FLASHBACK: Kids rooms in Carbondale 2010

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Forgive me, but I am feeling very nostalgic lately. Maybe because the kids are growing up so fast, maybe because I don't have anything "new" to post or maybe both. Whatever it is, bear with me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I started this blog I not only knew that friends would see my thoughts and life like an open book, but also, I knew my children would too. Although none of them (not now at least) has shown any interest in design whatsoever (fine by me), I know they might get to read and see this blog all together. And I want them to see how mommy cared for them in her own little way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Nio's room</span></b>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojpuzB7V_j1YZM-z8GoxcXx_JO5ITZ5hpSwfZXlapoH0pMP6zuNxestdEexJRb8Cuo207mGbkKmHC9RSCIVLDk7AsjchzuusqBicMfp5J1NihVeIcIcYMrp1U8-RF50CRjtb_cYFLZCpE/s1600/SL278924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojpuzB7V_j1YZM-z8GoxcXx_JO5ITZ5hpSwfZXlapoH0pMP6zuNxestdEexJRb8Cuo207mGbkKmHC9RSCIVLDk7AsjchzuusqBicMfp5J1NihVeIcIcYMrp1U8-RF50CRjtb_cYFLZCpE/s640/SL278924.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfy big boy bed</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CekQTusV8StDWr0cd1yaQyCTmiQXGHJLIBuKahu2gFIe5m9vHtjf9uAG0cYcKczLvXFG8k0DI3zAfahi33X6EPpGndLp8OK5Q5wnvsCbpnsIZyVfJpTACV1Wsr8hmvKrprmoCsjNApKl/s1600/SL278925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CekQTusV8StDWr0cd1yaQyCTmiQXGHJLIBuKahu2gFIe5m9vHtjf9uAG0cYcKczLvXFG8k0DI3zAfahi33X6EPpGndLp8OK5Q5wnvsCbpnsIZyVfJpTACV1Wsr8hmvKrprmoCsjNApKl/s640/SL278925.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Study area - very important</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAsrqEKb0KcTGxkUzARc8gGctatlc3Mk-BWfQ7gSNpKLJoOvNv-_2hgNZeBo40wFqGxLeIieT1wOUMRgZn8bT5m4Qe04CVcRhQq3sA-HJNM-tb_2DuU7ouXvmaAdYgjCYZ_bhiRja3724/s1600/SL278926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAsrqEKb0KcTGxkUzARc8gGctatlc3Mk-BWfQ7gSNpKLJoOvNv-_2hgNZeBo40wFqGxLeIieT1wOUMRgZn8bT5m4Qe04CVcRhQq3sA-HJNM-tb_2DuU7ouXvmaAdYgjCYZ_bhiRja3724/s640/SL278926.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bookshelves filled with memories..</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Yx2p450p6zr4LFg_mbStrIK32zaJAI-ftRdKgpVcfdD1oo6R69Qto-XOZClOY8qGO8pHkDf5XvCIOeq_xWdKy6Y9lPJCLb8kH4BiKGrmlhl5xqh7KiLZ8jIJVV3YiVhGpDfVB88Ov9Dt/s1600/SL278927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Yx2p450p6zr4LFg_mbStrIK32zaJAI-ftRdKgpVcfdD1oo6R69Qto-XOZClOY8qGO8pHkDf5XvCIOeq_xWdKy6Y9lPJCLb8kH4BiKGrmlhl5xqh7KiLZ8jIJVV3YiVhGpDfVB88Ov9Dt/s640/SL278927.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.. and books of course</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijnCHmxgRCHs5N-dpY3poLL-wZrBUZQSFTPBnG3pBd8NxC-xhU0Hv1HRNUFZ6q2sFm4GbdoJZD32sgDvMljHO_BzdhZpWQaDWt6Qzlx1NTVy1uae09e0GblmB7xQmpRnJal8AMWn1E41n/s1600/SL278928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijnCHmxgRCHs5N-dpY3poLL-wZrBUZQSFTPBnG3pBd8NxC-xhU0Hv1HRNUFZ6q2sFm4GbdoJZD32sgDvMljHO_BzdhZpWQaDWt6Qzlx1NTVy1uae09e0GblmB7xQmpRnJal8AMWn1E41n/s640/SL278928.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reading nook with ample lighting</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBQVmt9P8C6L1Gkp9Hu7XTDlWa-onrJ0-7am7NccsRElHtTFNBVu-5ifkUuLj39k-RVvbZRpXAIQOktYXYS7aiyUL_q3lGso5WWM5MoI-lg9SHRLZAuvLS7SxsLpLOu8x_XejUSqC2e9T/s1600/SL278929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBQVmt9P8C6L1Gkp9Hu7XTDlWa-onrJ0-7am7NccsRElHtTFNBVu-5ifkUuLj39k-RVvbZRpXAIQOktYXYS7aiyUL_q3lGso5WWM5MoI-lg9SHRLZAuvLS7SxsLpLOu8x_XejUSqC2e9T/s400/SL278929.