Eye Catchers Roundup #3

My apologies, for the lateness of this post. As you know, we are on the serious quest to get our dream home. And I was working on that for the last 36 hours. And honestly, I think we are closer. Yeah! No decision yet but much closer than my last post.

So on to it, this week's eye catcher list is all about fall home decor. As we enter this labor day weekend, the last hoorah for the Summer, at least I like to think. So as I think of this last hoorah, I feel inspired to prepare for the fall. I have to apologize in advance, there is a lot of burlap. But I just love it right now.


1. Love this burlap wreath. Look at the feathers and the leopard letter gives it an extra special touch. This would make a very nice focal statement on a front door.

Source: Bonus Mom Boutique in Etsy

2.  Gotta love this burlap cutie with it's big letter. Couldn't you just imagine your initial there too! The bright color of the letter against the burlap is a good contrast. Along with the big chevron bow. Most all the black door makes this whole look come together. You could add cognac colored letter and it would scream fall!

Source: OurSentiments Shop on Etsy

3. Burlap mixed with wood makes this a perfect fall ensemble for the door. I really like the rustic and simplicity make this just so charming. And the pearls add such a beautiful touch.

Source: Indulogy.com

4. Who doesn't think about fall and want a pumpkin or maybe several pumpkins. These pumpkins are just way too cute! And totally customizable. Pick you favorite prints in colors that match you house and you will have simple wonderful decor for you table.

Source: My Blessed Life Blog

5. So inspired by this idea of having this simple monogrammed pumpkin on my doorstep. At least once we get one. A great way to transition your planted pots from summer to fall. You could buy faux pumpkins, and have no worries about it dying! Or a paint a real one if you like authenticity.

Source: Unknown

I know, I know you are thinking fall. I am still enjoying Summer. Trust me, I am too. We actually just started having summer weather in my area. But it always good to prepare for the upcoming season. And when you go into the stores, you can't help but notice the pumpkins, gourds, wreaths, and ribbons in the gorgeous colors of fall. So what is inspiring you for fall home decor?

Waiting, Waiting, and in Limbo

You may not know it yet, but you will soon find out that I hate waiting. I shouldn't say I hate it as much as I get antsy and try to speed things up as much as possible. As you know, we are in the market to purchase our first home. And I have already mentioned that this is not for the faint hearted at all. But once you cross that hurdle, as we clearly did - one would think that the process gets better. Or at least that "one" would have been me. I know you are thinking, "silly girl." But I argue that one can have hope.

Let me back-up and explain the basis for the post - we have been waiting for 3 weeks, yes 3 weeks already for someone in another department to respond to us on finalizing our interest and ultimate purchase of a home. We visited the house back in early August and knew immediately it was the home for us. It is not perfect, as James likes to point out. But I argue it is perfect as it will be perfect once we put our touch on it. Structurally it has all of our requirements. And most importantly the location is awesome! I mean the moment I walked into the home, I started seeing it come together. For three weeks I have pinned, searched, daydreamed, and tweeted about things that absolutely have to be in this home. It has been the deal we were hoping to find. It has us written all over it.

As we strolled through from top to bottom, we were amazed and kept holding our breath that something was going to be out of place. Afterall, this is an REO/foreclosure and you just never know. Upon our return from the second floor, we were ready to purchase. As we approached our realtor - she knew too! Amazing when you spend 8 months with someone, they tend to learn you very well. We signed all necessary documents and wrote the check. We walked away feeling great and even went back later to pray over our decision and the home. That is just how much we fell for this home.

So a few days went by and we heard nothing, and we figured we'd give it a few more. After a week had passed and still nothing, we called our realtor. She had heard nothing either. And then we waited another week and still nothing. And this brings us to now - we have since understood that our dream home awaits a review by someone else with no immediate level of importance by this person. 

Sheesh! I have been pretty good, until this week.  For someone reason, it just hit me hard - that is my frustration with this process.  I mean I have been mopping, going to bed early, and been pretty crabby for 3 days now.  My poor husband felt so bad for me that he had flowers delivered to my job. Now that was a great surprise. But he didn't have to do that. My beef is not with him, it is with this person who holds all of this up. And to make matters worse, we went by yesterday only to see a car in the driveway. Meaning others may be interested too! Oh no! Well at least that is what my heart and mind said. We have been told not to worry but it is hard. 

So we continue to wait. James says I must stop being upset because this is simply out of our control. And you know what he is right! And so we wait and wait, hopeful that we will find something out soon. 

