Idea Board Clips

I love to look at pictures of the people I love while I work.  It makes the mundane job of paying bills more happy.

Although my Idea Board is for just that, ideas I've clipped, right now it is showing off some great pics of my fam.  I really don't like to push pins through my photos so I dreamed up a little project to solve this problem and still get my smiling faces on the board.

Walmart had little packs of tiny clothespins.  I knew they would be perfect for holding up a picture, however, they had no pins to adhere to the peg board, and they were a little plain jane.

No problem!  I gave the pins some love with a little craft paint.  I stuck with a navy, white, and mustard theme to compliment my office colors.

I painted each pin white first.  Then, I went back over with navy or yellow to make my rugby stripes.  No measuring here!  Just eyeball it.

Then, after the paint dried, I hot glued a thumb tack to the back of each pin.

Not only are my fav pictures on display, but the cute little pushpins add another layer of character and fun to this evolving room.

I love how it turned out!  Really simple, cheap, and very useful.  My favorite kind of project.

Grab a pack of pins and make a set!  I have another set serving a different purpose to share with you later...

XO,

 Sara

Office Idea Board

Have you ever started a project, only to have it lead you in an entirely different direction than you anticipated?

That's what happened to me when I set out to just cover Little's playroom peg board with some fabric.  A drop cloth and 200 thumb tacks later, and I have a new Idea Board for my Office!

Here's how it happened...

We were playing a rousing game of "Dinosaur Stomp" (Little's creation) when I just couldn't take the unsightly peg board anymore.  I mean really, a 3 year-old and push pins?  What was I thinking?!



So, I yanked it down and decided to cover it with some pretty fabric since his artwork will soon be moving to a new and awesome location (to be announced at a later time!).

I had a leftover Home Depot drop cloth from my curtain project, so I ironed it up...

and stapled that sucker on the bulletin board.

Well, that didn't look finished, so I whipped out a few boxes of thumb tacks I had lying around.

Wow!  It actually looked really good.  And way too grown up for a playroom. I could just see the pile of thumb tacks after Little was alone with it for 5 minutes... Hmmmm.....

So, the giant, weathered chalkboard that I LOVE (which I don't think I've shown you yet), was relocated to the playroom and the new and improved Idea Board found its home in my office.  I really feel like I'm in a Restoration Hardware catalogue when I sit at my desk.  So dreamy.  So modern, yet so traditional.  Perfectly me.

Not bad for an impromptu, no cost project, eh?

Tomorrow I'll share how I'm "pinning" up things to my new cute board.  Also, a really cheap and easy project.  I'm sensing a theme around here...

See you then!

XO,
  Sara

Blog Update and a New Project

Hi Guys!  I didn't forget about you yesterday.  I'm having major issues with the photo uploader on Blogger.  Is anyone else having a problem?

I select my pics and then the whole computer locks up and I have to shut it down and restart.  It makes getting a post written a wee bit difficult to say the least!

Bear with me.  Hopefully Blogger will fix it soon.  Did you hear that Blogger?  Fix it!

You already know I've been working on our master sitting room, doing some updates to the playroom, and making over our office/guest room, so why not add just one more project?  What happens is, I get to a stand still on a current redo and then start a new one...Hopefully I'm not the only one this happens to.

Our laundry room has always been tidy and neat, but it's been lacking in the style department.  I mean, it's a laundry room.  There's a reason it's been at the bottom of my list.

I wish I had a before, before to show you.  Imagine that the washer was pushed up against the dryer.  That's how it was.  Then, I realized that if I moved the washer over, I could fit an Ikea expedit in the space with oodles of storage.  THEN, I realized that I have these awesome cubbies that keep moving from space to space as we need them.  They fit perfectly!

However, the black was looking a little ominous, so I headed to Home Depot for a few (4) cans of Almond spray paint.  It matches the appliances perfectly!

As you can see, the cubbies are slightly raised from the floor.  This is due to the metal tray the washing machine sits in.  In order to balance it out, I put a few books under it near the dryer.  This is very high tech.  All the pros do it...

I don't have my after pics ready for you yet (because I can't get them loaded!!!), but here are a few teasers before the big reveal.

Can't wait to share the after with you!  I'm really loving the cheery space.  And anyone with children knows you spend a lot of time in the laundry room, so it better be cheery!

I haven't forgotten about my other unfinished projects.  I really have been busy!  This little comic sums up my decorating style to a T...

I'll have something to show for it soon!

XO,

 Sara

A Little Bit of In-spy-ration

Hi Friends!

 It's Friday.  Can I get a "Hallelujah!"?

So, I'm starting a new section on the blog of things I've spied around the design/cooking/fashion world.  Who knows what it will be each week, but it will be full of fun!  I'm calling it, "In-spy-ration".  Get it?

Today is a closet that I have been fantasizing about ever since I read the article in the latest edition of Traditional Home.  If you know me, you know I love some good reality tv.  Bethenny Frankle is one of my faves.  She keeps me laughing and has a great since of style.  And her closet...

I die.

via

Where do I begin?  The shoes?  The quatrefoil dressing table chair?  The chest of jewels? The octagonal mirror?

via

I'd be one happy girl in that closet.

