best colors for kitchens

Changes For A New Year

Hello!  Did you survive Christmas?  We had a sick little boy with influenza so our holiday was very low key.  He still isn't completely 100% and his Christmas gifts still lay in a pile as he hasn't had the energy to play yet.  It makes my heart hurt to see my kids sick but especially during the holiday.  <br /><br />With a New Year right around the corner, I thought it was time to make some blog changes so please be patient with me as I try to upgrade our look a little.  I'm not technical and these things take me forever.<br /><br />But I wanted to make the design a little more us, simple.  :)<br /><br />New Year's Resolutions......<br /><br />Mine is to try not to stress and worry so much.  Easier said than done, right?<br /><br />Oh, and I'm going to TRY to eliminate sugar from my diet.  I'm pretty sure I will break that one on January 2.  :) Any tips?<br /><br />And to just have more fun and celebrate life.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1fm9gGXbOtt7DpJtXTOrqGWqIg71oFiYRW3_KuckPU1J2REiP3jxQtOWqR1KVKricNCkLvBAvpEsaz7VdyJ-6dNwL1EEGC9dq7yAPOgORfNUJIHE-CnrS36VewtUNi9jTK_GfToy2Kw/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1fm9gGXbOtt7DpJtXTOrqGWqIg71oFiYRW3_KuckPU1J2REiP3jxQtOWqR1KVKricNCkLvBAvpEsaz7VdyJ-6dNwL1EEGC9dq7yAPOgORfNUJIHE-CnrS36VewtUNi9jTK_GfToy2Kw/s640/030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />My hubby's birthday is tomorrow, so I'm planning a party.  :) I love making him feel special.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh54KNC6f4voT3b8zOVa-D4sKYHtWZjnhPDaL2s33E4WMNv00MdvMBI1woAvAXD8Yr2Gl_Mgu9mrKA6bXbwqNHI9UtiTmJjZkYCVbLumCGFhzx6r13xDgXdqNNJNWn_7Nl9kg7qhPYsE/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh54KNC6f4voT3b8zOVa-D4sKYHtWZjnhPDaL2s33E4WMNv00MdvMBI1woAvAXD8Yr2Gl_Mgu9mrKA6bXbwqNHI9UtiTmJjZkYCVbLumCGFhzx6r13xDgXdqNNJNWn_7Nl9kg7qhPYsE/s640/035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />What about you?  What are your New Year's resolutions?  I'd love to hear them!<br /><br /><br />Have a great day and a wonderful New Year~ <i> </i><br /><i>Diana</i><br /><br /><i> </i>

Changes For A New Year

30Dec2012

LONG DISTANCE DECORATING : DALLAS

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br />A DALLAS KITCHEN AND FAMILY ROOM REMODEL<br><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfKL12rG6uOaf9S-sEAX6X6aqIN74_EXeJoiaD7QxNvPTIpo8KjW7xECAdGc71Zin1JfhEPq03D5c9KUc0ZsYj37O-OGj8rDhk9IScahw1fuDap48ReuBkO7JUslmZaODEjWCA2pXA410/s1600/00+1+steph+inspir+kitchen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfKL12rG6uOaf9S-sEAX6X6aqIN74_EXeJoiaD7QxNvPTIpo8KjW7xECAdGc71Zin1JfhEPq03D5c9KUc0ZsYj37O-OGj8rDhk9IScahw1fuDap48ReuBkO7JUslmZaODEjWCA2pXA410/s640/00+1+steph+inspir+kitchen.png" width="450"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">via</a></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I thought I'd show you the progress on another Long Distance Decorating client<br><br />far away in Dallas, Texas.<br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/12/long-distance-decorating-dallas.html#more">Read more »</a>

LONG DISTANCE DECORATING : DALLAS

A DALLAS KITCHEN AND FAMILY ROOM REMODELviaI thought I'd show you the progress on another Long Distance Decorating clientfar away in Dallas, Texas.Read more »…

