT2oIg/s1600-h/IMG_5541%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Analytical Gray Sherwin Williams" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrrd1wcn0kLjiFyAIogse67JCyF3MAuzBHQbyR1EGfr5yJBGRrI-RRO-oD3txQr2Tti6ZepQeTqAhI-wvlaPEyPtPkiBPdQDntzEsghNvojxmuNMSA0J7ovcxjV6rpWeF_SdFBnFcwqc/?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></p> <p>And then I used the paint stick to paint…again. :) </p> <p>I LOVE it!!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR2DQoHSaNKO35_LlU3eUyz8jgEA-FRu6GE2alxs2w86IYnf2UQDQDHWq9q3YaKqI7rBsQd6S-ZUSjKw6rBXFBsOLubV1ehm_xs7hE83OYUcq-BiePkgT6EjkI2b3RTc0j_EbfkDel4U/s1600-h/IMG_5544%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Agreeable Gray Sherwin Williams" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXbkIfW9Lr7WFDehr6YuomSt4-3MEo-jFWnHRhXUCEoJ-zfX5QKsZf6qfhuvPmCLF1MY5ng1O9C6HbvBy1WSPMocuO84sNYesZgvhhLFzlqz8_0MBgKkT8ep-rQtUpRPiZYaDhcwxnrg/?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 Williams" width="450" /></a></p> <p>It’s a great neutral backdrop for the room. So light and pretty, it’s just perfect. And it still pops plenty against the white wood. (Ignore the paint all over the crown, it all still needs painted and caulked from years ago. Surprised?)</p> <p>I especially love how it looks against the light blue ceiling. You know how I love those <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-fifth-wall.html">painted ceilings</a>! </p> <p>I’ll probably only show you one more part of the room before the final reveal – maybe by next week?? (Crossing fingers, toes, everything.) My to do list is getting crossed out slowly but surely – but then I remember all kinds of things I need to add to it too. ;) </p> <p>Overall I really liked using the paint stick and I will use it again – it made the whole process go much easier and faster. The only part that takes time is cleaning it out – but after doing it once it was much faster the second time. </p> <p>The good news is there is progress in this room, the best news is the lovely folks at HomeRight are offering TWO of the PaintStick EZ-Twists to two of you! Awww. yeah! </p> <p>Just leave a comment here by Thursday the 16th at 9 a.m. to be entered to win. (Leave an email too!) That’s it! (And if you’d like to pick up one yourself you can find them at Lowe’s.) Have a LOVELY day! </p> <p><em><strong>**This giveaway is now closed! Winners have been contacted. </strong></em></p>

Powder room paint (with an EZ twist!)

Hey hey all! So a few weeks ago during our conversation a conversation with a friend I mentioned that I’ve only painted most of the rooms ...