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His "pet" fossils in his bowl</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I felt that Nio was no longer the little boy I once knew and that turning 10, marked the start of his "Tween" years. So, I decorated a room for him that could grow with him into his teen years(well, that didn't happen because we moved!). His room reflected his interests, hence the map and the books. And like any mom, I wanted to show how proud I was with anything and everything he does, so I displayed some of his art. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Aidan's room</span></b>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Nvze6W7Yzz12tsOgma1LWcc0pL7PqRuS0edHJ1lbGPRlJH6b6Zvvjpn9_Ocnp-yQ_7GZ_lcjJBmqU1PeZCxqTbmsvIXGiSNad_79Ma_3pHKceIUVEfAop7UzxGHUHGgEBAwnwpmIp6Uq/s1600/SL279046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Nvze6W7Yzz12tsOgma1LWcc0pL7PqRuS0edHJ1lbGPRlJH6b6Zvvjpn9_Ocnp-yQ_7GZ_lcjJBmqU1PeZCxqTbmsvIXGiSNad_79Ma_3pHKceIUVEfAop7UzxGHUHGgEBAwnwpmIp6Uq/s640/SL279046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still my "baby"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFuPRwswc_acaU4FTnpMqwSrQ64TRbsJ5-OpYCLQwsPq1zOwhjXMnczTAOq0eeLhzH_yEhO9-_veCD3SOGpfOAA2knHKewxnp1u285X3GPuXOdPplc1y647zSUdvpkIxjT2sAdtYI0Akh/s1600/SL279047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFuPRwswc_acaU4FTnpMqwSrQ64TRbsJ5-OpYCLQwsPq1zOwhjXMnczTAOq0eeLhzH_yEhO9-_veCD3SOGpfOAA2knHKewxnp1u285X3GPuXOdPplc1y647zSUdvpkIxjT2sAdtYI0Akh/s640/SL279047.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His study area</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxfJKn5F6UdMDecvxlcv4IF07Wz6BUHGIChyphenhyphen8jYlw_4o1x7RJNtL9S-mYt20SeNsGWm4rs2I_GY9E7G8kpOQidDGQySOuGqa1zGOqtfYZUXp_ohI7XVkeIT-KrwSiP9Jb4WGAcKEnT2_4/s1600/SL279048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxfJKn5F6UdMDecvxlcv4IF07Wz6BUHGIChyphenhyphen8jYlw_4o1x7RJNtL9S-mYt20SeNsGWm4rs2I_GY9E7G8kpOQidDGQySOuGqa1zGOqtfYZUXp_ohI7XVkeIT-KrwSiP9Jb4WGAcKEnT2_4/s640/SL279048.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His artworks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLXN1Xnbed5Ye2pT4Lk-3WakY5B9GRZGJ_Z5VMd8yPhjKzM5X2EXdTU8eUKpl2e-cZiudhmKJ4h_OYBB2cweBnqhanfQFHBtrk0jSA7g6oHRJecCrGnsPK14w04yVcFq5oauBP-Nx1aah/s1600/SL279049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLXN1Xnbed5Ye2pT4Lk-3WakY5B9GRZGJ_Z5VMd8yPhjKzM5X2EXdTU8eUKpl2e-cZiudhmKJ4h_OYBB2cweBnqhanfQFHBtrk0jSA7g6oHRJecCrGnsPK14w04yVcFq5oauBP-Nx1aah/s640/SL279049.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trundle bed underneath for at that time, Nida</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Wh4b47kz2xXDVIVaOvQvU137n_7KbSt5soOTa73Gr90NprChJS5wRNohy71lgFGJJtcw3zGGm4Vydwejo5Q0OBPG0mPqgz7TAUhp1fAfn76X5unPB6Jcm-BbRdotb_xQVn5qrQ-xG1ck/s1600/SL279050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Wh4b47kz2xXDVIVaOvQvU137n_7KbSt5soOTa73Gr90NprChJS5wRNohy71lgFGJJtcw3zGGm4Vydwejo5Q0OBPG0mPqgz7TAUhp1fAfn76X5unPB6Jcm-BbRdotb_xQVn5qrQ-xG1ck/s640/SL279050.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aidan's room on the other hand is still very "kiddie" - a lot of bright colors and furniture, decor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did not buy anything new when we moved to this house for his room. These were all our old stuff.  Bed is from their bunkbed, table and chairs and rug from ikea, an old school chair I bought from a thrift store and his toy chest.  Wall decor both from Ikea and Marshalls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most of their toys ended up in the family room so that the bedroom was just mainly for sleeping, studying or relaxing. I think too much stimulus in a child's room is a bad idea (woohoo, very late bedtimes anyone?!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, I'll show the kids rooms as it looks <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><i>now </i></span>when I fix it well enough. It's a work in progress, but I think we're getting "there".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have an awesome day!!!!!</div>

