Our First Tiling Project

Our fireplace tile was in good shape, but when we replaced the flooring we thought that it was a good time to update the tile.  We said goodbye to the ceramic tile and hello to glass  subway tile.


 Fall 2010 

Fall 2011

Fall 2012

The tile still needs grout and we have narrowed it down to three choices.

Hopefully we will make a decision soon and get this project (that was started the beginning of July) completed.  It has been worth the wait! I love the shiny subway tiles.  More details coming soon on the fireplace transformation!

In Anticipation of Fall

I painted an old beverage tray with chalkboard paint and drilled holes for my bow.  I can switch the bow out for different ribbons to match the occasion.  The glass pumpkins are from the Dollar Tree (thanks for the tip LaNae)!  The faux white pumpkin is a Target score for $2.

Last year we had a thankful tree. I wanted something a little different so I cut leaves out of package wrap and used tiny clothespins to attach to our wire dome.

Jute wrapped candle and an inexpensive twig pumpkin along with cute word art for a touch of fall in the corner of the family room.

My fall mantle has not changed much from last year, except we are sporting our new deer prints.  I did add some jute twine to the hanging vase.

It Only Took Six Months

to hang those kitchen prints, but I finally did it! I have been waiting and debating the right spot and when I picked up a coveted "mystery" plate as my kids call it from The Shops at Target I knew where the perfect spot would be.

Before

After

Here are some more pictures of my new little wall.

I love the little Give Thanks print.  It was originally blue, but I changed the color in Photoshop to a light gray to match my decor.

The rug arrived and I think that it was meant for my kitchen.  Thanks to all my friends for voting! It just the right size and the colors are amazing in person.  It is also soft and that was a surprise. I was expecting it to be a little rough as it was labeled as an outdoor rug.

And now to sound completely ungrateful: I love the floor, but hate the honey oak. It is a good thing that we were planning on painting the cabinets anyway.  I am happy that we decided to install the floor prior to painting though because we are changing our thoughts on the paint color.  Originally I wanted a dark java, but now I am thinking gray.  That will be a post in itself I am sure.

Firefighter Luke

A couple of weeks ago Luke was able to meet some local firefighters and walk through the engine.  We learned a lot about fire safety and I am gearing up for fire safety month this October.  I will admit that we are not prepared for a fire.  I have started a pin board for vital information and will share next month the changes that we are making.  For now enjoy my little firefighter!

Because someone always has to be a nut!

Play Room Revamp Reveal

I wanted to infuse the playroom with a little more color and this is what I came up with!  Fun framed printables, recovered parson chairs, a couple of throw pillows, and a new slipcover did the trick for around $80.

I purchased four wood frames from Goodwill that I sprayed painted and added free fabulous prints for inexpensive wall art.  I also switched out some of the fabric in the hoops to match the new decor.

I love the this space is clean and large enough for lego building and playing "office".  My sister and I loved playing office!

SOURCES:

Chevron Fabric 

Striped Fabric

Slipcover 

Fun Print

Playroom Print

Artist Print

The Parson Chairs are FINISHED!

Back in May I acquired some u-g-l-y parson chairs that I wanted to recover for the kids' playroom.  They have sat in a corner of my bedroom for the last three months and although they were always on my to do list I found ways to procrastinate.  I am so happy that they are finished and we have cute and functional chairs for the playroom desk.  Tomorrow I will reveal the rest of the playroom!

Rug Decisions

We are 90% finished with the laminate flooring.   We saved the hardest room for last, the powder room.  The cabinet trim will need to be carefully removed and the toilet (yuck).  While I love the new flooring and I do not regret putting laminate in the kitchen I noticed that I am more aware of water drops while I am doing the dishes and want a runner rug in front of the sink.  I love Bower Power's long runner in their kitchen.

Source: bowerpowerblog.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

This has been a journey.  I have found wool runners and solid color berber runners, but I want something bright and easy to clean.  I decided that an indoor/outdoor rug that can be hosed off is the best bet for this busy family.  I have narrowed my choices down to these:

Source: rugsusa.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: rugsusa.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

What is your vote? Blue or green?I am pretty sure I know which one, but I need a second vote.  

Music Therapy

When my sister and I were younger we would jam to DC Talk.  That is so uncool to say jam.  Anyhow, we went to concerts, had all the tapes and then later cds, and autographed posters... where are my posters?  I think maybe I gave all that stuff when my younger brother joined the bandwagon.  The kids and I have been loving Toby Mac's newest single, Me Without You, and you can not listen to this without dancing just a little bit!

Homework

Madeline is in kindergarten and has very little homework, but when she does she feels important.  Right now she is working on letter formation.  See her trying very hard to hold the pencil correctly?

Here she is practicing crossing her eyes. And, no, I did not tell her that they may stay that way.  Did anyone believe that as a child?

Luke has been feeling a little left out lately so he did his own homework.  

Apparently he thinks that my hair should be green.  At least he gave me long lean legs to go with that round body! 

Luke's classic cheese ball grin showing off his work.