Painting a nook

 I think one of the easiest ways to add interest to a room, object, or nook is with paint. I have a this ugly nook in my kitchen. It is suppose to hold a microwave, but since I don't own or believe in microwaves it has been empty. (I will devote a whole post to my crazy beliefs about microwaves and plastic.)

Bland and boring

Last week I finally found some inspiration to spice up the nook. I found some apple green paint (on super sale- score) that would be perfect for the nook. TIP: Always check the "messed up" paint section at Lowe's and Home Depot. I tend to find really great colors at discount prices. Can you say winning?

June Dog supervised the project. She loves when I spruce up our house. She gave her paw of approval.

June being prec

The green is bold and not for everyone, but for me it's a the perfect punch of much needed color.

wet paint

After completing the project I asked myself, "Why I didn't I think of this earlier?"  What do you guys think? Do you have a nook that could use a splash of color?  Don't be scared of branching out of your comfort zone with color.  "Colors are the smiles of nature." Hunt, Leigh

Bold and Festive

"I cannot pretend to feel impartial about colors. I rejoice with the brilliant ones and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns." Churchill, Winston

Branson 2012

 For as long as I can remember, my mother and I head out on a girls getaway every October. Our destination is normally Branson, MO. (Yes, Branson the land of: Silver Dollar City, old people on tour buses, and outlet shopping) My aunt, Karen, and her niece, Crystal, travel from St. Louis to meet us. So Branson is a good half way point for everyone. We have made this a yearly tradition. This year marked our 21 year anniversary. Its always a fun weekend filled with great stories, good food and better wine, shopping, and most important love and laughter.  Here are a few pictures to recap the years.

2009

 

 

2010

 

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

2012

Lighting Update

When Mister R. and I purchased our home, I knew that I wanted to replace all the light fixtures. Here is the before lighting in our dining room. Once again 1990's called and the want their brass light fixture back.

My mother graciously offered to let me use this vintage chandelier that had been living in her attic. She had rescued it from being destroyed many years ago. My childhood church had purchased a older home that would be torn down for a church expansion. Pam (my mom) bid/ made a donation to the church in exchanged for 2 chandeliers. Lucky for me that she had stored them all these years and never hung them in her home.

It took some effort to get the beaut hung. I had to replace a few light bulbs, clean off the cob webs, and get rid of the caked on dirt. Most importantly I had to convince Mister R. that I desperately needed him to install this beauty immediately if not sooner. I am patient to an extent but when I have a vision, I want my vision to come to life right then and now. Waiting is not my strong point. 

 

 The vintage chandelier is perfect for our dining room. The crystals provide a softness and airiness that help balance the hard angles of the table. My style is very eclectic; so I really enjoy pairing unexpected items together. Remember that changing lighting is an inexpensive way to make a big impact in any room.  

Before and After Wood Highchair

 Do you guys remember me saying that I found the best wood highchair? Well I almost fell over when I came across this gem at a local rummage sale. I scooped it up faster than June Dog eats her treats (that's super fast and messy). You get the idea, I used my elbows to fight off elderly grandmas. I take bargain shopping very seriously.  I'm kidding. No one wanted this sad old chair but me. I could look past all the scratches and flaws to see the potential.

So after I cleaned it up, I sprayed it a fun sour apple green. I could not be happier with the way it turned out. Now I have to decide whether to sale it at my "be." booth or keep it for my unborn child that might not come to live with me and Mister R. for many many years.  What to do? Decisions, Decisions. 

Hope you guys have a great weekend. I am spending the weekend with some of my favorite family members on a girls getaway!

Before and After Bookcase

I scored this shelf on Craigslist. I liked that this bookcase wasn't your normal square boring bookcase. It has character and unique details. I can't get enough of bookcases or shelves. I love having my possessions (pictures of myself) organized and displayed at the same time. This bookcase would be perfect for a nursery, bathroom, bedroom. Okay, really it would be great in any room.

I wanted to spruce it up with a more modern color to make it less sweet.  The color is a fun blueish gray.  I love the way it turned out. What do you guys think? Are you guys working on any do- it -yourself projects?

Baby Love

My bestie had her sweet baby girl today!! Lass and I have been friends since our freshmen year in college.

 We have lived alot of life together, 9 years worth of life. We were roommates for 3 years and then started working on being young professionals and entering the real world. Later came engagements, marriage, and moving new places to start new adventures.

We have been friends through it all. I know that I can always call my sweet friend and she will be there. She was the maid of honor in my wedding. 

I went to a church shower for my sweet friend a week ago Sunday. She is all ready for Baby Olivia to arrive. Here are a few pictures from her beautiful nursery. Lass did a great job decorating the nursery. I love the fun colors and that she used in the room.

I can't wait to see my friend excel in her new role of motherhood. Baby Olivia is one lucky girl. Olivia is absolutely perfect. She is a beautiful newborn. (which is rare) She has a head full of dark hair and beautiful skin.

It's official - I am an aunt. I can't wait to spoil her rotten. Congrats to the Ashley and Daniel!! Call me when you need a babysitter. I will be there in a heartbeat.

Target don't fail me now..

So today is the day that I have been waiting for: Nate Berkus + Target. I have been a fan of Nate for a couple of years now. If only I could win the lottery and stay home all day eating bon bons and watching The Nate Berkus show. (ahh the good life) Okay enough day dreaming, back to reality. Nate is working with Target and his line is in stores as of October 21st. This evening I was resting on the couch and it dawned on me that today is October 21st. I jumped up and booked it to my local Benton Target. I rushed into the store expecting to see my fellow shoppers scooping up the Nate Berkus products. Well to my surprise the store was empty, just an average Sunday evening. I asked a worker where the Nate Berkus collection was located and she just stared at my like I was speaking Chinese. The point of my story is that my target does not have one item from the Nate Berkus collection.  I know that I live in Saline County but we deserve nice things too. I am hoping that the lost delivery truck will be able to find its way to my target by the morning.

You know where to find me on my lunch break tomorrow.  I need want one of everything shown above.