FLASHBACK: Kids rooms in Carbondale 2010

Forgive me, but I am feeling very nostalgic lately. Maybe because the kids are growing up so fast, maybe because I don't have anything ...

Read more »

FLASHBACK: Master bedroom before and after

You probably all have seen what our current master  bedroom looks like, but before that the bedroom looked like this...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1jTjmE1TCZ9_9XKozYgfVrjAMQKVGmC4mMyuOzFoKUb5KtbLVy9NCuJb1e34F6-0aULyAaKxIQZRo26B4_t0uQlaNxvNCqWBXT7Yxnl0e-8G-DtrsKM2cWPG1xjiSp2bokh9-Ofzk48V/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1jTjmE1TCZ9_9XKozYgfVrjAMQKVGmC4mMyuOzFoKUb5KtbLVy9NCuJb1e34F6-0aULyAaKxIQZRo26B4_t0uQlaNxvNCqWBXT7Yxnl0e-8G-DtrsKM2cWPG1xjiSp2bokh9-Ofzk48V/s400/DSC_0032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange Madness - literally!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>As you can see, this room was not cut out to be a "dream" room. The color alone can "wake you" up all the time! Bright colors should be reserved for kids rooms (in my opinion). The blinds are all destroyed by the former owners dogs, all chewed out!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGMrkRI1iNs3tGFFNmt1QiaL8tNlwfLrSViJr2e5KeDw3IV7aRrPDPFexG7dnVPI3JynG6lmMyofSK7dN1FfdVv3dhJ4W6jH4_oiH3_J_ZD63cpizCiwObdkv006Ee0ixwXE8gi2w7yWB/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGMrkRI1iNs3tGFFNmt1QiaL8tNlwfLrSViJr2e5KeDw3IV7aRrPDPFexG7dnVPI3JynG6lmMyofSK7dN1FfdVv3dhJ4W6jH4_oiH3_J_ZD63cpizCiwObdkv006Ee0ixwXE8gi2w7yWB/s400/DSC_0036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not better</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>You can see the Swamp, i mean, swimming pool outside from this angle...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hLu6U4fuZF_hNtR4AdwLVz4obtjhFmE_rphGbyE8QgAOd-dD5cJAR7geSkdSfZOEJSZhM0XIHx_n0m1yokksbyrZMKBxGveTnmFpnDP9xAAc6GkRKpbd_KFlaLNilZaTXewh2mjeq4kT/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hLu6U4fuZF_hNtR4AdwLVz4obtjhFmE_rphGbyE8QgAOd-dD5cJAR7geSkdSfZOEJSZhM0XIHx_n0m1yokksbyrZMKBxGveTnmFpnDP9xAAc6GkRKpbd_KFlaLNilZaTXewh2mjeq4kT/s400/DSC_0037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one more time</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>So one weekend, this is what I did...</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53-m97HdHFaq3vO3D_A_LnLZhaL8zdiuwep_m6G7jNFsDQ12bJoFiHN48CsyMBL6s95Am48mKGaV1RXib4o9al6BxWbVhU2h2rfxFHbw5d_lr0MVyb7ytcQXy3iMGBJo5wb1LBiNwuhvv/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53-m97HdHFaq3vO3D_A_LnLZhaL8zdiuwep_m6G7jNFsDQ12bJoFiHN48CsyMBL6s95Am48mKGaV1RXib4o9al6BxWbVhU2h2rfxFHbw5d_lr0MVyb7ytcQXy3iMGBJo5wb1LBiNwuhvv/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chaos!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Using FROG TAPE, and BHER paint, I repainted over the orange. I changed the blinds (C/o Lowe's Bali blinds). Originally, I wanted plantation shutters, but my God, the cost would be too outrageously expensive that I opted for this cheaper but nice version of blinds.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjuIqFWQonCg92IX2A391mtiaOOfP6K7xe4Ue80zFVSuagm64Yxw0IYdsZe5XvnzMBpfuZFX6h3YlwGEtPa1xBueUPqWtNNlRWgJvXxDUn83SulhevHjcpV2W-MNX11TcNoFUpkXDTCzN/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjuIqFWQonCg92IX2A391mtiaOOfP6K7xe4Ue80zFVSuagm64Yxw0IYdsZe5XvnzMBpfuZFX6h3YlwGEtPa1xBueUPqWtNNlRWgJvXxDUn83SulhevHjcpV2W-MNX11TcNoFUpkXDTCzN/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">accent wall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_1kbcD9IfpPQX8qrNOE5__B2-Ix7IFIsW68i6wptDyr14eFfr8Xqh6lsUx8VIqaBru7T5XLxlgUOFYT-dzaqlmxvDzVXRbGX6EzEOX4C4WvL9BiVOU8sr2bqgJj4Y7nXtfTEtJVKWdWo/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_1kbcD9IfpPQX8qrNOE5__B2-Ix7IFIsW68i6wptDyr14eFfr8Xqh6lsUx8VIqaBru7T5XLxlgUOFYT-dzaqlmxvDzVXRbGX6EzEOX4C4WvL9BiVOU8sr2bqgJj4Y7nXtfTEtJVKWdWo/s400/DSC_0029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I added these two columns on both side of the bed to add some interest. Again, with just the use of frog tape. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQdhJbzDH0urdUzVEO9qAWO9m-dBLnuip3sPTIegkbc9UMd7NLT-HZyWuvtpwNKGd6jSt7TgDw6H_VA-nCBXAI4BJqw7DjrUnsqOpxJ-_cLS3dFjAhJCiFHkz816ecdWNxwgf6oVmgioF/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQdhJbzDH0urdUzVEO9qAWO9m-dBLnuip3sPTIegkbc9UMd7NLT-HZyWuvtpwNKGd6jSt7TgDw6H_VA-nCBXAI4BJqw7DjrUnsqOpxJ-_cLS3dFjAhJCiFHkz816ecdWNxwgf6oVmgioF/s640/DSC_0038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tada!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>I added curtains from JCPenny and like the neutral stripes to give the window area a little "oomph". The wall color changes from light blue to light green to bluish-grey depending on the time of day. All very soothing and relaxing colors for a good nights sleep.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlLKYRkaGhjksIvLVz8GjLFLL6U9ETezhXe0C8shRB_G_cJnbxtCqTCUGWVrSRiz3kR9KMfDkANy5tUgS7Ve8VeuBB-I-nVlsMcM0fb-gLDjzKfTdQDi8yuArKbSIFx6PDc5PFPTWmDXR/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlLKYRkaGhjksIvLVz8GjLFLL6U9ETezhXe0C8shRB_G_cJnbxtCqTCUGWVrSRiz3kR9KMfDkANy5tUgS7Ve8VeuBB-I-nVlsMcM0fb-gLDjzKfTdQDi8yuArKbSIFx6PDc5PFPTWmDXR/s640/DSC_0044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wanna sleep now....</td></tr></tbody></table>I think the wall treatment was just the right touch of accent for this area. I didn't want it to look too busy, I want calm but not drab. The beddings are from TJ maxx ($25) as well as the fleece blanket. The throw pillows are from Target ($8/each) and the neck roll ($5) is from Burlington coat factory - all on clearance! The Floor lamp ($49) is from Big Lots and the lamp shade is from Home depot. Art work ($39)from TJMaxx as well.<br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XvBIF2-ghLVMDZW3KgbFrmwdapEzEpV4_x-ZplsE2-EXV1CYTuG9mWP9cE8qqUD7s_qXwfKoCezC9MNvOSMEuHM4ah5WWOi8it3wMSoz0HDMB7EXaxxKlVvArb7TLmJgsgyFPhO42ztK/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XvBIF2-ghLVMDZW3KgbFrmwdapEzEpV4_x-ZplsE2-EXV1CYTuG9mWP9cE8qqUD7s_qXwfKoCezC9MNvOSMEuHM4ah5WWOi8it3wMSoz0HDMB7EXaxxKlVvArb7TLmJgsgyFPhO42ztK/s640/DSC_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Latest look</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>And of course this is what you recently just saw on my latest update.  The lamp on Gerson's side was an antique store find at $8 - it is soooo beautiful, with a Jonathan Adler-feel to it once you see it upclose it's made up of brass and wood, a real score! The shade was mine, bought years ago from "Land of Nod Outlet " (yup, the Childrens store by Crate and barrel) for $5. The recliner (which I just changed by the way - my Xmas gift to my hubby) was a hand-me-down from a friend. The rug is from Dwell Studio, which along with the throw are the most expensive stuff in this room but I think totally worth every penny.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There you have it, a breakdown and lowdown on our room. </div><div><br /></div><div>Again, it's all about waiting, being patient and finding the right price for things. Easily changeable stuff need not be expensive (E.g. pillows, art, bedding etc.) but you can buy a little bit of luxuries here and there. Whatever makes you happy and you like to look at all the time, buy it. </div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Have a great day!!!!</span></b><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Linking back to <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/show-us-your-bedrooms.html">Thrifty Decor Chick</a></div><div><br /><br /></div></div></div></div>

