The Perfect Masterpiece

I admit that I am terrible when it comes to decorating with art. I pretty much have nothing on our walls. Just a few framed photographs. It's sad because I actually love art and I think it can really pull a room together. For that reason, I have vowed to not neglect the walls in our new home.

Like many things for the home, art can be extremely pricey but it doesn't have to be. I recently asked my 4-year-old daughter what color she wanted her bedroom to be painted. She told me rainbow! Since I'm not sure I want to commit to that with the wall color, I had another idea...

I picked up a white canvas at Hobby Lobby. I used a 40% off coupon that is almost always available on their website. I was able to get a two-pack for about $5.00 (saving one for a future project). As soon as we got it home, Audrey couldn't wait to start painting a rainbow for her bedroom. I helped her draw the lines lightly with pencil and she was ready to pick up a brush and start painting! She did a beautiful job and I can't wait to see it hanging in her room.

Audrey is so proud of her piece. She told me that she was a "real" artist and that melted my heart. Teaching kindergarten for the past two years has taught me that young children possess amazing creativity and I want my own children to discover it within themselves. I plan to let my little artist create many more pieces which we will proudly display in our home.

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Taking Inventory

The thought of furnishing an entire home is truly overwhelming to me. I want the different spaces in our home to be beautiful and I want them to be a reflection of who we are. I hope to save money by using many of the existing pieces we already have. Unfortunately, many of the things in our current home are drab, boring, and not at all us. My plan, therefore, is to take these pieces and give them a face lift so that they are beautiful, interesting moments in our new home. So...today I'm taking inventory. I'm looking for pieces in my home that could be potential projects and that with a little TLC will give my home the style I'm hoping for. Many of these projects are inspired by the work my friend has done in her home. Check out her blog "My Life in Projects" for some great ideas!

You may recognize this first piece. It's your typical, mass-produced bookshelf from IKEA. I don't plan on doing anything to the piece itself; however, I want to style it in a new way. The colors right now are not doing it for me. I also want it to be functional in the room off of the kitchen. It will house reading materials for the whole family, art & writing supplies, and maybe a few toys for the kids.

And for the same room that will serve as a family lounging, reading, crafting space; I will use this coffee table. I love this table because it belonged to my grandparents. It is a part of my history and can still see it in their formal living room topped with a gorgeous vase. I have had the table since we lost my grandpa in 2001 (my grandma seven years earlier) and it has seen its better days. With a little sanding, priming, and painting; however, it could be beautiful again. I'm thinking either gray or a fun pop of color. Underneath I will tuck a couple of poufs like these from Sarena & Lily that the kids can use. (Or, I may have a hand at making them myself by following this tutorial.) That way, the table will double as a coffee table and a craft table for Audrey and Will.

I think these next two pieces will go in the powder room. The first one was again from my grandparents. I plan to paint it white and use it to house a few bathroom items. The mirror is from my childhood bedroom and I want to paint it a pretty blue and hang it above the sink.

Looks like I'm going to be busy this summer! Be sure to check back to see my progress and hopefully some amazing "after" pics. Pin It

Thrifty Style

Since we've been saving for our home  for what seems like a million years, I have really had to watch my spending. So, although I have pretty much had to sacrifice traditional mall shopping altogether; I don't feel that I've had to sacrifice style. I frequent places like Target, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, and Payless. I am often amazed that I can find such fabulous stuff at a pricepoint that won't break the bank.

I love Target for so many different reasons. Here's one of them...yep, my local Target has an in-house Starbucks. You gotta love that!

Anyways, Target is definitely a thrifty girl's playground. I have shopped their for many years for fun, stylish clothes and accessories that I can actually afford. But even at a place like Target, I'm always looking for a deal so  I love to browse the clearance accessory wall.

My latest find consists of these two pieces...

I love the colorful pop of neon in the scarf, which is definitely trending right now. It's a lovely silk texture which is perfect for Spring. The earrings are a little larger than I usually wear but I love that they are wooden. I love the contrast of the organic material paired with the bright, colorful scarf.

My complete look also consisted of a pair of dark skinny jeans (the only pair that I can actually fit into post-baby) and a simple, white tee; making it a perfect laid back, stylish look for Spring. Oh...and in case you were wondering, I got both pieces for a whopping $10. Now, that's a steal! 

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Life is...amazing!

My family and I are definitely living the charmed life right now and we are so thankful for all that we have and all that is yet to come. Six weeks ago my husband and I welcomed our new son, William. There is nothing like having a new baby to help you realize how good life is. Four-year-old big sis, Audrey, has been on cloud nine, as well. She loves her new brother to death. So much, in fact, that I often have to shield him from her unrelenting hugs and kisses.

But that's not all...

We are also in the process of building our dream home. We have been talking about and planning this adventure since before my husband, Aaron, and I were married six years ago. Actually, we've been dreaming about it since we began dating 12 years ago. That's right! I married my high school sweetheart and 12 years later, we have two children and are finally realizing a dream we made so long ago. When I say dream home, I am talking about a 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath ranch situated on a wooded 3.5-acre lot. Nothing extravagant...just a perfect, cozy family home in which we will raise our children (and our 3 dogs), entertain our friends and family, and one day grow old together.

The blueprints to our home are being finalized. My husband and my father-in-law are clearing our land and dig day is just weeks away. I am beyond excited! Fortunately, I am currently on maternity leave from my job as a Kindergarten teacher (miss you kiddos!), which means that when I'm not changing diapers, feeding Will, playing dress-up, doing puzzles, or going to the park; I am researching everything and anything that has to do with decorating and furnishing my new home. I am addicted to HGTV where I am getting so much inspiration. My fave designers are Emily Henderson, Sabrina Soto, and David Bromstad. I love, love, love their work and I am hoping to make them proud as I create the spaces in my home. But, more on that later.

Right now, we are here...

In this place, I will be documenting this amazing journey one step at a time. Dreams do come true! Pin It