home tour: living room & hallway

We are most definitely taking our time with the changes we are making with the house.  
Usually when I move into a new place, I want it ALL DONE NOW!
But now that this is home is OURS for keeps for ever and ever, I want to make sure we take our time and do it right.  
Room by room.
Of course we started with the living room/entry way, since that’s the core of our home…where we spend most of our time.

I wanted to create a space that was happy…
so I took risks, and attempted things (and colors) that popped and added some interest.
It may not be everybody’s taste…but I’m finding that this eclectic vintage style suits me just fine!

{sorry, i’m a terrible home or any kind of photographer…}

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living room:
couch, mirror, gold chair, entry way table ~ thrifted
credenza, cheetah chair, coffee table (which i plan to replace for something longer) ~ craigslist
rug (also already wanting to replace w/a pattern much like my background on the blog ~ walmart.com
black pillows ~ ikea
chair pillows ~ etsy
deer head ~ z gallerie

chalkboard ~ DIY w/chair rail, nails, and chalkboard paint

And then we moved to the hallway….
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frames: ikea, thrifted {i plan on matting the kids art and adding more to that wall, in time}
hand print canvas: redenvelope.com
stripes: chalkboard paint w/chair rail border {still need to paint the border to cover nails}

I’m hoping this coming weekend I can get to the kids (which is also the main bathroom), and then my plan is to tackle our master bedroom AND bathroom after that….and then the kids room after that.

Maybe, just maybe by summer, we’ll be done enough to enjoy it before I start changing things again.  

{Jimmy may have just had a mini heart attack!}
© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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organizing le closet & junk drawer

With it being the new year and all, I have had BIG goals to get organized once and for all.
The hall closet (our only storage in the WHOLE house basically) was a huge eye sore for me every time it had to be opened.  I had such good intentions to do something about it, and yet, I haven’t.
Until today.
I loaded up both kids and headed to Target to get some bins and drawer organizers and got busy the second I got home.  I gave myself 30 minutes to get whatever I could done….
What started out looking like this:
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Ended up like this:

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{almost finished with the stripes!  just have to put up the border to top it off!}
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And the junk drawer that looked like this:
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Ended up like this:
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I still have a little bit of editing to do with the stuff, but as it is, I am SO much happier and lighter with just getting this amount done.

{wicker baskets & tags: michaels; plastic baskets, black/white bins & drawer organizer: target}
© 2010 “Le Musings of Moi”
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the new family pet

Now this is the kind of family pet I can handle:
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I think Chloe called him Rah-ooole.  
Something like that, but ya know, it’s a working name in progress…
And!
The stripes in the hallway are done!  
I’m just waiting (waiting…waiting) for Jimmy to hang the border to top them off, and then pictures there will be.
Know what there won’t be?
Stripes.
In this house.
Ever again.
My word, who’s bright idea was that?!?
{p.s. i won a new blog design….still under contruction a bit, but i’m super in love.  ideas, suggestions?}
© 2010 “Le Musings of Moi”
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home inspiration

Apparently, my tumblr blog Bookmarks, is mostly become a folder of home decor inspiration with sprinkles of other inspiring stuff.
I am finding that Le Musings of Moi is my WRITING blog, and Bookmarks is my everything else.
My goodness do I feel organized!!!
If you get a chance, check it out!
© 2010 “Le Musings of Moi”
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home tour ~ entry way

Finally, my “entry way” is complete.
{for now}
And while it’s not really an official entry way, I did my best to create one.
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Wanna hear something kind of amazing about those silhouettes?
We had a woman who’s a local artist do them.
And she does it by having the kids sit sideways and then simply cuts as she looks.
No drawing.
No pictures.
Just some incredible cutting talent.

I think it would be cool to have her redo them every year.
You know, especially when Chloe has hair and her silhouette looks a little less like Taylors.
She will have hair one day, right?

As for the rest of the stuff:
As you’ll recall, the little blue table is thrifted and with a can of spray paint and a black paint pen, my sister and I changed that baby up.
The Love print is from etsy, as are the no place like home and the French Fry ones.
Those you can find here.
The white vintage frame IS vintage, and it was an ugly brown when I found it at the thrift store.
So I brought out the glossy white spray paint, and wa la.
Perfection.
Let’s see….
The “S” is from TJ Maxx.
The little trays on the table as well as the mirrored framed art are also thrifted,
and the plant & pot are from the infamous Ikea.
Whew…think that covers it.

This little area now feels just right.
It says welcome to my home.
Welcome to us.