Have you ever been in home buying limbo? If so, share with how you were able to get through it. 

Eye Catchers Roundup #2

So, I apologize ahead of time but this week's round-up is all about various styles of painted furniture. I have recently inquired a new sideboard piece that I am trying to decide do I want to stain, paint it the normal colors, or paint it a bold color. Or the very interesting half and half - stain the top and paint the bottom. So many options.

Since I was all over the place with my thoughts. I decided to peruse the internet and check out what everyone else was doing with painted furniture techniques. As you know, my last painted furniture piece was my chalk paint extravaganza.

1. I am in the market for some cane chairs. I had a lock on two last week and was all set to pick them up on Saturday and the women selling, sold them to someone else who could pick them up faster. Ouch! I was bummed, but know I will find another pair real soon. Or at least one! I love the white frame with the dark fabric that Lynda from Focal Point Styling did in her bedroom retreat makeover. Check out the whole room, it is fantastic.

2. I found this beautiful dresser painted in awesome shade of blue with the white hardware. It really blows you away at how magnificent this piece is. Totally became an inspiration piece for me. Considering painting my newly acquired sideboard this color or a bold teal. Interested, found this piece in an Etsy shop. Check out 3ShabbyChicDogs.

3. This gold dipped french provencial dresser looks so elegant. This could easily be placed in a dining room as a side piece or in a neutral toned bedroom. The gold adds such a pop of color. And the gold hardware pull it all together. If you'd like to purchase it. Head over to Etsy and stop in the HayleonVintage shop.

4. So obviously you know I have a huge crush on coral right now. If not, read about my coral crush. I do actually like the idea of painting the bathroom cabinets, or a laundry room to add a pop of color. This space really works well together. Read more about the entire space in Decor Chick's post about the DIY Painted Coral Vanity.

Well I was inspired to get busy on my projects. So many creative ideas flowing in my mind. Now I got to get to it! So tell me, what is your new painted furniture technique crush??? Or if you have spotted some really inspiring painted pieces or have done some yourself.

Are there any deals left for home buyer?

I mean really, are there any deals left for us home buyers. If you don't act quickly, you can find yourself missing out a really good option. Foreclosures, short sales, auctions, etc. Which are the best options?

We have looked at all of the above in our quest to find our "dream home" and yet still do not have a clue which option is better. Honestly, I believe there is hestitancy by the banks to even list these homes in "as-is" condition anymore. As they hope to get more along the lines of what they original loaned the previous owners or at least get current market price. 

While a year ago, and I mean a year ago, when we were just "thinking" about buying a home you could find great properties at below market costs in really great areas. According to a recent article I read in  the  Real Estate Economy Watch, more and more banks are trying to recoup as much money as possible. They are ok with keeping a house a bit longer for a better return on investment. Some are going as far as not listing a house for 6-8 months, hoping to  list when the market is at peak for the area. 

We recently viewed a home that had new carpet, freshly painted walls, and a stove. This is not typical in a foreclosure, or auction. Especially the ones listed by a bank. We were stunned. While on one hand it was nice to know we could move right in without having to do much work, on the other hand it seemed the work was minimal and did not warrant the extra $50k on the listing price compared to some of the other foreclosures listed in the last 9-12 months. 

Then you have the short sales, I have heard nightmares about folks being in limbo on a short sale deal for up to 9 months and then only find out the bank won't take their offer. Ouch! That is a long time to be in limbo. I mean 9 months. That is a typical time for a pregnancy. Really??? I guess if it is "the" house then it is "the" house, so you have to wait. We are way to impatient for that process. 

And then finally, the auction. Some of these do not even allow you to view the home. You have to a do a lot of research work for these properties. We were interested in one but the idea of not getting the home was pretty overwhelming. We went by the house, looked in the windows. Searched on-line to see if there were any interior pics. Used Zillow and Trulia to view the property history. And still felt like we did not know enough to place a bid. I mean the starting bid price was great but who knows what the final  sales price will be. And will it be within our budget? Or will we tap out early?  So many unknown variables. 

So really, what is better - a traditional home purchase or trying to find a bargain? And do any bargains exist?

Eye Catchers Roundup #1

So this week's round up includes some looks at color, a few Ikea hacks, and nifty projects that leave you feeling inspired.

1. Love this ikea hack! Great way to divide the space and get extra storage. Very inspiring. Ikea hacks are always such good challenge starts for me. This left me thinking of ways I could use some Ikea pieces.