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That one room

<p>Hello all! I hope you had a lovely Mother’s Day! Mine was just wonderful, I am a lucky woman. So thankful!. </p> <p>So there are times when I feel like decorating-wise this house is doing OK and over time I feel like it’s coming along nicely. And then there are “those” rooms that harass and taunt me for YEARS. </p> <p>Our living room, or “front” room, is one of them. We have a very open floor plan, which you think you want and then you get it and realize you have, like, ZERO walls to work with. (And by the way, “you” means “me.”) </p> <p>So this room is one of those, with only one wall to do anything with. We put a sofa on that big wall when we moved in and it’s stayed just because it fills the space and it’s comfy, even though I (now) really dislike the color. </p> <p>Years ago (in my <em>everything</em> red and black phase) the room looked like this: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX1tdDDzKQ9DQXaOm2d82XsnCZ4SO-WG1r1k1xJKrI7wLOzeVmO_PNmqGqH2cu-UShXx_U5SDsHkPAg_LaH9lpRIF0pa89VX4L0ZySZ9B1soyhGqSu4o_6mPdu18p4LZ2RxswBqL0wVg/s1600-h/2_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI00zIUmRyRo6d_YrVI015ldnUJ_LMg_902fLmQCBIJpO3j79n3lrx0J2x4ge7FeesCbmG9vnRjZEVo5PyKoPx8c6vmhYkb_II-aPtrfYhrUoXMQpJQ0tlJA25vkgRZiJl3Fe53_dGAd8/?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></p> <p>Nothing wrong with it, just not my style anymore. And I had always wanted to kind of pull things in more to make it more cozy. </p> <p>I didn’t really accomplish that in the next phase, but I did start lightening things up: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqtuEjaRgn4gsUaNxLZFgkFrj2pBvNhq6ZZBDk5ARSNEHwVIAG2bsP6eWfU9OY5uIfyAdcONE2kyaK94dIbctveFLQEbzPx2bx9Ro_Ft2hYBRdP_MdmjogevnejnWTuXi_Y_-jr_b6Kk/s1600-h/IMG_3213_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_9zht57jxH_P7hgU8y2IYf6gNF4pu6fUyjcfHrNyxb6sP_Yc3fYf-y1dV2Y12lCOick9Vvm41Az6u9oKuu0ppzUjNlY9b4EYhHTRlK6OQNtN1sc9q2lQUMa2gUk4ISYipQsq2Ojju1U/?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></p> <p>See <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/07/pink-walls-begone.html">the pink walls</a>? Yeah. Eight years I lived with those! I deserve a gold star. I’ll take a cookie!</p> <p>The dresser didn’t last too long there – I found a <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/01/styling-new-bookcase.html">small bookcase</a> at HomeGoods that put in that spot instead, and I really liked how it fit right between the windows: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA0O75UXaC7AlzU4xVTZ3a7cf0CxaRvAmh5-ejrwoRPhAraLJh2_OlfxP-744QdC7l-a4IXHR_mVRON5VIRydFhw58h8W0d7FsvgjkJLD5kN6F1txVcLp_iYjSMGpwAGyihLGIapilcU/s1600-h/IMG_9901_thumb%25255B2%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="white etagere " border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSeUhbPTo_R6UQI4Q-8c602CeowzgMHPJK49tTrf3N2tl0MiP6tKcfLQYN1dOx8FukkjR8O6VZYPcUaBBMIWQMD8CqACoGJIeuXqguLhfPwwC-QOFcl5IX22g7MhtdlZeye-zX2oEPqw/?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="white etagere " width="400" /></a></p> <p>But I noticed something when I moved that bookcase at Christmas last year – I really liked it in the new spot (I scooched it over by the sofa). And then I put it back and every time I looked at it just felt really busy in that spot: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mhOCNcMo8cViAGWjxldBTNx-WErnzc9xt9Ts1Duo9tfP243JvCz3PdYZFv91KI-UHu8Skk4IxHDIImofVHz44Q0UaienxY-FXq3ko_62YzzW_AuNlMgBN5LiqJtqYDa4kdd7lSz_97o/s1600-h/IMG_5296_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="white etagere " border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCnwpxhf551iOMqPdPhl-w1yYFARhiDqVFBu1btCxU-_G8SfKRVeiwZu8E863ra9dsofzYOUyVWdfQQwsCGNq2E_YmdmbcMkJw3d5VluYIer55SuUBxl0AW3WDly4zQdzmrA7Rj-Fxhs/?