Kitchen progress....

I guess I need to post on my blog more often about how I'd like things to get done around the house! The day after I posted this entry, Joel decided to put the beaded board up! I can't even explain to you what a difference it has made in the kitchen.  I still have to prime and put a fresh coat of white on it before I can show you a true before/after post, but here's a teaser. Check out the walls before!

Nasty formica that was peeling, sticky and just plain ugly. Maybe it was in style when they first put it in back in 19-FOREVER ago.
Now look at what it looks like presently....

Can you even believe that?
Seriously, I could kiss that man on the mouth. Actually, I think I will. :)
Anyway,  after we got the glorious white goodness on the walls, I decided to change the paint color above it.  You can see in the first picture above that it was a light citrus green, sorta 'appley'. Now, it's a light turquoise, painted in a high gloss and it has made such a difference. I couldn't bring myself to do an all-white kitchen, but maybe someday. I guess I'm just a sucker for having at least SOME color on the walls, even if it's light or pale.
Next on the list: touch up the cabinets, get an over-the-range microwave, install a pantry in the garbage cabinet, and hang shelves where the spice racks used to be.
I'll post more pictures as I continue to change things. I SO love re-decorating, much to my husbands' chagrin.  (You love it, honey!)

Dream Interiors: Kids Room Inspiration

I thought this was funny. A bit over the line maybe, but still gave me a chuckle!

Moving right along.

So, as I told you last week, we moved the 3 big kids all into the same room. It just seemed wrong to have one kid in that huge master bedroom upstairs. (Huge, meaning, probably about the size of most people's smallest bedroom. But thats what ya get when you live in a teeny colonial cottage!). 
But, I digress.
The 3 beds fit great in there.  However, as many of you know, I cannot go very long between colors of rooms. Right now, it is the color I painted it almost 2 years ago: Avacado green.  So, I'll soon be repainting that bedroom. And I already have the paint. A very cool grey, almost white.
I've been leaning towards cooler colors lately, and away from the warm earthy tones I used to love. Here are some of my favorite inspiration photos I've found while searching the Interwebs.

As you can see, I also lean towards vintage. This last picture is almost the exact wall color that I just painted Haven's room, and I plan on decorating with a little bit of that olive green there on the bed.
I'll make sure and show you the before/after shots of the kids rooms because, well, this is a crafty blog so how could I not?!
Since we're moving the kids all upstairs, I will also be able to have an office/craft room/guest room. So, you'll be seeing photos of that too!
PS almost all of these photos are on my 'Youngin's' board on my Pinterest. Come follow me!

Blessings!

Bedroom Makeover!

That's right, folks. I'm on a makeover kick and I am lovin' it! I'm not quite sure I'm 100% settled on the bedding in my room, but let me know what you think. Here is the before of the room:

BEFORE w/ a cute kid

BEFORE

Although it was cute before, it didn't really fit with my style (that I'm still discovering.) I LOVE the headboard still, but I was really looking for a brighter, happier room, as opposed to the somewhat dingy looking walls and dark comforter. The curtains we had previously were cream also, which I've developped a dislike for and prefer bright white now. So, without furhter adieu, the new bedroom!

Isn't that so nice?! Greyish white walls, bright white blanket, colorful pillows and a new happy garland.  Like I said, not totally set on the pillows but I dig it right now. As for the curtains, check it:

Bright white. And I added this sweet mexican tapestry to the closet that was previously curtain-less. Do you see that super cute sconce next to the window? It used to be brown, but since I needed more color...

BRIGHT BLUE. I'm in love.

And lastly, just an added little bonus for Joel, above his dresser:

L.O.V.E

 

And there you have it, friends!

Next on the list, Ash and Bella's room. And I'm repainting it a neutral, whitish color because apparetnly I'm obsessed with white walls!  Scananavian, maybe?! I do have an unnatural love for Ikea....

Hmm..
:)

So so so ready...

I am so jealous of all of my friends in the south. Their kids started school yesterday....mine don't go back for another 3 weeks! Will we make it?!!

