Browsing Category: Inspiration

Santa Baby 2014

It’s time to be real.  Have you been naughty or nice this year?

In my case, it’s not soooo black and white.  I mean, I’m usually on the nice list, but I know there are questionable moments, when let’s face it, I certainly could have been better… My mind is going to those times when the kids have exhausted my patience and I swear I’ve just noticed a few new gray hairs.  Ahhh, the combination of the ravages of time and talking to yourself for the 100th time that day – well, it just gets me every time.

So yes, there is always room for improvement.  I’ll admit that.

But ‘cummon Santa.  I’m pretty darn good, if I do say so myself.  If the kids are healthy, happy, fed and there’s milk in the fridge – I’m doing pretty awesome.  AND If I managed to look halfway decent that day, then it’s rockstar status!!

What do y’all think?

Anyhoos, here are some fun things I have on my Santa list…

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Wood Hand ChairPersonalized iPhone CaseFireplace Screen, Large Painting, Red Flower Salad Bowl, Teak Cutlery Set, Gold/Silver Bar Glasses, Sleep Number Mattress, Unknown Craftsman Book

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Ugg Tall BootsAbstract ArtLe Creuset OvenNest ThermostatParish-Hadley Design BookPersonalized Charm NecklaceMoroccan PoufChrome Bar Stools

There it is friends.  A wide range of stuff me wants.  Some you have seen, some might be new to you.

Is there anything that you have on your wish list?  Anything you’ve already pulled the trigger on?

For instance, while typing this out, I clicked “add to cart” on the Unknown Craftsman.  That book was calling to me and now it will make me happy.  Yes it will!!

Enjoy braving whatever method of shopping you’re doing this year.  But remember it’s not the thought that counts, it’s the gift… wait, that wasn’t right.  Or was it?!

Happy Creating!  Jessica

Santa Comes Early! Laundry Room Update

Hi All!!

There is an excitement here!!  Can you feel it?!?!  It’s the happiness of buying yourself something that you have wanted for a really, really long time in a bit of a snap buying decision.

It must be how conquistadors felt.

I saw.  I wanted.  I conquered.

Exhibit A, the new eye candy in MY laundry room!!!!

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Gasp.  Beautiful, I know.  And if material things could bring joy, then my friends, I am the joyfulest being on the planet right now.  (insert slow tear coming from my eye.)

These are the LG Big Mama-jammas!  I bought them from Sears who installed them the VERY. NEXT. DAY.  Amazeballs.

Much more suitable for a mother of 4 (make that 5) testosterone fueled, dirty, stinky, XX chromosome creatures.  It’s like I have serious street cred now.

DSCN3414Take that laundry piles!!

The only one who’s sad is the small cart I built a few months ago that doesn’t fit anymore.

DSCN3418Don’t worry my friend!  We’ll find a new use for you… maybe… probably.

And since we’re dishing about the laundry room, here is the tile sans grout.

DSCN3417A charcoal grey is what I have planned to hide any dirt that’s likely to come from what goes down in here… with all the down and dirty cleaning, Lil Wayne style.  What!!

This choice didn’t get many votes, but I think it looks fabulous!  It’s a statement, but it could also go with a bunch of styles.

I was able to get the tile cut using a Dremel sawmax.  No need to rent!!  Yay!

DSCN3317I’m not sure I would recommend this for thick tiles, but this one was really thin (and actually one big reason why I picked it) so it worked great!

I also managed to add trim to the doors and paint them a black gloss from Benjamin Moore.  More on that later.

And the threshold got some MUCH needed TLC with some left over tiles I found cleaning up the garage.

Before…

DSCN3257Again I used the Dremel to take out the old tile along the tape line…

DSCN3259Using the Ardex concrete mix, I smoothed out the front and built it out.  I don’t want anymore tiles popping off!!

Here she is now…

DSCN3416I’ve still got a few touch ups and cleaning, but so much better, huh?!

I’m making progress, but there is still a few items on the to-do list.

-A light fixture.  I’ve pretty much decided that this one just can’t be forced.  I will know when I see it.  I just can’t pull the trigger on something sight unseen.

-Art and decor.  That wall is screaming for something fun!

-Hardware for the cabinets.  I’ve purchased a few things, but again, you can’t force perfection.

-Grout.  Like, duh.

-Possibly a wood top for the washer-dryer set… of course the light switch is right in the way, so we’ll see how to work around that.

Even with a list that long, I’m still feeling so happy with how it’s all coming together!

Any great purchases you made over the holiday??

Last year, I bought a new Dyson.  Love, love, love me some Dyson!  I’m definitely becoming a Black Friday Statistic.  You’re welcome Wall Street.

Tootles for now!!  Happy Creating!  Jessica

Bar Stools and a Dilemma…maybe…

Hi!

Man, I am tired this week.  Can I get an Amen?!

Well, at least the work week is over and I’ll be able to rest a bit.  Uh, yeah right!  That was a good one!  4 kids = no rest EVER.  At least they’re cute!  And funny.  They ARE pret-ty fun-nay.

You know what else I’m tired from?  Searching the amazing world wide web for a bar stool that I just cannot find.  Grrrrrr!!  Maybe one of you will have better luck?  I know Laura, yes you girl!, is awesome at the searches.  I need your help!

See these stools?  I’m kinda dying for them.

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Where are you hiding my pretties???

Are you in need of some bar stools?  First off, you’ve got to measure to see how tall you need those suckers.  I saw this on Pinterest and it’s very handy.

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Bar Height Bar Stool – Check!

Do you see how these stools completely make these rooms?  I know that I haven’t given bar stools much thought myself, but honestly they can transform your space.

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There are SO many choices, it’s seriously overwhelming!  I think I went a little cray searching, but chances are that one of these I found might be just the chair you’ve been looking for!  And I didn’t really stick to a budget per se, but I found that bar stools are actually pretty affordable.

Just promise me one thing?  Don’t go for the cheapie leather look?  And don’t just get what’s on sale?  Oh, wait.  That’s two, but whatever!  Find the perfect stool and then… well, just marvel at your awesomeness!

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Tam Bar Stool – $219.99

 

 

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Leather Tall Bar Stool – $279

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Sleek Stool – $159.00

 

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Rejuvenation Walnut Bar Stool – $529

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Schoolhouse Bar Stool – $159

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Breuer Cane Counter Stool – $195.99

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Normen Chair – $174 

 

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Kendall Bar Stool – $138

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Onda Bar Stool by DWR – $339

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Industrial Rotating Barstool – $54.95

As for where I stand on this whole bar stool debacle?  Still standing, actually!  I’ve not found “it” yet… or have I?  I’m just completely overwhelmed and unsure.  I was hoping for something with unique legs, and a back…not too industrial, not formal, comfortable, vintage perhaps.

I’d love to hear your suggestions!  I even saw these on ebay…

$_57Kinda cool, huh?  Local so I could swing by and pick them up.  But maybe too bachelor pad?

Anyhoo, have a great weekend y’all!  And if you see something fabulous in the bar height category think of your ol friend over at TheCreativeWe!

Happy Creating!  Jessica