Daily Devo

GREAT Info about Photo Taking

2011-01-01T20:18:00.000-05:00

Storing this link away as useful information because I've always wanted to know how to take better photos. Thank you Centsational Girl for this informative post: http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/12/better-brighter-blog-photos/

Long Over Due

2011-01-01T19:33:00.001-05:00

So this post is long overdue, but in reality this blog is intended to be a virtual scrapbook for myself, where I can collect fun things I like, want to do, etc. And I suppose I haven't really been very inspired lately. For anyone that actually read this, sorry about the absence...

In light of that, this Christmas ornament craft, from How About Orange, may be something I pull out for a crafting session next year! These paper creations are adorable.

Stunning Bedroom

2010-10-08T23:47:00.000-04:00

I've been MIA because decorating my house has been the last thing on my mind. In fact I have a pile of shelves and accessories sitting on my bedroom floor waiting to be hung...but I don't know where to hang them!

This bedroom however is bold, simple and stunning. I love it.

Maybe one day I'll actually get my home fully decorated...

Just Random Thoughts

2010-07-12T10:10:00.000-04:00

I already possess a West Elm duvet cover but if I didn't this would on my list of 'must-haves.'

source

I'm not sure why but I'm a nut for simple, repeated patterns and since I'm dreaming of reinventing my bedroom in shades of brown even the color of this duvet would be perfect.

Inspiration alert: with my current duvet a classic white, this pattern compels me to want to paint something reminiscent of it on the wall behind my bed for drama, and as headboard of sorts. Other inspirational pieces that fit into this idea are here (pattern painted one shade darker or lighter than the overall wall color for subtly) and here (pattern framed behind the cabinet) and this:

source via DecorPad thru CentsationalGirl

I love that you can just barely see the pattern on the wall, but the white framing creates a stunning focal point for this bed.

The only other concern I really have for my bedroom -- besides choosing colors and accessorizing, is the annoying fact that my room is HUGE, but the builders decided to only put one tiny window in the space. The natural lighting in the room is pathetic. And even though I'm attracted to deeper, more saturated tones I'm afraid the only way to keep my bedroom from becoming a dank cave is through lighter hues on the walls. If I'm wrong please tell me. And if anyone has any other suggestions on how to add more light without knocking out a cinder block wall please share!! I'm still learning so many things...

Duh

2010-06-17T11:40:00.001-04:00

Who wouldn't want to DIY an ottoman like this:

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Michelle at Three Men and A Lady made this one herself, with the help of an upholsterer to do work with the white vinyl covering it, and I LOVE IT!!!

Seriously, people inspire me to create things I would normally run out to the store and buy, or at least scour craigslist for. It's got my head spinning...in a good way.

Paint on the Brain

2010-06-16T10:56:00.000-04:00

I haven't been posting much lately but this is too much, and I had to document it for reference later. A bedroom accent wall painted with a custom stencil, and a combination of flat and high gloss paint.

I love the subtly. It adds class and drama without being over the top or in your face.

It's got my wheels a turnin'.

Can I repaint my bedroom without moving all the furniture? ;) Cuz lets me honest, that's really what's keeping me from doing it...well, that and a fear that I'll drip paint on my brand new, feels-like-butter-between-your-toes carpet. Dilemma.

My Latest Creation

2010-06-01T15:38:00.001-04:00

I've finally finished my second upcycled creation! (as scatter-brained as I am I haven't even posted my first one yet). Doesn't it make this plain ol' fruit salad look so much prettier? I'm so excited.

Reminisce back with me (insert dream sequence music and squiggly effects here) to my fabulous finds at Goodwill...

...a staggering $2 afforded me a large dinner plate, and chunky candlestick holder. The red of the candle holder stumped me for awhile -- I didn't know whether to keep the color for a patriotic red-white-and-blue platter, or change it completely.

In the end, I brought out the spray paint and changed it up, so that this cutie could be displayed proudly all year long, and not just over the Fourth of July. I also didn't want the stand to distract from the food, or other objects displayed upon it -- the who's wearing whom question was constantly in the back of my mind as I was thinking about this project.