I'm definitely feeling inspired to go clean my own space.  I've already rainbowed my clothes, but I just may be having to reorganize my shoes by color as well.  That means I'll have to get a few new colors, you know, to make the rainbow right...

Have a fab weekend!

XO,
  Sara

DIY - Washi Tape Lampshade

You know I love a good lamp makeover.  Last winter, I found a pair of eighties, brassy lamps that were begging for some love.  I made over one for my living room console table and planned to use the other one in  my office/guest room.

I used the same method for making over the office lamp, but I used a white shade.  Ever since I painted the walls white, it just wasn't working any more.

I knew I needed a little something to juge it up, and I spied just the thing during my last Michale's outing.  

                  

If you haven't used washi tape yet, I urge you to pick up a roll or two.  It can be used for anything from labeling files to lampshades!

I simply added a strip of tape along the top and bottom of the shade...

The process was simple and it took me about 2 minutes from start to finish.  At first, I was a little concerned the heat of the lamp would cause the tape to come off, but so far so good!

Here are some pics with the lamp off so you can see the colors better.

I have got to invest in a lens for close shots.  Or learn how to make it not hazy when I have the ISO up...:)

Not too bad for $2.99 and 2 minutes, eh?

Here's a quick B and A...

Have you used washi tape for anything yet?  

Have a super fab last day before FRIDAY!

XO,

  Sara

Sitting Room Update - Lamps

Well, we've been cruising along in our quest for a quiet little spot to read or catch up on tivo'd shows.  So far we've put in some "built-ins" and I've shared some finds for my new bookcases here and here.  But that's not all.  I've been a busy bee over here!

The long dresser in our bedroom turned out to be the perfect spot to hold the tv.  I just had Mister put in a new cable outlet for me, and we were in business!  Because you know you can't let the builders decide where your tv should live! Please.

As we started using our new little spot, the black iron lamps I had started to drive me crazy.  I couldn't focus on Burn Notice because I kept thinking about what would look better.  Now I couldn't let that keep happening, right?

So, I flipped through my newest Pottery Barn catalog, then headed off to Target to get the look for less.  You know you do it too.  And if you don't...I'm jealous. :)

Voila!  I knew something glass would be just the thing.  I already had the shades from the previous lamps, so it was a pretty easy switch.  I have great plans of filling them with ornaments come December.  Easter eggs in April!  Fireworks in July!  Too much?  Maybe I'll just keep them clear.

Things are starting to take shape.  I'm still in shock that we have actually brought my vision to life.  It's like having a whole new room in our house!  I urge you, if there's a section of your home that you aren't using, brainstorm other ways to use the space.  You're paying for it!

Maybe your dining room could be a study.  The guest room, a huge dressing room (I tried that one on Mister, it's a no go over here).  The sky's the limit!  Use it for you because that's who it's for.

And one more shot because I'm so in love with my lamps and my new room!

There's a little peek at how the bookshelves have been taking shape.  I'll share more on that later!

Have a splendid day, lovelies!

XO,
  Sara

Happy Birthday Mister

Ha ha ha ha!

Today is my Mister's 30th Birthday.  He reads my blog everyday (isn't he cute) so I had to give him a little shout out.

Dear Mister,

 Thanks for being my number one fan, putting up with my chronically chilly hands and feet, patiently playing mixed doubles with me, never agreeing with me when I complain about my hips/thighs/hair/insert anything, being the handyman for my home projects, and mowing the lawn (I tried, not my bag).

                                               

 Thanks for being the greatest Daddy ever, an awesome Netflix partner (even though you fall asleep during every movie we've ever watched ;), the guy who does the taxes, and my nightly ice cream scooper.

                                                          

 Thanks for putting up with my endless search to find where you are ticklish (everyone is somewhere!), dancing with me at wedding receptions when I know you'd rather be anywhere else, and reading Harry Potter aloud with me.  You've got a mean Professor Snape voice.

                                    


 You're such a great partner, but most of all, my best friend...even though Little told me that your his best friend...You're so popular!

                                           

 Now quit complaining. I'm older than you and it's not that bad. ;)

 I love you, T-III.

XO,
  Sara

Retail Therapy

Firstly (is that a word?), happy MLK Jr. Day.  What a wonderful day to remember and honor a man who stood for such noble things.

Secondly, we are in a very sad state over here.  Our beloved Dirty Birds didn't make the Super Bowl this year, but, we're not fairweather fans.  They fought hard.  Next year...

Thirdly (again, making up my own words), the sun shone gloriously this past weekend so Mama took to the outlets for a little retail therapy.  Being cooped up with all this rain made me a wee bit crazy.

Here are my finds!

When we got married, I got the red melamine mixing bowls from William-Sonoma and I've loved them.  However, I'm a tad over the red.  This white set was on super sale and fits in beautifully with my white kitch.




I also found these beautiful towels...


At $5 for 2 I couldn't resist.  They'll be a much needed burst of color next to a bowl of fresh lemons.