Dusty at All Things G&D

2. This is another very cool Ikea Hack! I am personally going to do a spin on this one. My mind has already come up with a plan.

O'verlays Blog - Very cool product. 

3. Yellow and Grey Bathroom - The two shower curtains and the silver mirror in the shower, give this look a high-end appeal. Reminds you of an upscale hotel bathroom. Very mid-century modern.

HGTV Rate My Space

4. DIY Tutorial for Pull-Out Shelves in a Pantry - May need this in the "dream home."

Do or DIY Blog

5. DIY Bench for Mudroom w/ Storage - Super nice way to add seating and storage to your space.

Being Home Blog

So those are the posts or images that caught my eye this week. What about you? If so, please share. I love cool things, DIY projects, and/or good home decor pics.

Turning Memories Into Art

I have always been intrigued by artist canvas. It just seems to have the feeling of high end art to me. So I was recently inspired by this pin I repinned on my Pinterest board. I love the way this looks artsy but captures the moment. Plus, I love the way the pictures look with the sealer – gives them a vintage vibe.

For more info - click here.

I had been searching for a while for a great way to feature our wedding photos in my office at work. The walls are blue and my desk is made up of glass, silver, and a light colored wood. So I knew that I wanted to do black/white images. Although, I would have done black/white anyhow– it is simply my favorite. It just seems to capture the true essence of that moment in time. And it blends well when you have older pictures and current pictures.

So I determined, that based on the wall size and the location above my desk – I wanted to do three 12”x 12” size photo canvas pieces. Next, I determined the images – now this was much more work than I thought it was going to be. I mean there were so many great moments but with James’ help – I settled on three very good ones.

So I headed to the store for supplies. I was able to catch the canvas on sale for 60% off at Michael’s. I picked up the canvas, a few pieces of scrapbook paper, a small jar of modge podge matte with a (50% off coupon), and black acrylic paint. Thank you Michael’s!

Next I searched and searched for a reasonable place to print the pictures. The size is not common and I didn’t want to pay a fortune. I was able to order 12x12 sheets from Shutterfly (http://www.shutterfly.com/prints/scrapbook-pages/12x12-scrapbook-pages). They offer these really cool scrapbook sheets and you can get your image printed on the entire sheet. The normal retail price is $6.99 per sheet. Fortunately for me, I had a $20 store credit. I love them! They are always sending coupons. And doing special offers. My total order came to $8.48 with shipping and handling. Not bad!

Now on to the work. Or shall I say the fun part! 

Supplies needed:

- Modge Podge Matte

- Canvas (size depends on pics size)

- Paintbrush 

- Black acrylic paint 

- Sponge Brush

- Exacto knife

- Photos 

 Step 1: Paint the edges of your canvas with black acrylic paint. You can use any color on the edges, I just used black because I was doing black and white photos. It does add a since of "realism" to the piece. 

Step 2: Align photo against canvas. First, place Modge Podge on the front of the canvas. Apply photo back to the front of the canvas. 

Step 3: Using your Exacto knife, trim any excess away.

Step 4: Apply Modge Podge to the front of the photo. Completely cover the photo. And then the sides. Don't be alarmed the photo will look white at first. I promise it will dry and you will end up happy!  

Step 5: Repeat for the rest of your photos. Allow 24 hours for drying and installation. Ta-da! 

So for a little under $10 a piece, I have art in my office. And a wonderful display of our wedding photos, instead of the usual desk photo in frame. 

A Date with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Before                   &                     After 

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint  you had me at a hello! Who knew you would enter my heart ever so easily. I had thought you were a looker from a distant but your high price tag and small color palette left me feeling as though I did not exactly want to get too close to you.

And then the gift....  On my last birthday my absolutely adoring husband brought me a gift certificate to attend a workshop at a local furniture restoration studio. The workshop was designed to show you how to properly use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint before purchasing it. I figured this could be a win-win since the class required you to bring in a chair or small table to complete during the session. (See my chair below - before Annie Sloan took over).

Who knew I would absolutely fall head over heels in love with this product. The product is amazing!!! The ease of use, the lack of headaches over sanding, and the low odor are just a few of my favorite highlights - there is so much more.

It was such a wonderful evening, spending 3 dedicated hours with a bunch of ladies with little to plenty of experience refinishing furniture. We all picked different colors, which was wonderful - it allowed me a chance to see what other colors I may be interested in. Everything from Barcelona Orange to Emperor's Silk. I choose Paris Grey for my chair. We were each given a dedicated workspace with a table and smock.

