THE COLOR YOU CRAVE: TURQUOISE

<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />TEAL, ROBINS EGG, AQUA, TURQUOISE</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYYlliGQlU0jY7B5bLtkKdftm6hwODexuiZQxKsNUnQDmLF0x7c2BJq2assj0uFckQ4L7JYKtfnRYpO8vvz_V5x7IahiWmqH0mlsqSIFuZvjwrd7bPlpeTf4HAADlq63pl5wB3r0TQsu_/s1600/theenchantedhome+bs+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYYlliGQlU0jY7B5bLtkKdftm6hwODexuiZQxKsNUnQDmLF0x7c2BJq2assj0uFckQ4L7JYKtfnRYpO8vvz_V5x7IahiWmqH0mlsqSIFuZvjwrd7bPlpeTf4HAADlq63pl5wB3r0TQsu_/s640/theenchantedhome+bs+1.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Beautiful and soothing.<br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4e9WJ5XJqC-hSpTiP_iBkRuvG0Yq6brkfWViUQPaQfthrf1rQwboeSqh_7zepRCoIwcbDMLRcSdbE43jKcdSPubP1ESLMBKQGnMWloEYr1MZ2KIj_nFiOMwgTQgNjlxiV3SOuDqtf887/s1600/atlantahomesmag+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4e9WJ5XJqC-hSpTiP_iBkRuvG0Yq6brkfWViUQPaQfthrf1rQwboeSqh_7zepRCoIwcbDMLRcSdbE43jKcdSPubP1ESLMBKQGnMWloEYr1MZ2KIj_nFiOMwgTQgNjlxiV3SOuDqtf887/s640/atlantahomesmag+com.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Blue, green, by whatever name you choose to call it<br><br /><br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-color-you-crave-turquoise.html#more">Read more »</a>

THE COLOR YOU CRAVE: TURQUOISE

TEAL, ROBINS EGG, AQUA, TURQUOISEBeautiful and soothing.Blue, green, by whatever name you choose to call itRead more »…

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DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Each year I decorate a few select client homes for the holidays.<br><br />I managed to snap a few photos this year -<br><br />so I'm posting one last time for Christmas<br><br /><br><br />a few festive photos...</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAr0Wzlk6MpN8WoTyz0qtXktHeb16DKPVvIUD9vgJisRqcaCkk83E7TrBmcguA8nWf8C2Klw_0faMcnFu13Kh96fMR1Re79Nlcz7-BZQppIF3LfPoInHMBZCb0GDi5DppwTOOnTYj-_e6W/s1600/PAT1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAr0Wzlk6MpN8WoTyz0qtXktHeb16DKPVvIUD9vgJisRqcaCkk83E7TrBmcguA8nWf8C2Klw_0faMcnFu13Kh96fMR1Re79Nlcz7-BZQppIF3LfPoInHMBZCb0GDi5DppwTOOnTYj-_e6W/s640/PAT1.JPG" width="480"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/designing-for-christmas.html#more">Read more »</a>

DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS

Each year I decorate a few select client homes for the holidays.I managed to snap a few photos this year -so I'm posting one last time for Christmasa few festive photos...Read more »…

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THE CHARLIE BROWN TREE - CHRISTMAS DECOR

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><br><br /><br><br />Each year when I decorate Betty's house I try to take photographs to capture how amazing her house looks all dressed up for the holidays... and each year I fail.<br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkQHxLtNu5eV0_hPZalWcwKDKi-kDQWXAnJD-taksjrIy-oexFX2PAYVOYXYG0aqJTdqJIq1P9oLlwd0c6mL_709L1dNp_QFaIfyOkwilGoYEDA09x4lHzQaiNM-fFvvtSGiI6KczxOrG/s1600/IMG_4792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkQHxLtNu5eV0_hPZalWcwKDKi-kDQWXAnJD-taksjrIy-oexFX2PAYVOYXYG0aqJTdqJIq1P9oLlwd0c6mL_709L1dNp_QFaIfyOkwilGoYEDA09x4lHzQaiNM-fFvvtSGiI6KczxOrG/s640/IMG_4792.jpg" width="424"></a></div><br /><br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-decorating-2013.html#more">Read more »</a>

THE CHARLIE BROWN TREE - CHRISTMAS DECOR

Each year when I decorate Betty's house I try to take photographs to capture how amazing her house looks all dressed up for the holidays... and each year I fail.Read more »…

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COLORS OF CHRISTMAS: GOLDEN GLOW

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />USING GOLD at Christmas</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />will add a warm glow to your decor...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzF5HJM9exK7C6chkjvj17wXVrayf2dERfbPfe7QwgswntCDmduP15XgF2B3ny71EG16_NZL70_NXCIno_b6QE_2gtdspJrWiA3sIv7K61JzJ8o6P6_0nepmh2KuU0fxI43D2WclztlT1/s1600/-living-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzF5HJM9exK7C6chkjvj17wXVrayf2dERfbPfe7QwgswntCDmduP15XgF2B3ny71EG16_NZL70_NXCIno_b6QE_2gtdspJrWiA3sIv7K61JzJ8o6P6_0nepmh2KuU0fxI43D2WclztlT1/s320/-living-room.jpg" width="426"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/colors-of-christmas-golden-glow.html#more">Read more »</a>

COLORS OF CHRISTMAS: GOLDEN GLOW

USING GOLD at Christmaswill add a warm glow to your decor...Read more »…

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Christmas Sneak Peek

I'm in the middle of decorating for local Christmas Tours and don't want to share too much here just yet but couldn't resist sharing a little....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHQBDzrXt0O8fBzEgILdAaZ35akrY0Y85Wps7_DfGof_4iflkjWeRlzQLakFkfxl6tjGxH6rNPpcgkRn93B16UmtrSzXWEk5ORq1x5FBYsUi6nqbfFyxxUMsqNmMyH5Dje-jCqu1O6y-y/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHQBDzrXt0O8fBzEgILdAaZ35akrY0Y85Wps7_DfGof_4iflkjWeRlzQLakFkfxl6tjGxH6rNPpcgkRn93B16UmtrSzXWEk5ORq1x5FBYsUi6nqbfFyxxUMsqNmMyH5Dje-jCqu1O6y-y/s1600/017.JPG" /></a></div><br />My hubby brought home this little cedar tree and I thought it would be perfect for this empty space in the kitchen.  I simply adorned it with some of the <a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2013/11/anthropologie-inspired-gift-tags.html">wood gift tags I made</a>.<br /><br />And as you can see, I'm a jar person.  I love decanting all my dry goods into pretty vintage jars.  The more the merrier.  :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS3RNhJhBhYrI1KTZ-gkgxEKCnhP6vW7vk0oUbGLDoyYAYVUxPx_xyaEXg1hzvSwOb69SHR-yxGG53QgUa4uVyXRaUmgtK-rAZ6QJXe_LkhYh7fnFJjQPOY7ls2zUWEwj9pvxdm9LqRLl/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS3RNhJhBhYrI1KTZ-gkgxEKCnhP6vW7vk0oUbGLDoyYAYVUxPx_xyaEXg1hzvSwOb69SHR-yxGG53QgUa4uVyXRaUmgtK-rAZ6QJXe_LkhYh7fnFJjQPOY7ls2zUWEwj9pvxdm9LqRLl/s1600/018.JPG" /></a></div><br /> The two vintage paintings I actually found in a dumpster.  I was so drawn to them so I snatched them up and gave them a home in my kitchen.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2UsuKUHfz9qdasHWFtCRq1qrYiTiQsX3r2tUiizlSQ628pyly_8IPlkCmFrKefza3GGcUFQkLcoB57F93SX9kx77H2KWR3t4fq2j3WV75CfrJfXwYddO68btMwV0UD8HmWCkkCcC6TwZ/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2UsuKUHfz9qdasHWFtCRq1qrYiTiQsX3r2tUiizlSQ628pyly_8IPlkCmFrKefza3GGcUFQkLcoB57F93SX9kx77H2KWR3t4fq2j3WV75CfrJfXwYddO68btMwV0UD8HmWCkkCcC6TwZ/s1600/022.JPG" /></a></div><br />I was so excited to decorate the dining room this year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RK7pT7tkgmItk9Shj4K-O0DNNYV4lS0fj_5hmnQ_jgUlVhXZwcU9L4AfAB_kJjwTnKL2z7OOgcwL-VLDSvYEf_hDVVR4Ap1akszUYidpezaKDq5GssFmb12kllyb8B4kedLAXTv8Fz6M/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RK7pT7tkgmItk9Shj4K-O0DNNYV4lS0fj_5hmnQ_jgUlVhXZwcU9L4AfAB_kJjwTnKL2z7OOgcwL-VLDSvYEf_hDVVR4Ap1akszUYidpezaKDq5GssFmb12kllyb8B4kedLAXTv8Fz6M/s1600/068.JPG" /></a></div><br />The chippy red bench was also found by my hubby and I thought it was perfect for Christmas and our home in it's less than perfect condition.  (Sorry for the sun glaring in the photo)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGJfWu4uPo02OKp07TZTp4whuVG7YCo3yVLkmRaplMOgCMdcGDP8LXvPtyTf9YSPrOCVsA95vrc1R_Q62m_PtnPkrektBZrTNRTYKr4t_5V5NkVfA6YcjUci5sAgdrCbCJoMinHvuY-07/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGJfWu4uPo02OKp07TZTp4whuVG7YCo3yVLkmRaplMOgCMdcGDP8LXvPtyTf9YSPrOCVsA95vrc1R_Q62m_PtnPkrektBZrTNRTYKr4t_5V5NkVfA6YcjUci5sAgdrCbCJoMinHvuY-07/s1600/074.JPG" /></a></div><br />I love using things from nature to decorate so these walnut tree stumps definitely got to come inside for the season.  I sanded them a little and sprayed them with a clear gloss.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tcvzUlieA9dYOYD7FtD8Ny9dprpmjoeTPLZBPQ8DOuL3gKSiizPcDwxdPyjSsfyNtBJfTA0gh8zNvFFSyk3fiMZvp_JdC5eYRgLRxL9yxuYCmnAZMF2U2vkJA44064rfGOHI0S7PGn0m/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tcvzUlieA9dYOYD7FtD8Ny9dprpmjoeTPLZBPQ8DOuL3gKSiizPcDwxdPyjSsfyNtBJfTA0gh8zNvFFSyk3fiMZvp_JdC5eYRgLRxL9yxuYCmnAZMF2U2vkJA44064rfGOHI0S7PGn0m/s1600/071.JPG" /></a></div><br />And here's a little peak at our stairs.  I usually never share them because I don't like the staircase.  I dream of having a beautiful stair rail but for now, we don't.  I was inspired by <a href="http://hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com/2011/12/merry-message-along-our-staircase.html">Carla's stair project</a> last year so I did my own version this year with one of my dad's favorite Christmas songs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eorCGcI3DBZ-cyPdUTS9ori7O82L2gSY-AvPEas9hx5A_FIP_DlzHv17YxoZleZ4S2yyNmALu0B6vwt0n-1s5GQWnwWAnO0jwTpJ-wx6A67Y2hyphenhyphenYbt4ErMTlVkvRCVNG73kNMgcMTzEP/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eorCGcI3DBZ-cyPdUTS9ori7O82L2gSY-AvPEas9hx5A_FIP_DlzHv17YxoZleZ4S2yyNmALu0B6vwt0n-1s5GQWnwWAnO0jwTpJ-wx6A67Y2hyphenhyphenYbt4ErMTlVkvRCVNG73kNMgcMTzEP/s1600/044.JPG" /></a></div><br />That's it for now!  I'll share more soon!<br /><br />Take care!<br /><br />Follow along between posts on<a href="http://instagram.com/dianagray5?ref=badge#"> Instagram!</a>