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="white etagere " width="450" /></a></p> <p>I’ve been planning to tone down the accessories on there for awhile, but it’s more than that. The drapes have a lot going on and combined with the shelves and all the stuff on them, it was just bugging me. So for months now I’ve been thinking I need to try scooching it again – and I got a wild hair this weekend and finally did it. </p> <p>All I did was move the bookcase back to the “Christmas” spot and then put the chair over there: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Usqc2v6JEHJnCuHJ9rGZIfjH8gZfA4JtKnL0V7yPKLM2k9rvV1S1dzYMMlaa7reZC02nLfjqt8d8K8XT4_mWeqeSaXQjV81cTz6-xd9TesKXORDWcXUIL-CMu9TsH-KnnKLiYwoiAW4/s1600-h/IMG_5536%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="living room decorating @ www.thriftydecorchick.com" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxx0WMtp8eJmlwoTwEk9AMZAyT9gn4U__9J0HedXWqSNjOBrn_wKZ2mkSiFLNub_rS0etKuaP5IH6LXpQUbMWheeQLp3yWuQD_mLF7derX0X20lyvszpsFL5DyiTCZo6fbBJBrEQ4OGo/?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="living room decorating @ www.thriftydecorchick.com" width="450" /></a></p> <p>The mirror was another HomeGoods find I’ve had for months – it was one of those rare finds I didn’t really have a spot for but knew I couldn’t pass up. I love it between the windows! </p> <p>It just feels like that room can breath better now, you know? That silly spot between those two windows has been one of the hardest spot for me all these years! Such a goofy thing, but it’s driven me batty! </p> <p>I can’t even decide if I want the chair turned in towards the sofa (like above) or facing out to the room: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wCga1ezIt57Xad2vn_SI26Lb9Wg7osKbgUCWQVbwd4Vi7UGLDne1x0JhyphenhyphenF6k9_THg8whodwwdQfE9RWNes000bkho9tDQiVc4cU8UqNFZ-r93XXyjGb7Muv3CaYkeaM0PoQcaDhM45w/s1600-h/IMG_5518%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="analytical gray sherwin williams " border="0" height="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalB89toirAbbq679mdswfQbqHJAPIiEkI2rOexxsOfFJ2SZLa_f6eUj0yxxTaI-xMIBSkgnbbwKvNi0koVtYRWGL8PgLKqH74LApBM8n-N23Ki9UyhdmAW_J1ghVhlgP3YyaadphpShY/?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="447" /></a></p> <p>First world problems here people. </p> <p>There are still plenty of things that bug me about the room – it’s got two story windows and I love all the light (we need it in there) but it makes for a hard space to decorate. And with the one lone wall (without windows) and two honkin’ pillars in there, there are not many furniture layout options. </p> <p>But I do love this small change! It just feels less busy and simpler to me. Here’s a different view of that spot last year with the pink(ish) walls and the bookcase: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcavo6_fGKuldeaye1inPbv6vyutBWG_hh2NTYPIwSDpmuLGHtbooM1R4CzlRcoHFxhZuRx-uNdRv7PqF2759D-VN3xrhLN75LFxZJoFYwUKdNPxvRq0_sAv2jRsWUq_hIfr46JG2-7g/s1600-h/IMG_1405_thumb%25255B7%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decorating living room" border="0" height="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-8yirT3SZcZ5WmiUtDQAL_ylrdvKTAhWSPGFGSckubgvj7d_NTOU-8UOTBA8ZB0dpmq_8tHTNmlthd3t6EjlNzCEfiBsieExAcwBIIj-KJAFt76Bj285a35Hdat13KMA7Z5RK82ZZyM/?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="decorating living room" width="450" /></a></p> <p>And here it is with grayish walls and a simpler look now: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-bD7ZwT-syu3eKYoOTYMl0W_eMdTZ6iEi7xGYBvPly60fQBq4ylyVMrYzWlP_LBdQf0e9CRIEalm51bGyZyOQNTrJon7myvHOyYQCuMFFouOPwMmjFW_bFgcFwaZj87Uu_EijQHqbNk/s1600-h/IMG_5532%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="analytical gray sherwin williams" border="0" height="826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HB64kw2DriaYKKej5zJfNUHf0hyphenhyphenAh4HBjH5uE-jb0Nh2Llf26d1KopfQ_rqNcALMgthkKj-DuqnoY7radxvF5r1kWGNvzRsEpyZqHB7nbMvFdIIEgrb7zewIkwlhngApnHyZWycKwpM/?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="550" /></a></p> <p>It didn’t cost any money, which is a bonus (most of my changes to that spot haven’t, thank goodness), and after staring at it for months it took all of ten minutes to move the bookcase and hang the mirror. </p> <p>For now…I love it! ;) <em>For. NOW. </em></p> <p>Do you have a room/spot/wall between two windows that drives you fruit loopy? Do you change it with the wind like me? Or have you found a solution that finally works? </p>