FLASHBACK: Master bedroom before and after

You probably all have seen what our current master  bedroom looks like, but before that the bedroom looked like this... Orange Madness - lit...

Read more »

FLASHBACK: Thanksgiving 2010

          Since this blog is "fresh form the oven", I have to do a bit of a flashback at times to post my other decorations /set-up that I may have or may not have shared in Facebook.<br /><br />         And since this Holiday is around the corner, and since I may or may not be hosting the Thanksgiving dinner this year ( depending on wether my Chicago Friends show up or not - ATTN: My and My), I thought of posting my set-up last year!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YgzCXvAAM19DxWvpwom1ajNcD4FU_54s62gAFQ9kZFdgWj5ryXfhPvL-Vcz5ojZTeJ2VWdVbvvc1t-upe-sX2eBhH_X3C9APisRnyLTlXqWWcyXWXgNwJVI7r-5xJCDmEW0Mfva9wK5O/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YgzCXvAAM19DxWvpwom1ajNcD4FU_54s62gAFQ9kZFdgWj5ryXfhPvL-Vcz5ojZTeJ2VWdVbvvc1t-upe-sX2eBhH_X3C9APisRnyLTlXqWWcyXWXgNwJVI7r-5xJCDmEW0Mfva9wK5O/s640/DSC_0009.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uB53jJH89yIjvOcXLmzVWq9aOEWOtLDV4_oYIhVcskcgm7NrUxcQ4qUXqW4o4TJ6iz2HBh8F0mRqiyJNsbBMJ4DtrzZ_rdGt0rVcKCu-lmphhWSYcZ6hp4SdCj5_t_VlPliDBUAXJzX6/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uB53jJH89yIjvOcXLmzVWq9aOEWOtLDV4_oYIhVcskcgm7NrUxcQ4qUXqW4o4TJ6iz2HBh8F0mRqiyJNsbBMJ4DtrzZ_rdGt0rVcKCu-lmphhWSYcZ6hp4SdCj5_t_VlPliDBUAXJzX6/s640/DSC_0003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">        I Know, I know, this looks more like Christmas than Thanksgiving, but since I really don't decorate that much for thanksgiving, all my Christmas stuff are usually ready after halloween!! In the end, we all had a lot to be thankful for, new home, new friends and we even made a souvenir Christmas ornament with all the we were thankful for for that year!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Advance Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheers!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig45a2Ux4Bv62IXCEqVGN3LNYs3PiSWqXyNqfmVMgcbiRPFmHhWgVzxjnoCSMEZtlrbvD57HqLFFM0TBsMFPYE-J2nTSTgksMIL_j5acK_VFcPUcDjetFhNX6uFAM3xJg7JOZIhk-JJ6C3/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig45a2Ux4Bv62IXCEqVGN3LNYs3PiSWqXyNqfmVMgcbiRPFmHhWgVzxjnoCSMEZtlrbvD57HqLFFM0TBsMFPYE-J2nTSTgksMIL_j5acK_VFcPUcDjetFhNX6uFAM3xJg7JOZIhk-JJ6C3/s320/DSC_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