The biggest thing I learned is that I need ALOT more practice with spray paint. I don't know if I'm too zealous and laying it on too much, too fast or what, but I keep getting this crackling sort of thing happening on my piece. Yuck! I just read a post on Thrifty Decor Chick that may help me in the future. According to Sarah, my paint or object are either too hot, or I'm not prepping well enough when I get the crackling, and since I spray on my back porch the temperature is most likely my problem -- "hot" is a given here in Central Florida. I don't know how to remedy this issue, but I'll put my thinking cap on.

I'm super happy with this, and if I ever get pictures better than the iPhone quality one above I'll certainly post those with eagerness!!

I [heart] West Elm

2010-05-23T21:22:00.000-04:00

If you'll recall this post from many moons past I'm not happy with the blue wall color in my master bedroom, and I've been scheming a new color ever since. Today I eagerly devoured the West Elm catalog that showed up in my mailbox, and when I flipped the page with this photo I knew that this store may have my answer.

I already own the white duvet pictured here, so I think I'm headed in the right direction. :) The walls covered in grasscloth are a stunning natural texture that compliments the pillowy duvet and throw.

*Drool*

I'm doubtful that I can afford to paper my walls in grasscloth, but the light, wheaty color is more attainable.

To my delight, I discovered the West Elm website has a sample of yummy Benjamin Moore paint colors used in their room stages. Oh, lucky day! These are my favorites:

I'm pretty sure any of the first 3 will do well in my master bedroom, but I think the first one is my favorite -- I have a thing for more saturated hues, and even though color #1 isn't very deep I think it's enough color, and neutrality all in one, to keep me happy for the long haul.

The fourth color in the line up is cheery and yet serene -- probably too yellow for my massive bedroom, but my guest bathroom will need a new color if I can't figure out how to make the current tuscany orange to work well in the small space. It's one of the many unresolved issues in my house. Go figure (sarcasm intended). The one thing I do know is that I'd like to make that bathroom a sophisticated beach sunrise/sunset theme, complete with black and white photos and beadboard. Over the years I've collected numerous seashells, and ultimately I need a place to use them...ta-da...guest bathroom. Bonus for this idea is that if one day I get to have kids while living here I'll have a room to display all the beach souvenirs their little hands bring home. Score!

Do you have a favorite wall color?

Falling in Love

2010-05-21T09:59:00.000-04:00

I'm dating an incredible man, really, he's amazing and I love him... but is it possible to fall in love multiple times over?

I think it might be because I love this necklace...

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I'm sure my love for an accessory comes from a completely place in my heart than the affection I feel for my papi, and the investment is surely different -- while I gladly give my life to Ian, I'll only have to devote $29.99 (plus s/h) to this beauty.

Off to save my pennies...

Glazin'

2010-05-12T18:46:00.000-04:00

I've been working away at crafting a few stellar cake plates with find from my local thrift store, but I par for the course with me, I have yet to dump the pictures from my camera onto my computer. So unfortunately I can't show them off just yet. Boo.

But what I can say is that in the process of creation I'm learning to spray paint. Who knew it could so tricky? My biggest frustration to date has been an unwanted texture build-up that I believe is caused by my overzealous application of the paint. Either that or I need to be priming my pieces first...what can I say, I want instant gratification with fewer steps in the process.

The other thing I'm learning is that some things may also require a glazin' to get them to look their best.

Today I found this blog tutorial at All Things Thrifty on how to glaze with the best of 'em, and I don't want to lose the knowledge so I'm posting the link here for future reference. Doesn't glaze make such a huge difference to the texture!?

I can't wait to see how it'll add to, or totally screw up as ever the case may be, my upcycled items. I'll keep you ~~blog~~ posted... hahaha, I crack myself up.

New Art Project

2010-05-06T14:36:00.003-04:00

True to my obsession with acquiring ideas and being slow to act on them, I've come across a new art project I'm adding to the list. Watercolor Typography!

Check out these amazing alphabets by Sasha Hearts Paper - they make my graphic designer heart sing...

So if Sasha can do it, I can too right? Well I'm at least going to try...

Obsession List

2010-05-05T14:04:00.006-04:00

There are at least a dozen projects (ideas, desires, and wants) circling in my head at any given moment, and I can't seem to keep them all organized in my brain! Argh. It gets overwhelming to want to tackle the world all at once... So... to keep my sanity, this blog post is all of things I'm obsessed with. It's the list of things I want to someday create, acquire, or do, and by listing them in this post I can also cross them off as I go. Woot! Two birds with one stone, did you see that!?

