Do not shop with men....

I love it when Brian will "flea shop" with me!  Normally he won't go in the thrift stores ...says they smell funny...but he does like the little flea markets and antique stores. He keeps me from buying stuff I really don't need.  But occasionally he stops me from buying something I really want AND is priced well.​

Several weeks ago we went "flea shopping" at one of my favorite little shops in Rogers.  One of the vendors was having a 50% off sale...so the ceramic crock I have been desperately wanting for outdoor planting, which was priced at $125, was only $62.50!  No chips, no cracks, no flaws...exactly what I have been looking for!

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I REALLY wanted one of these crocks.  My mom has had one on her front porch for as long as I can remember.  And as I told you, I am constantly on the hunt for perfect, unique planters...and this fit the bill.​

But NOOOOOO, Brian talked me out of it...and being the kind and sweet person I am, I obliged.  (This is were I will remind you we are not married and I have my own money...we just have one of those respectful relationships...the kind that makes us not do things we want to do when the other poopoos the idea...at least while the other is around!)​

Last week when I was picking up my mega Brasilia find in Fayetteville, I found 2 of these crocks in their store...FOR TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS EACH!!!  I was rather annoyed that I didn't pick up the less expensive one, IN MINT CONDITION MIND YOU, weeks earlier!​

So today, having a few minutes to spare, I went back up to the flea market in Rogers...I was certain the crock would be gone since the vendor was selling out weeks ago...but there it was...waiting on ME!  I was sooooo thrilled!  ​

I bought it and promptly called Brian and told him that the bitterness and hostility I was secretly harboring was gone. He is one lucky guy!​

I also found this really cool mirror for $15.00...not sure what I am going to do with it...other than paint it!  I have this blank wall next to my front door that is crying out for SOMETHING and I am thinking this mirror might be a good "anchor" for some kind of wall decor thingy bopper....who knows.  I just liked it's "bones" and I know it will be nifty when I get it painted up! ​

Finding inspiration!

Previously, I posted pictures of my master bathroom makeover...but it was a looong process to get from here....​

to here....​

The hardest part was coming up with a design I would love. I seriously struggled for several years on what to do with what I had.  I knew I couldn't afford an entire "gut job" but I had to do something.  I just did. not. like. my. bathroom.

As I have said before, I believe my house should be my haven...and you should surround yourself with elements you love....but I just didn't know what to do or where to start!  ​

So I did what I often do when I am "stuck" and don't know what to do.  I GOOGLE!  That's right...I Googled "modern bathrooms," then clicked on images and started saving pictures of bathrooms that struck my fancy...and this is what I came up with!  My inspiration rooms....​

Two things to note...one, my bathroom is not a big, sprawling space with unlimited potential...second, neither is my wallet.

But these "inspiration" rooms all had elements I really LOVE.  And that is the key.  Finding inspiration in what others have done...and you immediately "love"...even if you can't duplicate it exactly!​

All three inspirations had colors I was really drawn to.  The neutral, natural colors.  As I said before, I was REALLY lucky to have tile in both the shower and on the floor that I still love (I bought and installed tile I REALLY loved 13 years ago...never regretted it.)  That is not always the case, and while it is a tad expensive to change out tile, it is a doable DIY project!  (If there is a demand, I will post a tutorial...or there are already great tutorials online)  ​

The cabinets in the first picture were a MUST!  But seriously, who can afford custom cabinets.  So I  created a vanity layout similar to the one in the first inspiration picture using prefabricated cabinets.​  I sold my other cabinets on Craigslist and that helped offset some of the costs.

Even if you can't afford all new cabinets there is a great tutorial here that gives you step by step instructions on staining your existing cabinets...it's a GREAT fix (and super easy) for any bathroom needing a facelift!  And if you don't really like the "java-modern" look there are awesome tutorials online that will tell you how to paint your cabinets!  DO WHAT YOU WILL LOVE ON THE BUDGET YOU CAN AFFORD!

Cabinet handles....around $28 each at a local decor shop.  I ordered mine from myknob.com for around $7 each!​  Same quality at a fraction of the cost!  This website has knobs, lighting, accessories...a lot of what you need for home decor and DIY projects.  Always shop on line when looking for something specific!  You would be surprised at what you can find!

