Home | A Homemade Christmas

I should really be working on some Christmas cards right now while Cody and Seb are napping, but instead I'm blogging, because I've been itching to share our humble Christmas decorations with you.

These decorations are my favorite, even though they're much more simple than we've ever had in the past. When I opened our bin of Christmas decorations, none of our lights worked, and I realized that beyond a wreath, a bag of red potpourri, and our Christmas ornaments, we had nothing. After buying a few strands of lights, I got to work trying to liven the place up with some homemade decorations. I love that I spent absolutely nothing on these decorations, but find them to be the most pleasant and homey. In the first picture, you can see our Trader Joe's paper bag chain (they have templates on their bags! I'm so glad we forgot our reusable bags that week!). My biggest triumph was the homemade garland for our big dining nook wall. I used fabric scraps, and Gold ornaments that we couldn't fit on our little tree. And last but not least, the most insignificant of details, but also my favorite, this little flag that say "O Holy Night." I've had that stamp for several years, and used some leftover Trader Joe's bag. The stick is from the front yard!

This tradition of homemade decor is definitely something I am going to keep up with. I can't wait until Seb can lend a helping hand!

Have you decorated?

If you haven't yet, check out Nat the Fat Rat's Christmas tree series! It's so fun to see what some of your favorite bloggers like to do with their Christmas decorations. How do you decorate your tree?

No matter what our Christmas tree looks like, this guy will always make an appearance. My older sister has Jack. I found out a couple years ago that they are McDonald's Happy Meal ornaments from 1987. Probably the only reason to like McDonald's! Haha.

Home Decor | Personal style = home style

I was watching the Nate Berkus Show for the first time, and was so excited for what I saw and learned. It was a home transformation based on the idea of taking personal style i.e. favorite clothing, colors, accessories and textures to create an interior space. It really made me think more about what I actually love. What clothes do I love to wear and how could they be translated into my home interior?

No wonder I have home interior schizophrenia! My wardrobe is much the same way. Ha!

I do know that I love to wear stripes, solids and florals. My accesorizing is very minimal, my staple items are jeans and tees, and my color palette is neutral. The most important thing to me when searching for new clothes is fit. I know I can buy a basic tee (or three!) at Walmart or Old Navy, but I would gladly spend $30 on one that fits well and that I know will hold its shape and last forever. This is difficult when on a tight budget! Mostly what I think I can take away from my personal style is that I love quality, a clean and clutter-free look, fabrics, neutral and rich or unusual colors, and simplicity, oh, and comfort. Comfort is key.

How does this translate into my perfect home interior? No idea. But I hope I’ll be able to share it with you when we move in a few weeks! I’m ready for a space that relfects me, my family, and the way we live.

Does your home space reflect your personal style? I would love to hear about it.

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Decor | White walls

I'm most likely not going to be able to paint the walls in our N.C. apartment, and this photo makes that fact seem a bit more bearable.

What colors are your walls? Do you have any tips for making an all white/off-white apartment look fabulous?

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Decor | The Paris Apartment

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I am completely inspired by these home interior shots, and The Paris Apartment has plenty to go around. 1) Pattern is an exquisite way to add dimension to a home. 2) This pink door reminds me of the song "Think Pink" in Funny Face. 3) My parents have 2 antique floral paintings very similar to this one at home, and I think it's such a classic and lovely way to bring beauty into your interior space. 4) Hanging pots on the kitchen wall never looked so good.

blackboard backsplash

I really love the idea of blackboard paint. I don't think I would use it on an entire wall, unless it was in a school room for our kids, but I love it as a surface for a kid table, or refrigerator. My favorite idea is this one, which I just discovered on re-nest I have always dreamed of doing a tile backsplash, but not knowing when we will ever own our own place makes me think that this is a fabulous alternative. Not to mention that it would be a fabulous and easy place to create lists and menus. Do you like the blackboard paint look? If so, what's your favorite way to use it?

also, how to paint over a chalkboard wall & how to make your own chalkboard paint (so that you can customize the color!)

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Knockoff DIY: Anthro chair and Pottery Barn growth chart

Two great projects right here. I've commissioned my little brother to make this oversize ruler growth chart (thanks, Tami!), and have tucked this anthro style chair tutorial away for when we have a bit more space.

If you like the growth chart, but don't want to make one (or want a non-wood diy version) check out this Etsy shop. I love that she made them out of a bendable material. I think a heavy canvas version would be fabulous.