Beside each bullet point I'm linking to my inspiration page for quick reference when it's time to tackle that item.

If anyone has any suggestions or links to add please comment!! This list is as organic as you and I :)

Master Bedroom

Create an upholstered headboard (Three Men and A Lady, YHL)
Paint the walls (Daily Devo)
Raise the curtain rods (Young House Love)
Inspiration boards (Daily Devo,

Master Bathroom

Window treatment (Daily Devo)
Raise the curtain rod

Living Room/Dining Room

Refinish the credenza (Savvy Chic Home, Centsational Girl)
Create an art wall (Daily Devo, Centsational Girl)
Dining room chairs (Daily Devo)
Refinish dining table

Kitchen

Above the cabinet decor
Wall art (Daily Devo)
MAYBE: paint cabinets white (I Heart Naptimes)

Guest Bathroom

Paint cabinets white (Centsational Girl, Young House Love)
Frame mirror
Create big watercolor sunset art
Hang floating shelf above toilet
Frame black and white beach photo
Apothecary jar of shells/sand
Shower curtain
Floor mats
Bead Board Wallpaper (Southern Hospitality, SHx2, This Old House)

Miscellaneous Projects

Start a veggie garden
Little girl jewelry holder (Frugal Home Designs)
Mosaic wall art (Remodelaholic)
Cake stand (Daily Devo)
Watercolor Typography (Sasha Hearts Paper)
Become self-employed
Update my resume
Create a portfolio website

The last three points on this list are the biggest of them all -- they're the most time-consuming and intimidating... hence the reason I've put them off FOR SO LONG!

As you can see I have alot of work ahead of me, and if you know of anything else I should tackle I would love to hear about it... rest assured that this list will probably get longer before it gets shorter. :)

My New Signature

2010-05-05T13:34:00.000-04:00

It's official I've chosen a signature to end my blog posts from here on out! What do you think?

Only problem now is figuring out how to apply it... hahaha. I'm learning the nuances of the web, and the letters H,T, M and L still spell fear to me.

I think I have to manually paste the html code to the end of each post like this:

Seems clunky to cut and paste each time, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
Cheers!

Inspiration Living Room

2010-04-30T11:51:00.000-04:00

I snagged the idea for this post from Fabulous K because I love her style and sassy attitude...Not to mention j'adore (!) this living room. Check out this space from the current issue of House Beautiful.

I'm impressed with the overall neutral tones and the subtle pops of color. The light blue couch is bold without being obtrusive, while the orange pillows says, "here I am. Look at me." Most of all, I'm drooling over the use of patterned fabric -- orange and silver lattice pillows, black and white zig-zag chair, light blue floral ottoman, etc. I aspire to learn the art of using different patterns in the same space. My problem is that I always think the patterns are going to clash, or make the whole room feel too busy or overwhelming, but in this instance the patterns make the whole thing.

Swoon.

I have to go pick myself up off the floor now.

ps. I still need to pick a signature!

Signatures

2010-04-29T15:01:00.001-04:00

If you can't tell I'm new to the blog world, and while I'm getting my feet wet I've been playing with formats, colors, background images, etc. so that I can find my style. My latest blog experiment is signatures. Should I put a signature at the end of every post? And if so should I write it myself or just choose a font that best suits my "look?"

Today I played with signatures at My Live Signature and, using their signature creation wizard, picked the 5 below as potential for my blog. Thoughts?

I'm so indecisive...

Painting Laminate

2010-04-28T12:09:00.007-04:00

This morning's theme has been "How to Paint Laminate." It seems like all the blogs I've read this morning all talk about this topic, and I love it. I'm so inspired by these women who tackle intimidating refurb projects - like laminate furniture or kitchen cabinets, and I'm grateful to them for sharing their experiences. Yeay for learning from other people's trials and successes.

