Things I like....

From Ikea: A set of 3 colored vases---same color, different shapes.....maybe white? For $4.99?!

From West Elm: Capiz Shell hanging light.....simply gorgeous! $259....Don't know if I really wanna shell out that much cash, but geeze, I've never seen anything like it!


Pottery Barn's "Daily System" minus the little flatscreen HDTV component! :)

New Shade for Kitchen!

Before this, metal horizontal blinds...

Now, a nice canvas Roman shade.

Help me design this space!

Here is my idea so far....

I know the tv-stand is a little off center, and I only have it that way because I wanted the tv closer! lol. I guess I can shimmy it over 6 inches. Anyway, I was thinking a long floating shelf from Ikea above & two candle sconces on either side. I feel like the TV is too high up on the wall to put a rectangular piece of art; also, I don't have a fireplace/mantel and I kind of like the idea of adding a shelf to possible put vases or art in frames or photos.

Here is the blank wall:

Here is my digital layout! Crude, I know, but I think it does the job...

Some good finds: End Tables!

So, I my coffee table & tv stand are the Rhys series by Pottery Barn. I bought these with gift cards and some other gifts money from my wedding. Fortunately, the furniture lasted longer than my marriage (ha ha ha!). One thing is for sure---furniture will never lie & cheat!!! Unfortunately, I cannot afford to buy the matching end tables from the series on my own, but I thought going too matchy matchy would be bad anyway, right? So, I found two end tables that I thought would match nicely due to their similar wood finish and style.

Here they are!

First one is from Target. It was $79.

Second one is from Home Goods for $59 & I love that it has drawers! I thought it was the perfect end table/by the front door table (dual purpose, woo!) because in the winter, I can store gloves, etc in here and just keep my coat closet more organized.

Mission: Feminine Paradise!

So, fresh off of a separation/impending divorce, I was primed to make my new master bedroom (does one call it a master bedroom when she lives alone!?!?). My mission was to make the room a feminine paradise!

Purple bedding and accents. Cream colored distressed furniture. Ruffles on the curtains. Florals on the wall.....

It still has a few things I'd like to add, but for the most part, mission completed!

Before: Corn yellow....not the color for the feminine paradise!


After: Yay!




Bedding: Target
Curtains: Target
Accent pillows: Pier 1
Furniture: Raymour & Flanagan
Curtain Rods: Home Depot (Levlor)
Paint color: Sand White by Glidden from Home Depot
Lamp: Target
Art on Walls: www.allposters.com
Frames for art: Malden gallery frames from Kohl's

Project: Pretty Windows!

I just moved into a new home and have had the pleasure of starting fresh with some completely new decor ideas. I've been scoping magazines, websites, other blogs, and Nestie bios for ideas. Nothing has been more influential & inspirational than the cute couple at www.thisyounghouse.com, John & Sherry's awesome ranch in Richmond, VA. Their window treatments, paint color choices, floating shelves, and artwork have truly inspired my new decor.

My house came with some nice wooden blinds that were probably brand new in my living room, but not necessarily my favorite choice. I was definitely going to put curtains up, but when I saw John & Sherry's "bamboo shade w/ white curtain look" I just HAD to do it, ahem copy it! How many American ladies have put this look into their homes after seeing John & Sherry do it so artfully in their own homes? Windows all across the country thank you!!!


Here is John & Sherry's Living room that served as inspiration: (photo from www.thisyounghouse.com)

Here is my before:

Here is my after!
**Nevermind the clutter on the coffee table, etc. I was too excited to photograph the scene to clean up & tidy before taking the pic! Also, my kitty is the black & white bump on the top of the couch. He was a great help!


Where is all of that stuff from?
Bamboo Shades: Lowe's ($17.97 eachl Two 48 inches shades side-by-side)
Faux Silk Panels: Bed, Bath & Beyond ($39.99 each w/ 20% off coupons for each one!)
Curtain Rod: Lowe's ($39.97)
Curtain Rod Rings: Lowe's ($9.97 each; 2 packages)
Pillows: Crate & Barrel ($36.99 each)
Area Rug: Pottery Barn (On Ebay)