That one room

Hello all! I hope you had a lovely Mother’s Day! Mine was just wonderful, I am a lucky woman. So thankful!. So there are times when I feel...

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Just DO IT!

I have had this vase for years. <em>EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.</em> I look at it, I think "You're ugly. I don't like you. You don't even match anything in my house. Nobody likes you." And that's not very nice of me. I seem to have a lot of anger towards a vase. It even kind of stresses me out. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuucSAs0JbG0q2Xu_lVi0wWiFSWRa_iyywOhbd146qUd7l05dwZaT4yis66LgQVt1ECk7Xv0BTaH54TU9o87YSMZW5mOWO1qEGPIc9ZcLgH3cBPsUFpIZJcD4I6RLz9UrmmCooBQiFVs/s1600/vase+5-10-13+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuucSAs0JbG0q2Xu_lVi0wWiFSWRa_iyywOhbd146qUd7l05dwZaT4yis66LgQVt1ECk7Xv0BTaH54TU9o87YSMZW5mOWO1qEGPIc9ZcLgH3cBPsUFpIZJcD4I6RLz9UrmmCooBQiFVs/s320/vase+5-10-13+002.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdcChtbMD7TgFSD2PhUmdyAdDlji7M2Hiu4gxC2AzpEOY7QCOMSG4pU8QYxPL5rc29W7rpq_hrswgvTjAOMT8CA6N_TsCZZ220RQdc-6JrCyObziasCxmAONngwuaOFBHWEBzXBcVxcA/s1600/vase+5-10-13+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdcChtbMD7TgFSD2PhUmdyAdDlji7M2Hiu4gxC2AzpEOY7QCOMSG4pU8QYxPL5rc29W7rpq_hrswgvTjAOMT8CA6N_TsCZZ220RQdc-6JrCyObziasCxmAONngwuaOFBHWEBzXBcVxcA/s320/vase+5-10-13+003.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After, oh, let's say 10 years, and extensive therapy, I have finally tackled my procrastination with this particular project. Why did I wait 10 years, full well knowing it's an easy fix, and being the kind of person who changes <em><strong>everything</strong></em>? The simple reason is I don't know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Just DO IT" I told myself. I put on my Nike's, and with the support of my therapist, and my loving family cheering me on, I headed outside with my ugly vase. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aw, here they are. My favorite saw horses, that fold up and are easy to carry and store. (They could use a coat of spray paint too).</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8MgGOvmxSVGqyCjqiDmdft6LCqnHZek0-yA7_xkWXX5KcubTslIP3wc5f5kbf3pRKSWlYtOPIaCABjJqjDnEfo-HKQA-4TJS_eFG5M2mQMgm_7cjIbSLtBLJuF8XVl0aL0zSKV9wI9I/s1600/vase+5-10-13+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8MgGOvmxSVGqyCjqiDmdft6LCqnHZek0-yA7_xkWXX5KcubTslIP3wc5f5kbf3pRKSWlYtOPIaCABjJqjDnEfo-HKQA-4TJS_eFG5M2mQMgm_7cjIbSLtBLJuF8XVl0aL0zSKV9wI9I/s320/vase+5-10-13+006.JPG" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A quick couple of coats of black spray paint and voila. MUCH BETTER! That was easy! I don't know where it will end up. For now, I filled it with sticks and put it by the front door. We shall see...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ3HTQ_COuN4eXj_fiQNPwpmtDfMFf5czFQmoakGBZStuN3Kgu8RBiWEzjAIxsIhcFuN_WXJneFEVI_NFRZjQnnb3XIqsgwTbWyvCwUa1ENRtNqfWUQjiwO6EALB_n2PDGWDL40Gss_A/s1600/vase+5-10-13+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ3HTQ_COuN4eXj_fiQNPwpmtDfMFf5czFQmoakGBZStuN3Kgu8RBiWEzjAIxsIhcFuN_WXJneFEVI_NFRZjQnnb3XIqsgwTbWyvCwUa1ENRtNqfWUQjiwO6EALB_n2PDGWDL40Gss_A/s320/vase+5-10-13+015.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX1Wvot0UFwO1-8GYQT3El9Gtevbc4H4SUZOLK424ZbpiBEjXYIOop0mofjV1M_Im_PS9zd4zeAPb5QQ_MrqSOXY9PtIknBkj-bxl-ue8tFmYefPr_IaY2iCPw-a9FheF8o04fo6W3do/s1600/vase+5-10-13+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX1Wvot0UFwO1-8GYQT3El9Gtevbc4H4SUZOLK424ZbpiBEjXYIOop0mofjV1M_Im_PS9zd4zeAPb5QQ_MrqSOXY9PtIknBkj-bxl-ue8tFmYefPr_IaY2iCPw-a9FheF8o04fo6W3do/s320/vase+5-10-13+011.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>I'm just so happy it's not brown and purple anymore. I need it right where I can see it - to remind me that procrastination is no friend of mine. <br /><br />Like I mentioned, usually I get right on changing things if I don't like them. Despite my hang up with the ugly vase, I love spray painting. Spray painting is <em>FUN</em>. I could  easily go around the house and grab 10 things on any given day and give them a coat of paint. It's cheap, it's easy, and it's satisfying. <br /><br />But, there are rules. I'm no expert, but I have learned a couple of things through trial and error (read: <em>screwed up really bad</em>).<br /><br /><ul><li>Get a spray paint sprayer attachment thingy. It makes spray painting even easier, and you don't get spray paint all over your fingers. </li><li>Spray paint out doors. Spray paint is super toxic and it smells pretty bad. </li><li>Spray paint away from cars and the house. The spray paint will travel. I didn't do this, but <em>a friend of mine </em>spray painted near her hubby's new truck and lets just say <em>THAT</em> was a bad idea. </li><li>Spray paint on a dry, still day. What should take one can of paint will easily triple on a windy day. (Not that I have done that either, or emailed a fellow blogger wondering why I was going through so much paint.) </li><li>When you paint, keep moving in a sweeping motion to avoid drips and splotches. </li><li>Do 2 to 3 light coats of color. It will dry in minutes between coats, so be patient.</li><li>If you're spray painting ceramics or wood, give it  a light sand, and prime it first. That way your spray paint won't scratch up on you.</li><li>For out door objects like chairs and tables, plant pots, etc, use a poly coat to seal the paint. </li><li>I personally would buy good brand name primer and poly. That way you can use the cheaper paint if you wish. I have had no problem using the cheaper paints. Generally I buy the paint that is the best color, rather than the best price. Either way, spray paint is inexpensive. </li></ul><br /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B002UBPZJS&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B001B73WCO&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B0009X8M3U&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B001KZC7K0&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br />So what are you painting? Next on my list are some outdoor wicker chairs, 3 billion plant pots, and <em>MAYBE</em> my kitchen chairs.

