Before and After: Vanity Bench and Side Table

This little bench was the first of my projects because it was an easy re-do. I actually liked the fringe around the bottom, but it was just the wrong color.

A fresh coat of white paint and some new fabric and voila! Good as new.

I found this beauty at Goodwill and decided it would be perfect between my 2 pink chairs in my bedroom.

I love the cream color, but I can't decide if it needs to be distressed a bit. Either way, it's just the right fit.

My bedroom is shaping up quite nicely, especially with my newest treasure- the chandelier- that was gifted to me by my Kindergarten teacher, Miss Riske. She headed to California a couple of weeks ago for the Rose Bowl Flea Market (I'm so jealous!) and she knew I was looking for a chandelier so she picked one up for me. She has the best taste and knew exactly what I wanted. Thank you, thank you Ann!

Cleaning House

They say change is good, right? I hope so because I'm doing alot of it right now. I've been in a re-decorating mood so I'm changing things up. First up, my entertainment center. I love cream and gold these days, so I got rid of the pink and green.

Here's what I have so far; I need to collect a few more books to finish the other side.



Next up, Clay's room. Out with the red, and in with the neutral!

Here's my inspiration. I've collected a few items so far, but I've got alot of painting to do.

And finally, my bedroom. This was taken over 2 years ago- sheesh! Has it really taken this long?

I was finally able to get this bed and what a difference! I couldn't love it more. Just a few final touches and I'll post the finished room.

Now of course with all these changes I have a big pile of "stuff" in the guest bedroom just waiting for a sale! I'm planning the first weekend in March, so mark your calendars!

And I couldn't resist this picture of the kids playing "sale". It's their new activity of choice. It keeps them entertained for hours!

Snow

We decided to forego our annual New Year's party and took some friends to the cabin instead. For once, we came prepared with all the snow gear and the kids played outside for hours! Although next time we go with kids I think it'll be just a day trip. Trying to get 10 kids to sleep in one room doesn't make for a very restful night.

Fun finds and a new project

I've been following this blog for the last few months because I love white and I love how she can transform the ugliest piece of furniture into something amazing. Then a few weeks ago I had a thought- why can't I do something like that? It would allow me to go shopping AND make money while doing it! So I've been on the hunt these last 2 weeks, and these are some of the treasures I've found:

Some are beautiful as is, but some need a bit of work and I'm so excited for the before and after shots. Wish me luck on my new adventure!

Announcement

We are now the proud parents of not one, but two boys!

Okay, not really, but I just couldn't resist a picture like this. Janie decided to have a hay day with the scissors and this was the only way to salvage what hair she had left.

Looks like we'll be stockin' up on dresses and headbands.

Janie's Birthday

Janie turned 3 last Saturday and with my dad's birthday being the day after hers, we decided to celebrate with dinner at St. Francis in Phoenix (it's a new restaurant that Derek's involved with- it's AMAZING!). She got to open a few presents and she LOVED when we sang "Happy Birthday" to her. She is such a sweet, funny girl and our family would not be complete without her. We love you Janie Jane!

Hair clips

I really don't consider myself a crafty person. If I see something I like, I ususally think "I could make that!", but then I either try and fail or figure I'll never have time to make it so I end up buying it. I've wanted some big flower clips for the girls' hair and Etsy has some super cute ones, but they're selling for $20 and up for one clip! So I bought some flowers from Hobby Lobby at 50% off and ordered a bunch of vintage looking earrings from Forever 21(3-4 dollars a pair) and cut the backs off. I used a needle and thread to stitch the flower petals together, then glued on the earring and alligator clip. So simple and much more affordable!

Before and After: Guest Room

I've had plans for this room for a very long time, but have dreaded painting the walls, especially because it hasn't been that long since we painted the last color. I've been loving blue lately, and since I don't have blue anywhere else in my house, that was my pick for the guest room. So here's before:

And after:

I found a new desk at Salvation Army for $40, but it was dark brown so I painted it white and left the middle, which is black with gold detailing. The shelf and the lamp were garage sale finds, and the candle holder, mirror, and tray are from antique stores. Everything else I had already.

Most of the bedding is from Ikea (I was trying to do this on a budget), the rug from Urban Outfitters, and the plates from thrift stores. My favorite thing in the room is the table with the bird cage. The table was from a garage sale for $15 and the bird cage was $1. I found them at different times, but I love them together- it looks like a dress form. The chair was also from a yard sale and everything else I had.

Kindergarten

I was a nervous wreck sending Clara to her first day of school. I was worried she wouldn't know where to go, or what to do at lunch time, or that she'd feel lonely and shy and not have anyone to play with at recess. There were a few tears shed (on Clara's part) when we walked her to class and I was anxious all day wondering how her day would be. Lucky for me (and her) she LOVES kindergarten! Her teacher is very good at keeping tabs on the kids so that they all stay together and she has lots of fun friends from the ward in her class. I definitely miss her while she's gone, but I know she's having fun and I love picking her up and having her tell me all about the day.

Cabin

A few weeks ago we were able to go up north to our cabin with my family. Mase and Manda and Jonah were here from Florida and Kelli and J.D. from Utah, so we had everybody except Carter and Elliot. It was so beautiful and so much cooler; a very relaxing weekend!

Girls' Chorus!

Sisterly Love

I don't know about you, but my kids have been fighting nonstop this summer! I've been at a loss about what to do about it. They go to time out for not listening or for talking back, but if I put them in time out for fighting, they'd be there all day long. I remembered when I was little if there was arguing between siblings, my Mom would make us sit together and hold hands until we were happy again. So I tried it. It actually works pretty quickly! They have to sit together holding hands and smiling at each other. Once they're happy with each other I make them hug and kiss and say "I love you" and then they can go play. It puts them in a good mood almost instantly and it's even funnier to watch.