The sink and faucet...major score on Overstock.com.  You should always check them and Amazon for bathroom fixtures and lighting.  Usually you can get what you want for a very reasonable price!  ​ And the mirror...Hobby Lobby...seriously!

The granite.  Okay...here is my story about my bathroom and kitchen granite.  My dear friend Sherry called me on my birthday 2 years ago...she was going to a foreclosure auction at a granite supplier.  I had NO intention of buying anything.  But before it was over I had bought enough granite for my kitchen and all three bathrooms for around $500.  And the place was crawling with granite installers who were begging for business.  The cost to cut and install the granite ended up being about 60% of what the labor would have cost me otherwise.  AND the guy hauled my slabs of granite for me to his shop...granite is VERY heavy and fragile...not a job for an amateur!  I was told my the kitchen granite alone would have wholesaled for around $2500. That is more than I paid for the granite and labor for 3 bathrooms and the kitchen.  Major score!!!

As I noted earlier my son-in-law Joel was kind enough to help me with my pendant lights and my can lights.  And there is one thing I noticed in ALL the inspiration pictures....lighting is very important!  ​

My whole point...when you KNOW something isn't what you want...change it.  And if know something isn't what you want, but you don't know what you want, start Googling and looking at magazines for ideas.  Even if you can only change one little element at a time (like removing your nasty shower doors and hanging a pretty curtain!)​...YOU CAN DO IT!

It probably took me 2-3 years to come up with a plan and then another few months to get it done.

And here are some hard, fast rules for any design changes...whether it is paint, furniture or knick-knacks!  ​

First, only buy what you LOVE.  If you have to "mull it over" or you just aren't SURE, don't buy it!  If you don't love it when you first lay eyes on it, you want love it when you take it home.

Start with paint.  Just a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference and motivate you! Go to Lowes or your favorite paint store and pick up LOTS of chips of colors you love...then take them home and look at them in your lighting!  Picking out paint in a store is a HUGE mistake because it won't look the same with your lighting.  So take LOTS of samples.  Then, if you still have 2-3 you just aren't sure about, buy the little "sample" containers.  They are usually around $3 and it is well worth the money to buy 2-3, paint HUGE splotches on the wall and look at them over a few days.  I was down to two paint colors for my fireplace wall in my bedroom...I was certain I liked one better than the other, but I painted 1/2 my wall with one color, and 1/2 with the other.  After looking at it for a day I ended up liking my second choice MUCH better. ​

If you see design elements online or in magazines you love, shop around!  Shop online...visit thrift stores and flea markets....take your time.   I use to be the worlds worst at wanting it ALL done NOW!  But a good design or decor is something that takes time and patience!!!  It is a process. Remember, only bring into your home WHAT YOU REALLY LOVE!!!​

Shop your house...and your mom's house...and your friend's houses...shop sales and retail outlets!  ​

Take a look at my "Things I Love"​...you might be surprised at what you have hidden away that would make wonderful design elements in your own home...decorate with the things you love and the things that make you feel good...you will never regret it!

Staging to sell....

Today I accomplished two things...

First, I FINALLY ordered the fabric for my dad's walnut chair (here)​.  I brought home 10 samples of fabric yesterday, draped them over the chair and basically let Brian decide.  I don't know what it is about men...but they always go with the one you believe to be the least practical or appealing.  But I obviously liked it well enough to throw it in the mix and I did value his opinion enough to ask...so that's the one I ordered!  Besides, if it doesn't look good, I can always blame him.

Second, I helped a friend with some work on her house.  She will be moving in a few months and she listed her house with a realtor....and has TWO showings the very first day!  ​

Staging and decluttering is SOOOO important when you are trying to sell a house...and with two kids and a demanding job, it is tough to get a house ready to sell...and then keep it ready to show at a moment's notice.  But she has done a wonderful job!​

Today she called in professional cleaners.  If you are selling your house, having a professional cleaning is a MUST.  It may seem like an unnecessary thing to do, but if you are going to take time to paint and repair and declutter and stage, make sure it is the cleanest it has ever been.  Crud on the baseboards and nasty fuzzies in the corners is not appealing to a buyer.  Some people just can NOT see past the nastiness.