Just DO IT!

I have had this vase for years. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I look at it, I think "You're ugly. I don't like you. You don't even ...

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Decor Steals giveaway!

<p><strong><em>**This giveaway is now closed. The winners have been contacted! </em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Hello all and can I get a <em>whoo</em> for Friday? This week went crazy fast for me! I guess time flies when you’re trying to get a bathroom reno done. :) </p> <p>This weekend I’ve got another great giveaway from the lovely folks at <a href="http://www.decorsteals.com" rel="nofollow">Decor Steals</a>! </p> <p><a href="http://www.decorsteals.com" rel="nofollow"><img alt="decor-steals" border="0" height="120" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oZmPA6mDVTg/UYxjtt7RaFI/AAAAAAAAdE0/oT2A_5BCWGg/decor-steals-LOGO.jpg%25255B7%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="decor-steals" width="500" /></a></p> <p>TDC and DS are likethis (tight!), and if you haven’t heard of them yet, you are missing out! Decor Steals is a site that offers one awesome decor item every day <em>for. a. steal</em>. :)</p> <p>Each one goes live at 10 a.m. EST daily and they now have extended deals that stay on throughout the week as well. I’ve got a few items from DS around the house and have been pleased with all of them! </p> <p>I showed you my Christmas-slash-spring boxwoods <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/03/boxwoods-for-spring.html">here</a>: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yEFDxTrnx00/UYxjuNuB0rI/AAAAAAAAdE8/mDlxi45594o/s1600-h/IMG_5143_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decorating with boxwoods" border="0" height="604" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ettdL8wcpUo/UYxju244AqI/AAAAAAAAdFE/XWTRbveXx2Y/IMG_5143_thumb%25255B3%25255D_thumb%25255B6%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="decorating with boxwoods" width="400" /></a></p> <p>And it looks like you may want to watch out for more coming soon!: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gEtSXgNmoMc/UYxjvtakDyI/AAAAAAAAdFM/YQVMDNSltUY/s1600-h/Preserved-Boxwood-Wreaths-with-Ribbon-Trim-decor-steals-one-deal-a-day%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="preserved boxwood wreaths" border="0" height="294" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-py03MXjGzNE/UYxjwSS1MVI/AAAAAAAAdFU/KB_vAheBiLY/Preserved-Boxwood-Wreaths-with-Ribbon-Trim-decor-steals-one-deal-a-day_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="preserved boxwood wreaths" width="450" /></a></p> <p>So pretty! I am going to use mine year round now for sure. Bring them out of the Christmas bins people! </p> <p>I love this upcoming find – fabric used for grain sacks: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nTOkvVkCvSA/UYxjw29-aKI/AAAAAAAAdFc/6BjO4HkTSA8/s1600-h/decor-steals-Feed-grain-sack-fabric-rolls%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="Feed-grain-sack-fabric-rolls" border="0" height="473" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KgJnl5DPAnI/UYxjxi6q_YI/AAAAAAAAdFk/y2bFreE1Mvw/decor-steals-Feed-grain-sack-fabric-rolls_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="Feed-grain-sack-fabric-rolls" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Can you imagine the possibilities? </p> <p>This one NEEDS to be in my backyard! I love it: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gc_FBKngL3E/UYxjyUV-f1I/AAAAAAAAdFs/yKeKUSROg-4/s1600-h/METAL-BIRD-BATH---ANTIQUE-BLUE---decor-steals%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="metal bird bath" border="0" height="523" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h0EJnXZIJjE/UYxjzITzvAI/AAAAAAAAdF0/-EzdZGP8q9M/METAL-BIRD-BATH---ANTIQUE-BLUE---decor-steals_thumb%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="metal bird bath" width="450" /></a></p> <p>So cool! My birds would love it too. :) </p> <p>I love this wood tray too – you can’t have enough wood trays and