Christmas Sneak Peek

I'm in the middle of decorating for local Christmas Tours and don't want to share too much here just yet but couldn't resist sharing a little....My hubby brought home this little cedar tree and I thought it would be perfect for this empty space in the kitchen.  I simply adorned it with some of the w…

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HOW TO DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">                  Its time to jingle your bells,</span><br><br /><div dir="ltr" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">deck your halls,</span><br><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">dash through the snow….</span><br><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">and decorate your Christmas tree!</span></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><br /><br><br />Would you like to decorate your Christmas tree so it will be<br><br />a beautiful shining centerpiece for your home this holiday season?<br><br /><br><br />You can, with these helpful tips!   </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiGcJ9NLsmubkh5hTeooa4EUQ6sJEXp-QvJK3WBl62cIvJezjn01e6EA6JhORZlLU8X0d6dt_GsBIyH9LT9UTjj653h7m1UO51MW9nL8HOMf7lizUvV1hiXzz2Qfzh4vvGtJXkns-hx8Ttd/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcJ9NLsmubkh5hTeooa4EUQ6sJEXp-QvJK3WBl62cIvJezjn01e6EA6JhORZlLU8X0d6dt_GsBIyH9LT9UTjj653h7m1UO51MW9nL8HOMf7lizUvV1hiXzz2Qfzh4vvGtJXkns-hx8Ttd/s640/IMG_0475.JPG" width="477"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via Pinterest</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div dir="ltr" style="border: medium none; text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><br /><br><br /></div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-decor-how-to-decorate.html#more">Read more »</a>

HOW TO DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE

                  Its time to jingle your bells,deck your halls,dash through the snow….and decorate your Christmas tree!Would you like to decorate your Christmas tree so it will bea beautiful shining centerpiece for your home this holiday season?You can, with these helpful tips!   via PinterestRead …

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COLORS OF CHRISTMAS: SILVER BELLS

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><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/AVvXsEjeUgi94sB4XpOb42G6j51QX0B4VNsr9GKjDLDYrWPR51r8SVMKxHXR94VlMDQOVfgroIK3x-ayJ5V8ShClD4yUfb9C4XPQOefLBS19jOR2dm16mglQ2BzF4IRkKPlg7dUSBGeQfX2B7BOk/s1600/griegedesign+bs+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUgi94sB4XpOb42G6j51QX0B4VNsr9GKjDLDYrWPR51r8SVMKxHXR94VlMDQOVfgroIK3x-ayJ5V8ShClD4yUfb9C4XPQOefLBS19jOR2dm16mglQ2BzF4IRkKPlg7dUSBGeQfX2B7BOk/s640/griegedesign+bs+com.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greigedesign.blogspot.com/">via</a></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/colors-of-christmas-silver-bells.html#more">Read more »</a>

COLORS OF CHRISTMAS: SILVER BELLS

viaRead more »…

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COLORS OF CHRISTMAS: SHADES OF PALE

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Christmas brings visions of color.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />However, red, green and vibrant color are not for everyone.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />If you like a calmer, more neutral home - even for the holidays -</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><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/AVvXsEi9PQW4TctI-Nj9TacBoiX45EmafAVNQnxtWg77icq5DMoU7BZME8nxLjh1Gw1u20ZsGwtlPTRUm-Wr8ZdmigKLnXVoNTcpOSPtKiQEwTKINxI6dt7Jr5L_9NbqzZEsm9OJN-yM89NxMyPE/s1600/1196337370592351_saCef8tY_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PQW4TctI-Nj9TacBoiX45EmafAVNQnxtWg77icq5DMoU7BZME8nxLjh1Gw1u20ZsGwtlPTRUm-Wr8ZdmigKLnXVoNTcpOSPtKiQEwTKINxI6dt7Jr5L_9NbqzZEsm9OJN-yM89NxMyPE/s640/1196337370592351_saCef8tY_c.jpg" width="336"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br />say hello to the beautiful shades of a pale Christmas<br><br /><br><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/colors-of-christmas-shades-of-pale.html#more">Read more »</a>

COLORS OF CHRISTMAS: SHADES OF PALE

Christmas brings visions of color.However, red, green and vibrant color are not for everyone.If you like a calmer, more neutral home - even for the holidays -Pinterestsay hello to the beautiful shades of a pale ChristmasRead more »…

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Anthropologie Inspired Gift Tags