Well of course we will, but it seems so far away. We don't spend a ton of time outside right now due to the  two pitbulls that moved in on either side of us (Sorry if you own one. I hate them. Like, hate. With a fiery passion.), and we're waiting for our backyard fence to be finished getting installed.  It's going to be a beautiful thing. I can't WAIT!
But wait we must.
So, we'll be doing some fun things to keep busy! I've been looking up some fun ideas for us to do, and thought I'd share some of the inspiration. For all you moms out there who are looking for ways to fill up the last few weeks of summer, here ya go!

DIY Window Paints at Modern Parents, Messy Kids

Tissue Paper pom-poms by Martha Stewart (I know this is a stupid idea since all the tiny pieces of tissue paper will end up on every surface of my home within minutes, but it'll keep them happy, and that's what it's about.)

Fitted Sheet Tent by Martha Stewart
I think my kids will love this one if they would just not touch the broom!

 Painting Rocks!  (also by Ms. Martha)

Homemade Playdough!

I'm sure there'll be more that I think of soon, but for now, these should keep us busy. Hoping to find some good projects online to do with cardboard boxes...any ideas?

If you've been following the progress on the house, we're getting there! I've finished painting the part under the front windows, and we've got our new mailbox up, after some wood repair. Joel still has quite a bit of repairing and patching up to do around the windows before we can finish that, and I need to get up on the top of the porch and scrape so we can paint the window trim up there, but I'll be sure to post pictures when it's all done!
 I hope everyone gets motivated to do some small (or big!) touch ups on their houses too! It feels good and makes the neighborhood look a little brighter too.
I'm on the lookout for one of these:

That's my next wish! In the meantime, I'll be doing some fun redecorating IN the house.

I've been spending my spare time listening to David Pawson, who is one of my favorite teachers. So encouraging, informative and just a sweet old man. Check him out if you want to be changed, educated, and convicted.  Years ago, I listened to entire 12 disc series he taught on the book of Revelation, but lately I've been going through his teachings on this website. I LOVED all the information he gave on the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. His British accent makes him so easy to listen to, but don't listen while you're too tired, or he may just lull you into a nap. :)

Have a good day, friends! Let me know what fun projects you've been doing with your kids, and what new decorating projects you are/will be doing!

Thank you, Pinterest...

...you have stolen hours of my life.

Ok, maybe that's my own fault. But seriously, if you haven't been over there, you must. However, be prepared. You will not get up for another 3 hours so bring coffee, a pillow to sit on, and some snacks. Here's some proof for you: Funny, wierd, or awesome things I've found on Pinterest today.

Um, hello? Yes.

My husband must have this. Not that he likes to punch people in the face. But he likes to joke about it. What better place to keep your potential victims' names?

Want.

I laughed out loud at this one. I so remember playing that game in the car when I was little and always wanted to quit halfway! I wish I knew if this sign was real and where it was.

Are you seeing this, ladies? THANK YOU! Now, if the next Barbie I see has a muffin top, you can count me in.

crafty/decor/fashion round up

Since I don't have any finished projects to post about here, I thought I'd link to some of the websites I 'bookmared' in the past few days. Some crafty, some design, some fashion...have fun surfing!

This blog is one of my favorites for decorating and diy. I just love all the white walls with splashes of color!

I can't wait to make this dress for someone. Me, or Bella? Or both? Oh, to dream...

I don't know why I love this bathroom so much...normally I'm drawn to lighter colored walls but this just sucked me right in! I think it's the blend of modern and vintage decor, and because it seems like something I could actually do in my own home...Hmm! Another ' maybe someday' project. :)

I love love love this idea for planting stuff. I've been bookmarking alot of crafts that involve chalkboard paint, so I think it might be time to go get me some.

I never knew I was into vintage clothes until I started surfing around my new favorite website/blog, Smile and Wave. Head over there if you need a fix of vintage, and maybe a few chuckles. This chick is funny and easy to read!

And lastly, this is the most recent thing I added to my 'sewing' bookmarks folder just this morning. Now that I know how to sew with elastic thread, this will be easy peasy.

Have fun!  Let me know what you think! Do you enjoy any of the same things I do?