Here are a link of resources on how to laminate with ease:

Living With Lindsay - How to Paint Laminate Furniture

Centsational Girl - Go Right Ahead and Paint That Laminate

Our Suburban Cottage - Painting Laminate Countertops

And this furniture revamp from Savvy Chic Home isn't laminate but IT'S STUNNING! I love the user-friendly tutorial on how to prime and paint the furniture, right down to sanding the edges for character which is the scariest part for me.

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Lets me honest, all I want to do right now is go home and paint my kitchen cabinets white. Good thing my actions aren't impulsive - just my thoughts... beso

Airy Cabinets

2010-04-26T11:48:00.002-04:00

It's no secret that I'm not in love with my kitchen cabinets, but I definitely don't have the money to do anything about it right now. If I did, however, I would probably do something like this from Beneath My Heart:

I love the light, airy feel of the white, and I adore the glass door fronts which add to the openness of the kitchen. Also in their kitchen remodel Traci made her cabinets taller (check out her story about that here), and I'm ridiculously impressed... Definitely one more thing I'm adding to my "wish list." P.S. Did you notice the adorable glass cake stand above the microwave? Am I obsessed yet? Yes! and no I have not assembled my creations yet...you'll be the first to know as soon as I do.

My Personal Style

2010-04-22T12:23:00.000-04:00

I am undoubtedly CASUAL. I love to be comfortable, classic, and I stand the test of time, darn it :)

This personal style should also be reflected in my interior decorating, like the photo above, and how this could happen is outlined in this blog post at Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle. I can tell you truly that I will be taking ideas from these gorgeous examples as I tackle my own home.

I'm realizing as I design my life, and my home, I've been trying to develop a style that is not who I am. In my house it's happened particularly in my master bedroom. YUCK! And it's no wonder the process has been frustrating and unsuccessful. To date, I've tried:

Glamorous

Modern - okay I might be a little tiny bit modern because I love West Elm and CB2, but I never know how to incorporate pieces from these places in with everything else I love.

and

Romantic

Honestly I think I've even tried to be a little of all of it. No bueno! It's just not working for me, and I need to go back to what I know best - ME. And stop trying to incorporate everyone else.

Ooh, I am eyeing Preppy though, "classic patterns, bright colors, academic inspired, lifestyle centered" that sounds ALOT like me...

Wow. Can anyone tell that I'm still personally growing? Ha ha.

My Fabulous Finds

2010-04-20T22:03:00.000-04:00

For all two of my followers out there, here is the evidence of my first DIY thrifting project! At least the first one I'm blogging about... (Please excuse my amateur photos - taking beautiful pictures is on my long list of life goals)

You'll remember from this post, I decided to hit the thrift stores to find unique plates and candle holders to make one-of-a-kind cake stands, or cloches as some people call them. To my delight I found the pieces I need to make my first two stands, and they were a steal of the deal.

The first cake stand will consist of this red candle holder I stumbled upon at Goodwill for $0.99, and large blue-rimmed dinner plate, also for $0.99. I plan on spray painting the candle holder some sort of off-white to match the plate (...I think -- there's something stunning about the red, so I may change my mind before it's all said and done.)

My favorite part of the whole ensemble is the finger-hold on the candle holder -- it's the unique twist that will make this cake stand different from any other.

My second cake stand will be sweet and flirty in shades of white.

The glass cover was $1.99, the candle holder $0.99, and the plate a whopping $0.69! I love the delicate waves in the plate, and the way the ridges in the candle holder match them, but not :) I can't wait to get the whole thing assembled.

All I need now is apoxy...

Art Wall

2010-04-19T13:05:00.001-04:00

I will be creating an art/photo wall spanning the space between my dining room and living room. I'll most likely be throwing in a few sconces, mirrors, and other assorted accessories as they happen.

Seems Kelly at Fabulous K has been thinking the very same thing. This collection of walls is compliments of her blog...

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I love an 'up-the-stairs' gallery, like the top-right photo, and how it seduces you to the floor above -- it's just too bad I live in a one-floor home :)

And just to add to the brain-melting onslaught of inspiration...

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Chic Home Decor via Centsational Girl

I'm completely obsessed with the vintage frames in the last photo! As soon as I finish my cake plate project I'll allow myself to hit up flea markets and thrift stores to begin the madness of collecting frames and art for my wall.

One project at a time, Devon.

