Thursday, October 30, 2014

One Room Challenge: Week 5


Here we are, already at Week 5 and I'm freaking out just a little bit. Doing everything I want to do in this room is definitely a bigger task than what you start out thinking. Especially when there was a week that not much happened {this week!} 

Things that are kind of in limbo...
-One wingback is on a trip getting fitted for a new look {slipcover}.
-My lamps are here with out shades...hoping the ones I ordered do the trick.
-The stairs are done for our part, now we are waiting on the railing pieces to paint/stain so the contractor can install them.
-My sweet Mom is working on my throw pillows and I'm thrilled about them! She will be hand delivering them Tuesday :)
-I decided to try my hand at making roman shades. That project is taking over the dining room. Stephen almost mistaked it for the usual white tablecloth we have on the table. That would've been fun.

Here is a before and after of our stairs from insta {missdixie30}...
I have to say I am extremely proud of us for tackling this monster. Everyone that walked in this house a few months ago was adamant that we start from scratch. I loveee them. Don't get me wrong, they are not perfect but our house isn't either. And they have so much character with that old pine.


Things to be done:
-Decide on what to do with the mantel and beams. I gave the mantel a coat of stain praying it would magically work. Well it did and I loved the dark walnut color to match the stairs, but as soon as I put a coat of poly on it came right off. Darn it!!!
-Artwork. No idea how it's all going to come together.
-Paint the brick wall.
-Install a new recessed light over the fireplace.
-Loads of over things that are currently slipping my mind.

Also, another decision to make: originally we had this table against the brick wall, but I pulled in a desk from the living room. I like it but now I am trying to decide how to style it. Make shift bar? Or a true desk that you could sit at?


Whew! I have my work cut out for me, along with a really busy week ahead and I'm so nervous how I'm going to pull this one off. Good luck to all the designers and linkers as we finish up this week!! I also want to say thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone that has taken the time to comment. I truly value and appreciate each one and you have kept me going on this thing! 

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Swing Sweater Review

It's l.o.v.e! I don't know why it took me this long to purchase one, but I am so glad I did. I opted for navy since I didn't have a great sweater in the classic color. I was amazed at how well it fits. It drapes perfectly and fits to my arms. I was a teensy bit worried it would make me look huge because some oversize sweaters do that to me. This one gets two thumbs up. The best part is they are additional 30% off with code STYLETREAT. The swing sweater is still available in most sizes in the lavender and light blue. I think the light blue might be headed my way now! 


Do you have it/how many do you own? I'm telling you it's worth it!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Pumpkin Everythang

Would you believe me if I told you I've never had a PSL? True story! Honestly, it doesn't sound all that appealing to me but I am mainly a tea drinker anyway. {And because my husband is probably googling PSL- it stands for Pumpkin Spice Latte! ;) } However, I did a quick search on my own pinterest boards and whoa, apparently I secretly love some pumpkin. Anyway, I thought this week would be a good time to bring our neighbors a festive fall pumpkin treat. They have brought us over several things and I have yet to return the favor. Embarrassing! But maybe I can make up for it with something amazing. If you have a tried and true pumpkin recipe, please shoot it my way! Most of these can be found under my Sweet Tooth board. 





Thursday, October 23, 2014

One Room Challenge: Week Four

I join everyone else this week in saying holy cow, we are already at Week 4. I'll jump right in today with what is going on in the den. Lots of things in my head, and less tangible things in the room. I didn't have time to take great photos and edit nonetheless, so here we go.

Incredibly excited about my Craigslist scores....two of these babies for $75. Yes please!!!! I never have Craigslist luck so I'm majorly pumped. Thank you to my amazing parents who hopped in the car to drive and get them for me since they are 2.5 hours away.


Stairs are being stained....and I love.



I found a rug! I never can figure out what I want in a rug, but I like the scale of this one. Makes the room seem bigger.


I should have the slipcover back tomorrow for the loveseat. My sweet lady came to fit it on Monday and it's looking good.


Stole this from the living room to go between the wingbacks...


And an early birthday present for me from an estate sale! 


And the grand finale of this week...I changed out the knob on the coffee table.
 Big things happenin y'all!


Thanks again to Linda hosting the One Room Challenge...make sure to check in on everyones progress linking today, and the designers of course too! 


Thursday, October 16, 2014

One Room Challenge: Week 3

Welcome back and I'm so glad that you are checking in on my little One Room Challenge! This week I feel like we accomplished so much, but we will see what you think.