I always take inspiration from Anthropologie during the holidays.  Their gift wraps and tags, as well as, holiday decor are so happy.  But the prices, not so much. <br /><br />I recently came across their holiday <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopgifts-wrap/30344816.jsp?cm_sp=Fluid-_-30344816-_-Large_6">wooden gift tags</a> and became completely smitten with them.  I love using nature in decor and even better that it's something that comes from your own backyard.<br /><br />I knew these would be ridiculously easy to make so I went looking around in the backyard for a log, preferably a dead one that was already somewhat dried out.  I found the perfect one about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and used a miter saw to slice it into 1/4 inch slices.  I used a drill bit to make a small hole in the top and threaded a piece of twine through it.  Done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzvzd7zG0STKl_wuveMg2o7KPHnjjbc7nsLv-gGR0Lt7n2sez3Z7h8yOTxaj91cxjE7ZZuBdZE9yuQl9TbkVwnWGBYMgzpzrF9h9WDfngj960NqhjpCnf_Y9p_dcXtdNCTdHLxs8urttq/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzvzd7zG0STKl_wuveMg2o7KPHnjjbc7nsLv-gGR0Lt7n2sez3Z7h8yOTxaj91cxjE7ZZuBdZE9yuQl9TbkVwnWGBYMgzpzrF9h9WDfngj960NqhjpCnf_Y9p_dcXtdNCTdHLxs8urttq/s1600/015.JPG" /></a></div><br />I made homemade vanilla this past summer to give away as gifts for Christmas and I thought these would look cute on the little bottles.  And I can't wait to use them on my gifts.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3bCurMHTd9xT7VvtcbN0ijY37mjXN_68iVnqHICDOyAinpzS7TD-R2U9e3Au8prS3kTGBZ9LFXzCREzPx5aI4amfX3xTt9bWT2gZPfXMjjo6_qDzJ9fCTwm7N-NVWOXIzz3uectP4KC4/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3bCurMHTd9xT7VvtcbN0ijY37mjXN_68iVnqHICDOyAinpzS7TD-R2U9e3Au8prS3kTGBZ9LFXzCREzPx5aI4amfX3xTt9bWT2gZPfXMjjo6_qDzJ9fCTwm7N-NVWOXIzz3uectP4KC4/s1600/014.JPG" /></a></div><br />Note:  I tried making these with some logs that my hubby cut fresh off a tree and the wood was still so wet inside that I didn't think it would work.  I was worried they would crack during the drying out process.  I didn't coat these with anything.  You could probably seal them with polyurethane if you wanted.   But I like them natural.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0tbvoDJAZfyOJ46b-Rv-S1E9nkhH58Sj6lc37CMROG7j5Q1MmRAw9O2dG0dvnm9MA_N4Z_0uYcm_I7arjftWHdFeHhnIg6bUJ25fZrdgj5uCgE08pZG9gngKVt2umPxfMFeltb9yGhjw/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0tbvoDJAZfyOJ46b-Rv-S1E9nkhH58Sj6lc37CMROG7j5Q1MmRAw9O2dG0dvnm9MA_N4Z_0uYcm_I7arjftWHdFeHhnIg6bUJ25fZrdgj5uCgE08pZG9gngKVt2umPxfMFeltb9yGhjw/s1600/013.JPG" /></a></div><br />Super easy and free and I was able to make a big pile of them.  I love giving gifts so I need a lot!  LOL  :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TQz2HYcfIUB6Z55L6TsOm501soWfQ1Oe8yEl622A9SIhyphenhyphenwFKa0DuczSTXsVvS9bPOorklAdL8Y8hLudWCwC7_qEahJKaSItT2ndSgoIQ0jGbApybXibK3sGFQcDbQQa89RKgDNpc_56g/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TQz2HYcfIUB6Z55L6TsOm501soWfQ1Oe8yEl622A9SIhyphenhyphenwFKa0DuczSTXsVvS9bPOorklAdL8Y8hLudWCwC7_qEahJKaSItT2ndSgoIQ0jGbApybXibK3sGFQcDbQQa89RKgDNpc_56g/s1600/012.JPG" /></a></div><br />Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!<br /><br /><br />Follow along between posts on <a href="http://instagram.com/dianagray5?ref=badge#">Instagram!</a><br /><br /><br />

Anthropologie Inspired Gift Tags

I always take inspiration from Anthropologie during the holidays.  Their gift wraps and tags, as well as, holiday decor are so happy.  But the prices, not so much. I recently came across their holiday wooden gift tags and became completely smitten with them.  I love using nature in decor and even be…

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CHRISTMAS: MAKE A STATEMENT!

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Go BIG</b></span><br><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />(Decorating small just tends to look like clutter, anyway.)<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/AVvXsEh2am1lu_Uz5dsvKLKQH5cgmK7fJPw2oLxEvx5aQ4rxl_m3c3Lbim-kJLxsWj-Wx-o4aB1m8rbtvCPGaGERK1RB10_NXYiVfRDcJpkGCOX9xEMpi6DwKF4tOrmcZ9y5aaghoyt9PVxungkk/s1600/free-home-decorating-ideas+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2am1lu_Uz5dsvKLKQH5cgmK7fJPw2oLxEvx5aQ4rxl_m3c3Lbim-kJLxsWj-Wx-o4aB1m8rbtvCPGaGERK1RB10_NXYiVfRDcJpkGCOX9xEMpi6DwKF4tOrmcZ9y5aaghoyt9PVxungkk/s640/free-home-decorating-ideas+com.jpg" width="525"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.free-home-decorating-ideas.com/">via</a></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />But BIG is Beautiful.<br><br /><br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/11/christmas-make-statement.html#more">Read more »</a>

CHRISTMAS: MAKE A STATEMENT!

Go BIG(Decorating small just tends to look like clutter, anyway.)viaBut BIG is Beautiful.Read more »…

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CRAVING A CHANGE OF COLOR

<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 21.111112594604492px;"><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NEEDING CHANGE</span><br><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span><br /><br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35hw2127osoJS4kbxKdI8YbPTb7GxerzFOtQqyMDqpSpVsWqbIu9_1qgdzRdLKtlVNo7Yo78j1ZX12K3o7dbruG6nSBuoFP-fFAtmtZAiLgUst3_KFtqS1idqh9cfwN8bOHJRZuWmW4tL/s1600/5da233d78fa4dde4d9d5285643f987c9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35hw2127osoJS4kbxKdI8YbPTb7GxerzFOtQqyMDqpSpVsWqbIu9_1qgdzRdLKtlVNo7Yo78j1ZX12K3o7dbruG6nSBuoFP-fFAtmtZAiLgUst3_KFtqS1idqh9cfwN8bOHJRZuWmW4tL/s640/5da233d78fa4dde4d9d5285643f987c9.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 21.111112594604492px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me it means going from an abundance of rich warm color to a more neutral palette, cooler tones, fresher colors, more light, more contrast, less stuff.  </span><br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/11/craving-change-of-color.html#more">Read more »</a>

CRAVING A CHANGE OF COLOR

NEEDING CHANGEFor me it means going from an abundance of rich warm color to a more neutral palette, cooler tones, fresher colors, more light, more contrast, less stuff.  Read more »…

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KIDS ROOMS

<div style="text-align: center;"><br />WITH BOYS IN MIND</div><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/AVvXsEh-9fcdE373q-YG8AdTHwX2H4NWSW2chxGgzTPKsz5xm-pYuthd3FCvOzJs4QG4fOzmEH3FzhI6aMHbdmM6VhEl5ERMUqSWGF8aKgSgAu1jB8Cb_3DL1nd6bSOcid8lCYWUzUkggJeyIJey/s1600/dadf4989911ed7082015c15f8c2d871e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9fcdE373q-YG8AdTHwX2H4NWSW2chxGgzTPKsz5xm-pYuthd3FCvOzJs4QG4fOzmEH3FzhI6aMHbdmM6VhEl5ERMUqSWGF8aKgSgAu1jB8Cb_3DL1nd6bSOcid8lCYWUzUkggJeyIJey/s640/dadf4989911ed7082015c15f8c2d871e.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/calvin-and-hobbes/images/254155/title/calvin-hobbes-wallpaper">Calvin & Hobbs wall mural</a></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />For those of you creating a space for your little monsters...</div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />there is a cornucopia of ideas and accessories available to you.</div><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/11/kids-rooms.html#more">Read more »</a>

KIDS ROOMS

WITH BOYS IN MINDCalvin & Hobbs wall muralFor those of you creating a space for your little monsters...there is a cornucopia of ideas and accessories available to you.Read more »…

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FAMILY ROOM REDO

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A VERY GOOD THING</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Remodeling a 70's style construction to the 21st century is always a very good thing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Upgrading your home is important.  An updated and well maintained home is money in the bank in the long run.  I finished this project a while ago, but misplaced my before pictures - and didn't want to post without them - the change is amazing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Before:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYgWVELHoEgcovL_AAV8JfpQ2XR_drLhEdlctWwrEf79L4q6FtpTZoVWIYFOmzoJ9eqdyTJFpfn1aAWvnLSPu6kvu5C-N4ankw40Jl5bBzaIza626OPmHd2U_KtuyvM_Xl7t8HhFU1RI/s1600/IMG_2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYgWVELHoEgcovL_AAV8JfpQ2XR_drLhEdlctWwrEf79L4q6FtpTZoVWIYFOmzoJ9eqdyTJFpfn1aAWvnLSPu6kvu5C-N4ankw40Jl5bBzaIza626OPmHd2U_KtuyvM_Xl7t8HhFU1RI/s640/IMG_2383.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br><br />AFTER<br><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOUNrikKCZni8COzT4WUvkrkMjjDDWcRyJiPklnhyphenhyphengFyNV2zpMcbRr_Zup2LmmP9IRHiBpKey0ryB6hJIU5BdnQJwSGjMsKmdEUoR_sKIdvCecgk602-y1OQYrikIPbambdtMxKsVDmc/s1600/IMG_1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOUNrikKCZni8COzT4WUvkrkMjjDDWcRyJiPklnhyphenhyphengFyNV2zpMcbRr_Zup2LmmP9IRHiBpKey0ryB6hJIU5BdnQJwSGjMsKmdEUoR_sKIdvCecgk602-y1OQYrikIPbambdtMxKsVDmc/s640/IMG_1206.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Nearly done: awaiting draperies and the flat screen t.v. :)<br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/11/family-room-redo.html#more">Read more »</a>