FLASHBACK: Thanksgiving 2010

          Since this blog is "fresh form the oven", I have to do a bit of a flashback at times to post my other decorations /set-u...

Read more »

Laundry Room Before and After

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Laundry room is probably one of the most neglected areas of the house. Just take a look at ours...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS2tiMaxHT2Q4gJysx5ksxwthdedrM-Tma4NaGJI9E89wpbR9tyC0DrT6Vg8cSBFSp3KfV814EX6BvZN4AFHMmn3EZ8EiCTCj80caWgQkK4DXuJK34BJlXCDPuWkXhAK7WvB-cM438OBJ/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS2tiMaxHT2Q4gJysx5ksxwthdedrM-Tma4NaGJI9E89wpbR9tyC0DrT6Vg8cSBFSp3KfV814EX6BvZN4AFHMmn3EZ8EiCTCj80caWgQkK4DXuJK34BJlXCDPuWkXhAK7WvB-cM438OBJ/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detergents everywhere</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGnRm4wWhY7uHsUAUWHYtyeqSBRuCe8U1kj7pQv8UtzCPvb_O7uFcO4OI1aqP8G9-QcOwUf88q8yfFga2OlNavrkXLFqrysliTw7XzF-uPbr2jmPmeo6F-v2QtriGNEOhIXxWix5Q1NPe/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGnRm4wWhY7uHsUAUWHYtyeqSBRuCe8U1kj7pQv8UtzCPvb_O7uFcO4OI1aqP8G9-QcOwUf88q8yfFga2OlNavrkXLFqrysliTw7XzF-uPbr2jmPmeo6F-v2QtriGNEOhIXxWix5Q1NPe/s400/DSC_0009.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaners, clothes, food - a mishmash of stuff!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1M2mN3u780wwlVb7QCVr1cIK_Vh19E6dtd7ARLoRyM8IkhsgQmugGGDTzqt1dNk97IZ5Z8qlcM-3KloNGQPz2OMxA2gpA_nSX39RAOIWFPb5rvt6msx509cRTyNgTAb0nfSEnO36m8a5/s1600/DSC_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1M2mN3u780wwlVb7QCVr1cIK_Vh19E6dtd7ARLoRyM8IkhsgQmugGGDTzqt1dNk97IZ5Z8qlcM-3KloNGQPz2OMxA2gpA_nSX39RAOIWFPb5rvt6msx509cRTyNgTAb0nfSEnO36m8a5/s400/DSC_0010.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So one Sunday afternoon, We decided to TAKE CONTROL and declutter and organize, and here are the results...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7xvMjwydxykVX5OQp7chyphenhyphenh91Oywi7eewHBUTkFkOhvvtwpA5whvPtREgglqmRY5mee1H-ZFUbcX5Xrh6FiU3mGG_cA1WSTdmn23cjKA8jNfl3uKCGkxTM7CKVzSNRCvd_ays86p5L3f5/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7xvMjwydxykVX5OQp7chyphenhyphenh91Oywi7eewHBUTkFkOhvvtwpA5whvPtREgglqmRY5mee1H-ZFUbcX5Xrh6FiU3mGG_cA1WSTdmn23cjKA8jNfl3uKCGkxTM7CKVzSNRCvd_ays86p5L3f5/s640/DSC_0007.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BETTER!</td></tr></tbody></table>Aside from cleaning it up, I also changed my plastic laundry basket to these cute brown baskets from Target.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIMZlkgo9JyaPfsFWheHI1tEZcLcJQPYQP2atc1_7-X4GHzySHIC_76xlPWfNpIxYZBRtqSL3vzH-SuDfVY9BO2x0Sn5MjMe-xT_aTRVNF-tOy9OCdlXCwAIJnWhNP58LbPk8TlFh0As6/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIMZlkgo9JyaPfsFWheHI1tEZcLcJQPYQP2atc1_7-X4GHzySHIC_76xlPWfNpIxYZBRtqSL3vzH-SuDfVY9BO2x0Sn5MjMe-xT_aTRVNF-tOy9OCdlXCwAIJnWhNP58LbPk8TlFh0As6/s640/DSC_0008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">order</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We hung the drying rack so that we stop tripping on it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOtK90agvIg3uElESI6c2mnndY6CtU2snLK_Lj1QFVHtdwyttmBhpD7z36OlqjnXYJqqp3paiJLNmmAULZpmIr6IYDanbGqCZX6opuDPT5jrY9ka4SVeEA5KrWHS-yrPI-RxHhTSer1iL/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOtK90agvIg3uElESI6c2mnndY6CtU2snLK_Lj1QFVHtdwyttmBhpD7z36OlqjnXYJqqp3paiJLNmmAULZpmIr6IYDanbGqCZX6opuDPT5jrY9ka4SVeEA5KrWHS-yrPI-RxHhTSer1iL/s640/DSC_0009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cleaned-up</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>We added this plain jane plastic rack to organize cleaning and laundry supplies. I still wanna change this though someday, but for now at least everything has its place. Our robots neatly line up on the counter for easy charging and the green bag is for "dry clean only" items.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67NApS7Fk-DP_mxJMd1phw3pHti6O0LOKtrSKlcdMMAswk6OtKGfHwCdpAPxcsxdTOWSCxsWV00apvWH3r3JVGWK6FOT7BIxCktZ7nYl9X08R8UlU4maubfWyHotWGTVVIaYi1qBa1wpI/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67NApS7Fk-DP_mxJMd1phw3pHti6O0LOKtrSKlcdMMAswk6OtKGfHwCdpAPxcsxdTOWSCxsWV00apvWH3r3JVGWK6FOT7BIxCktZ7nYl9X08R8UlU4maubfWyHotWGTVVIaYi1qBa1wpI/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZDAiRk95R3-ox8B5y-fnHYhvf8jglN35h8O5ub07EEK_A8gVhOPfMKeyuGOfd1I3qQ61AGPNn9uvF6FZv1UIrwNcj-hbWs9WZ9abmuAfPW6ESkc-BQeVGYdxs8Pqekj-1WHg0Q2ZiWkO/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZDAiRk95R3-ox8B5y-fnHYhvf8jglN35h8O5ub07EEK_A8gVhOPfMKeyuGOfd1I3qQ61AGPNn9uvF6FZv1UIrwNcj-hbWs9WZ9abmuAfPW6ESkc-BQeVGYdxs8Pqekj-1WHg0Q2ZiWkO/s640/DSC_0011.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recycling center</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Recycling has always been important to us and so this designated spot helps us keep things organized.  The ones below are for the cans, bottle and plastics. The hanging one is for all sorts of paper. The First Aid kit is easy access on the small basket and medicines are locked-up in the cabinet.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are nowhere near done, I still have a lot of tweaking to do in this room. But for now, this is what I call PROGRESS and that makes me do my chores easier and breezier!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>