First things first, I decided to go ahead and get a slipcover made in a white denim for the loveseat. I really wanted something I can easily maintain and this was the only way to accomplish that. The fabric will be pre shrunk so it will be machine washable...that is SO nice to not have a totally ruined piece of furniture if you have an unfortunate mishap. I found a sweet, sweet lady to do the slipcover and she came and measured yesterday. I can't wait to see it done! Below I have it draped with a white sheet just so I could see how it looked. 


I also draped the wingbacks with two different grey throws I have, because I have decided on a grey twill for them. That fabric hasn't arrived yet... and I also have to lock in someone to get the job done in just a few weeks. Fingers crossed that works! 


I worked on the small bookcase next to the TV and I am loving it. I can see it from the kitchen and I love all the personality and color with out being too overwhelming. 



We have quite a collection of blue vintage jars and I love this showcase of them! It also give the bookcase a nice break from little objects and books, making a statement.

 

I enlisted Stephen's help to fancy up the bookcase just a tad bit, and add furniture feet. I was really bothered because the shelf seemed so low, which it was. Even though its no fancy shelf, it still does wonders that it's a little taller for the eye. I'll share the process in that soon! Pretty easy. I still have to touch up the feet a little bit but we are on our way.




And circling back to my favorite part, I am loving seeing some pops of color in the form of fabric! I had bought the chiang mai sample a while back, and the blue and white as well. I picked up the plaid on a whim this week and I am amazed how much I love it together! 



And what we spent a good deal of time working on, the stairs! Here are some befores...



We are still in the process, but we demo'ed the railing, patched and started on the risers.


It may not seem like a big difference but I swear it is. Next up is sanding the treads and staining, which I started trying out below.


I used this Valspar paint and I have absolutely loved it! 


Thats all for me this week. I feel better about the direction we are headed in with some major decisions tackled, but there is still so much more to do! 

Make sure to check out all the lovely designers and everyone else linking up to the One Room Challenge. Thanks again for reading y'all.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

An Amazing Salad + Shopbop Sale!

First off, I want to share this amazing salad that we have made twice already this week. I had it at my parents house several weeks ago and couldn't wait to have it at home. I get sooo tired of a basic salad that I just don't even care to eat them. This changes all that and its super easy (no chopping extra veggies!) The one thing that makes it is definitely the dressing, which is from Whole Foods. I had my Mom bring me some last week since we don't have one here! 



BLACKBERRY PECAN SALAD

Romaine Lettuce
Blackberry Vinaigrette 
Gorgonzola Cheese
Glazed Pecans {I actually used regular chopped pecans}
Dried Cranberries

Wash and dry chopped romaine, and top with ingredients!



I served this with Christina's Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin on Sunday night...and Stephen was impressed! Wowza, that tenderloin is a new favorite!! Really, such a fantastic fall meal! 

________________________


I know I usually don't post back to back shopping posts, but this is too good to skip. Shopbop just started their Friends and Family sale, which is so exciting. 25% off y'all. Some people shop sales for things that they never would buy under normal circumstances, like a fancy dress or tall leather boots. I take these opportunities to stock up on staples! I'm talking jeans, booties, jackets, etc. These are my investment pieces that I do spend more on, but I do like to price shop when I know I am spending a good amount of money on something. When you know you need these things, you can easily coordinate your buying during sales. I picked out some of my favorites below to get you thinking...

I'm secretly obsessed with Sorel boots {and if it ever gets cold enough} I hope I can wear them all weekend long running errands and grocery shopping in comfort, or even just taking the dogs out for a little walk. I love my slim illusion jeans, but my Mom is bragging on the Photo Ready pair...tough choice! I've heard great things about the Spanx leggings and I love the leather touch. And it is hard to pick a favorite between all of these booties. You pretty much can't go wrong!

Monday, October 13, 2014

Sweater Weather

Are you enjoying wearing comfy, cozy sweaters yet? I am not. It is so stinking hot here and I am so dreaming of sweater weather. I love summer so much, but when we are approaching mid-October and my summer clothes are no longer appropriate or appealing, I just want to wear some fall clothes. I rounded up a few pretty sweaters that are all on sale {some sales are ending today!}


These pretties are all at Piperlime, {Enter FALL20 at checkout, ends tonight}


Everyone's favorite Swing Sweater is quite the deal today with free shipping and extra 40% off! I am pulling the trigger on this one.