29Dec2012

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

…

25Dec2012

ROCK A BYE

<div style="text-align: center;"><br />WALL COLOR FOR A NURSERY</div><br /><br><br /><br><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_-KKm2xl1CEbV-qARkVdzUegut-rFWn7iYyG2Qix_mUgvgAKh1V5D-Dd6ezWc9KMPvu29hVddjjgNJcjux2vyQ4Hh_v4a7qBhcDWRhYsFVIPxv7gLa1hnGIA52lmi0AeE8ByGdt9tiF1/s1600/bellevivr+bs+com.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_-KKm2xl1CEbV-qARkVdzUegut-rFWn7iYyG2Qix_mUgvgAKh1V5D-Dd6ezWc9KMPvu29hVddjjgNJcjux2vyQ4Hh_v4a7qBhcDWRhYsFVIPxv7gLa1hnGIA52lmi0AeE8ByGdt9tiF1/s640/bellevivr+bs+com.bmp" width="640"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bellevivr.blogspot.com/">via</a></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br />I absolutely LOVE creating rooms for children.   While kids are fun to plan with, babies are easier.  They don't insist on hot pink or purple as the primary color.  So soft greens, tans, creams and blush can be used without hurting a budding young interior decorator's feelings. <br><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/12/rock-bye.html#more">Read more »</a>

ROCK A BYE

WALL COLOR FOR A NURSERYviaI absolutely LOVE creating rooms for children. While kids are fun to plan with, babies are easier. They don't insist on hot pink or purple as the primary color. So soft greens, tans, creams and blush can be used without hurting a budding young interior decorator's feel…

25Dec2012

CHOOSING PAINT COLOR FOR A BEACH HOUSE

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />ABOUT THE BEACH LOOK</div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQxtpaOx-mQ-BwmAtdlTMPpGJHqnxmJ85OgZQGUmporTtmj5gyL-spOph8x7S34r030LkdlnSj2DLVQZWzNCC5bnQbl2bzlaXacNlHmshvvIPl5RdTzofqyR1dI0RVS9GY86G6WfqUCLS/s1600/frugalfarmhousedesign+bs+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQxtpaOx-mQ-BwmAtdlTMPpGJHqnxmJ85OgZQGUmporTtmj5gyL-spOph8x7S34r030LkdlnSj2DLVQZWzNCC5bnQbl2bzlaXacNlHmshvvIPl5RdTzofqyR1dI0RVS9GY86G6WfqUCLS/s640/frugalfarmhousedesign+bs+com.jpg" width="382"></a></div><br /><br><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />A beach house needs to be comfortable and easy care, impervious to sand and salt water, with soft and calm colors.  The view outside needs to take precedence over the view inside. That means distressed wood, stone, weathered paint finishes, easy care slipcovers, painted fresh white woodwork, and the muted colors of sand, sea, driftwood, sea glass, and shells.  Toss in the cry of gulls, sound of surf and ocean breeze and a porch or patio to take it all in - and you have HEAVEN.</div><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/12/choosing-paint-color-for-beach-house.html#more">Read more »</a>

CHOOSING PAINT COLOR FOR A BEACH HOUSE

ABOUT THE BEACH LOOKA beach house needs to be comfortable and easy care, impervious to sand and salt water, with soft and calm colors. The view outside needs to take precedence over the view inside. That means distressed wood, stone, weathered paint finishes, easy care slipcovers, painted fresh whi…

20Dec2012

CHRISTMAS WREATH AND MANTLE

HOW TO DECORATE FOR CHRISTMAS<br><br /><br><br />I had fun this season decorating for a couple of my clients.  I created this mantle<br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YySeGv9hUtAPZdoppa_w4VTbvOtJWbsrBfDUJX-y8jOoimAYfvvAk0owLTmFUe9aOdlTireJ64-eDg8tIVx9cQ6xYuIktfHSAedWeBwtr1A-f8Qscqpt5PPgf0mMRCuNcM3fSzbp3gLQ/s1600/00mantel10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YySeGv9hUtAPZdoppa_w4VTbvOtJWbsrBfDUJX-y8jOoimAYfvvAk0owLTmFUe9aOdlTireJ64-eDg8tIVx9cQ6xYuIktfHSAedWeBwtr1A-f8Qscqpt5PPgf0mMRCuNcM3fSzbp3gLQ/s640/00mantel10.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />with a 'how-to' and posted it on my creative blog <a href="http://handmaiden-theblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-snowy-mantle.html">here</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-wreath-and-mantle.html#more">Read more »</a>

CHRISTMAS WREATH AND MANTLE

HOW TO DECORATE FOR CHRISTMASI had fun this season decorating for a couple of my clients. I created this mantlewith a 'how-to' and posted it on my creative blog hereRead more »…