As you know from my previous article, The Coral Effect, I am beginning to prepare for a revamped office color palette.  The neutral and almost white tone of Paris Grey was very intriguing. Everything else in the grey family seemed too dark. And I always paint in black. Now what would be the fun in that if I went with my go-to color.  They went around and poured out your color in a small dish and then were supplied the small Annie Sloan Chalk Paint brush.

We began by just painting, no sanding. Just started out painting. I was impressed with how fast the color was attaching to the surface of the chair. The chair was made of cherry wood (Please note that they recommend sanding a bit for laminate services - 220 grit). It took about 40 minutes to apply the first coat. We started with the chair turned upside down. To allow us to get the legs and the under parts coated. Once done, we turned the chair upright and then finished the first coat.

Yikes! Adding the first coat. Underside is done. 

We waited about 15 mins (yes, 15 mins) between coats and then applied our second coat. Still with the chair upright.  You do not need to apply a second coat on the underside. Not much paint was used at all.  So, it was evident that a can of paint would go a long way. The second coat took another 40 mins or so to apply. I spent time making sure I had no drips, and where I did - I just rubbed my thumb over the area to smooth out the paint. And it worked!

We allowed another 20 mins for the second coat to dry. Next, we applied a clear coat of wax. (You can choose between clear or go straight to dark). The wax was applied with the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint wax brush. You apply a medium amount of wax to your brush and then brush on your project, working in small areas. Immediately following applying the wax, you rub off the excess - you should end with a nice smooth finish. You keep working in small areas until you have completed the entire chair. We allowed this first coat of wax to dry about 15 mins. Next, you can choose to put on a coat of dark wax or another coat of clear wax. I choose another coat of clear wax. We repeated the same steps as the first coat.

Clear wax application after first coat. 

The chair finally looks completely mid-century modern. The chair dried for another 20 mins and then I took it home with me. Yep, that's right - I loaded the chair up in the car right after class. The next day I buffed the chair with some cheese grater fabric and I ended up with a super sheen on the chair.

When I purchased the chair, I was infatuated with the clean lines and the small amount of cane. Now, I am simply in love with it. So much so, that I wish I had been able to locate at least 2 of these chairs. They would work well at a dining room table. Oh well, this chair will be beautiful at my desk.

Now, I have to find the fabric and begin the chair cushion. Stay tuned, tutorial coming on reupholstering chair seats. I plan to change the entire style of the chair seat, but keeping the original seat frame as the guide. 

Thank you Metheny Weir Studios and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint you have changed my life! I am a believer in the way the ease and power of this product. Oh and thanks to my wonderful and thoughtful hubby! This was the best birthday gift ever! 

Recap of the entire process. 

Are you an Annie Sloan fan? Do you know of other great paint products similar to this? Share with me your thoughts. 

The Coral Effect

Behr Project Gallery

   

The coral color is making a bold splash, well at least in my life. I mean I have I serious crush on it. I love the fabrics, paints, and accessories I see in this awesome color. So much that as I look to revamp our office in the "dream home," I know that I must incorporate this beautiful color. Our current office, now turned James' closet and storage, was a very beautiful dark grey with white Ikea Expedit shelves and a glass desk. The space was perfect in our apartment but we are looking to kick it up a notch for our home.

I have been collecting a design file for this room. I am thinking of a color palette with a mixture of coral, navy, golds, and ivory. They seem to mix well. I like the boldness of the coral and the subtle hints of navy for a cool hue. What do you think?

I am leaning towards the walls being painted in the Behr Sand Pearl. This should work perfectly against the white trim and molding the space may have. Aligning one wall in the space will be several bookcases, in a nice white paint from Behr to match  the trim and molding. I really love this bookcase from Centsational Girl. We plan to use her instructions to build this unit. The back of the bookcase will be the Behr Deep Space (Navy Blue).  Gold and Coral decor items along with practical storage items will fill the space. Can you visualize it?

 Centsational Girl -  IKEA Besta + Billy Bookcase Combo

As you can see this system adds a very nice dimension to the space and will provide a significant amount of storage and hiding spaces. Storage for craft tools and items is essential. I plan to maximize the closet space in this room too!  I am getting excited.  Next, I want to introduce  beautiful and warm fabrics in the window treatments. After searching high and low, I discovered this wonderful fabric on Etsy. It has the right effect of the coral with a very modern print. The whole idea here is to have a light and airy feel to the space.

Available on Etsy.com. 