Inspiration Boards

2010-04-18T15:20:00.000-04:00

I have a fairly large wall in the sitting area of my bedroom that I'm hoping to make my "inspiration wall." My goal is to combine my passion for decorating with my obsession for collecting magazine clippings, by creating an area where I can post all the things that inspire me. What better to accomplish both of these objectives than bulletin boards - fun, vintage frame bulletin boards, no less!!

This inspiration board is surely what I would love to have in my room...

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The frame at least. The fabric is not my style, but that's easily personalized.

I just gotta find me one of these frames.

For Reference Later

2010-04-15T09:09:00.002-04:00

This site is going to keep me busy!

Knock Off Wood

go team

I'm thinking...

2010-04-14T16:28:00.000-04:00

small floating shelves in my kitchen with a collecting of colored glasses...

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Wednesday's Want

2010-04-14T16:15:00.000-04:00

Big success! Last weekend I forced myself off the couch and out the door to thrift store shop with a budget of $20. I'm elated to have found the pieces to create 2 lovely cake-platters, or cloches, so all I need now is spray paint and apoxy. I'll certainly post the progress and finished product as soon as it happens.

On another note, this Wednesyday I want to stencil a piece of fabric like this woman did for her laundry room:

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She even stenciled it onto a pillow and it looks super chic. OMG, I love it!

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Plus did you notice the baskets above the cabinets in her laundry room? What to do with the space above my kitchen cabinets is always in the back of my mind, and ever since I read this post on Young House Love I've been considering the need for a few large, similar objects instead of the collection of smaller tchotchkes that is currently beginning to grow in this space.

So many ideas. So much creativity flowing around out there... so little time for me to get on board! Up, up and away...

Inspiration Bedroom

2010-04-09T15:27:00.000-04:00

This bedroom, from Centsational Girl, is light, well-crafted, and down-right... INSPIRING... I'm salivating..

The wall color is refreshing, and the pattern of the bedding adds fabulous texture. Plus she made her headboard!! The room feels relaxing and uncluttered.

J'adore this photo wall.

I'm jealous of the hutch and patterned grass-cloth wallpaper, and I love that the wallpaper is carried over into the hutch as well. Great added touch.

The final corner - a grand finish.

I have bedroom envy.

Linking for Later

2010-04-09T13:56:00.000-04:00

As always I've been flipping through DIY blog posts, and making my brain explode with ideas and inspiration. People's creativity makes me jealous, but surely I benefit from their genius. I'm just not sure how to keep all of these ideas stashed for a time when I need them. Hence one of the purposes of this blog.

This post in paricular is a list of links for projects I hope to do one day.

And, begin...

Damask Memory Board

Peg Board Jewelry Organizer (note to self: make for baby Bru-ette)

Mosaic Wall Art

I'll probably end up adding more over time but this is all for now.

My Next DIY Project

2010-04-06T09:27:00.004-04:00

So...
Currently, I'm out of cash-flow to enable me to do any fun, new decorating, or remodel, ideas in my house, and I'm confined to blogging about the inspirations I want to do instead...more talking and less doing around these parts (a certain national-chain hardware store would be very disappointed by this fact, and would probably try to argue their slogan with me)...BUT I stumbled upon this tasty DIY today that not only exudes adorable, but also fits the nonexistent budget.

http://www.domesticease.com/2010/03/15/diy-cake-stands/

All the above pictures snagged from the aforementioned website.

It's also good to know that ceramic plates and glass candle holders aren't the only things that make beautiful pieces. This one from Thrifty Decor Chick is just as cute, and made from a wooden cheese plate and candleholder.

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Or this super cute one (before and after picts below) also made from a candlestick holder and cheese plate from at Goodwill. I ran across this one at House of Hepworth's.

Gorgeous, unique cake stands crafted from plates/trays, and candlestick holders -- genius! Needless to say I'll be hitting the thrift store scene this weekend. See you there...

Trend in Success

2010-04-05T11:46:00.000-04:00

I'm noticing a trend in the words of successful people who are making money by doing what they love... they all seem to be saying some form of, "I started doing this for me, and if it took me somewhere, that's an added bonus, but if not then no big deal."

In this video, photographer Sharon Montrose, says she started taking pictures of animals because "I just wanted something I could do with no strings, with no consequences... if it got out into the world that's great, if it didn't I'm okay with that too..."