FAMILY ROOM REDO

A VERY GOOD THINGRemodeling a 70's style construction to the 21st century is always a very good thing.Upgrading your home is important.  An updated and well maintained home is money in the bank in the long run.  I finished this project a while ago, but misplaced my before pictures - and didn't want …

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OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE

<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/AVvXsEgc8-xsEKlompDleFaKP_SwZxaHWVQyUFThco3Ksl9FKyJRrz3Zxlq0SlriXhYRDucQ2_5WRr2Jg5bHVOhu5GLdfYhdcaL6B7fEJUtHtbzNmAVMPCHSvjGfmjCcA9QAh1ztjwK_KEdeebR-/s1600/elle+decor++benjmoore+char+brown.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8-xsEKlompDleFaKP_SwZxaHWVQyUFThco3Ksl9FKyJRrz3Zxlq0SlriXhYRDucQ2_5WRr2Jg5bHVOhu5GLdfYhdcaL6B7fEJUtHtbzNmAVMPCHSvjGfmjCcA9QAh1ztjwK_KEdeebR-/s640/elle+decor++benjmoore+char+brown.bmp" title="" width="640"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via Elle Decor</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />I find myself in your shoes this holiday season.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Trying to decide on wall color</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />flooring</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and possibly kitchen cabinets...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and whether I want to make some big changes now that everything is being torn up</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />or just those that are necessary.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />On a good note, I found flooring that I love.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/11/opportunity-for-change.html#more">Read more »</a>

OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE

via Elle DecorI find myself in your shoes this holiday season.Trying to decide on wall colorflooringand possibly kitchen cabinets...and whether I want to make some big changes now that everything is being torn upor just those that are necessary.On a good note, I found flooring that I love.Read more …

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THANKSGIVING - FABULOUS FALL

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />FABULOUS FALL -<br><br /><br><br />In spite of our home being torn up and a general disaster area<br><br />we are happy the kids will be home from college and we will be together<br><br />(no matter the condition of the floor)<br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmL2nVoSAZz9hA-UN8J-ITYSkLCnpIvB1j7KmcS9Od3HvoX34hz3_8iUME88cSb0DBU5OmCC2jh29XvPLnJIy0WHLrMlQr6WfmQuSax9GR7dI4B-1DK5hL_gCdf1KrMzSbDMyvW0sj7ns/s1600/wistufllycountry+tumblr+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmL2nVoSAZz9hA-UN8J-ITYSkLCnpIvB1j7KmcS9Od3HvoX34hz3_8iUME88cSb0DBU5OmCC2jh29XvPLnJIy0WHLrMlQr6WfmQuSax9GR7dI4B-1DK5hL_gCdf1KrMzSbDMyvW0sj7ns/s640/wistufllycountry+tumblr+com.jpg" width="350"></a></div><br /><br><br />We are so grateful for family, friends, and blessings too numerous to mention</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and for you</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />you make my day!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />thank you for reading, emailing and commenting</div><br /><br><br />So here is a little Thanksgiving decorating inspiration -<br><br />because I REALLY need it this year...<br><br /></div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/11/thanksgiving-fabulous-fall.html#more">Read more »</a>

THANKSGIVING - FABULOUS FALL

FABULOUS FALL -In spite of our home being torn up and a general disaster areawe are happy the kids will be home from college and we will be together(no matter the condition of the floor)We are so grateful for family, friends, and blessings too numerous to mentionand for youyou make my day!thank you …

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Chalkboard Wall

I've wanted to do a chalkboard wall in our home forever but as you will see from the photos, our walls are very heavily textured and I didn't think I would be able to write on them. <br /><br />But I just couldn't stand it anymore.  I really wanted one.  So, I tested it out first with a piece of chalk and tried writing on it, and surprisingly, it was no big deal at all.  Sure it isn't perfectly smooth, but I could write on it and it still looked fine.  That was all I needed to get busy and paint a side and I couldn't be more happy with the results.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgGL4iD1WTbp_HbikStF7jfiiBjb-0M8g5dgn3-qEqiRVKNE8nBjDFzU4I-a6L1v09vO75TAwrYM6DKs8zlKxhjRBtt0epVPEZz2JqPMe-A4f4IG0H434rjI8WacRIGsDkcpULCVhCLoI/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/AVvXsEjMgGL4iD1WTbp_HbikStF7jfiiBjb-0M8g5dgn3-qEqiRVKNE8nBjDFzU4I-a6L1v09vO75TAwrYM6DKs8zlKxhjRBtt0epVPEZz2JqPMe-A4f4IG0H434rjI8WacRIGsDkcpULCVhCLoI/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Of course, this did inspire a couple of other projects.  Isn't it funny how that always happens.  When my dad died, I inherited some of his wine collection.  He was quite a wine connoisseur and even though some of it is no longer drinkable, I will never get rid of it and I wanted to display some of it proudly.  I also wanted to display it on the wall against the chalkboard wall color.  I looked for a DIY wine rack tutorial and found <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2013/03/wine-rack.html">this one</a>.  I did it a little bit differently in that I didn't use the same size bolts and I also spray painted them oil rubbed bronze because I didn't care for the color of them. <br /><br />Because we already had the barn wood, this project cost me less than $5 because all I had to buy was the bolts for .38 each.  How great is that?  I absolutely love how it turned out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzWfB7DCw193wveqy9Lqw19_JRojtqEH42ZNKPQZb394KogwOJ02LNhvlMC4LW5vx2wH-xcWyG0NPvAGQCh_QjTmEeytFtA9PTOMhyx_S7zA0ta2lU2EjvJhEJMwJlA3bO8UgROLIvdyO/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzWfB7DCw193wveqy9Lqw19_JRojtqEH42ZNKPQZb394KogwOJ02LNhvlMC4LW5vx2wH-xcWyG0NPvAGQCh_QjTmEeytFtA9PTOMhyx_S7zA0ta2lU2EjvJhEJMwJlA3bO8UgROLIvdyO/s1600/014.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />I've had a lot of emails asking where we bought our light fixture in the dining room.  I actually don't remember because it was bought 8 years ago when we bought the house.  However, I wasn't happy with it at all because it had frosted glass shades on it that forced the light up onto the ceiling instead of down onto the table for a cozier setting.  For years I just lived with it but I couldn't stand how cold the dining room felt with the light like that so I decided to see if I could just remove the glass shades and sure enough, you could.  I removed them all and added clip on shades from Lowes, which I loved and they made the lighting perfectly cozy.  For this project though, I went a little further and added burlap to each shade to give more texture to the room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF-87ftLLIvQgX4nLfqROybeC9r0G1wTGzAso_MBVbs8SqwWk4TEoDUtmKabSzFu6E7A3MC1kjmCEJPGuWMc2C7wavem0vnWae91CIuTj_4xCPIUgHoLZApOs40s89QmMTZJnjpE1nqAd/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF-87ftLLIvQgX4nLfqROybeC9r0G1wTGzAso_MBVbs8SqwWk4TEoDUtmKabSzFu6E7A3MC1kjmCEJPGuWMc2C7wavem0vnWae91CIuTj_4xCPIUgHoLZApOs40s89QmMTZJnjpE1nqAd/s1600/008.JPG" /></a></div><br />I cut out the fabric, sprayed the shade with spray adhesive, wrapped it and hot glued the rest.  Because I didn't cut it out perfectly, I added a piece of rope to the inside to clean it up a bit.  I just hot glued it on.  It just makes it a little bit neater since you can easily see up under the shade while walking in the dining room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDxUl9-kX8HmDH6iOdZUjaQ9Jc-3uY3DmYoJpt2D98p5izewInfug3O7eVcw9YgmiCqiRl_ryTT-JAVL3MDCDVjjOjiC5HooVrP5D2qUkL4_QB5ZF5Z4rb94Ord5NkghojWfGo0KXqGiE/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDxUl9-kX8HmDH6iOdZUjaQ9Jc-3uY3DmYoJpt2D98p5izewInfug3O7eVcw9YgmiCqiRl_ryTT-JAVL3MDCDVjjOjiC5HooVrP5D2qUkL4_QB5ZF5Z4rb94Ord5NkghojWfGo0KXqGiE/s1600/006.JPG" /></a></div><br />For the sentiment on the wall here, I printed everything from wordpad on my computer and traced it onto the wall using different fonts.  Yes, it took all day but boy do I love it.  I wish I could remember the name of each font I used but I don't.  Sorry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisstQxSIV_ujZHlIfOmKqWnAtor-Asnys3zdGHpyfXLLDF9pj0xpeuC8YziZhuCfgMhB4QtmokHJq5fjIgmEAj_Vz2c9mQzgpJ-9SEwCMvZjZ_3Evt6F-I79-EWju2wQb29SOiqVp9yO8J/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisstQxSIV_ujZHlIfOmKqWnAtor-Asnys3zdGHpyfXLLDF9pj0xpeuC8YziZhuCfgMhB4QtmokHJq5fjIgmEAj_Vz2c9mQzgpJ-9SEwCMvZjZ_3Evt6F-I79-EWju2wQb29SOiqVp9yO8J/s1600/010.JPG" /></a></div><br />I still have a couple more things to add to the wall but I wanted to go ahead a share it now.<br /><br />I love it!  So if you've been wanting to do a chalkboard wall but thought you couldn't because of the wall texture in your home, I'd say go for it!  :)<br /><br />Have a great day!<br /><br />Follow along between posts on <a href="http://instagram.com/dianagray5?ref=badge#">Instagram!</a>