Laundry Room Before and After

The Laundry room is probably one of the most neglected areas of the house. Just take a look at ours... Detergents everywhere Cleaners, cloth...

Read more »

In Love With Jonathan Adler

I have coveted Jonathan Adler's designs for a couple of months now. I started reading his books and got hooked on his "happy chic" therapy/design/mantra.<br /><br />So when I got the chance to "snatch" his stuff on HSN - ALL on Clearance, I just couldn't resist!!!!! Here is my small collection now...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtsGcnNwxkkxlwBsNN4xiTI56rbkZpJ96SaM65KS8zcUqeZpwGDRn64Cyx_2TvItZfGNq4aFFj8anhQOqfcTYIXK7pBLgpEKrPbp2ESDMf_ScMQpLUXqYRDk1GqiOjjykCa64onrK3ki3/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtsGcnNwxkkxlwBsNN4xiTI56rbkZpJ96SaM65KS8zcUqeZpwGDRn64Cyx_2TvItZfGNq4aFFj8anhQOqfcTYIXK7pBLgpEKrPbp2ESDMf_ScMQpLUXqYRDk1GqiOjjykCa64onrK3ki3/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Chic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I so love these dinnerware, especially the orange, kinda' has that "Hermes"-like feel to it. I got the blue ones too because it's my favorite color! The goblets and wine glasses are just divine and for the price ($29 for the whole 32 piece set!!), even lovelier!<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnlflS6bZ-iNiVIBMbF2LNt5KlZYmSOkN9uCSVIahpzmrO8khVOJ843jMz84_mgjkZBQFd_nW1FrlAWHQHfjC7WGOppUVNM2Jft7HBiBIYyzuA-p24lRTlg-3EvWGXwge-4XepMxxZ1NW/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnlflS6bZ-iNiVIBMbF2LNt5KlZYmSOkN9uCSVIahpzmrO8khVOJ843jMz84_mgjkZBQFd_nW1FrlAWHQHfjC7WGOppUVNM2Jft7HBiBIYyzuA-p24lRTlg-3EvWGXwge-4XepMxxZ1NW/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">super cute elephant diffusers!</td></tr></tbody></table>The metallic bowls, vase and pitcher are oh-so-beautiful as well, I used these already for Nio's party and can't wait to enjoy it more for hopefully, years to come.<br /><div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1WNN_BmUD9ABS34fPLV6DpQp4s3MAzqPrh3fmwN3n0QErQNJJC6PexaTCs4mCC-NgwksPwbIaaPAw8Q3NZrpg31OTgJ39Ri6en5XunS6ULdqbns3uToKuLHoJeBp9zvtMdfZkIrn5rEu/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1WNN_BmUD9ABS34fPLV6DpQp4s3MAzqPrh3fmwN3n0QErQNJJC6PexaTCs4mCC-NgwksPwbIaaPAw8Q3NZrpg31OTgJ39Ri6en5XunS6ULdqbns3uToKuLHoJeBp9zvtMdfZkIrn5rEu/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these candles!! Each with a unique scent but love the cutees on top even more!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hopefully someday I can buy from<a href="http://jonathanadler.com/"> his website</a> directly ( they are horrendously expensive), maybe my hubby will bump into this site one of these days... hmmm...<br /><br />Here are some of my faves from that:<br /><br />The one below are from his menagerie Pottery collection..<br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBYn39mhc6ya58aBhy4h4N2CjnDXdWF8FXY7Uo5CcH9TNO1aRlrf2KQW9DoeZ6XI6q5iqnCJNS3kE6K8iQ9kGiG6zloRToIjtyHAcACAkfpxyWSn-CiDKxBWYRzHygagY-zm3row-5jOl/s1600/t_17750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBYn39mhc6ya58aBhy4h4N2CjnDXdWF8FXY7Uo5CcH9TNO1aRlrf2KQW9DoeZ6XI6q5iqnCJNS3kE6K8iQ9kGiG6zloRToIjtyHAcACAkfpxyWSn-CiDKxBWYRzHygagY-zm3row-5jOl/s200/t_17750.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cute! Perfect anywhere!</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnp7WcyuxtGhDNXv0EVD0thcwIKa7a-GwvZwoVS5EomAFxxNbwgaafa6fWjBLlFM0Ap5WRssEZSwYWBeC0-pzR651O3wAN-5KLzqea9V_itqXK3fai9_ngvJEtfw7e7QSwvSENU4-N5aq/s1600/t_16719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnp7WcyuxtGhDNXv0EVD0thcwIKa7a-GwvZwoVS5EomAFxxNbwgaafa6fWjBLlFM0Ap5WRssEZSwYWBeC0-pzR651O3wAN-5KLzqea9V_itqXK3fai9_ngvJEtfw7e7QSwvSENU4-N5aq/s200/t_16719.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one I first fell inlove with</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7BmpE3L_Zner0yrpJyT_kMgylMH_UNeQh1I1o07zdvp69Wd-yYZKJhJOoFMfLbPOaLDJstkeMBNNG-n12FvLf6aWHaalzT6pzAiQtsUtWnoxzC0uzVjBZA59XdlOVJ76FYBMAN602P2v/s1600/t_16684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7BmpE3L_Zner0yrpJyT_kMgylMH_UNeQh1I1o07zdvp69Wd-yYZKJhJOoFMfLbPOaLDJstkeMBNNG-n12FvLf6aWHaalzT6pzAiQtsUtWnoxzC0uzVjBZA59XdlOVJ76FYBMAN602P2v/s200/t_16684.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippo art</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1qAo4Al7RPk0vDN70BDYAO9a8hKNvvzwaR4LOYlIdGm2Im3VTbFtde2wW5xsXDAruGpihg_Kmf3yUVG2My6Hgf2WaVgBH_enX29pOVoYLpgciVL9KyWl0YSmVGsNBXXzEVBn7wiCpZm4/s1600/t_17199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1qAo4Al7RPk0vDN70BDYAO9a8hKNvvzwaR4LOYlIdGm2Im3VTbFtde2wW5xsXDAruGpihg_Kmf3yUVG2My6Hgf2WaVgBH_enX29pOVoYLpgciVL9KyWl0YSmVGsNBXXzEVBn7wiCpZm4/s200/t_17199.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">whale pitcher</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>

In Love With Jonathan Adler

I have coveted Jonathan Adler's designs for a couple of months now. I started reading his books and got hooked on his "happy chic...

Read more »

Emily Henderson Holiday Gift Guide 2011 - A FREE ONLINE MAGAZINE!

Check out this excellent holiday source that I found at the blog of one of my favorite stylist <a href="http://www.stylebyemilyhenderson.com/">Emily Henderson</a>.<br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_GqmiRyQDLgvsTOepdvgaANVMJqtvuhbXJHIq1oUDW2gVT6xqPPX4SeRrSSauNNTw0p2lJpmEZQ7zZ6777Go4cWvGWYNUpT6Tx8T5FrCJ67Zv8C9ZAImneo9IdhPr9HQnbZnMYPKT7qg/s1600/BJE_emilyhenderson-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_GqmiRyQDLgvsTOepdvgaANVMJqtvuhbXJHIq1oUDW2gVT6xqPPX4SeRrSSauNNTw0p2lJpmEZQ7zZ6777Go4cWvGWYNUpT6Tx8T5FrCJ67Zv8C9ZAImneo9IdhPr9HQnbZnMYPKT7qg/s400/BJE_emilyhenderson-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, this is her, one my gurus.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This online magazine is super nice and you"ll get tons of ideas as well as gift guides!! But most of all, IT IS FREE!!!! WOOOPEEDOOO!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>CLICK <a href="http://issuu.com/stylebyemilyhenderson/docs/hgg_eh_2011">HERE TO READ</a> and Enjoy!!!!!!!</div></div>

Emily Henderson Holiday Gift Guide 2011 - A FREE ONLINE MAGAZINE!

Check out this excellent holiday source that I found at the blog of one of my favorite stylist  Emily Henderson . Yup, this is her, one my g...

