RH

Did any of you get the latest Restoration Hardware catalog? I've been drooling over most of the rooms, but especially the home office ideas. Derek says he likes his office the way it is, but he should know better- nothing around here stays the same for too long. :) I should probably hold off until the other make-overs are complete though. Speaking of which, the living room/dining room that once looked like this,

now looks like this:
I hope I don't regret it!

Swedish Design

I've decided this is the look I'm after for the living room. Lots of whites with a hint of gold and dark wood.

(P.S. The $40 giveaway ends tonight- don't forget to enter!)

Friday Finds

Today's finds are extra special. All of these lovely treasures are from the estate sale of Kristi Sherwood Crum, a wonderful friend and beautiful person, inside and out, who passed away the beginning of this year. It was bittersweet walking through the home- so many memories of her that made me miss her even more, but I'm glad I was able to bring home a few pieces that remind me of her. She loved white (even more than me) and pink, seashells, milk glass, and baskets, just to name a few.

I didn't realize until I got home that this basket still had a tag labeled in Kristi's handwriting. It put a smile on my face- her handwriting is my favorite!

And of course, when paying for my items, they wrapped my dishes in this vintage floral wrapping paper- I know Kristi wouldn't have had it any other way! :)

A New Piece and a Sale!

When we were at Architectural Salvage in San Diego, I fell in love with this mantle. I knew I probably couldn't talk Derek into it, and even if I did, we had no way of getting it home. So I walked away, thinking I'd never see it again, except in my dreams (and I did dream about it). Well, it just so happened that Derek had a business meeting in CA on Monday and look what showed up in the garage! Our 10 year wedding anniversary is coming up, so that's my gift and I couldn't love it more. I've decided it's going in the living room which means yet another room to re-arrange! (My other rooms are very close to completion so I'll show those soon).


Because of the amount of stuff I have to sell, instead of posting it all on the blog sale, I've decided to do a living room sale! It's still too hot outside, so I'm going to try having it indoors. More details and pictures to come next week, but mark your calendars for next Friday and Saturday- August 27 and 28, from 8 am to 1 pm!

A Favorite Color Combination

I have always loved the combination of gold/ brown with white. I love the contrast it gives.

CSN Stores Giveaway #2

I have another great CSN giveaway for you! If you recall, CSN Stores has more than 200 online stores, which feature lighting, cookware, dining room sets, home accessories and anything else you need to complete your home decorating. They're offering another $40 gift certificate to spend however you wish! Trust me, if you win, your only problem will be knowing how to spend it!

Just leave a comment by next Monday at midnight to be entered- it's as simple as that! If you need help choosing, here are just a few examples of items you could purchase, all around $40:

Good luck!

Friday Finds

Another great sale week- the mirror and green storage bucket are from Salvation Army, and the rest is from an estate sale. I've got things piling up, so my question is, do I continue posting on the blog sale or would you prefer a live sale at my house, say the first weekend in September? Any input would be much appreciated. :)

(P.S. Another giveaway to come Monday!)

Day 1

Surprisingly, the first day of school went quite well over here. The kids woke up on their own and got themselves dressed while I made breakfast and packed lunches. Teeth brushed, hair done, snapped a few pics, and Derek dropped them off on his way to work. He said Clay walked right in with no hesitation, and once Clara's teacher greeted her, she was just fine. No tears- hallelujah! They both have amazing teachers this year, so I'm not a bit worried. Just a few more weeks until Janie starts preschool- what will I do with all my free time?

Carlsbad

It's been hard to get back into the swing of things after such a fun, relaxing week in Carlsbad, CA. We relaxed on the beach just about every day, took the kids to Legoland, ate lots of yummy food (I gained 3 pounds), and shopped at antique stores, the Carlsbad outlets, and Architectural Salvage ( a must if you're in San Diego!). It was the perfect family vacation.