(Stanley the griaffe in this video is an extra treat for me due to my giraffe obsession)

Even on CMT's Crossroads with Jimmy Buffett and the Zac Brown Band, Jimmy shared "I was turned down by every label in town...I knew I could make a living on the road if I couldn't find any success here, and I thought 'well you know I can take this guitar, I can cook, I can drive a boat, and I can play guitar so I'm gonna be okay. And, you know what, I don't wanna live up here where it's cold.' I went to Key West and thought 'if it's gonna happen it's gonna happen where I wanna be geographically, and on the terms that I want, and if it doesn't I can live with that...'" (http://www.cmt.com/videos/cmt-crossroads-jimmy-buffett-and-zac-brown-band/1634054/full-episode.jhtml)

So what does that mean for me? I have a full-time job, but am I doing what I love whether or not it brings me success?

One final thought from Sharon Montrose, she said that she got into her career "from a series of complete and total failures."

I can't confidently say I'm willing to fail...

More Tomorrow Than I Am Today

2010-04-05T09:37:00.001-04:00

So I'm still on the fence about whether I'm really cut-out to be an entreprenuer, but I know for certain that I love being a designer, and this video is incredibly inspiring... for multiple reasons...

The graphics are phenomenal - the color and typography are insane, and I love that the whole thing is roughed up a bit giving it texture and depth. It's creative pieces like this, whether in-motion, 3-D, or 2-dimensional, that inspire me to be more of a designer tomorrow than I am today.

Now I have to figure out how. From where I'm currently standing I get constant feedback, and personal battering, telling me that I'm just not good enough, and there will always be someone better. But if there's an inkling of talent can skill be honed and developed? If so then I need I practice, instruction, and wisdom. If not, then I should at least fail trying.

Color Me Wonderful

2010-03-24T09:51:00.000-04:00

Currently the walls in my master bedroom are blue -- blue blue, and I don't like it. I painted my massive room this color with high expectations of how the whole space would come together - I envisioned intense colored walls with white, black, and silver accents in the bedding and accessories. However, now that my vision is becoming a reality I'm unimpressed, and consider it to be a big flop. While I'm okay with the major fail, I'm becoming weary of living in a room lacking warmth and coziness. So what to do...

REPAINT!

But I really don't want to paint it myself, so while I pinch pennies to hire a professional painter and supplies I'm gathering ideas of wall colors and inspiring bedroom spaces.

I'm not sure where I snagged this photo from, but I love the color of these bedroom walls. So warm, so creamy.

This Wouldn't Even Work

2010-03-12T10:05:00.000-05:00

So this idea would not work in my dining room becaue of the limited space between the table and the wall, but I love the color and texture these 2 wing-back chairs bring to this dining table.

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Perhaps if I took a leaf or two out of my table there could be space for such a delicious idea. Hrm. The wheels are turning...

Fun Idea Photos

2010-03-05T23:23:00.000-05:00

Good news! I got a sideboard cabinet (or I've heard it called a credenza) for my dining room. Woohoo. Now all I need to do is give it some TLC with fresh paint, wood glue, and new knobs. I'm even inspired to possibly take a look at possibly putting appliques on the cabinet doors, like this amazing dresser:

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Once it's spruced up I'll have to dress it up. I don't really know exactly what I want to do, but I'm thinking of doing a art gallery wall of photos above it like this, or like this but with actually photos and not just frames

Or on the cabinet itself perhaps some fun candle holders like the top right image below:

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The possiblities are endless.

On another note. I need a headboard for my master bed like gorgeous tufted masterpiece made from scratch. I'm uber impressed.

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Get to it, Devon.

Window Luvin'

2010-02-26T09:59:00.001-05:00

My master bathroom has had a total overhaul in the past six months including paint, countertops, shower tile, etc. but what it needs now are accessories (my biggest decorating struggle). I'm hoping to create a subtle feeling of whimsy in that space using wall hangings, and unexpected linen colors. Currently I have an orchid, and a wooden frog with a umbrella (the source of the whimsy inspiration) gracing the space, as well as an barren curtain rod above the window. On my to do list for this room is:

1. to reposition the curtain rod higher up on the wall to make the window feel bigger
2. add subtle window treatment
3. find fantastic artwork for the wall
4. fix the medicine cabinet that needs caulk around the edges so you can't see inside the wall
5. CLEAN!

