Thanks Dad (and Mom)!

The other day I was rifling through my parents attic looking for my sister's old American Girl dolls. Upon climbing into the attic, I saw my paternal grandmother's oil painting staring right at me. I asked my mother if I could have it since it was just collecting dust. Her response, "NO". I then proceed to ask my dad if I can "borrow" the painting. Of course, being my father's favorite, said yes! The painting was given to my grandmother in Munich, Germany as a wedding gift. The painting is of Zugspitze Mountain in Bavaria, which my ancestors have climbed. The frame is original and needed a little TLC. I am in love with the painting and am thrilled it has found a home on my wall, even if it's only temporary.

My dad also gave me these antique cow bells that were grandmothers. I remember them fondly hanging outside her back door.

Show Me The Love

I am not big on decorating for Valentines Day. This year though, Johanna asked if we could put up some "hearts". Of course I could not say no. I do like Valentines Day presents though:)

My friend Marcia and her adorable son Gunnar gave Johanna these hearts. This has prompted my seven-year-old son Jackson, to go around telling everyone that "Johanna has a boyfriend"!

My New/Old Tables

Currently I am in the process of redecorating my living room. We have completely reconfigured the living room based on our new sofa. We removed an old table that sat by the front door that we purchased at Lucketts. It was in pretty bad shape when we bought it. I threw a piece of burlap over it for the time being. Jason always planned on refinishing it but you know how that story goes. The other day my mother was over and she suggested that we cut the table in half to create two demilune tables. I pondered the thought for a few days and remembered an article I had seen in Country Home in 2007. The article showcased the home of the owners of Ekster Antiques in Leesburg. The owner described how she cut a table in half to cover the radiators in her home.

Photo courtesy of Ekster Antiques

I than approached my husband with the idea. Jason happily agreed to take on the project. It was not easy because the table kept falling apart. Thankfully my husband is very handy and was able to reconstruct the tables after it was cut in half. I went up to Lowe's and picked up a $2.50 can of mis-tint paint. Jason painted the tables and mounted them to the walls. I am so thrilled with how they turned out. They are perfect in my living room! Thanks Mom for the awesome idea and thanks Jason for putting my plan into action.

END RESULTS

Baby On My Brain!!

No, I am not pregnant, but my sister is! Once again I got to brainstorming about what "I think" she needs when her baby boy arrives. I am over the moon that her baby will be here in three short months. I am also planning her baby shower, which I probably will go overboard with. I am having fun and I hope Carrie likes some of my ideas!!

Baby Dominique definitely needs this outfit!

More inspiration rooms

Dominique will need this carrier for all the time he will spend at Grammy's and Aunt Mimi's.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, all things BlaBla!

Carrie needs a cool diaper bag!

Weekend Inspiration

I have a lot to tackle this weekend at my home! Finishing the living room is at the top of my list. I also need to work on my bedroom. My poor husband was also given a list on what he needs to accomplish. Between all the home maintenance, I need to make sure my kids are having fun and happy. We'll see how many things can be checked off the list Sunday night:)

Some rooms that inspire:

As I was blogging this morning, Jeremy was making a mess!

First Glimpse

I got a new sofa this past weekend. I love it but my living room is not pulled together enough to show entire pictures. I will post my completely redone living room soon!

SILHOUETTES

Those who know me know I love PBS's Masterpiece Theatre. I look forward to Sunday evenings and watching the various mini-series based on books written by British authors. Recently I fell in love with Cranford. It is such a marvelous, simple tale of life in a small English village in 1842. Return to Cranford aired this past Sunday and is as delightful as the original.

As I was watching the series I was struck my the importance of silhouettes during this time period. It was their form of a modern-day photo. I have several silhouettes in my home and most recently my very artistic brother made me a beautiful silhouette of my three children. He did an amazing job and I will treasure dearly.

Mixing It Up

After reading a handful of blogs, I got inspired to pull out my old toile bedspread and mix it up with my current bedding. I actually like the combination of classic toile and modern bedding. There are so many blogs to read and they all inspire me on a daily basis. I am constantly rearranging my furniture and accessories. My husband never knows what he will come home to and what crazy ideas I have in regards to our home.

Loving Restoration Hardware

I got the Restoration Hardware catalog yesterday and have been drooling over it ever since. I never shop there, due to the fact that my wallet is not fat enough. There are tons of beautiful ideas in the catalog that can be replicated for much less. Obviously my house is not grand enough for most of these pieces, but a girl can dream!

I think this dining set is perfection! I love the industrial style legs on the table. The French Empire chairs are beautiful. The lighting is also so unique. The mix of different styles blend so well together.
I love an upholstered headboard, especially one with nailheads. I want my husband to make me a headboard just like this one.
I have always dreamed of mounted sconces on each side of my bed. Maybe someday my dad will install some for me!

Always searching for the perfect couch!

Happy New Year!

It is January 1st, 2010 and I am off to West Elm to pick up a chandelier with my sister for her new house's dining room. It did not take much convincing for her to realize that this chandelier will look perfect with her new dining room set. I love helping other people spend their money, especially when it comes to their home!!!