Chalkboard Wall

I've wanted to do a chalkboard wall in our home forever but as you will see from the photos, our walls are very heavily textured and I didn't think I would be able to write on them. But I just couldn't stand it anymore.  I really wanted one.  So, I tested it out first with a piece of chalk and tried…

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CHRISTMAS - THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><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/AVvXsEgMv7KYdeaUMWOjfhlSi1Tiu5bMutT_x0Lf2dJmSfEgqvHtQO-9MV9no7x3T4V397KcKhhldJXJ0VvmguvFaoVf7rYfFdJcwVZHc7PpvbQkwul02rp_Y_XlMdMZ0mrQzr455lvQC95t4YNM/s1600/034a27af8697391ce987fb71555bf7e1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv7KYdeaUMWOjfhlSi1Tiu5bMutT_x0Lf2dJmSfEgqvHtQO-9MV9no7x3T4V397KcKhhldJXJ0VvmguvFaoVf7rYfFdJcwVZHc7PpvbQkwul02rp_Y_XlMdMZ0mrQzr455lvQC95t4YNM/s640/034a27af8697391ce987fb71555bf7e1.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/"><i>Pottery Barn</i></a></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Christmas has its trends...</div><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/AVvXsEj-x7M2WwFyG016DDEIMgjCCLwT4kq0ggfqUV40Ievdqce5bxnxrlvVnHqtEZKQJJ8pPWZSwZ3hqLnRxgph0mEPnHGzjvFuiDWeTA1jVwrlNyNznwkdQDjws9d9aRV5JOtmcYZRCYSnrO_D/s1600/pb+mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x7M2WwFyG016DDEIMgjCCLwT4kq0ggfqUV40Ievdqce5bxnxrlvVnHqtEZKQJJ8pPWZSwZ3hqLnRxgph0mEPnHGzjvFuiDWeTA1jVwrlNyNznwkdQDjws9d9aRV5JOtmcYZRCYSnrO_D/s640/pb+mantel.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/"><i>Pottery Barn</i></a></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />this year I'm seeing some I am particularly happy about...<br><br /></div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/11/christmas-as-i-see-it.html#more">Read more »</a>

CHRISTMAS - THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

Pottery BarnChristmas has its trends...Pottery Barnthis year I'm seeing some I am particularly happy about...Read more »…

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BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PHhFfgwZXFbu-v6kodL28oK6B_5ON4W2UeGDz9bz1NSpiVx2Z_Qn_TZ1VXxlOSpTvIb7YeW5IV8Um81VNAyv5FWjpRu6LbNOBIJ4x5vXSI9HwZVf9y3IIVXE6gNHrsyOXvvNxFX83GQ/s1600/marblebath.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PHhFfgwZXFbu-v6kodL28oK6B_5ON4W2UeGDz9bz1NSpiVx2Z_Qn_TZ1VXxlOSpTvIb7YeW5IV8Um81VNAyv5FWjpRu6LbNOBIJ4x5vXSI9HwZVf9y3IIVXE6gNHrsyOXvvNxFX83GQ/s640/marblebath.bmp" width="640"></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br></span></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The most costly room you will renovate in your home is your bathroom<br><br />Per square foot, it is the most expensive remodel<br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/11/beautiful-bathrooms.html#more">Read more »</a>

BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS

The most costly room you will renovate in your home is your bathroomPer square foot, it is the most expensive remodelRead more »…

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FEARING THE SANITARIUM

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /> Choosing a wall color doesn't have to scare the living daylights out of you. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /> Just remember a couple of things.   </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />1.  You are creating a background for your design.   </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />2.  Backgrounds are best created with neutrals.  </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />3.  Neutrals are just grayed down colors.  </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />They are beautiful.  </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />They don't have to be boring.</div><br /><br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPvnCs0mRp7m1P3_GCjEpFw9ZD2nELC2zGkkwT_1Ayo15O1Mr2szNklNn34Yz6WA6EZgnlDseJSifHvAw-DTbOyIxcRnJw2KE4PViif9ixsbkS34csxOQ2eF5-duB1i4oNQtoQb6PH99l/s1600/53e667b527e7f10cbe863d99ea77dbd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPvnCs0mRp7m1P3_GCjEpFw9ZD2nELC2zGkkwT_1Ayo15O1Mr2szNklNn34Yz6WA6EZgnlDseJSifHvAw-DTbOyIxcRnJw2KE4PViif9ixsbkS34csxOQ2eF5-duB1i4oNQtoQb6PH99l/s640/53e667b527e7f10cbe863d99ea77dbd3.jpg" width="480"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />This room has a neutral background and a neutral palette, but is anything but boring</div><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/10/fearing-sanitarium.html#more">Read more »</a>

FEARING THE SANITARIUM

 Choosing a wall color doesn't have to scare the living daylights out of you.  Just remember a couple of things.   1.  You are creating a background for your design.   2.  Backgrounds are best created with neutrals.  3.  Neutrals are just grayed down colors.  They are beautiful.  They don't have to …

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A GOOD WARM NEUTRAL GRAY

HELP WITH A NON GROSS COLOR<br><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 21.111112594604492px;"><br></span><br /><br><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 21.111112594604492px;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw1gYfY-Vny2N9dloqMH-gppvBp8Q3PYNuwwqdcTB2Usk0PiYNaypMF4vgJWUg2pHpwXcj2JagD3kFbeAGNIAJsWIVQyEbWBzShHKgy7AeeiJdD2CVFYbMSmNyOKrGZR9weN5Itf6fw4C/s1600/f294805966d4326806ce46021da3b2d4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw1gYfY-Vny2N9dloqMH-gppvBp8Q3PYNuwwqdcTB2Usk0PiYNaypMF4vgJWUg2pHpwXcj2JagD3kFbeAGNIAJsWIVQyEbWBzShHKgy7AeeiJdD2CVFYbMSmNyOKrGZR9weN5Itf6fw4C/s1600/f294805966d4326806ce46021da3b2d4.jpg"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />When you buy a previously owned home, you buy that owner's taste in color and surface materials.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Sometimes you are lucky, and its a neutral you can live with for a while</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />but sometimes, you can't wait to make changes...</div><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-good-warm-neutral-gray.html#more">Read more »</a>

A GOOD WARM NEUTRAL GRAY

HELP WITH A NON GROSS COLORWhen you buy a previously owned home, you buy that owner's taste in color and surface materials.Sometimes you are lucky, and its a neutral you can live with for a whilebut sometimes, you can't wait to make changes...Read more »…