© 2010 “Le Musings of Moi”
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this old house

I feel some change a coming. {And it actually has nothing to do with Obama!}
This move has me fawning over design sites and blogs like never before, and I’ve even started an inspiration folder of pictures. I don’t know what’s coming over me, but it’s seeming like my style is changing. I think it might have something to do with the fact that the new place is so small, and I want to make it as bright and happy as possible. Whatever the reason, I’m loving what is drawing me in. But, before I show you the inspiration of the new me, here’s what I have now.

So, you see…lot’s of neutrals. Now, look at the space I have to work with…we’ll call it the before…
And here’s my inspiration album for the new place…
I have a shopping trip to Ikea planned this week, and I can’t wait to get started making this apartment the cutest thing yet. I’m also considering having the kids share a room, and making the third bedroom a playroom. Good idea? Bad idea? We’ll see, I guess.
Anyway, I’m obsessing, yes I know. But, it’s keeping me excited about moving forward rather than being sad about what I’m leaving behind…
© 2009 “Le Musings of Moi”
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pimp your bedroom

Enough about perfecting, or not perfecting ourselves. I mean, there’s only so much internal change and deep thinking we can take in one week!
It’s time to break it up with a little home decorating convo. If you know me at all, you know by now that home decorating and home decor blogs make me happy. Very happy. A second close to chocolate actually.
So with spring on the way, I’ve decided it’s time to brighten up my life and make some changes. We all know that a little change does a home (and a heart) some good, and after a long winter, there’s no time like the present to make those changes. Since the first thing I wake up to is my bedroom, I’m starting there. Now, if there’s anything Thom from Dress My Nest (love you Thom!!!) has taught us, it’s that you should always transfer personal style into your home’s decor.  Jamie, from one of my favorite home decor blogs, Modern Design Blog, graciously agreed to help me come up with some ideas in order to do just that.  She says to first start by adding modern furniture, mix in some bright colors, eliminate excess clutter…and BAM! creating your very own modern bedroom is a cinch!  I know, it can sound overwhelming, no clutter, what?!?  So I’m going to let Jamie break it down for you. Bonk chicka wow wow, get ready to pimp your bedroom!
Don’t Be Afraid Of Color:

When it comes to painting your bedroom, don’t be afraid of a little color. With the way the economy is looking these days, combined with the toll that the winter took on many of us, think bright, happy thoughts. Color is in for 2009. Purples, blues, greens, and yellows all would provide you with visual cheer every time you walk into the room. While you don’t want to go too bright, muted down, mellow versions of all of these colors will definitely have you thinking of spring in no time!
Out With The Old, In With The New:
If you can swing it, consider updating that old bedroom set! Modern and contemporary furniture by nature is more minimalist in style with sleek lines and smooth contours. If your walls are using colors, dark hardwood bedroom furniture is a great way to tone things down a bit. Replacing your existing bed frame with a low profile platform bed is a great way to create a modern style in your bedroom. Platform beds eliminate the need for the box spring and allow you to sleep closer to the ground. Platform beds by nature give off a modern look and feel which is why you see so many featured in magazines like Domino and Elle Decor.
As for the rest of your bedroom, only furnish it with what you need. Depending on the size of your closet, you’re going to need 1 – 2 bureaus (1 tall and one long) as well as a couple of night stands. A coordinating storage chest is a good piece to have at the foot of your bed for extra blankets and bedding. If you don’t want to completely replace all of your furniture no problem. Just make sure that any new pieces you buy match both in style and finish and look into donating whatever stuff you do replace to a local charity.
Dress Up That Bed:

The bed should be the center of attention in your bedroom. Sprucing up your top of bed is a great way to keep things fresh and vibrant. Changing up your comforter or duvet a couple of times a year isn’t a bad idea. In the fall and winter, earthy or warm tones are nice, while in the spring and summer, you’re going to want something a bit cooler. Reversible comforters are great for quick changes, in case you get bored and can’t wait for the seasons to change. If painting your walls is too extreme, use your bedding to experiment with colors. Get some coordinating throw pillows of different shapes and sizes and liven things up a bit.
Ditch The Clutter:
Pack rats aren’t going to like this advice. With the fast approaching change in season, consider now the perfect time to start spring cleaning! A modern-looking bedroom needs to be free from excess clutter. This includes chachkes displayed on your dresser or vanity, books piled up on the floor, etc. If you’ve got clothes pouring out of your closet, perhaps it’s time to consider a closet organizer of some kind. Don’t be afraid to get rid of some stuff too. Reduce, reuse and recycle! Look into charities in your area that accept used clothing, shoes, books and whatever else you have to give.
Finishing Touches:

Once your floors are clear, you can start thinking about the finishing touches. Add a couple of nice, soft area rugs in colors that complement your walls and bedding. Put up some nice framed photographs or prints to decorate your bare walls. You don’t have to go too crazy with the decorations – just make it tasteful and simple. Bring in some fresh flowers from time to time. This will be a nice, fragrant addition to your space.
If all of this still seems overwhelming – never fear! You don’t have to tackle it all at once. Start out by painting, or replacing some of your furniture. Rest assured, with this change in scenery, you’ll be sleeping easier at night.
© 2009 “Le Musings of Moi”
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redecorating