bowls, truly:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NvJ4VPEImR0/UYxjz8wrPVI/AAAAAAAAdF8/f9NnD3BHdFg/s1600-h/Provence-Crate-Mason-Jar-Lids-decor-steals-one-deal-a-day%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Provence-Crate-Mason-Jar-Lids-decor-steals-one-deal-a-day" border="0" height="294" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R2__tdo9Vrg/UYxj0aI8q-I/AAAAAAAAdGE/v-vHJuxRaU4/Provence-Crate-Mason-Jar-Lids-decor-steals-one-deal-a-day_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="Provence-Crate-Mason-Jar-Lids-decor-steals-one-deal-a-day" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I still LOVE my bread bowl I got from Decor Steals awhile back: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SQDD-OJDy8E/UYxj1dvsPxI/AAAAAAAAdGM/wsIVk9JyRmU/s1600-h/IMG_9881_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="221" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JVV6vODK2zk/UYxj2B2NbsI/AAAAAAAAdGU/Qhtqo7AVysE/IMG_9881_thumb%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B10%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="" width="474" /></a></p> <p>(I hear another version is coming soon!) </p> <p>If you have to do laundry, do it in style I say! And these striped laundry sacks are the way to do it: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qr-VHIuP0Jc/UYxj2zPz0rI/AAAAAAAAdGc/d-YGl8-dO_s/s1600-h/SET-OF-TWO-JUTE-STRIPE-LAUNDRY-BASKET-decor-steals%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="jute striped laundry baskets" border="0" height="381" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C7DPNk-dpwo/UYxj3WIUfxI/AAAAAAAAdGk/N8DqGa1PWRY/SET-OF-TWO-JUTE-STRIPE-LAUNDRY-BASKET-decor-steals_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="jute striped laundry baskets" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I use a similar basket for the Bub’s clothes and it is so easy to carry around! </p> <p>So did I mention shipping is always $5, whether it’s a small item or a big one? (In the 48 contiguous states.) Love that. </p> <p>I’m super excited about today’s deal though – it will go live at 10 a.m. EST! Don’t you love them?: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qKJGEeOcniA/UYxj4YjeKfI/AAAAAAAAdGs/lOC7nUo471w/s1600-h/Mason-Jar-Soap-Pump-decor-steals%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="mason jar soap dispensers" border="0" height="452" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1uf2nHdYrJA/UYxj5CXkZ-I/AAAAAAAAdG0/zLSTjLs7Fjo/Mason-Jar-Soap-Pump-decor-steals_thumb%25255B8%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="mason jar soap dispensers" width="450" /></a></p> <p>So cute!! I need them! They would look so darn good in the powder room. ;) </p> <p>Soooo, the good news is Decor Steals is giving away a <strong>$50 credit to two lucky readers</strong>. You’ll be able to have fun with that, I promise! </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><strong>Here’s how to enter to win one of two $50 credits to Decor Steals: </strong></p> <p>1. Leave a comment here. What do you have planned this lovely spring weekend?  </p> <p>2. Visit Decor Steals <a href="http://www.decorsteals.com/">here</a> and check out their pick steals page. Which item do you want to see offered in the future? Come back here to let us know in a comment. </p> <p>3. Visit their Facebook page and “like” it <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DecorSteals">here</a>. Let us know you did in another comment. (Or let us know if you already do!)</p> <p>4. Subscribe to their email list <a href="http://www.decorsteals.com/signup">here</a> (you’ll get notices about the new deals) and if you do (or are already on the list), leave one more comment here. </p> <p>* You can enter one, two, three or four times – it’s up to you! All options are not mandatory to win. </p> <p>* Remember if you comment anonymously or you have a private blog, please include your email address in each entry, and spell it out with “at” and “dot” to avoid any spammy emails coming your way. </p> <p>This giveaway is open to the contiguous US only. It will be close this Monday, May 13 at 9 a.m. EST.</p> <p>Have a beautiful weekend all! </p>

Decor Steals giveaway!

**This giveaway is now closed. The winners have been contacted!   Hello all and can I get a whoo for Friday? This week went crazy fast ...

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Worse before it gets better?

