New Accessories

Last night I got the chance to go to a wonderful little store in Vienna called Pear Tree Cottage. I went without the kids and had the opportunity to actually enjoy my time at the store. I was "supposed" to be Christmas shopping but instead picked up a few new accessories for myself. I spotted this fern in the antique urn and had to have it. I thought the combination of the delicate fern and silver looked so pretty. I also saw the faux moss balls and scooped a few up. I had been looking at real moss balls on the internet but they are so darn expensive. I think the fake ones look pretty good. I am so happy with my purchases but feel a bit guilty since Christmas is right around the corner.

Front Door Wreath

This morning, Johanna and I made this easy wreath for our front door. I picked up the fresh evergreen wreath from Giant ($7.50), pine cones from Lowes ($4.99) and some florist wire from A.C. Moore ($2.99). I attached the pine cones to the wreath with the wire and added a ribbon that I already had. We had fun making it and it only took 45 minutes!

Loving the Fish Prints

Over three years ago Jason and I purchased antique fish sketches from the D.C. Flea Market. We have always loved them but never did anything with them. Finally we got them matted and framed. We moved the big armoire out of the dining room to make more space for Thanksgiving. The wall the armoire was against needed some art desperately! Thats where the fish art came in. I am so happy with how they turned out and cannot stop staring at them. Nothing kicks you into to gear faster than knowing people are coming over for Thanksgiving.

Happy Compromise

The Culprit

For months I have been dreaming about getting a new couch. I found one I love at Urban Country and dream about it everyday. Sadly, my six month old puppy still chews on the under-side of all our furniture. I really dislike my couch in the living room. I cover it up as much as possible. This past weekend I purchased a faux fur throw at West Elm to drape over the back of the couch. I actually like the way it looks. I still want a new couch but the new throw is a happy compromise until my puppy stops her destruction of furniture.

Another Designer I Love!!

For about three years I have been carrying around these pictures of Heather Chadduck's work in my "inspiration notebook". I love this house so much and it has inspired me greatly in my design choices. I only wish that Cottage Living never went out of print because I loved seeing Chadduck and Turner Carroll's work in their pages!

Designer Obsessed

Anne Turner Carrroll is awesome! I remember several years ago when I saw an article in Cottage Living about arranging a gallery wall at her house. I immediately created my own gallery wall. Her kitchen redesign was the inspiration behind redoing my parents kitchen. Most recently I fell in love with a bedroom she styled for Southern Living. Anything she touches is beautiful!

Kitchen Inspiration

I have always been drawn to this dining room. It is one of my favorites in Domino: The Book of Decorating.

I actually have these chairs, but not in black!

These photos from old Domino magazines are the inspiration for my dining room redo. I actually have the bentwood chairs and now am thinking of painting them black. I also love the use of the bench at the dining table in the top photo.

Little Projects

Today I purchased new fabric on a whim. I saw this fabric and could not stop thinking about so I bought it. My parents gave me a bench and I plan on painting it black and getting a cushion made for it in my new fabric. I also plan on finding antique frames for my antique fish prints. I intend on hanging the prints in the dining room over the newly refurbished bench. We'll see how long it takes me to get this done!

Wish List

There are a few items that I am wishing for at the moment. 1. Couch, 2. Rug, 3. Curtains. Hopefully I will get one of the three to spruce up the house before the holidays!

Couch from Urban Country

Rug from West Elm

Nailhead Trimmed Curtains from West Elm

Give Thanks

A couple of posts back I showed a "Give Thanks" banner I found on Etsy. I decided I could make my own banner instead of purchasing one. I bought some card stock, glitter, letter stickers, ribbon, and circle dye-cut. I also borrowed a ribbon punch-out and another circle dye-cut from my mother. It was super easy to make. I plan on making a "Merry Christmas" banner next. I am thrilled with how it turned out.

Christmas?

I have not even bought my bird for Thanksgiving dinner and I have Christmas on the mind. Maybe because every blog and magazine I read is discussing it also. This year I need to decide if I can trust my two year old and have a full sized tree or put one on a table again.

I made a wreath like this several years ago but tossed it after I tired of it. I came across this picture that inspired me to make it and wished I still had the wreath!

Messy Monday!!!

I decided to bear all and show my messy house. Jeremy is sick and Johanna stayed home since her school is over a half an hour away. It would not be fair to Jeremy to lug him back and forth. Johanna had no problem staying home. I decided to let loose and not stress over the mess. Johanna and I even got to make cookies while Jeremy was taking a nap. I know that in a couple of hours I will have a minor melt-down and do a massive clean-up.

Dr. Johanna did not have a very cooperative patient!!!

Dr. Johanna is making her diagnosis.

Making Martha Stewart's Sugar Cookies!!

Here are the pictures of my very messy house. All rooms in my house are messy at the moment but I thought I would give a sampling of the four messiest. My bedroom is stacked to the ceiling with laundry but I dare not show a picture of that room! If someone knows any tricks on how to get laundry for three kids and two adults put away in a timely manner, please let me know.

Living Room

Playroom

Johanna's Bedroom

Jackson's Bedroom

Thanksgiving Table

I have been slowly accumulating items for the perfect Thanksgiving table setting. I have purchased new linens and dishes. I plan on using much of what I already have to finish it off. I will also be using elements brought in from my backyard. Since the kids will have their own table I will definitely make it a fun place for them to sit. Here are some tables that I really love!

Simple Updates

Lamp in Yellow

Wall Art

Fabric for Pillows

My mother-in-law asked me to help update her already beautiful living room. She asked for punches of yellow and updated accessories. I am working on my first computer based redo. So far these are a few options I came up with. I plan to keep adding to the room. I am in search for the perfect throw. Can't seen to find one I love yet.

Thanksgiving Decorating

I have traded my Halloween decorations for Thanksgiving ones. I like the monochromatic color theme. I feel as though I took the picture with a sepia effect.

I Have These

I suddenly feel inspired! I had posted before about needing new dining room chairs. I also mentioned that I have six stored in my garage waiting to be refinished. This morning I came across this picture and realized it was time to get out my chairs from the garage and actually get them cleaned up and ready for Thanksgiving. My chairs look exactly like the ones in this picture. I am going to paint them buttercream though. Wish me luck trying to convince my husband to help!

Etsy Love!

I love this handmade banner from Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/StoriaHome). I am ordering all my Christmas gifts from Etsy this year. I love this web site and can spend hours searching through all the items for sale.