Read more »

Guest Room

We are fortunate enough to have 2 extra bedrooms in our house. The second floor bedroom so far has received the most attention from me mainly because the basement guest room needs more work.<br /><br />This is what it looked like over the summer....<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAyd50T32UKVcS6t9kql7rq5L1YWyu7Ykl7GETCduLxKO9nUCNpbQVQrtNaZFoCrDLs2M_pW9kJES5fQ_nfNwE6mPnmh4woa2tGPI_zQwqzsrMmF0scWbUrtLI80T4jnR3xYLFWmtM5YY/s1600/DSC_0106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAyd50T32UKVcS6t9kql7rq5L1YWyu7Ykl7GETCduLxKO9nUCNpbQVQrtNaZFoCrDLs2M_pW9kJES5fQ_nfNwE6mPnmh4woa2tGPI_zQwqzsrMmF0scWbUrtLI80T4jnR3xYLFWmtM5YY/s400/DSC_0106.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry</td></tr></tbody></table>I did not change the wall color, this was original to the house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpTeh-U1WVusVZxo1Txy58q1lvb20p6z1pkLuRrqXWXE4LqA5vHHADcODwDO5oEREcr_vS55x7lzs1iWbb03L6wfuG05Uv2xhIP-yAQdNamKxi5r90SJSLAvbhlPHcM50CSH3brqVRw2G/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpTeh-U1WVusVZxo1Txy58q1lvb20p6z1pkLuRrqXWXE4LqA5vHHADcODwDO5oEREcr_vS55x7lzs1iWbb03L6wfuG05Uv2xhIP-yAQdNamKxi5r90SJSLAvbhlPHcM50CSH3brqVRw2G/s400/DSC_0108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inviting sitting area</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONPkxHRA9KrnOYE-RRl2qHh8NAVeQPI1Xmxc9x9PYVXZfnMArvVJHXgKzRvg9wG7ZaR5tngXbjbpc_X8zy9iZQpdWnchfQRCe1hlzShN5o0z6Jv7LnxiFzaSe9v6AAE3Idfs3H0WeX1z2/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONPkxHRA9KrnOYE-RRl2qHh8NAVeQPI1Xmxc9x9PYVXZfnMArvVJHXgKzRvg9wG7ZaR5tngXbjbpc_X8zy9iZQpdWnchfQRCe1hlzShN5o0z6Jv7LnxiFzaSe9v6AAE3Idfs3H0WeX1z2/s400/DSC_0111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Sitting area</td></tr></tbody></table><div>The curtains were sewn by my mother-in-law from an old pair of duvet cover that I had to match the bedding.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriSiNmUBCWzD3CL8NrBWtpbeXWTKljxaegfGTXKK-C5sJRMBsB-UghDErfzgXjGBvlCSppoY1woTkCu_IjXWz0tLjPuy8uOpMJuYuuDr39iAw1fPH3l8VTbVT8wrSoXqKjFKtjDc63GFA/s1600/DSC_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriSiNmUBCWzD3CL8NrBWtpbeXWTKljxaegfGTXKK-C5sJRMBsB-UghDErfzgXjGBvlCSppoY1woTkCu_IjXWz0tLjPuy8uOpMJuYuuDr39iAw1fPH3l8VTbVT8wrSoXqKjFKtjDc63GFA/s400/DSC_0110.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Media Cabinet</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>This was our old media cabinet back in our living room in Chicago. We bought it from Target. We still love it.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHpfZhrUJa4JuREzM9IT6dtWpElUh2_kOIMk6o_yuDX7T2BdT66nV6JVY_3XQwE4IsbBwgQ1Sf2yz_P0fRB0z2flELS6JhjovysMLuMJV0yTQ_4Ouj-9SWK5Jqk9IR8SrYh-vS4R8cd56/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHpfZhrUJa4JuREzM9IT6dtWpElUh2_kOIMk6o_yuDX7T2BdT66nV6JVY_3XQwE4IsbBwgQ1Sf2yz_P0fRB0z2flELS6JhjovysMLuMJV0yTQ_4Ouj-9SWK5Jqk9IR8SrYh-vS4R8cd56/s640/DSC_0112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping area</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>This was our old Master bedroom set. This is from IKEA and has tremendous sentimental value to us since this was the very first furniture Gerson ever bought here in the U.S. in 2005!</div><div><br /></div><div>The lighting look like Pottery Barn but they are actually from LAKESIDE COLLECTION, about 1/4 of the price of lamps from Pottery barn!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Wall hangings used to be in our dining room in Morton Grove. Frames were from "Michael's" and the picture are actually embroidered Chinese pictures that I found at a thrift store and fell in love with!</div><div><br /></div><div>The curtains are from the now closed. "Linens n' things" from the Nate Berkus line. My mom bought those for me in Chicago on Clearance.<br /><br />And after all my chitchat and blabbering about this room,  since it's fall season, I have REDECORATED THE ENTIRE ROOM! :-) So if you visit us, the room won't look this way now.<br /><br />I will post the pics on my next blog post.<br /><br /><br />Happy Decorating!!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div>

Guest Room

We are fortunate enough to have 2 extra bedrooms in our house. The second floor bedroom so far has received the most attention from me mainl...

Read more »