Little spied these from a shelf right at his level (also at WS).  They'll be absolutely adorable for one of his dinosaur inspired birthday gatherings.  You can bet I'll have some things to post about that!



I also made some big scores at Gymboree.  I had some Gymbucks to cash in and between those, and the 40% off clearance rack, my Little Man is looking Ca-uuute!  Don't ya love how they have tiny chairs and kid shows on in there?  Makes shopping so much easier with a little one.

Hope your weekend was sunny and productive! I'm planning to share some updates to the sitting room this week, as well as revisit the hallway project from long ago.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, stay-tuned.  I've got some things to reveal!

Now if I could only find some minutes to photograph!

XO,
  Sara

Golden Mugs

Happy Friday friends!  We've finally made it to the end of a very soggy week.  I for one, am hoping for some sunshine this weekend.

I'm here today to share the gold embellished mugs I showed you from Pinterest.



I don't know about you, but I have seen these everywhere.  Blogs, mags, Pinterest.  I knew they were right up my alley, so I collected these things and set to it:

 - ceramic white mugs (or any dish you like, but make sure its oven proof)
 - gold acrylic paint meant for painting ceramic (I got mine at Michaels)
 - painting supplies (brush, tray...)
 - oven

Now some peeps I've seen used a stamp to put on the dots, but I just freehanded them.  I kind of like the painterly quality they took on.

I didn't stop with dots though!  I've been really wanting to find a plain white mug with a single, simple red heart in the middle.  Alas, it doesn't exist.  At least not where I shop.  So...being that I had gold paint on hand, I went for a little gold heart.  And. I. Love. It.

I actually added a second coat of gold paint to each of the mugs to give them a more opaque look.

How cute is that?

I've used it a gajillion time already.  I may still need to make a red one though...

After you've painted, place the mugs on a baking sheet and in a cool oven.  Set the oven to 350 and let them bake for 30 minutes.  Allow them to cool in the oven as well.  This took several hours.

Your chai latte never looked so good!

(I have a better "after" picture to share, but my camera battery died, so I'll add it later! Check back!)

So, what are you going to paint this weekend?

Once again, friends, I'll conclude this wet and rainy week with a big,

"Rise Up!"



Go Falcons!  We had a happy house this week.  Let's see if we can do it again...

XO,
  Sara

Healthy Eats - Step 1 to a Better Me!

Ah, the New Year.  Nothing fills up the gym and makes a run on spinach at the grocery like a brand new year.

I'm usually a pretty healthy eater and I'm sort of a gym rat as well.  However, this year I've made some lofty goals for myself, which stem around streamlining my diet even more and getting out of my comfort zone at the gym.

I've always been the kind of person who can pretty much eat what I like (within reason) with no repercussions.  Well, ever since Little Man took his toll, this is not the case.  Don't get me wrong.  I lost more than 50 pounds after I had him, but things just settled a little differently than before.   And I don't want to wait until I "have time" when Little is in school full-time.

I'm hoping that making this a blog post will help hold me accountable when the holiday M & M's start talking.  Does that happen to anyone else? They're just so cute in Easter colors!

I've started the new year with a goal to not follow a specific diet, but just to make wise choice on a daily basis, with an occasional splurge.

If you're like me, you love hearing what healthy choices others make.  It gives me inspiration to keep going and some new food ideas. Here's what I've been doing for my daily eats:

• Breakfast - 1/2 cup steel cut oatmeal, pinch of brown sugar, teaspoon of real maple syrup, 1/8 cup slivered almonds; 4 oz of oj (I have to have this in the morning, it's like my coffee!)

                               

• Mid- Morning Snack - this is generally a Clif Mojo Protein Bar after the gym (have you ever tried one of these?  They are delish!  Perfect combo of salty with a bit of sweet)

                                   

• Lunch - Mixed greens with Craisins, mandarin oranges, slivered almonds, and tuna or grilled chicken with lite raspberry vinaigrette   Sometimes, I have half a sandwich thin with a little peanut butter, especially on days I have 2 tennis practices!

                            

• Early Afternoon Snack - light mozzarella cheesestick, a few Wheat Thins, coffee

                               

• Late Afternoon Snack - cut veggies and hummus (my little guy has to have a snack before I make dinner, so I have a few veggies with him) 

                       

• Dinner - I love to cook, so I just make whatever I've planned for the boys and make sure to take a reasonable portion and lots of salad and veggies.
• After Dinner - this is usually where I undo all my good work!  My Mister is tall as can be and built very lean.  He can eat whatever he wants and it drives me nutty! He has a bowl of cereal every night and it's hard not to join in.  To fight this peer pressure, I cut up an apple and eat it with a tablespoon of peanut butter.

What do you eat?  I'd love some ideas and suggestions because I know I'll get tired of this soon!  Is anyone else on a mission to tighten up and lean out a little bit before shorts season?

Look at me.  Book reviews, a DIY project, and diet tips all within a week.  What is happening over here!? This blog really is a true glimpse into my life these days!

Tomorrow, I've got my cute little gold coffee mugs to share.  I'm beyond excited about how they turned out. They are cooling in the oven as we speak...

Till next time!

XO,
  Sara