I’m in redecorating mode.
I’ve filled my closet (well, not filled, but enough for this week anyway) with all my shopping habits lately, and now I’m moving onto the house. First order of business is my living room.
You must know the first rule of putting an area rug in any room, is that it has to be anchored by all pieces of furniture. I know this. I KNEW this…so I don’t know why I purchased a rug that wasn’t going to follow this rule. Oh wait, I know why. It was less expensive. I’m much too thrifty for my own good sometimes.
Anyway, as soon as we got it home, I knew it was all wrong. But, for the last year my husband kept trying to convince me it looked awesome.
But, I can’t pretend anymore. It doesn’t. It’s bad. And every time I watch the STYLE network or HGTV, or I read one of my decorating magazines, I feel such a twinge of regret.
With the new year approaching, it’s time for change. No more regret. I’m saying goodbye the wrong rug.
So, I called my interior decorator. My sister Heather. She has this business, Northwest Staging in Washington State, and basically she goes in and decorates homes for sale so they are more buy-worthy. She is amazing and has such a knack for interior design. This is the same sister who sells those adorable Curly Wire Card Holders you’ve been dreaming about buying!
She’s been in on my rug dilemna, and so I begged her for help. I gave her my price, size and color requirements and within an hour, I had an email with the most ah-mazing rug ever ever ever.

It’s way better and much less expensive than the Pottery Barn Rug I’ve admired from afar:

I mean….it’s on sale for $200! From 400! And what??? Free shipping??? I die. I freaking die.
***(Never in my life did I think I would write an entire post and be excited about…a rug. Ah, the life, the life.)***
© 2008 “Le Musings of Moi”
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christmas gift idea: curly wire card holder

I know I’ve mentioned these before, but I definitely needed to bring them up again since it’s the season for giving…to others and to ourselves.
You’ve seen them in Pottery Barn selling for $49:


But my sister makes them even better and sells them for $20 on etsy! Come on now, it’s half the price and nobody will be any the wiser that you didn’t pay full price from PB itself!

Go check them out! curlywire.etsy.com And spend, spend, spend! Tell her I said hi!
© 2008 “Le Musings of Moi”
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the shopping cycle (obsession?)

I have some obsessions.

Working Out, Blogging, Shopping, Reading, Skin Care…Every week (or day, or hour….) it changes.

Right now I’m in the shopping category.
Do you ever find yourself in a strange kind of shopping cycle?

My sister and I were talking awhile ago about how we seem to go through phases of only needing clothes, then suddenly purses or shoes….or in my case right now, shopping to redo my entire house. But, what’s funny is it never seems to be all things at once, to my credits cards (and husbands) happiness.

So, being that I’m 7 weeks away from my due date, I could be in nesting mode. But, whatever the reason is, I suddenly want to redo my entire house. I’ve been frantically searching online for ideas and inspiration, and have spent way too much gas driving from place to place to find just the right thing.

Here’s what is keeping me from my writing this week…(besides eating and working out to combat all the eating…)

First of all, I’ve decided my black and white room needs a splash of color. Desire to Inspire has helped with this, so I’m now looking for some art that has a touch of yellow.



Then my sister sent me a link to these adorable decals (we like to feed each others addiction to shopping), and since then I’ve been all obsessed with finding just the right decals for my rented home. I think I found every kind of decal on Etsy and here’s the one I’m definitely going to get for the baby’s room.

Oh, the baby’s room. That’s the real time taker. Rate My Space and I became quite acquainted on Saturday and I found this room that I adored!!! Suddenly, I needed much of the details I saw to be in my baby’s room as well. I am already ordering the swirl from etsy, Jimmy is drawing the hat/coat rack this week, and I’ve added in the touches of green to break up all the pink and brown. I also need the hat boxes to sit alongside my rocking chair, but I can’t seem to find them anywhere….and….(the obsession continues).







So, now you see what’s been in my head for the last week, and will continue to be in my head until I finish. I have this thing when I get an idea, it needs to happen and be finished NOW! It’s one of the qualities that my husband really loves about me (not really), especially because he is EXACTLY the opposite. I’ve learned to get an ETA from him now when I hand over a project…

But, that’s another topic for another post.

And here’s my day about to start: I just finished eating, heading to the gym soon to burn off the unnecessary chocolate I ate at 8 in the morning, and then off to TJ Maxx and Michael’s to get more things to feed my obsession.

When all is done, I will post the finished products. =)

© 2008 “Le Musings of Moi”
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