Taking the Plunge

After some coaxing, I decided to take the plunge.  And, I have to admit it is kind of fun - social networking is really unbelievable. 

You can follow me here.  

Bedroom Crush

The design firm Feasby & Bleeks Design created this room using the paint color (Fern SD019) as their inspiration. 

What I like about it is the mix of elements. The subdued green paint wall color, the natural elements like the linen bedding, headboard, bedframe, and the textured drum pendant paired with the bright floral shams and asian influences.  

I like how the Asian influences balance the feminine floral fabrics.  The design team used full scale furniture (just less of it) despite having a small room.  

The designers put a bench underneath the window for extra seating.  Great idea if you don't have the custom built window seat. 

Personally, I think the shams are the piece de resistance!  I ADORE the brown grosgrain ribbon added to floral fabric - it balances it out.  Such an easy DIY to do to any pillow.  And, don't you love the little peak of nailhead in the background?  Moi, aussi.  


ps: Anyone else notice that they must of switched the curtain fabric?  The first picture the curtains are neutral, but in the second & third picture it's floral.  For more, see here. 

My Fall Decor

I have been trying to find some time here and there to incorporate some fall decor into our home.  I found some lovely gourds at the farmers market this past weekend and placed them in a decorative bowl.  

I love my new zig zag pillow as well - such a bright pop of yellow against our blue (boring) sofa.  I also changed up my mantle by using things I already had - I changed my candlesticks and candles.  The candles are a little too 'theme-y' for me, but it is currently what I have.  They'll do for now.  

Well, that is it for now.  I'm off to tend to my son who is sick; I was up practically the entire night w/him.  I hate seeing my little one in such rough shape.....

DIY: Halloween Silhouette Plates

I like to do a DIY every holiday because it always fun when you unpack the decorations (after a full year has passed) to see what is in there.  I always catch myself saying, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that!"  

I was inspired by Danny Seo's, a green living expert, craft room as seen on Bromeliad.  It screams 'fall' and looked liked a fun way to decorate seasonally without being too garish.  I bought some cheap white plates (8.5" diameter) from Walmart.  I did go to the goodwill store first, but none of the plates had a white background that I needed.  I printed out a couple of halloween templates that inspired me and stuck them on plates (using label printer paper). 

I painted the plates with black ceramic paint.  I painted two coats (make sure you let the first coat dry completely).  After the plates were dry, I stuck them in the oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.  Let plates cool completely in oven.

 And, then I hung them in our kitchen. 

What do you think?  I personally love them and plan on using the beetle all year round.  He is my favorite.  

For the full tutorial, go here.  

Our Tradition

Every fall I try to go apple picking with my son.  This year is no different.  Today is the day and it is going to be warm, sunny and beautiful especially after all the rain we've had this past week.  

I was joking and asking him last night if he has his 'apple picking hands on?'  He just thought that was the greatest thing.  Right before bed, "Mommy, I have my apple picking hands all ready for tomorrow!"  Aren't kids great?  In other news, when I was in NYC in August, I bought my son these pj's from giggle.  

Love them.  I have been dying for him to wear them, but every single night he insists on either spiderman, buzz lightyear or woody.  But, finally, last night, I won!  

Okay, that is all I got today!  I am sorry for the lack of posts this week;  work has me really busy and every night I've been so petered out (is that a word)?  Next week will be better!  Have a great weekend!!!

Buffalo Check Love

Now that Autumn is in full swing, I have to confess about my affinity for buffalo check.  Simply adore the pattern.  

Joe Fresh

Country Living

 Jeffrey Bilhuber

 Jeffrey Bilhuber

jcrew

And you?  Any favorite fall like patterns - houndstooth, herringbone, etc.?

Southern Exposure's Amazing 'Before & After'

If you haven't been introduced to Rachel's blog, Southern Exposure, you're missing out!  This is not the first time I've posted about her work.  I am consistently impressed by her talent and the level of difficulty of her DIYs.  This most recent one had me saying, 'Wowsers!'  Check it out:
She scored a dining room cabinet from a local shop in her home town.  She was intrigued by the cabinet because it was well made and had good bones.  'Before':

The upper cabinets (there are two of them) sit upon the base.  Not really into the greek gods pictured on the cabinet panels, she knew she had her work cut out for her.  Now, let's see the 'After': 

Can you believe it?  Is that even the same cabinet?  She replaced the greek god, glass panels with mirrors.   Her husband made the moldings on top of the mirrors.  I make it sound so easy!

One of the upper cabinets folds down like a secretary which she lined with imperial trellis and made into a bar!  Brilliant!

Amazing, if you ask me!  Please check out the rest of her DIY project here (I really don't do it justice).  And, if you're interested in more 'Before & Afters', check out Design Refuge's September challenge!  

Happy Weekend, All!  Anyone working on some 'Before & Afters" this weekend??  I am.....