It would be great if we could all live in "staged" houses.  Declutter, get rid of the things we don't REALLY need, get organized....I just truly believe that a cluttered, unorganized home is stress we don't need!  It should be a haven...a place we can relax and enjoy!  ​

Today I am looking at my home with a critical eye...and I see some serious changes that can be made! 

Good thing that fabric won't be in for 4-6 weeks and it is too cold to paint dressers...that gives me time to "declutter." ​

Course a nap sounds good too....​

Words to live by...

"Yelling at living things does tend to kill the spirit in them.  Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts...."  Robert Fulghum

I heard someone say one time "how we speak to our children changes WHO they are!"   

And it is true.  As a parent of 4, I know how hard it is to not take our frustrations out on our children, or those close to us.  But speaking unkindly or harshly to our children does nothing but instill fear, frustration and hurt in their minds, spirits and hearts. 

Do you know what fear, frustration and hurt is the foundation of?  ANGER! 

And we wonder why our teenagers and young adults are so ANGRY!   

Try not to speak to your children in harsh, hateful and hurtful tones.  Even in correction and discipline, speak to them with kindness, patience and love.   

Change who they are...for the better!  Isn't that what parenting is all about! 

Painting light fixtures and paddle fans....

See, I'm not even trying to be clever with my titles anymore...just too much brain work!​

When I bought this house 13 years ago, the "bronzed" look was all the rage...not so much now, or at least not to my taste!  I'm more into light, bright and somewhat "modern" looking! 

But who can afford to change out ALL their light fixtures when the old trends sour.  Not me...so it was time to get "creative."​

Paddle fans and dining chandeliers are probably the two biggest expenses in lighting.  And naturally, those are often the most noticeable!  

Since I was somewhat tired of the dining room light and the paddle fan in my office (and both would be expensive to replace), I didn't think I could do much damage if I took a can of spray paint to them...what is the worst that can happen...I have an excuse to buy new ones, right? ​

As with everything I paint, I first cleaned them and then "primed" them.  On metals, I use a metal primer...or even Kilz!  Just spray it on and then after it dries hit it lightly with 0000 steel wool...and then of course tack cloth it well before painting. (ALWAYS TACK BEFORE PAINTING!)

On the dining room light I used gloss black spray paint and the "brushed nickel" spray paint on the shades.  I used blue/grey spray paint on the fan blades...the same color I used on my dresser... and brushed nickel on the body and hardware of the fan.  I also added a new light globe to the paddle fan, just to update it a tad.

​The trick to painting light fixtures or paddle fans is taking them down and basically taking them apart...once you "disassemble" them, they are easy to paint!  BUT MAKE SURE YOU KEEP ALL THE HARDWARE AND SCREWS!  That is why I have plastic baggies on my materials list.  Any time you take ANYTHING apart, you need to put all the screws and hardware in plastic baggies and make sure you label them!  (Again, just trust me on these things!)  If you have never assembled light fixtures, and you don't feel real comfortable with the thought of getting it all back together, just take LOTS of pictures while you disassemble it.  I did that with my first upholstery job, and it helped a lot!

I found that my swing pergola made the perfect spot to hang the fixtures (with a dog leash) while painting...see, you don't need anything "fancy."​

Note, I also used blue tape on both the fixture and the wires coming out of the ceiling to label what wires went where so I would know how to rewire it...AND DON'T FORGET TO TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE FIXTURE BEFORE TAKING IT DOWN OR PUTTING IT BACK UP!!!​

After 2-3 coats of paint on each of the components, I put 1-2 coats of spray on clear coat, just to give it a durable finish that would allow me to dust and clean them periodically! ​

This easy process allows you to be REAL creative!  It would be fun to paint the fan in your kid's room a fun and funky color...maybe with some interesting design element, like a chevron pattern or polka dots!  Just "think outside the box" and remember my motto...YOU CAN DO IT!  If you don't have the most creative mind, do what I do...Google it!  People post pictures of their projects...and no one is going to be offended if you "copy" their creativity!  It really is the greatest form of flattery! ​

I was kind of sick of my bedside table lamps too...and until I can afford the really awesome crystal lamps at TJMaxx, I got a little creative with those too!

