Cute napkin rings

Here's a close up of it.  How cute are they???

Cute napkin rings

Yesterday I spent the day with mom for my Birthday.  Had a great lunch and shopped. Most all the stores are just getting their fall and holiday items out so we browsed through all the fun stuff.  It doesn't quite feel fallish yet being it was 110 degrees outside, but we imagined it cooler.   I came across the cutest napkin rings that I couldn't resist.   I came home and set the table as if I were having guests over for a casual meal just to see how cute they look.  I bought a set of six. Here's some pics.....

Home Office

So I've been reorganizing our home office area making the bedroom work as a guest room as well.  I have a beautiful twin bed done by Refreshed Decor and had to figure out a way to make everything fit.  So, here is my office nitch now.  I took the doors off the closet and walla! My office desk is pretty big but it fit just perfect. I still have more to do but at least it's in it's place and there is plenty of room in here now. Getting the rest of the room done, til next time.......

New repainted Lamp

And here's the repainted lamp.  I started with plain white and it was really white! So I toned it down with an almond color.  I think it turned out pretty good for a first timer, don't you? Plus it only took a few minutes to paint and 1 hr. to dry. Simple and cheap, I like that!

Repainted lamp

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before

My first paint project.  So here's the before pics of the lamp. 

Fabric Ideas

I've picked out some fabric samples for the drapes, bedding and accent pillows.  I can't decide what I want yet but I like these ones. I like the tan colored linen fabric for the drape panels.  Any thoughts?

Home office/guest room design update

I just got some new peices from the wonderful Refreshed Decor and I am excited to see how everything comes together.  In my previous post I showed some before pics of my home office/guest room.  The only thing I had done was paint the walls a light gray and housed my desk inside the closet area. (only way to fit everything in here).  I already had a dresser which keeps all my office supplies and other fun stuff so now awaiting the bed set up with my end table.  I am in the process of picking out fabric for the drapes, bedding and accent pillows.  I also took on a lamp painting  project this afternoon.  This would be my first experience with paint (other than my kitchen cabinets that I had help with).  It is drying now and hope it turns out ok.  Not too worried, I've had these old lamps for years and this seemed like a better choice than heading to my favorite store (Marshall's Homegoods at Desert Ridge) and spending money.  Here's a few preview pics.....

Flowers

Flowers on my dining table brought from my mom and dear friend Kristen!

Recipe

For any of you who like fresh and light salad dressings, here's an easy one that I use and love. I like to mix field greens and crunchy romaine, dried cranberries, candied pecans, or grilled pears and sprinkle fun cheese like apricot stilton on top of the salad.  You can add grilled and sliced chicken breast to make it a complete meal.  Delish!

Honey Citrus Vinaigrette

Makes:  about 1 cup
Prep:  15 min
Stand: 1 hr

2 teaspoons orange zest
5 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced scallions
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Stir together first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl.  Whisk in olive oil until incorporated. Stir in remaining ingredients.  Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before using.

Catching up

I am home going through all my old magazines, getting inspired for new ideas and projects to tackle once I'm up and about.  Day 4 post surgery and I am walking around the house quite a bit.  Still pretty sore though.  Today I had my first cup of coffee, yum yum, and I went outside to water the plants.  It looked like it was nice and cool outside, but suprise...it's hot and muggy.  I am thinking about making dinner tonight since everyone else has been feeding me the past few days.......

Faux Armoire Idea

This is where I got the idea for the faux armoire.  This will free up a whole wall in the room by putting the dresser in the closet. 

Smart Closet Conversion Project

Our third bedroom has been converted to my office and I am at a stand still because it is small, no doubt.  I currently have a dresser, a pretty large vintage table turned desk, a large wicker rocking chair and another odd ball table that holds my printer and a few other things.  I also want to put a twin bed in here so I've been trying to get creative and figure out how to make this all work.  Here's a great idea I got out of a magazine.

The faux armoire......I am going to take the doors off and either paint the interior closet a fun color, wallpaper or I though of cutting foam core board the size of the back and applying a cute paper or fabric to it. This may be the least expensive and less time consuming (I'm all about that!) Plus, it's non permanent so I can change it at any time. It's hard to see in the picture but the walls I have already painted a light neutral gray, going for the beachy cottage theme in here.  I have a twin headboard and a bedside table being made by the amazing Refreshed Decor and will put up drapery panels hanging from the very top of the ceiling which will help make the room look larger, I hope...he he....

So, the before pics came out pretty dark, it's over cast out right now but you get the idea.....I hope to get this all done by first of October.  I will be out of commision for a week or so with surgery but can't wait to start! This is the fun stuff!

Wedding

I'm testing out uploading pics....

How do I change font size and style on my blog title???

So, I've got my official blog up. It's cute but the background may be to fussy. I can't seem to figure out how to change my blog title font/size........I need to develop more patience......Uploaded a pic though, that's a start :)

My first post....testing....testing

I have found this is not as easy I hoped for...... we'll give it whirl