19Dec2012

2012 Christmas Decor Ideas

Hey there!  I finished up our Christmas decor this past weekend.  Actually, it's been finished since Thanksgiving but it took me this long to photograph and blog about it.  Oh how I wish the Holidays could be less busy and more relaxing.....  :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFvVBQuGXxIJrTRb1nzpI-gEAolNE9nSn34j7wwJTE82bufeGnWcsre0bf8H-LsaVxQRvo4q6aGEqAaznnW7CjuVsPhyphenhyphenlA4t7FeCQ6-GB89DMdXdpZze08vUVmnUNoD8RJfob0HTFUypl/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFvVBQuGXxIJrTRb1nzpI-gEAolNE9nSn34j7wwJTE82bufeGnWcsre0bf8H-LsaVxQRvo4q6aGEqAaznnW7CjuVsPhyphenhyphenlA4t7FeCQ6-GB89DMdXdpZze08vUVmnUNoD8RJfob0HTFUypl/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This year for the living room I seemed to be drawn to a campy, rustic cabin decor.  Mostly because of that wonderful buffalo check throw I came across.  It was my inspiration for the entire room.  And of course, I had to throw some industrial vintage decor in there too.<br /><br />For the Christmas Tree, I always like to decorate it with ornaments that have a story or memory behind them.  Ours is filled with ornaments that we, as well as my parents bought for our kids every year since they were born.  Baby's First Christmas....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6jQcDfm9kmHSOe11E_k8eLBw2365pWc6Bxene-Jc7o3LoZXiXVcm4TkjBBJH5i9M-_SN440zJ8DoAWcIuQh2LgqJxXbssEqWS7ZVrWIzupKkzmn2Miww5lgHVVXmvurIey7KPy9zbPcs/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6jQcDfm9kmHSOe11E_k8eLBw2365pWc6Bxene-Jc7o3LoZXiXVcm4TkjBBJH5i9M-_SN440zJ8DoAWcIuQh2LgqJxXbssEqWS7ZVrWIzupKkzmn2Miww5lgHVVXmvurIey7KPy9zbPcs/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And funny little elves that are so old they are falling apart, that always make my kids laugh....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnIW2kWuOkPvoWaTow0MHlWKlOwTtBA4-lpTHVCqV2iuNqYcgnjQX-DOB549SjIMO0FVjd2hEd_hqA1DSYKPXTCW8VX7my5kUpuV6WQn1A8SVBRUgBed6K6oaQaZ5Ew2J0HLZnqNk0jO-/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnIW2kWuOkPvoWaTow0MHlWKlOwTtBA4-lpTHVCqV2iuNqYcgnjQX-DOB549SjIMO0FVjd2hEd_hqA1DSYKPXTCW8VX7my5kUpuV6WQn1A8SVBRUgBed6K6oaQaZ5Ew2J0HLZnqNk0jO-/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This year I also wanted to add vintage Bingo cards because they remind me of one of the first dates that hubby I went on 23 years ago.  We went to a local summer festival and played Bingo under a row of twinkly lights and stars until late into the evening and by the time the evening was over, I was head over heels. :) <br /><br />We don't have any vintage Bingo cards so I did the next best thing.....I printed off images of them on cardstock, cut them out and threaded red and white bakers twine through a hole I punched in the top.