Livia Firth's Dress & The King's Speech

I simply love the concept behind Livia's dress. If you haven't heard, it was made out of 11 thrifted, vintage dresses from the time period of The King's Speech. The dress was designed by Gary Harvey, and is simple, but has exquisite detail. The one thing I don't like about it, is that it really looks like a wedding dress. But it is the Oscars, so I guess that fact is not so shocking. Her hair is so perfect for her face, and the dress, too. Exquisite.

Last night, Cody and I went on a double date with the cutest couple in the world to actually see The King's Speech. I am in love with that movie. It was so inspiring, marvelously acted and filmed, and completely witty and hilarious. For these reasons I am so excited that it brought home 4 Oscars last night for Best Director, Actor, Picture, and Original Screenplay. Of course, you probably already knew that...

Oh, and the wallpaper in Lionel Logue's house was amazing. I've wanted to wallpaper in my house for the longest time, and those rooms in the movie only cemented my determination to have at least one papered room some day.

[photos via & via]

Dachshund love

Really smitten with this rug and dachshund painting. Speaking of dachshunds... I know a little boy that loves them, too.

Christmas 2010

I wanted this little puppy so so badly!

Decor | Home Ideas—from the file

I think I've mentioned before that I keep a folder of ideas for our next home. Here are a few of the latest photos I've collected. I hope you enjoy them!

We don't have a changing table right now, but I love this one. The low pictures and decorative items on the table aren't very practical, but I love the table.

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I love the idea of big windowed doors separating rooms in the house. They're not quite my style, but aren't these antique ones lovely?

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I've always loved kitchen tiling, but these chevron patterned tiles are breathtaking. I'm a huge fan.

Home | The Parent Trap

 
I have watched The Parent Trap 3 times in the last 3 days. Yes, it's true. I hardly ever watch movies, but Cody has been gone visiting graduate schools, so Seb and I have been on a vacation of sorts. Hehe... I think he likes it, too. It put him to sleep last night!

Why do I love this movie? Because they meet boys named Wilfred, they eat Fig Newtons, Maureen O'Hara is breathtaking, they carry hard suitcases (why did we ever move to duffles? How dumb.), and because the Grandpa is awesome—especially when he manipulates Maureen O'Hara into refreshing her wardrobe and hair before visiting her ex.

So, in an effort to share my love for this film, I've compiled a few things for you.

- Have you seen Design Sponge's Living in the Parent Trap? I love it.

-Also, I'm completely taken with the California Ranch house in the movie. I love little cottages and cozy furniture, but if I ever got the chance to live in a place like this, I would probably faint.

-My Parent Trap picks: plaid shirt, checked shirt, dress, sweater skirt, red lipstick, bench, pendleton throw.

-Buy it.

I hope you're inspired to pop this movie in at the earliest opportunity and that you fall in love with it either for the first time, or all over again.

Decor | A Pouf

I used to think, "What could be better than a pouf?" Well, a knitted pouf, my dear. For those of you that knit, you should highly consider making this your next project. While you're at it, you could make me one, too. Pretty please!

Free pattern here.

[photo & info via Katy Elliott]

Home | My chair

Here it is! I am so grateful to my cousin for willingly surrendering this chair to me. It used to be my grandma's and it is so comfortable. Just the mommy chair that I needed. Eventually I would like to reupholster it, but for now, the "buttery off-white" color is just fine with me. I really like it, actually.  What a testament to how God provides in such wonderful ways.

P.S. Don't you love how big my little buddy's feet look in this picture?

Decor | Home Ideas and Weekend Bits

[via decor8]

Since my husband and I, with our little Seb, will be relocating sometime next summer, I've been collecting photos of inspiring home interiors so that when the big move comes, I'll be ready with all sorts of inspiration to make our next place simply perfect. I stumbled upon this photo this morning, and instead of just dropping it in my little folder and moving on with my day, I decided it needed to be shared. I love how this room looks so peaceful and simple. I often feel that all-white rooms look undecorated or uninhabited, but not this one. The luxurious rug, old sailor painting and wood floors make this a place I would want to live in. I hope I can decorate a room like this in our new home.

I hope you have a restful weekend. We're visiting with some friends for a couple days, so I need to get our apartment clean before we leave!

A few bits:
Easy weekend kitchen craft
Fruit of the Spirit Print—Wouldn't this be perfect in a gender neutral baby room?
Custom wood stamp by Note Trunk
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