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To accomplish task #2 I've been looking for inspiration, and I found the photo above. I think it's from one of the many DIY blogs I peruse, but I can't find the source link and I forgot to make note of it when I saved the shot. I'm bummed because the blog it's from was probably a tutorial on how to make it... argh.

I like this style too, AND this link is a tutorial on how to make it! Score.

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And this is also a tutorial, and could fit much better with my goal for subtle whimsy. Ow Ow.

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All I can say is that I'm very excited about Centsational Girl and the tutorials found there... let the inspiration begin.

David

2010-02-24T16:35:00.000-05:00

"Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it."

- Michelangelo

I love the idea that Michelangelo believed that each of his sculptures already existed inside the block of stone they were made from -- all he had to do was chip away to reveal it.

In my daily blog reading this morning Jess, from Make Under My Life, referenced this method of creation as she wrote about finding her true self under the layers of "stuff" in her life. She "chipped away" at the emotional and physical layers surrounding her that were hiding who she really wanted to be. Jess writes, "At that moment I realized the path to contentment and my best self was found by removing the unnecessary stuff in my life." Priceless. Insightful.

But what inspired me the most about Jess' blog posting today was this:

"I also feel that our space and well-being are tied to one another. If our space is peaceful and clean we in turn feel calm and focused. If our space is cluttered or ill-suited for our lifestyle, then a feeling of dissatisfaction buzzes in our ear like a hovering mosquito. Changing our environment to reflect our intentions provides a space for our best self to develop." quote sources

Her words certainly make me think about my space and how it's effecting who I want to be.

What does my space say about me?

About my passion?

My lifestyle?

My well-being?

What do I need to shed to undercover who I really am?

What should be added or enhanced?

Curious...

Today's Inspiration

2010-02-22T16:50:00.000-05:00

I read a blog posting this morning that was singing my song. Check it out here.

Early on in her blog Ashley, the author, writes, "it has been challenging for me to pick exactly what i want to do to make a living while staying within my purpose and following my dreams"

She then goes onto say,"I figure that if I just start taking steps and trusting my intuition I will figure a lot of things out along the way. I just have to start somewhere, just jump in and see where it naturally takes me. I believe that I will find the things that I am passionate about and that work for me within the action that I am taking and not necessarily within the thoughts I sitting around thinking."

And that hits me hard.

I don't know that I have a desire to go into business for myself, like Ashley does, but I'm definitely trying to figure out what to do with my life while staying within my purpose and dreams. And I know that I need to make some decisions in my life towards this end, and I would, if only I knew which step to take...

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Perhaps this e-course, Unraveling: Ways of Seeing Myself would be a good first move. It sounds insightful, fun, and like an intentional break from the norm, which often leads to serendipity. Move. Decide, Devon.

Fun Accessory

2010-02-21T22:59:00.000-05:00

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This gorgeous candleholder looks like so much fun to have in the middle of a dining room table, or as a coffee table centerpiece, but with a $50 price tag it's beyond my budget for candles! However this accessory from cb2.com has sparked inspiration -- a goal to create a similar holder for much much less. I think a trip Old Time Pottery is in my near future :)

Kitchen Fleur

2010-02-18T23:46:00.001-05:00

Every time I'm out and about - especially at discount stores like Ross and TJMaxx, I browse the home section for inspiring accessories for different rooms in my house. It's become an obsession.

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Last weekend Burlington Coat Factory was my target. To my delight I walked away with a fleur for my kitchen, and even though it was an awful black and red color, for $3 I quickly took it home. I spray painted it silver and put it on top of my kitchen cabinets (along with the plaster chicken I also picked up for $5). I'm not convinced it looks the best it could, but I found this photo with a fluer on top of books that has me thinking about how I can incorporate my new fleur with other kitchen specific accessories. Hmm...

Yellow and Grey

2010-02-17T09:11:00.004-05:00

I was at West Elm last night seeing what I could see, and came across a bed made with yellow, white and grey linens. I fell in love all over again. Since I've been pondering new ideas for my bedroom this color palette with a delicate flower print may end up in my space. Maybe even with grey walls.... maybe...