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSyOiQF1mMkFMB9sHnDVgkH-pNO6AX8gju6kI8F5otcZ9d5ZGtRwNfBQt-4tQ-kXY7nGd4bLbLSpAnnhPbira153Giit2CIhqljGvMRAWMhtImycqnzTLIlkuu5Mcfr1wIVD8XsWHwmDz/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSyOiQF1mMkFMB9sHnDVgkH-pNO6AX8gju6kI8F5otcZ9d5ZGtRwNfBQt-4tQ-kXY7nGd4bLbLSpAnnhPbira153Giit2CIhqljGvMRAWMhtImycqnzTLIlkuu5Mcfr1wIVD8XsWHwmDz/s640/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I fell in love with these aqua colored cards.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopgHY-FF4zHsdg8UW40t7A5wIY1WgNcYwcHhINMTEVVQZtIdn-Jx3qgGP8gy9jT5exDEvnzUbfSUE4c1UQMvrABSo0vwZBZXwZwqz8l5GTLesBCreepw9RI50nRYEdq_7a9VXp-zlGHPZ/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopgHY-FF4zHsdg8UW40t7A5wIY1WgNcYwcHhINMTEVVQZtIdn-Jx3qgGP8gy9jT5exDEvnzUbfSUE4c1UQMvrABSo0vwZBZXwZwqz8l5GTLesBCreepw9RI50nRYEdq_7a9VXp-zlGHPZ/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />As well as these....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7FS5ZyTM9-ydz5ZkesyzTPpNqQ2Pf-aYyflI_uHK-tjQYyAoe_H5i_M0sLkmVo47hXf7ujLkQd2uWI8AZCMyzH4Zd78JMMTw33rxaFQYmfNdUSa8jxHPVd7Daf_Pqv1d5ftu5Jdbxh0S/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7FS5ZyTM9-ydz5ZkesyzTPpNqQ2Pf-aYyflI_uHK-tjQYyAoe_H5i_M0sLkmVo47hXf7ujLkQd2uWI8AZCMyzH4Zd78JMMTw33rxaFQYmfNdUSa8jxHPVd7Daf_Pqv1d5ftu5Jdbxh0S/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Just looking at the tree makes me smile because it is filled with so many wonderful memories.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHwmcRtKCMtrOTdBNtKxtK3Ug9QA1OLLNHFSi7T1HJDb5Pdw25tEr_EgBHduLjJKyyVIn9KAmS8Dpt80nlfGV8RjfsWJEWy5KfWRe03XbFXqaVNOSkKBKG8_Fh-ky4IlyZGGgS7l-Ci_O/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHwmcRtKCMtrOTdBNtKxtK3Ug9QA1OLLNHFSi7T1HJDb5Pdw25tEr_EgBHduLjJKyyVIn9KAmS8Dpt80nlfGV8RjfsWJEWy5KfWRe03XbFXqaVNOSkKBKG8_Fh-ky4IlyZGGgS7l-Ci_O/s640/093.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vJuArSdzbyM_5z8HhTveiTN0ofgcGu1do0bgMBdQCo972m8dNga3gJ8OuiqCGBMPNXJFdvfhAVKnHtYb3HwwOaXgHbRzN-H7ipTIdUyMeqASatmCnHOSZB6RD1ks6S7iRbgIVlH68apF/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vJuArSdzbyM_5z8HhTveiTN0ofgcGu1do0bgMBdQCo972m8dNga3gJ8OuiqCGBMPNXJFdvfhAVKnHtYb3HwwOaXgHbRzN-H7ipTIdUyMeqASatmCnHOSZB6RD1ks6S7iRbgIVlH68apF/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW9aAZ4f7EdTmouLmoUi3FfHZQaUfsTDnLID-r3723nsSC8mlrtgnRY5E_jkdnmEJYUhzGovpJ6fG2FUz-hK5sTE63mbt6OTA0kvHWeSHe8IbYPSe3SAqRZ_7FC_lcFT0DPgfUmKzYVif/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW9aAZ4f7EdTmouLmoUi3FfHZQaUfsTDnLID-r3723nsSC8mlrtgnRY5E_jkdnmEJYUhzGovpJ6fG2FUz-hK5sTE63mbt6OTA0kvHWeSHe8IbYPSe3SAqRZ_7FC_lcFT0DPgfUmKzYVif/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQuv3v2RuB6idZ5wMQoMwC9CozVmCuWZTgNnvkRwvDNIWl41rAUhleQj2moCwB93m0rwZ1gWJY8Sv0yoDrKPW7qHqv5JG_K_cUD2zqx1Gi5wEuw-6cRQU1s9pXgIdruPRxNAdys29M-2Q/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQuv3v2RuB6idZ5wMQoMwC9CozVmCuWZTgNnvkRwvDNIWl41rAUhleQj2moCwB93m0rwZ1gWJY8Sv0yoDrKPW7qHqv5JG_K_cUD2zqx1Gi5wEuw-6cRQU1s9pXgIdruPRxNAdys29M-2Q/s640/index.