Burlap comes in so many different colors and types now. I am enchanted with the way this fabric drapes. Window tab curtain panels will be made, using a combination of the Etsy fabric and burlap with a navy band. With a gold rod adding some level of accent to the room. Love the rod and material used by House of Hepworth to create a very inexpensive but expensive looking rod.

House of Hepworth - Cheap Awesome Professional Curtain Road

As you can see many more details need to be determined. Desk/Craft table? I would like a craft table in the middle room and then a writing desk on the side, but I am unsure of the amount of space I will have. I may end up with just enough space for a large writing desk that doubles as my craft table. We will just have to wait and see.  There are more details to hash out but I had to share where my thoughts were headed.

Are you getting the feel of the space? Do you have suggestions of other colors that blend well with coral? What is your color crush?

Couponing Again

Reflecting on a post that Thrifty Decor Chick posted this week about money being "T.I.G.H.T.,"  got me to thinking about my own budget these days. It is not that we don't have any money but we are focused on a goal and want to save as much as possible. So we have to be smart with our money. If it isn't necessary we do not buy it. 

I used to be a coupon maniac. By maniac I mean I bought several newspapers on Sundays, subscribed to coupon sites, and swapped ads with neighbors. And I was single! There were so many other ways I enjoyed spending money, that I wanted to save everywhere else possible. Plus, the bargain/sales-a-holic in me just got a thrill when I came out of a store with 3-4 bags of groceries for $10. Saving at the grocery store meant a new pair of shoes or a new decor item for my apartment. 

Then I got married and swoosh - out the window this went. I mean not all the way out the window. Occasionally I would do some minor couponing but nothing like I used too. 

But TDC's post, had me thinking that I could have a lot more and spend less if I went back to couponing. And ironically my husband had just scored a ton of left over ads from this past Sunday's paper and yesterday I went to town - I studied the ads, I clipped coupons, e-clipped (many grocery stores have this now - clip coupons right to your store savings card) signed up for my favorite coupon sites again (see below) and I geared up for a trip to the grocery store. Oh boy! 

1. www.coupons.com

2. www.redplum.com

3. www.retailmenot.com

4. www.pgeveryday.com

5. www.pillsbury.com

Oh and did I go to town - yes indeedy! See my treasures below. I have planned 12 meals with the items below and items from the freezer. It felt so good to be back at it. I was like a kid in the candy store - as I maneuvered through the aisles and watching the scanner go and then watching the total. And even more - I stuck to my list. That is the key to couponing. If it is not on the list and you do not have a coupon for it, it does not go in the cart! Otherwise, you are just defeating the purpose. 

Note: Picture is missing the frozen items, lunch meat, dairy products and juices. Hubby
was super excited and had started putting up the groceries before I snapped a pic. LOL!

My score breaks down like this - the original bill was $96.41. After store and e-clipped coupons the bill was reduced to $89.66. Then I scanned the paper cut coupons, resulting in the final total of $63.23. Woohooo! High fives!!! After evaluating my items, I realized I could have saved another $7-$8 and got a few more items. But really this is not bad for someone getting back into the swing of things.

Are you an extreme couponist? If so, share you favorite sites or tips & tricks. I am eager to learn more and get better. So please share!  If not, tell my what you do when money is tight to keep you from feeling down? 

Home Buying... not for the Faint Hearted

Who knew that buying a house was going to be so complicated. Six bids later, competitive bids at that, and still no house. And we have bidded on two homes twice. Sheesh! I'm leaning on faith to believe we just haven't found the right house. But it still has me wondering - will we ever find the right home?

We started our search a year ago. We did our homework - attended workshops, created our needs list, and decided on a location. Not to mention we have saved and saved for our quest of the American dream. Any extras left over at the end of the month are applied to the "Dream Home" fund as well call it.

According to Zillow's blog article, 4 Real Estate Trends for Summer 2013 - bidding wars are starting to become routine in certain areas, given the small amount of homes for sales. Really?!?!? No wonder we are spinning our wheels and meeting the competition at every turn. Not only is the market slim, but investors are eyeing the properties too. Sheesh! 

Well that doesn't make me feel better. It makes feel as though we have to be more aggressive than ever. When a house comes on, and we're interested, we need to get a jump on seeing it first. And if it is go - the bid has to be delivered within 24 hours of viewing it. We need to scour all available databases and areas for available properties. Basically.... I guess we just need to kick it up a notch.

Are you buying a home? Frustrated with the process? Share you stories with me... I would love to hear them.