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Pumpkin Scones

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEiJzkm50PQTbjxL-3v3_iscszZ5IyzhE8koqf5reHAyl5xaEF8kOJ-0451lCkjZVGxUItvUyY9-NgWx1LgfcOloePWLNmQdR0d4nEFd_X7ID6AYSh_uajQRr0MbitRjFPwAHyq5wDVM-ahL/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/AVvXsEiJzkm50PQTbjxL-3v3_iscszZ5IyzhE8koqf5reHAyl5xaEF8kOJ-0451lCkjZVGxUItvUyY9-NgWx1LgfcOloePWLNmQdR0d4nEFd_X7ID6AYSh_uajQRr0MbitRjFPwAHyq5wDVM-ahL/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I can't get enough pumpkin during the Fall season.  I love it.  Especially in scones.  These are simple, fast and so tender and flaky.  And I may or may not have eaten them all myself at midnight last night.  ;)<br /><br /><u>Pumpkin Scones </u><br /><br />2 cups all purpose flour<br />7 TBS sugar<br />1 TBS baking powder<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice<br />6 TBS cold butter, cubed<br />1/2 cup canned pumpkin<br />3 TBS heavy cream<br />1 large egg<br /><br /><u>Spiced Glaze</u><br /><br />1 cup powdered sugar<br />2 TBS whole milk<br />1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice<br /><br /><br />Preheat oven to 425 degrees.<br /><br />Combine dry ingredients in food processor and pulse to combine.  Add cold butter and pulse until butter resembles small pea size crumbs.  Set aside.<br /><br />In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin, heavy cream and egg.  Whisk until mixed together.<br /><br />Fold into wet ingredients.  Form dough into ball and pat into a 9 in x 3 in wide rectangle.  Cut into 3 equal portions.  But those 3 portions diagonally so that you have 6 equal triangle shaped slices of dough.<br /><br />Place on greased baking sheet.  Bake 14-16 minutes.<br /><br />Combine ingredients for the glaze and drizzle over warm scones.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05WDDp70iRSaQuTzkKKGoAYM75pgJ2a9iYbGIjzsdCqjr5nKLWIMmBZNY2mnyJrzwIPsSh3J6le-05fRBqMUSAw9VASavbZWGB4VW1rzS4t2C4lqrIQwZ3qiouwl3bz9ZDW0Zsvflubo0/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/AVvXsEj05WDDp70iRSaQuTzkKKGoAYM75pgJ2a9iYbGIjzsdCqjr5nKLWIMmBZNY2mnyJrzwIPsSh3J6le-05fRBqMUSAw9VASavbZWGB4VW1rzS4t2C4lqrIQwZ3qiouwl3bz9ZDW0Zsvflubo0/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><br />

Pumpkin Scones

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I can't get enough pumpkin during the Fall season.  I love it.  Especially in scones.  These are simple, fast and so tender and flaky.  And I may or may not have eaten them all myself at midnight last night.  ;)Pumpkin Scones 2 cups all purpose flour7 TBS sugar…

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CURB APPEAL

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><strong>LOOKING GOOD!</strong></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Our houses can't go to the gym to get a quick workout</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Or hike</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />or run</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and they can't trim their own shrubs</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOg_FfvEtG6j6GWPCznef7S-W8gFubz_9WiIw4H0nG1LpGf2EjzK6-x1pngZTu0vbAiqaiXq_M7XUzCOZTIo5kPp1bkJui8ivyk6tw7HmXzzyRrX4sNsVNRCzqehbpPzvNqc0T5Ie0SeY/s1600/00+MYPERFECTCOLOR+COM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOg_FfvEtG6j6GWPCznef7S-W8gFubz_9WiIw4H0nG1LpGf2EjzK6-x1pngZTu0vbAiqaiXq_M7XUzCOZTIo5kPp1bkJui8ivyk6tw7HmXzzyRrX4sNsVNRCzqehbpPzvNqc0T5Ie0SeY/s640/00+MYPERFECTCOLOR+COM.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />So when it comes to getting in shape</div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />looking good</div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and creating a beautiful curbside look at your home</div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />your house has to rely on you.<br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2010/06/day-4-garden-tour.html#more">Read more »</a>

CURB APPEAL

LOOKING GOOD!Our houses can't go to the gym to get a quick workoutOr hikeor runand they can't trim their own shrubsSo when it comes to getting in shapelooking goodand creating a beautiful curbside look at your homeyour house has to rely on you.Read more »…

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Breadboard Winner

First I want to tell you how much I enjoyed reading about all of your wonderful Fall memories and traditions.  It's such a blessing to be able to take a trip down memory lane and remember special times with our loved ones.  Thank you for leaving such lovely comments.  :)<br /><br />Random number generator selected comment number 41 as the winner of the breadboards:<br /><br /><br /><div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_40M" kind="m"><cite class="user"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11169103242712008061" rel="nofollow">Cathey Ihms</a></cite><span class="icon user"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text"><a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2013/10/breadboard-giveaway.html?showComment=1382018617749#c4523556221811335245" rel="nofollow">Thu Oct 17, 09:03:00 AM CDT</a></span></div><div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_40MC">What a sweet way to remember your father! I love the pictures of him, and I assume that's you in the one!<br /> My favorite fall tradition is chili and frito pie! The very first day in fall when the temperature drops and it's actually chilly, we all proclaim that "it's chili weather!" We make up a batch of chili and turn most of it into frito pie. It's been something my family has done since I was a little girl, and something I still do to this day. And now I want frito pie...</div><div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_40MC"><br /></div><div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_40MC"><br /></div><div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_40MC">Thank you, Cathey!  Please email your contact info to <b>ourvintagehomelove@gmail.com</b> so I can get these in the mail to you!</div><div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_40MC"><br /></div><div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_40MC"><br /></div><div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_40MC">On another note, we are getting ready to start a big project in our kitchen:  new butcherblock countertops and a subway tile backsplash!  I can't wait!</div>

Breadboard Winner

First I want to tell you how much I enjoyed reading about all of your wonderful Fall memories and traditions.  It's such a blessing to be able to take a trip down memory lane and remember special times with our loved ones.  Thank you for leaving such lovely comments.  :)Random number generator selec…

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CELEBRITY HOMES....

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />LOOK-E-LOOS</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IkFfjmqowO-tLSjCArqQqBPJrIxY5sW7Vil9c1x8VANqZb2T_y6dwUzSU7LD8IUeRYwQjEifM25LAkBCisauDsOrZ7y4wWCyU_s00Dh_EF543R8gFR9S0Rrk4254sCSKUyXhnKj85tmQ/s1600/6492112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IkFfjmqowO-tLSjCArqQqBPJrIxY5sW7Vil9c1x8VANqZb2T_y6dwUzSU7LD8IUeRYwQjEifM25LAkBCisauDsOrZ7y4wWCyU_s00Dh_EF543R8gFR9S0Rrk4254sCSKUyXhnKj85tmQ/s1600/6492112.jpg"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Former home of Michael Jackson, Los Angeles, California</span></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Yes, I'm as guilty as any of you...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />I love to look at other people's homes, especially celebrity homes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />One of my favorite blogs is <a href="http://www.hookedonhouses.net/">Hooked On Houses</a> where you get to peek into beautiful celebrity </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and non-celebrity and even fabulous movie set homes on a regular basis.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />So, I thought I'd take you on my own little tour and share my guilty pleasure, </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />because I'm always amazed at how 'ordinary' celebrities turn out to be.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Like this house - home to Harrison Ford.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z8oi4eftKYuw1yTOlJEc_SJzo8w7IorqO981g_McSQG4Sy8P44ZtbYmgFv9DG-aZDtYZHSe0yLS7hrPWIMdqCD866khaI9gZ066xu9WUceWMqZDMT08dPZLUNRlWl3EajkSAPmXT6fpV/s1600/harrisonford+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z8oi4eftKYuw1yTOlJEc_SJzo8w7IorqO981g_McSQG4Sy8P44ZtbYmgFv9DG-aZDtYZHSe0yLS7hrPWIMdqCD866khaI9gZ066xu9WUceWMqZDMT08dPZLUNRlWl3EajkSAPmXT6fpV/s640/harrisonford+home.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/10/international-paint-color.html#more">Read more »</a>

CELEBRITY HOMES....

LOOK-E-LOOSFormer home of Michael Jackson, Los Angeles, CaliforniaYes, I'm as guilty as any of you...I love to look at other people's homes, especially celebrity homes.One of my favorite blogs is Hooked On Houses where you get to peek into beautiful celebrity and non-celebrity and even fabulous movi…

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COASTAL COLORS

<div class="ReadMsgTop" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /><ul style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /><li style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />WHEN THE BEACH IS A STATE OF MIND</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk4QJxLmVhQFC-nEfi22x21IslRpsmstP23R9_Oiq_yhlRbKe29B0VhkEUfLqYLmrQGDiAg4uCiWFGno8XtBXcuRwCXCeHoV1uVjBNjN8xYw4jjd9TLWzDJyo8djTBGujYb55OrZCby3t/s1600/50f47bd5a227c60e864d0504cbb210de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk4QJxLmVhQFC-nEfi22x21IslRpsmstP23R9_Oiq_yhlRbKe29B0VhkEUfLqYLmrQGDiAg4uCiWFGno8XtBXcuRwCXCeHoV1uVjBNjN8xYw4jjd9TLWzDJyo8djTBGujYb55OrZCby3t/s640/50f47bd5a227c60e864d0504cbb210de.jpg" width="480"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />Coastal decor is one of my all time favorites.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />I live on the West Coast, but any coast would do.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />Its a casual, easy living, non-fussy way of decorating.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />A nod to the seashore in a 'not in your face' sort of way... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />not contrived ... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />a lifestyle not a trend.</div><br /></li></ul></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/10/coastal-colors.html#more">Read more »</a>