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This year I was drawn to red and white stripes so I continued that theme into the dining room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQnbu8kbzWw-MRZjJuxVos7Md3bYpjx6L7RGdHyLkB6fnlCPc0T9w3pLMXvcbmGlUMoMqwp227TtjozvY9n49aQ7DFwrd4nrlzLy9BPjMPoiMLqeqzLy4-qKbGnJ6b_rZrsohRffIl7S-/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQnbu8kbzWw-MRZjJuxVos7Md3bYpjx6L7RGdHyLkB6fnlCPc0T9w3pLMXvcbmGlUMoMqwp227TtjozvY9n49aQ7DFwrd4nrlzLy9BPjMPoiMLqeqzLy4-qKbGnJ6b_rZrsohRffIl7S-/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I found these adorable little <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/striped-4.75-individual-bowl/s413577">red stripe bowls at Crate and Barrel</a> and fell in love. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhUnPR7JPJlMi0QuqTxQRlsqptn6X-RL4F4JdLr4NBXvg6GyI5gQfRs9WLqBPGw4K9tsviqrSq6w5GGjgBWFWkVvb0wFs8XkMHfAp4lmUHfKsi4Ap9VM-K1uKICLF3vRpx7whplRtnFHN/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhUnPR7JPJlMi0QuqTxQRlsqptn6X-RL4F4JdLr4NBXvg6GyI5gQfRs9WLqBPGw4K9tsviqrSq6w5GGjgBWFWkVvb0wFs8XkMHfAp4lmUHfKsi4Ap9VM-K1uKICLF3vRpx7whplRtnFHN/s640/25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And the linen napkins came from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimaPrints?ref=seller_info">this sweet little Etsy shop</a>.  I loved the design and I love handmade even more.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj8K2neoPnHnJw0dBglBgvgOTulB5uXY0vcqNv2em4Z21fOgxim-gqReq9PDq-W8qj_R-BYxeAqu39Pfwv_qSkfZu6Y7HxdImlUKKNvlSO4bA_hwWTqASXqrOivds3gsMO5IRLGBOfZ9T/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj8K2neoPnHnJw0dBglBgvgOTulB5uXY0vcqNv2em4Z21fOgxim-gqReq9PDq-W8qj_R-BYxeAqu39Pfwv_qSkfZu6Y7HxdImlUKKNvlSO4bA_hwWTqASXqrOivds3gsMO5IRLGBOfZ9T/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Wv2Os03gtaIZ7-fBHfAtDPO3HdKfZNFWG6wrOoFo8Dadd5H8XGUzRFeeecH_nbziefH-PBiP6XUhCDECyalZCIEd-7R8bD_omc1thJP1UiWle6rAdBPGxMxfecJlI4iRNiFnxohMOH40/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Wv2Os03gtaIZ7-fBHfAtDPO3HdKfZNFWG6wrOoFo8Dadd5H8XGUzRFeeecH_nbziefH-PBiP6XUhCDECyalZCIEd-7R8bD_omc1thJP1UiWle6rAdBPGxMxfecJlI4iRNiFnxohMOH40/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And that's it!  Don't you love decorating for the Holidays?  Are you like me and ready to take it all down the day after Christmas?  ;-)<br /><br />Happy Holidays!<br /><br /><i>Diana</i>