While browsing Madewell, I was so pleasantly surprised on how much I loved their collection of sweaters, maybe my favorite so far. Each looks to be flattering and comfortable. Something I can easily throw on with a pair of great fitting jeans and boots and feel good. That is my go-to outfit in the fall {or winter} These are all 30% off with code OHFALL.

I love how pretty this Cable Front Sweater is. I am loving the cable look this year! This Texturework Sweater reminds me of the swing sweater but a little shorter, just a classic piece. This is a fun twist on a basic sweater, the Tracklist Side Zip. And I love this vibrant color in the Firelight Pullover!

Thursday, October 9, 2014

One Room Challenge: Week 2

Welcome back to the second week of the ORC. This week I crossed off the first thing on my to do list- painting the den! I stuck true to the idea in my mind, and painted the walls a charcoal color. With all the  white trim, paneling and brick, I knew the room could handle the deep color. I started out by testing several colors....


The two top colors are actually the same color, which is the one I ended up choosing. The two bottom left colors just seemed a little too cold and dark. And the bottom right was actually just a sample I had on hand from a long time ago, revere pewter. I actually found my final choice when I was browsing through the latest Pottery Barn. I love looking at rooms and seeing if I can find a paint source. I think it is a great starting point, however, they can always look way different in your room.


I really lucked out by trying this one. It is Mink by Sherwin Williams, and I had it matched at Lowes in a Valpsar paint. It was dark enough for some depth and personality, but not too dark like the others, seeming black. I love how it looks with the gold, which was my determining factor. This room is going to have lots of pops of gold! 

I also starting working on the bookshelves. They still have a long way to go. These shelves were originally in Stephen's office in our last house. And they were jam packed full of "man things" so we are having to compromise here and make them presentable for the den, yet still include some of his collectibles. I really don't mind because I think a mix is interesting and personal. However, it cracks me up to look at these photos with the book titles...we are ranging from everything from Nascar to Emily Giffin to Drew Brees to Design Sponge! One thing I did was flip the book jackets inside out so the white side was showing instead of the colorful book side. I wanted a more streamlined look and this was an easy way to achieve that. I also bought some large scrapbook paper in gold and white and cut custom sized book jackets for some smaller books. Loving this touch! 





I also spent a good deal of time researching fabric for my slipcovers and ordered some samples. Of course, the wrong sample got sent to me that I needed to get the slipcover going. And then, a strange thing happened. Once the walls got painted the dark charcoal, I didn't hate the gold and yellow fabric on the chairs/loveseat. Of course, I don't want to use both of them together, but I think one or the other could work. And that would just be so fantastic for my budget. What are your thoughts? The original plan was the loveseat would be slipcovered in a white denim {good for babies/dogs and a little more casual} and the the wingbacks in a light grey velvet. I will be adding in some blue and white, yellow/gold tones and possibly a pop of lilac or pinky-red. How is that for indecisiveness? Rugs will be switched around, throws, add pillows, lamps, etc. So basically we are working with a blank slate! Once again, would love your advice!

Here are the two pieces of furniture next to each other for comparison:


Don't forget to check out what everyone else is up to at the One Room Challenge...
thanks for checking in with me this week!

Monday, October 6, 2014

Tory Eye Candy + Sale Picks

If you plan on buying some Tory Burch this fall, you might as well do it today. Today is the last of the Friends + Fans Event, where you receive 25% off with code FRIENDLIEST. I am really loving her fall shoe collection with updated styles, but also sure to be classics. I wear my Tory Burch shoes for-ev-er. I mean, they do last forever and they are timeless. They end up being so worth the price tag in the long run. Here is what I have my eye on! 

I love a good pair of booties- these are perfection with that heel and beautiful suede! Get in my closet.



I picture these being the shoe you literally want to throw on every day. They can be very casual, or just simple and cute with a fun outfit. These are pretty in silver too.


We all own these right? Ok mine are on their last leg, I have had them for YEARS. But they still are one of my favorite shoes!


I don't own any in silver, and I love the finish on these. I think they would brighten up a black ensemble in the midst of a dreary winter!

Wow, these are gorgeous. If I had more nights out (haha, right!) these would be #1 on my list. They are insane.

These are too cute, and another classic. I love the tortoise shell touch.
And I had to include this sweet little hat. I mean, it's precious...is it not! 
I'm now dreaming of a snow day.

Hope y'all had a great fall weekend...it's finally starting to feel like it here!