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APPENDIX: Today I ran across this STUNNING bedroom at Three Men and a Lady. Her bedroom grabs the idea of grey and yellow by the huevos and gives it class, warmth and drool-appeal. Holla! The only thing that keeps me from transforming my master bedroom into a replica of this room right away is that this space has LOTS of natural light from the windows. Hm.

Dilemma... How do I create a pee-in-my-pants-its-so-beautiful kind of room that's a warm, cozy retreat with only one tiny window for a massive space? Dumb builders.

I love frames

2010-02-11T08:33:00.000-05:00

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Hello, need I say more? These frames are awesome, and I'm seeing a pattern in the inspiration I keep blogging -- assortments of frames or photos... All I need to do is find amazingly fun frames like these.

Just for Reference

2010-02-09T09:02:00.002-05:00

This is now on my "must do" project list.

www.inthefunlane.com/2009/07/aint-no-shame-in-our-frame.html

And, begin...

A New Obsession

2010-02-09T08:54:00.001-05:00

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I've never really been a huge fan of the heart shape (maybe with Valentine's Day fast approaching I'm in a lovey-dovey state of mind), but today this necklace has changed my opinion. I'm drooling for it.

Too bad my cash flow is a road-block to acquistion...

Gathering Ideas - Dining Room, Again

2010-02-01T09:07:00.002-05:00

Once again I've been reading blogs and finding things I like -- ideas that inspire me. This photo is another one of those:

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I've milling over the possiblities of what to put in the space between my living room and dining room, and I love the scale of this cabinet. I also love love love the wallpaper used on the inside - it's subtle and beautiful.

Needless to say I've been scouring craigslist of a cabinet of this size for cheap so that I can refinish it, and maybe even add a little wall paper. So far, no luck...

Dining Room Inspiration

2010-01-20T22:17:00.002-05:00

I an am avid blog reader -- design blogs, decorating blogs, just for fun blogs... it's insane and time consuming... and I LOVE IT! Tonight I read a post on Life in the Fun Lane that gave me super inspiration for the awkward space between my dining and living rooms. (I don't love the floor plans of Florida homes).

This is the inspiration:

I love the framed art over the dresser, and it has my wheels-a-turning... If something ever comes of this inspiration I'll let you know.

ps. My bedroom decor is still in pieces, and very far from being cohesive and complete. If anyone has skills in this area, and free time, I would appreciate the help.

And Still I Rise...

2009-10-01T12:31:00.002-04:00

So, lately I've been entertaining the thought of getting another tattoo. My first one hurt with pain beyond anything I've ever experienced before, but I'm a glutton for punishment. The real question is, what is important enough, to me, to have it permantently inked onto my flesh?

Currently, I'm drawn (no pun intended) to the mythical phoenix—a bird that dies a fiery death, only to be born again, rising from its ashes. The symbolism is staggering, and appropriate for body mutilation in light my life's recent "death" and "rebirth."

I am fascinated, and inspired, by the very fact that every tat, on every person, tells a story be it elaborate or mundane.

In all honesty, I don't imagine I'll be going under the needle any time soon seeing as it took me 7 years, and giant push from a friend, to get first one affixed. However, the internal debate, and creation process, has begun with these images I've found on the world wide web. Only time will tell...

Inspiration - Master Bedroom

2009-09-18T23:11:00.000-04:00

As a graphic designer I'm aspiring to create my house into a home - a very well decorated, inviting space. Some of the other rooms in the house are in the process of being painted, so for now I'm focusing most of my creative energy on the master bedroom.

The walls in my bedroom are blue because I want to create a calm, soothing retreat. I have a luxurious white duvet cover and black accent pillows on the bed (I'm not sure I like the pillows but I can't return them now). My curtians are a steel, shiny blue also... I think I have plenty of blue! So now I'm hoping to add some color to the room.

I've been debating color and what would look best with what is currently going on, and I'm not opposed to using a few other colors to add warmth and vibrancy, but I'm not really sure which ones. I recently found this image of a fabric swatch and I think the lime might work. I'm also really obsessed with the damask pattern, and I'm hoping to tactfully mingle it into the room with subtle stripes.

Onward and upward...