COASTAL COLORS

WHEN THE BEACH IS A STATE OF MINDCoastal decor is one of my all time favorites.  I live on the West Coast, but any coast would do.  Its a casual, easy living, non-fussy way of decorating.  A nod to the seashore in a 'not in your face' sort of way... not contrived ... a lifestyle not a trend.Read mor…

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FOR THE LOVE OF KITCHENS

<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Kitchens are the heart of the home. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />It's where families gather</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Even when there is more room in the rest of the house</div><br /></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjld_xeDVVuTcItECWLLJEK4GAT8ICMMgeGmsIEsmI4dVylrK7a5v7ZpijMJaHtxTKyo1dzloMhT2K4mPBryqSBBz7Rbn3IynRv56luMiJvnYY39Tvu_s16kL_syE4-16euB7du60TAEqxC/s1600/horoffing+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjld_xeDVVuTcItECWLLJEK4GAT8ICMMgeGmsIEsmI4dVylrK7a5v7ZpijMJaHtxTKyo1dzloMhT2K4mPBryqSBBz7Rbn3IynRv56luMiJvnYY39Tvu_s16kL_syE4-16euB7du60TAEqxC/s640/horoffing+com.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />If you could wave a magic wand to make changes in your kitchen</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />what would you wish for?</div><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/10/for-love-of-kitchens.html#more">Read more »</a>

FOR THE LOVE OF KITCHENS

Kitchens are the heart of the home. It's where families gatherEven when there is more room in the rest of the houseIf you could wave a magic wand to make changes in your kitchenwhat would you wish for?Read more »…

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOR(S) FOR YOUR HOME

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="ReadMsgTop" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /><ul style="line-height: 19px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /><li style="line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;"><h2 class="ReadMsgSubject TextSizeLarge" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI Light', 'Segoe UI Web Light', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Symbol', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 29px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding-top: 1px;"><br />SILVER MARLIN, ANYONE?</h2><br /></li><br /></ul><br /></div><br /><div class="MsgPartsContainer ClearBoth" id="msgParts" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /><div ca="noreply-comment@blogger.com" ci="3" class="HasLayout ia_h_r ia_h_d ia_vc_h0 ia_vc_f1 ia_vc HideSkype" cn="Anonymous" dbt="Full" ex="ex" fb="fb" fid="77835b13-ea1f-4338-baec-85d29aee9596" hb="hb" hfb="hfb" ic="rmic1" icci="" icfn="Anonymous" icit="PWN" idx="0" mad="2954|0|8D06AFFFB3C2EB0||0|1|0|0|14|3" mid="1612815c-08dc-11e3-b2e2-00215ad7bb68" pfx="mp0_" scid="" style="line-height: 19px;" wl="wl"><br /><div class=" Expanded" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /><div class="ReadMsgContainer HasLayout ClearBoth FullPart NoHistory Read RmIc HideH" style="border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; clear: both; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 24px; position: relative;"><br /><div id="mp0_ctr" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /><div class="MsgPartBody ClearBoth" id="mp0_msgPartBody" style="clear: both; line-height: 19px;"><br /><div bt="Full" fa="Forward" pfx="mpf0_" ra="Reply" raa="ReplyAll" rfu=" InboxLight.aspx?n=1491635561&Action={0}&AllowUnsafe={1}" sf="s" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /><div class="ReadMsgBody" id="mpf0_readMsgBodyContainer" style="line-height: 19px; padding: 16px 0px 0px;"><br /><div class="SandboxScopeClass ExternalClass" id="mpf0_MsgContainer" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Adding color to your room takes an artists eye.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Too many of us get caught up in the 'matchy matchy' world.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />You know what I'm talking about.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Where all the fabrics are exactly the same color.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Where all the woods match exactly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Where the paint is the perfect lighter variation of the sofa</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and the pillows and the curtains and the rug match. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />perfectly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />And the room ends up looking like a furniture catalog.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />And it has no depth.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />And its flat.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.aquieterstorm.tumblr.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjA1A5cgy745NQaKmhU_vMMkzShecKFjxV6rXsZhAcC3oaAavLWM9tqZkDuE0ZCILbT163mXvdDLS3PPRVfrmz58QQO4A_oTA9542EONyf29bMZXDkJwblMBhqTWUkRiX84zJzuh3txviy/s1600/aquieterstorm+tumblr+com.jpg"></a></span></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aquieterstorm.tumblr.com/">via</a></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />the fern fronds above are green</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />they all look perfectly wonderful together</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and yet there are so many different variations of green its hard to count them all.</div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/10/silver-marlin-anyone.html#more">Read more »</a>

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOR(S) FOR YOUR HOME

SILVER MARLIN, ANYONE?Adding color to your room takes an artists eye.Too many of us get caught up in the 'matchy matchy' world.You know what I'm talking about.  Where all the fabrics are exactly the same color.Where all the woods match exactly.Where the paint is the perfect lighter variation of the …

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Breadboard Giveaway

*************COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED************** <br /><br />Today is my dad's birthday.  He would have been 68 years old.  I miss him so.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_zyPS1TSw8kRiENf99sg284-Uctzy6NasNSFoxhXhvMS9_73N09eid27cqavOIx7cMYfELZZZC5ZhH1seI9KFbrHVh-1yUpw0BpvZLvC9FY-Ks2hPm8fqVP0VEhfV6P1dBI2ENyDMirf/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_zyPS1TSw8kRiENf99sg284-Uctzy6NasNSFoxhXhvMS9_73N09eid27cqavOIx7cMYfELZZZC5ZhH1seI9KFbrHVh-1yUpw0BpvZLvC9FY-Ks2hPm8fqVP0VEhfV6P1dBI2ENyDMirf/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />In remembrance of him, I would like to give away a set of my mini french bread boards together with the long french bread board to one of my wonderful readers.<br /><br />My <a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/p/my-bread-board-story.html">breadboards are my way of honoring him</a> so I thought what better way to celebrate his birthday.  I love my readers and shop customers and appreciate you all so very much!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKb03ga49jXl3OunOWnrjDDulbJgYYs6N-gdxuOy0eJozp5VIiLALcT8ET7LcQqkwwnsAA_cnodqidwwI9kyxPnHC7eqFht_8rV6MmBq-S0am2F4QI6kbWoPjxi4thFcb-JQLScuhR7JP/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKb03ga49jXl3OunOWnrjDDulbJgYYs6N-gdxuOy0eJozp5VIiLALcT8ET7LcQqkwwnsAA_cnodqidwwI9kyxPnHC7eqFht_8rV6MmBq-S0am2F4QI6kbWoPjxi4thFcb-JQLScuhR7JP/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>To enter this special giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment below telling me your favorite Fall memory or tradition.  That's it!<br /><br />Comments will be closed on Sunday night (October 20) and a winner will be randomly selected and announced Monday morning October 21st.<br /><br />Have a wonderful day!<br /><br />****************COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED****************

Breadboard Giveaway

*************COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED************** Today is my dad's birthday.  He would have been 68 years old.  I miss him so.  In remembrance of him, I would like to give away a set of my mini french bread boards together with the long french bread board to one of my wonderful readers.My breadboa…

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LAYERS OF DESIGN...

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 21.111112594604492px;">TACKLE A BIG JOB BY CUTTING IT UP INTO BITE SIZED PIECES....</span><br><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 21.111112594604492px;"><br></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 21.111112594604492px;">I often write about choosing wall color.  It's one of the steps to creating a beautiful room, but not usually the first.  I start below that.... at my feet.</span><br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LGYpRKMJWVGpU_b2xzUizjJylbAf27ok4znFRQ_7okh9eyDDJEL9VVxz4udGwx3y7cTB_2HlkRBjl-0bt4QuGoVghgHl9aKEMicINpadW1WbIOrRO6X524nI8bI27imYGBGKEoC343EK/s1600/a13c7a754fabd87040110b84036a3c11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LGYpRKMJWVGpU_b2xzUizjJylbAf27ok4znFRQ_7okh9eyDDJEL9VVxz4udGwx3y7cTB_2HlkRBjl-0bt4QuGoVghgHl9aKEMicINpadW1WbIOrRO6X524nI8bI27imYGBGKEoC343EK/s640/a13c7a754fabd87040110b84036a3c11.jpg" width="426"></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 21.111112594604492px;"><br></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 21.111112594604492px;">Starting at the bare bones of the room simply makes sense to me.  Start with the floor and the architectural details, like molding and trim, built-ins, paneling, wainscoting and bead board, you wish to add.  </span><br><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-eat-elephant.html#more">Read more »</a>

LAYERS OF DESIGN...