<p>OK people. I’m on a mission. A mission to complete the two bathrooms I’ve been putting off <strong>forever</strong> around here. EONS! I’m making great progress in the basement bathroom and showed you the latest on that one <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/diy-floating-shelves-bathroom-progress.html">here</a>. </p> <p>At least that one is functional. The upstairs bathroom is only halfway so – it’s been a couple months since we’ve had a sink in there and that’s because of all of the parts of the room that needed to happen first.</p> <p>I’ve gotten SO much done over the past couple of weeks – I’m so thrilled! But the room doesn’t look much better…yet. ;) I keep telling myself that it always seems to get worse before it gets better. </p> <p>Let’s hope anyway.</p> <p>I was laughing to myself in the car earlier this week thinking about this project because it is truly laughable how long it’s taken me. I am not kidding when I say it’s been in an unfinished state for about three years now. For awhile it was because I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do…and then it was just because it’s been a really labor intensive space and there’s only one me and now…well, I’m just TIRED. :) </p> <p>You may remember years back I had had enough of the brown walls and started painting over them, but only one coat. I figured why do all the walls when I knew I was going to do a wood treatment over most of them? You know…three years later?: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TTWbYb7uN_krCcNXjd8EFZfCy5LjSgMydCO07Ug_D95eaDMF5btP9-QSHLAzInKHMJSJ7bgfPZ73OOsF99Gqec19qT_KT22S1UreD04WOuJ14LO9-8VVM3C86n-sRKR9T_a2jG87S-Y/s1600-h/IMG_1900_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue bathroom" border="0" height="589" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCutzVYoSMD-LbO3wxhlRO0-a_VAeaBhi51NC2yP3w69j7QfSyTXIoEmZT085ry_ZHkHVuqSopiCXaZcVoo_LZtAHnzJPbF9zGdDHRusidKHa3x4vDRaEV3HkWjRw_KgYw5m-VhkdCaWo/?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 bathroom" width="350" /></a></p> <p>Whatever. Who’s counting? :)</p> <p>I actually started installing the wood on the back wall about a year ago. It’s sat like this – one wall done and a few pieces on another wall -- for all this time: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Xvn438VxsrJkiAlp41vtyzaS3c5H0yQDYGF5nwwycCJ73O6ZIQLH1OjWT1GArqU_Dy8iBl7mXaB3SPXa6Ol6qmESYOmbPxiZZC_SN-iUDnesl6pzt0yp9T3OGPaICEG8jBOqRkk4gKE/s1600-h/IMG_4366_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="planked walls with pine" border="0" height="523" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkWQ7QupH5_58vcCLNQ56YVoGoSmgr0oQrooBO_HqYLnpbL7Ipt4uSQnsx9eFKWbxzDJMwkRAZeCs2tl-D-P__JPw1vblb5hwqQZntIrC5DgbPZ03-6KiSMEKKRX2fIjYxGRiwr0XN9U/?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="planked walls with pine" width="350" /></a></p> <p>Then because we got the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/03/bathrooms-progress-floors.html">new floors put in</a>, I had to get the wall behind the toilet and sink done fast, and I showed you how I did that <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/03/planking-wall-not-me.html">here</a>. </p> <p>What I don’t think I’ve shown you is the wall color I tried out. Last summer I was playing around with the idea of <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/07/chip-it-and-powder-room-plan.html">using a red color</a> above the wood treatment – and I actually did like it: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5dwoIe-y7UekP8fagim2pTGNJ1Xg7vFJoSODyUVyM57PW4D-G95Mz9bTbC4_Bi1inIZd2S2f9DnNvcCAg2nR_EHtvWOR_0CBQjwpU-IocummPVjoxep-WjNDBLsAK-66ba-zg4Mb8sw/s1600-h/IMG_5502%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craftsman trim around door" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1pDv7M2pkWdqmXlQmp305wzdkmVnDDMxuonEU6S2PPSUjyqYqyKUrLrP1teEdeZ718S7NKNc-X8R68b-saLO3Fyb3llgFdxPqtGJUckKucystgECvbJFNMO0DYGJ37EZuP2XeohSMVE/?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="craftsman trim around door" width="450" /></a></p> <p>(Ignore the halfway done door trim.) </p> <p>But it was <em>really</em> bold and I’m just not feeling the red in this little space. And I used to have some red accents in the nearby family room and I’m phasing those out, so I didn’t feel like it will flow well: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo4R1zNc5VG0cT1vA_TcoRirGKo8tRohdJLrsjHLvqd4zMcM3SljJpb_whyQv9rxJsunPCKN4lOpvlmyGELh6lOSXiCTBME8-zamUKI0hEQWOlkG-I2Rg5BydEHdeG7c5zSVFjTSAM_U/s1600-h/IMG_5498%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="planked walls" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBAFT6c436eb0WYBgYxCEx9102DqWSk2xt6MutlJB5ilGvvUHumswiejSrt4Y7vjEqSwauY9gGgKnwaSRtJO8oTSg1gwAcaNbwIzQW2bLgx-f68qEwuqf-t2LzW6Ap2A6ifpL0c6cL3Y/?