As much as I had tired of this dining room light, it really did turn out great. And it has always been one of my favorite things to decorate during the holidays.  During Christmas it is perfect for the gold shades I painted and the garland and red berries!!  Sometimes, old is good...it just needs a little facelift from time to time!​

A new "before and after" by SIS....

Man oh man...what a difference a day...or just a few hours...can make in NW Arkansas.  Beautiful and warm this morning and now it is too cold to even work on my dressers.  Suppose to be in the 40s tomorrow, with a chance of snow...craziness!​

Anywho, since I can't project outside and I really don't want to do what I NEED to do IN the house because of this "spring fever" bug I have, I thought I would share one of Sister Sarah's projects.  As I have mentioned, Sarah (my oldest daughter) likes to "project" but with two active boys it is tough.  I remember (and MISS) those days!!  That time in your life when you want to be in the garage sanding and painting, but while you are doing that your youngest is locking himself in the dryer or taste-testing your sleeping pills (yes, that would be my youngest grandson!) 

But she does manage to get in a project or two...so I thought I would share this darling little nightstand she did...​

See how a little Kilz and a little paint can make a world of difference!  ​

Great job Sis!!!​

She also used the gel stain I told you about on her bathroom vanity and wall cabinet (see here)...totally awesome transformation. 

Sweet dreams...

I am soooo annoyed.  This is the 3rd or 4th time I have written a witty post, only to accidentally delete it...grrrrrr.  Seriously, this stuff can not be THAT hard.​ So here we go again...only I am certain it won't be near as witty as it was the first time!

​I am always a tad envious of the beautiful bedding displays in magazines and on HGTV....but seriously, who has time to do all that fluffing and stacking and staging in the morning!

As I have mentioned, I have this huge fear that I will be in an accident and people will have to come into my home.  So I make my bed, religiously, every morning.  I sometimes wonder if I was running really late if I would skip making the bed or feeding the dog.  (JUST KIDDING....but it wouldn't hurt her to miss a meal!)​ Good thing I am an early riser!

So I struggled between a desire to live in "Better Homes and Gardens" world, or find a way to have pretty but realistic.  ​I live in a real world...it wins every time!

So I took my grandmother's advise...keep it SIMPLE!  And simple it is.  Super comfy sheets, a down comforter, a pretty blanket and of course the "throw" blanket at the end of the bed for the kitties.  ​

I sleep with FOUR pillows...and I never had decorative throw pillows on my bed until I made all those pillows a few weeks ago and had no where else to put them (here)​ But I keep it simple...no fancy, frilly shams or froofroo-crud.  Seriously, those things just end up on the floor every night! 

Simple is better...I just get out of bed, straighten up the blankets, fluff and stack my pillows and throw the decorative pillows on there (that added an entire 5 seconds to my routine!)​  Seriously, I bet it doesn't take 1 minute to make my bed.

And of course there is Pickles...my panda.  Every girl should have a stuffed critter on her bed ;)​

Down comforters are awesome...super warm in the winter and cool in the summer!  Just make sure you buy one that doesn't have to be dry cleaned.  Any woman with animals, children or a husband should not have ANYTHING on her bed that requires dry cleaning!  I just throw mine in the wash every month or so (or when a cat erps on it) and then dry the heck out of it.  I do the same with my feather pillows!!!  And both my blankets are not only pretty, but very functional and can be tossed in the washing machine!  ​

When my kids were little, they had a fitted sheet and a nice, washable blanket.  No fuss, no muss.  Simple.​

In life and parenting, one of my mottos is "PICK YOUR BATTLES."  I want the bed made, and of course I want it to look nice, but am not willing to "fight a battle" every day to make it all "picture perfect." ​

It is not a battle my kids, or I, are willing to fight....but at least when people come into my home after my accident, they will be impressed that my bed is made!​

If you don't think making your bed makes a difference...try it for 2 weeks....seriously, make yourself make your bed EVERY morning for two weeks.  Trust me...it sets a tone!  And if it takes more than 1 minute, you have too much fluff and froofroo!​