TACKLE A BIG JOB BY CUTTING IT UP INTO BITE SIZED PIECES....I often write about choosing wall color.  It's one of the steps to creating a beautiful room, but not usually the first.  I start below that.... at my feet.Starting at the bare bones of the room simply makes sense to me.  Start with the flo…

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HOW TO CHANGE YOUR COLOR SCHEME

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="ClearBoth" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web Regular", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Helvetica Neue", "BBAlpha Sans", "S60 Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /><div class="ReadMsgSafetyBar TextSizeSmall t_sbgc t_amtc SafetyBarPri-medium" id="mpf0_safetyBar" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black; font-size: 12px; height: auto !important; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />I have been swimming in my kitchen</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Or at least that was the feeling I had when  water began pouring out from the baseboards</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and now that the repair has been made and my walls are open and drying</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />I am trying to find a bright spot in the chaos</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><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/AVvXsEhDiFBOdXN93sbP7isTzdbZzPayyHc6PzkC8KTApqbgZtT0jz-ZuemLghYfRxNHcJa_ISsxmKN21K64jCm4mFXOx02lbZq46PTfg5S2MVMyl4Ml7pGXCDo2OgxzuDxm7XKdxwTEuqAsLN3k/s1600/roses+++apunchofcolordesign+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiFBOdXN93sbP7isTzdbZzPayyHc6PzkC8KTApqbgZtT0jz-ZuemLghYfRxNHcJa_ISsxmKN21K64jCm4mFXOx02lbZq46PTfg5S2MVMyl4Ml7pGXCDo2OgxzuDxm7XKdxwTEuqAsLN3k/s640/roses+++apunchofcolordesign+com.jpg" width="344"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apunchofcolordesign.com/">via</a></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2013/10/redo-your-color-scheme.html#more">Read more »</a>

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR COLOR SCHEME

I have been swimming in my kitchenOr at least that was the feeling I had when  water began pouring out from the baseboardsand now that the repair has been made and my walls are open and dryingI am trying to find a bright spot in the chaosviaRead more »…

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Faux Fireplace

I love fireplaces.  To me, they warm your soul, not just your body.  Since hubby and I have been married, I've dreamed of having one.  I grew up having a fireplace.  I loved helping my dad carry in wood and build a fire during the cold winter months.  He taught me all about kindling and what worked best.  Sometimes, he would even let me start it myself and I always felt so proud when I was able to get a fire going as good as he could.  To this day the scent of a fireplace burning somewhere in the air outside takes me right back to those special times with my dad.  It stops me in my tracks and I remember how much pride he seemed to take in building a fire for his family on cold evenings.<br /><br />Our house doesn't have one and since I can't build a functioning fireplace, I decided to do the next best thing, a faux version.  It might not be just like what I had growing up but it certainly reminds me of that and brings back wonderful memories.  And hopefully it will provide a feeling of warmth for our kids too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4f_at2HG77JzJp_uCVhXq6u9dInTKTrd5-oJGxDGB68Ra_fnjSd1_eveeLkUqrPLCEKc3MLKoB7wqrnL4q_6Pue3q9S3uMudSkvfUG_3QPB0-s-wP7E_gHhCQm3rW1ocjRprQB-JIUGar/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4f_at2HG77JzJp_uCVhXq6u9dInTKTrd5-oJGxDGB68Ra_fnjSd1_eveeLkUqrPLCEKc3MLKoB7wqrnL4q_6Pue3q9S3uMudSkvfUG_3QPB0-s-wP7E_gHhCQm3rW1ocjRprQB-JIUGar/s1600/025.JPG" /></a></div><br />I used the cheaper wood from Lowes that is full of knot holes and it cost me a little under $100 to build.  I followed <a href="http://www.blueroofcabin.com/2011/12/diy-mantle.html">this tutorial</a>, somewhat.  It took me an afternoon to build and I painted and added the barn wood the next day.  Not too bad as far as being time consuming.  And it really wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be.  I've wanted to build one forever but always felt it was too intimidating.   It wasn't once I got started.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnYwJXGD0aQytsqESG775j-C5KF5D4P_TAUqNC3eHlMzYWVTU2NwTlTeJc_VHa9eq7uFV8JYUow_MAYTdY7mS-XAOf36hj5OMVq94ts6OQ80vs2ERz2oedqH8iUhDDqXmyCejTbZU9KCd/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnYwJXGD0aQytsqESG775j-C5KF5D4P_TAUqNC3eHlMzYWVTU2NwTlTeJc_VHa9eq7uFV8JYUow_MAYTdY7mS-XAOf36hj5OMVq94ts6OQ80vs2ERz2oedqH8iUhDDqXmyCejTbZU9KCd/s1600/009.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />To achieve a glowing "fire" look, I built a box from the remaining scraps of barn wood and filled it with burlap, Christmas lights and wood logs.  To really make it seem real and have a little fun with it, I play my crackling fire in the fireplace app on my ipad.  :)  A couple of times, I even caught myself going to stand in front of it to "get warm".  Silly, I know.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ONyIGPHsDqU3pDBujMH5T914fsFS-Z60QALcgs8CU135RTtfT5VLqy6Cz-tj5K258QtR_UbzmoGI3WX-7MO5to6bODywsF-tnVVKuHV-0uKh8PHjBwdnbnEWJOa9-Yd_QaRiZr04Myqk/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/AVvXsEj0ONyIGPHsDqU3pDBujMH5T914fsFS-Z60QALcgs8CU135RTtfT5VLqy6Cz-tj5K258QtR_UbzmoGI3WX-7MO5to6bODywsF-tnVVKuHV-0uKh8PHjBwdnbnEWJOa9-Yd_QaRiZr04Myqk/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I am so happy with it and really, when I look at it, I can't believe I did it.  I know my dad would be super proud.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-yjLfXddkKpsVJcujCVnUuDNA7nsY-BY0WfUqmHewbrcXzrthiR59mpRDx73M7Lk1dSmT8-GchFVae2hr6Wzz9XXpi2_Y9DS37HWaS5so_HjyVG4y5Q1eB3ewGHaZuQPjY8qgtLHj61I/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/AVvXsEhz-yjLfXddkKpsVJcujCVnUuDNA7nsY-BY0WfUqmHewbrcXzrthiR59mpRDx73M7Lk1dSmT8-GchFVae2hr6Wzz9XXpi2_Y9DS37HWaS5so_HjyVG4y5Q1eB3ewGHaZuQPjY8qgtLHj61I/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the top, I used an extra thick piece of barn wood that I sanded down and waxed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxaFwDi9MTWkeNv7sJ4a8EQ5E_LihL0Wh60FtliHdmvHyrBA9uIR5sZNlVSZP5n9vrcuox6soBGT1Czf-kTOjSaHlpB_WWhlfBUtnqFZDHIugXmNcjeaO7PdP3uncxLFLp3EE5uSNjAlK/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxaFwDi9MTWkeNv7sJ4a8EQ5E_LihL0Wh60FtliHdmvHyrBA9uIR5sZNlVSZP5n9vrcuox6soBGT1Czf-kTOjSaHlpB_WWhlfBUtnqFZDHIugXmNcjeaO7PdP3uncxLFLp3EE5uSNjAlK/s1600/014.JPG" /></a></div><br />I decided against using candles in the box as I didn't want to be worried about wax dripping everywhere, which seems to always be a problem when I group candles together and burn them.  Luckily, there is an outlet directly behind the barn wood so I cut a small hole in the wood to provide an opening so I could plug in the lights and have it be perfectly hidden.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-MpJhIOQem3lpVecmrqcsn1hkYL7a1tssCUs43ExQ1bp8mZCEiP9ya2VuC5SEgthkOMTrF4N0njVYDtJ8zjnvz-DwQDbZ-HUPExZulw_c90g43EMqHgBmBpSSXvIXkcnwCipCMo6ZXZH/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-MpJhIOQem3lpVecmrqcsn1hkYL7a1tssCUs43ExQ1bp8mZCEiP9ya2VuC5SEgthkOMTrF4N0njVYDtJ8zjnvz-DwQDbZ-HUPExZulw_c90g43EMqHgBmBpSSXvIXkcnwCipCMo6ZXZH/s640/027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Can't wait to decorate it for the holidays!!<br /><br />Have a wonderful day!<br /><br />Follow along between posts on <a href="http://instagram.com/dianagray5?ref=badge#">Instagram! </a>

Faux Fireplace

I love fireplaces.  To me, they warm your soul, not just your body.  Since hubby and I have been married, I've dreamed of having one.  I grew up having a fireplace.  I loved helping my dad carry in wood and build a fire during the cold winter months.  He taught me all about kindling and what worked …

Read more »