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="planked walls" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Good thing I only tried it out on a couple little walls, yes? ;) </p> <p>See? I told you…it’s a hot mess. Yes, our visitors see this every time they come over. I aim to impress. </p> <p>You can see there that I finally got all the wood up – it actually didn’t take long at all, maybe a couple hours total to finish it up. </p> <p>What took FOREVER was the priming. I used an oil-based primer to make sure none of the knots come through later on. OH my goodness. Forever! Painting paneling or beadboard is no joke. </p> <p>I seriously think I may hire out the next two coats of white paint. Did I mention I’m tired?? :) </p> <p>I was so thrilled with my progress though! I showed my Sis when she came by, expecting a few props. But mostly she just gave it the stink eye and was all…but it’s not <em>DONE</em>, right? </p> <p>No sister. It’s not. Thanks. </p> <p>I can’t say I blame her for the stinky eyes thought – it really doesn’t look all that much better right now. The planks don’t match up on all the walls (when I’m done you’ll see why that won’t matter), the primer does the wood no favors, and I still have a bunch of boards to install to hide all the ugly parts. </p> <p>But I power on!! I got the baseboards installed: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRC3BCO3QOfayW7r_zL2NvGV10kNAcAh-Ym7rdNr31s9JL1_OJKZCdA_ktja6y5pIIzJ_G3ANif1OSVwzgsKYLeEwD8VNeDnC_RWAW6UlkOY5sIFXeio0A54trJds9FOYOlRPWDOkVB0/s1600-h/IMG_5504%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="thick baseboards" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8e6qFUVCUMZ1k3L4j4dn_1EwOr3Ai45JTmT7kH1ciwiukz1JeH8wOaRGL02cFnM8a81tGWjrbRXWP8VttUaDAm_VEHwPjoD0l159Qz8jq-L4adB_sneuHveRyoNHrMvpQ0LXaMktbbQ/?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="thick baseboards" width="450" /></a></p> <p>And the new vanity about a third of the way assembled: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJW3IfrKerTpcJki8eyldWYymMmQqkX9WMm37ldvX9YH2lTFw5GMDKlX8zfLOhUM_orvXDu5-H7e7r9E1p9Izo67I3uMsh-QmoVhPoVTM_qzbSOPWVzfxde-5C093hrIi_nFfOCBNic6Q/s1600-h/IMG_5503%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IKEA bathroom vanity" border="0" height="685" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKLn3JJ6Df3KNIIrqrNxAf7WfDzhlwS7DdVX61jMQL70cbuuDxPMHs3CIiQGjMGmlQwpUIXkl8Pi9-ZNsHIRUOE13k-k2MSKzBM8yTJuuqIjSSy-HT3Dw0hQrNgBT1kZds17jXlzU6Do/?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="IKEA bathroom vanity" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Dad is coming to help me hook the sink back up today and he doesn’t know yet that he’ll be helping me finish up that vanity too. ;) It would be the bees knees to have a working sink in there by the weekend!</p> <p>It doesn’t look like much now, I know. OK…it <em>still</em> looks like a bit of a disaster. But I can see a light at the end of the tunnel, finally. It’s getting there: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtm6d-6kE292Th9XoHMA0ilFGabT2I74GqHfEeD1o57KCAIKGKgdJ5nB08TVf5nn99_gGOAUl7qClAUQrSYT332bS1ZNXxLTKmi0npMFlciHsoobk5qsxVSS2wFkQ-etXYE8YrWvXm98/s1600-h/IMG_5500%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="planked walls" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYAJ_-XlFUGT0dnl4Cogx9eoY7NM9cFL3BiQCz-j_8ZilipYQ1-ayFOGH6fsdvExmIgjn6ZuUuUHl1D9m0qVxxPbOqFP4qJE4MUS1u-OSedoe3wcSQnWMS9NVnwra8HK90t-vNJjKX44/?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="planked walls" width="450" /></a></p> <p>At a turtle’s pace…but it is. I’ll show you the wall color next week and hopefully plenty more progress too! I’m on a mission! WHOO!</p> <p>I know most don’t take three years to do the tiniest of rooms, but please tell me I’m not the only one who doesn’t makeover a room in weeks? Or months? Years. </p>

Worse before it gets better?

OK people. I’m on a mission. A mission to complete the two bathrooms I’ve been putting off forever around here. EONS! I’m making great prog...

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