2012 Christmas Decor Ideas

09Dec2012

Christmas Advent Calendar - DIY

I've always wanted to make my own Advent Calendar and every year I never do.  It seems that whenever I finally have the time, December is half over and it seems kinda silly to make one at that point.<br /><br />But this year, I did it.  And I'm so happy with how it turned out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrS-Z4p4Id2GWIR3kAIyCZfQmbmYrsKJZ3y_FdJEhVuRNgwPcV_j3-4drc3GPKmWyT4K1TFFjqT8l8D4ny8EpAn40SMJCdWjbsec-gzEkU7h9K1LTkNj2bXH76tCGsoObrvcDmLx_SXJ3/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrS-Z4p4Id2GWIR3kAIyCZfQmbmYrsKJZ3y_FdJEhVuRNgwPcV_j3-4drc3GPKmWyT4K1TFFjqT8l8D4ny8EpAn40SMJCdWjbsec-gzEkU7h9K1LTkNj2bXH76tCGsoObrvcDmLx_SXJ3/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> It is Pottery Barn inspired and it cost less than $20 to make.<br /><br />To start, I picked up a some little white mini metal pails at the Dollar Tree in the wedding favor section.  They come in packs of 3, so I bought 9 in order to have 25 pails.  I brought them home and spray painted them with chrome colored spray paint to give them a galvanized metal look.  You could also use galvanized metal pails but I couldn't find any locally, so, this was the next best thing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0veHx20R8Z016-dyqitD99vyDuR5dwIHppF94puHbw2CTavrzk7GYL3dNpUuoZUvX9qtT1EymzbwVwSsHQ1ejOvOs0EF6ENl70cSTsNytao-OOVRIq95Jv0Yu6Uu8sQcatq9VwXD1utHH/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0veHx20R8Z016-dyqitD99vyDuR5dwIHppF94puHbw2CTavrzk7GYL3dNpUuoZUvX9qtT1EymzbwVwSsHQ1ejOvOs0EF6ENl70cSTsNytao-OOVRIq95Jv0Yu6Uu8sQcatq9VwXD1utHH/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />After all the pails were dry, I attached numbers to the front with double sided tape.  Here's the printable I used for my numbers.  For some reason there were only 24, so, I found a 25 online that was similar and printed it out as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZPuCfrVp3XXcFdl0rOs8hp5fnHqov3ScjgjQinOEloJH8vfi4hC2Fr_3N_53XI4GubUqJgW5Eyv8BdirDgDh5qfzjQqlCFe5BDKarWoKrYRypwTBVgXJ2D1DelV-0mZbrX5jo0W3OjO8/s1600/PrintableNumbers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZPuCfrVp3XXcFdl0rOs8hp5fnHqov3ScjgjQinOEloJH8vfi4hC2Fr_3N_53XI4GubUqJgW5Eyv8BdirDgDh5qfzjQqlCFe5BDKarWoKrYRypwTBVgXJ2D1DelV-0mZbrX5jo0W3OjO8/s640/PrintableNumbers.png" width="544" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4nhXinYSnY5D0C3CXtrIjcFoptlnA1N1_YlyZOuSjNpgaT-GTw5fjb5nqgajDvlVR8tQvPvp_KhzY7sE4KnsnvRWXE9YPLRJox2FLO6ZZ5HRLTvxWZIdusHksbrGwrYpOOo8S601Sspz/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4nhXinYSnY5D0C3CXtrIjcFoptlnA1N1_YlyZOuSjNpgaT-GTw5fjb5nqgajDvlVR8tQvPvp_KhzY7sE4KnsnvRWXE9YPLRJox2FLO6ZZ5HRLTvxWZIdusHksbrGwrYpOOo8S601Sspz/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Next up was the frame.  I picked up 6 - 3 x 6's at Lowe's and cut them down to have 7 - 32 inch long boards.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb1w-QS8o5NDmHLhUeoQLjsu1_M9bzxeKf64PJCmDCXbZqBAwqVlbXSQ-5Khdumyhyphenhyphenx4xB0TxiPEktyg3uzIzs9SSVOuJhDEaolarrLknZspoo7lcs88olc1AxoX6APWBT49N9jnvRPZR/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb1w-QS8o5NDmHLhUeoQLjsu1_M9bzxeKf64PJCmDCXbZqBAwqVlbXSQ-5Khdumyhyphenhyphenx4xB0TxiPEktyg3uzIzs9SSVOuJhDEaolarrLknZspoo7lcs88olc1AxoX6APWBT49N9jnvRPZR/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I laid them front side down and attached two beams with screws to the back to keep them together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIxrJzpG_obq4Cng7q6l9QNsJ6oxM7unqW6xCP82M_klcvjJY4ynfHdQjTvqCyr72Z7FA7GyZRjpmxIDqx3FKI2rkNSo3S689oRT-IKyqzyDc0ftot4Y_yA5RQW7u48b9R2TxOajpYSFU/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIxrJzpG_obq4Cng7q6l9QNsJ6oxM7unqW6xCP82M_klcvjJY4ynfHdQjTvqCyr72Z7FA7GyZRjpmxIDqx3FKI2rkNSo3S689oRT-IKyqzyDc0ftot4Y_yA5RQW7u48b9R2TxOajpYSFU/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />After that was finished, I stained the entire piece with Minwax dark walnut stain.  (sorry, no picture)<br /><br />I wanted to frame the piece to give it a finished look and to also hide the beams in the back, so, I measured the sides and bottom and cut each piece at a 45 degree angle to create a frame around it.  I made sure to buy 2 extra 3 x 6's for the frame and then just turned them on the side and attached with a nail gun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP23nM-G5OBcSSwlNbFXIHOzv3imnTIkwNLiy6HgbNzNCLC7rxjGp1UxmnczrDeFrPsRBIkzC69UryXmXM3hJXQ17UaSyCtjCb_CArJEkzvO75cmzmh5rkCIhrRxaqq1M0k5ELwsBNXduF/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP23nM-G5OBcSSwlNbFXIHOzv3imnTIkwNLiy6HgbNzNCLC7rxjGp1UxmnczrDeFrPsRBIkzC69UryXmXM3hJXQ17UaSyCtjCb_CArJEkzvO75cmzmh5rkCIhrRxaqq1M0k5ELwsBNXduF/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then I stained those as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinv4ANrTorxlAoXAeK_2Y8PVf0_yExXBzdzNP7W1aWdfPyFg9qNirRWwv9ouhCDTNNRkOzbjBzF9JWwOe8_SeGlIGrtOII3OYsiD-ZEJIriFiGpXtmcTpS0Bdsd7s-T1VgY0aSafLoo9a5/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinv4ANrTorxlAoXAeK_2Y8PVf0_yExXBzdzNP7W1aWdfPyFg9qNirRWwv9ouhCDTNNRkOzbjBzF9JWwOe8_SeGlIGrtOII3OYsiD-ZEJIriFiGpXtmcTpS0Bdsd7s-T1VgY0aSafLoo9a5/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />To hang the little pails, I wanted to use something unique, so, I picked these vintage styled nails that I found in hubby's collection.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYHqayi7_H1xT5CM6wFT8Yx846m-YTnM5ADsrO6HMPIaxg8udDa3pfKDcnHuAqR9yJvlszdOQt2ticVCSfs9hU_4TLAfJzfubOhpJCQdY5SZSeS_njpn1KY7yWpJX7ulfiO-YBXhyphenhyphenTM4L/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYHqayi7_H1xT5CM6wFT8Yx846m-YTnM5ADsrO6HMPIaxg8udDa3pfKDcnHuAqR9yJvlszdOQt2ticVCSfs9hU_4TLAfJzfubOhpJCQdY5SZSeS_njpn1KY7yWpJX7ulfiO-YBXhyphenhyphenTM4L/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I basically just eyeballed everything and created 5 rows of 5 nails for the 25 pails, predrilling holes first.  I hung all the little pails and then stenciled JOY at the top with vintage stencils and here's how the whole thing turned out....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2wP_0VYjY90SfjzgJ1Fnbn0YtPEixjohFHX6MJBYFcoisj39utFMemAot3NgUrnash5VtJaTwisiSNHsO3PIOee7L1JfiYe2mrBuauJ2B347_I_3lGptD9ZROV1WvBbUd5zi9IHZ5fNY/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2wP_0VYjY90SfjzgJ1Fnbn0YtPEixjohFHX6MJBYFcoisj39utFMemAot3NgUrnash5VtJaTwisiSNHsO3PIOee7L1JfiYe2mrBuauJ2B347_I_3lGptD9ZROV1WvBbUd5zi9IHZ5fNY/s640/023.JPG" width="667" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I think this is one of my favorite projects to date!  I'm so glad I made the time to try making one before December was half over.  :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcYnaBPGcpdEOOR0sP21UrIpcbtMG-0Em1fSC-ZRa0LROk6niPvnwFNPRhNQurbMsViwute6LsnKezqgVNrR2b35k5RifSf7K3hlwaSvvo14mzS4XWBGkOVK5svI2eb3LOn1ds893_vNi/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcYnaBPGcpdEOOR0sP21UrIpcbtMG-0Em1fSC-ZRa0LROk6niPvnwFNPRhNQurbMsViwute6LsnKezqgVNrR2b35k5RifSf7K3hlwaSvvo14mzS4XWBGkOVK5svI2eb3LOn1ds893_vNi/s640/016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I can't wait to hide little treats and notes in those little pails for my kids and hubby to find each day until Christmas.  It will give them big smiles and they will love it...  :)<br /><br />Stay tuned for how it looks in the room and more Christmas decor coming up!<br /><br />Have a great day!<br /><i>Diana</i>

Christmas Advent Calendar - DIY

02Dec2012