mom’s woodsy tree December 13, 2008

So, mom’s actual tree…not the glitterfied sparkle-mania, but an actual tree…had a woodsy theme this year. Almost soley made up of pinecones and acorns, this tree really is fun. She sprayed the edges of real Tahoe Forest pinecones with white paint to give them a dusting of snow- seems we aren’t getting the real thing this year, so paint will have to suffice! She also grouped together two-three small acorns to make bigger bundles which create more of a statement. Moss balls were tossed in amongst the ornaments to enhance the natural elements. The tree is great, as you can see.

oh, and she made that cute little detail encrusted, festive wreath in the picture below that hangs on a bough. Very cute, what a great gift! Interested? She makes and sells these handmade beauties!

mom’s collections December 13, 2008

here are some examples of how my mom has showcased some of her collections….as I have mentioned before, she has great style and can make anything beautiful. Amongst the photos are a collection of silver peices- yes, she does keep them polished and clean. There are antique family peices mixed with more recent ones. For the holidays, she simply added silver garland and some mercury glass ornaments.

The next cool collection are her birds…she was actually ahead of that trend. Regardless this little grouping is sweet. I have even added a few items to this collection. Love how she added the mounds of moss for another natural touch.

Finally, mom’s funky polka dot pitcher collection. The colors are awesome and can fit into any room. They are a fun whimsical touch. Love polka dots!

Aren’t these groupings nicely showcased? What do you collect and show on a daily basis?

Mom part 3- entertainment center December 10, 2008

Opposite of my parent’s beautiful fireplace, on the other end of the living room is this very cool, custom entertainment center. (Dad was watching t.v. when I was taking pictures. Those are his legs dangling off the sofa!)

On the left side of this entertainment center, mom filled a cool three tiered wire basket with old fashioned ornaments. Cool. She also displayed her  santa and snowmen collection on the shelves. She and I have been exchanging snowmen each year for the past several. It’s quite fun…speaking of, I need to find this years…we always try to look for something out of the ordinary. Handmade or from a boutique. Let me know if you’ve seen something fun!

On the right side she pulled together angels. Some of these are antiques and others are more recognizable as current. I love how she displayed her antique angels under the bell jar. Cute!

Mom part 2- fireplace December 10, 2008

Mom’s beautiful fireplace mantle has a great wreath she made with natural elements- sticks, moss, nest, etc. She could sell these, don’t you think? She pulled the entry’s glittery silver theme into the living room.  She was contemplating adding more- more greenery, etc. I said to leave it. Who knows, it’s probably changed by now! Isn’t the symmetry refreshing? I wouldn’t have thought to use orchids. They have a simplicity that tones down the glitteryness. Pulled together very nicely, mama.

Mom part 1- glittery tree December 10, 2008

I learn from my mom. She has major talent when it comes to decorating and making things/places look beautiful. A teacher by trade, a decorator and maker of all things creative and beautiful by natural talent. She is good. This past weekend I visited my parents at their home in central California. Mom was getting ready for the holidays and a party that she is hosting this week. So all the details were in place. In the next few blogs I will showcase mom’s creativity and give props to the woman who is my teacher in every way.
In her entryway, she put up a fun, sparkly, glitterfied, silvery tinsel tree. This was new to me. She pulled it off. What a statement! She hadn’t finished the whole vignette, but as you can see, she had a great start.

the pictures December 10, 2008

sorry, i didn’t add the pictures correctly. forgive me, i am still very new to the blogging world.

without further ado, the wall decal picture, the shingled wall inspiration photo and the reclaimed wood headboard.

contest entries- ariana! December 9, 2008

Ariana came up with lots of ideas for my guestroom makeover. All are very creative and worthy of some bloggage. Thank you, A!

First, the old door headbord. Here is a picture a la Martha Stewart. Ariana suggested distressing the door and possibly adding some twig letters from Viva Terra. Very sweet.

Her second idea was to paint or use wall decals to create a big branch on the headboard wall similar to this picture. Check out Dali Decals. They have a great selection of branches, trees and grasses along with lots of other themes.

Idea three was to have hubby make a headboard out of cedar shingles. Then use more contemporary artwork to balance the rusticness. Couldn’t find a photo- has anyone ever done this? But her inspiration came from this photo. It could look supercool. Imagine a whole interior wall. Wow factor. Maybe not so practical.

Another thought she had was to have handy daddy cut rings from trunk and logs (we’ve been trying to get him to cut rings for awhile, doesn’t sound like he is keen on the idea). Anyway, the idea was to place these on the headboard wall in a random grouping, different sizes, etc. I love this idea!!!

Finally, miss creative thinker came up with this photo which shows a very cool reclaimed wood headboard. The birch branches are also a great touch in the corner of the room. The wall color is very nice and would work well in the room.

Ariana is definately stiff competition for anyone who wants to submit their ideas. Thank you so much! Winner will be announced in the next few days! What do you think of her ideas?

Contest…calling all contest junkies! December 4, 2008

I need your help! Below are pictures of our one and only guestroom. It’s really simple, cute and fresh as is. But it needs some help. I have gone with a chartreuse and white theme, with a little red thrown in for the season. There are two main things that I need help with…as you can see! First, a wall color. Second, something to hang over the bed. I am open to a headboard.

What you should know…I am looking for budget friendly ideas. I like simplicity. I like the idea of modern rustic. I don’t like things you see everywhere. I want something unique. I am visual…I need pictures…but descriptions work too.

Please submit your ideas by next Monday, December 8. I will pick the idea that I like the most and send the winner a super cool, handmade prize just in time for the holidays! So, get those creative juices flowing and send in all your ideas!

Thank you!!!!

Guest Bath Makeover December 4, 2008

We painted one of our two bathrooms a couple weeks back. I knew exactly the direction I wanted to go with the room. The vanity, tile and toilet are all white. I thought it would be cool to use a grayish green color on all walls to really contrast with the white. My dearest friend, A, gave me a cool hanging tree silhouette, that I’ve needed the perfect room for…low and behold…the toilet. No offense A. Since it was white it would work perfectly.

I chose Valspar Grandma’s Linen as the color. It took hubby a few days to get the walls perfected. He did a great job with no complaints. The color was perfect with the little glass accent tiles that were in our backsplash. The walls are a lot bluer than I thought, but I really like it.

I finished the room with a feminine shower current. A knock off of one that I have been eyeing for months at Anthropologie. Super cute ruffly fun. I settled for saving $70 by going with the Target version.

Here is the final result. What do you think?

Puppy dog eyes December 3, 2008

Dakota went to the doctor’s office today for a quick visit to see if the vomiting and lethargy is something more than what we were hoping…He was a very good boy. Before taking him in, I gave him a quick “grooming” if you will…brush, brush, brush and spritz, spritz, spritz. Now my car smells like lavender dog- at least it isn’t hairy. We waited out front of the vet’s office where he decided he was going to be a lap dog. Now I am covered in hair. The car is still clean.

The doctor gave him a shot for his nausea and noted the discomfort in his belly. So, tonight he will be getting the royal treatment. Lots of love with a side of chicken and rice! Maybe we’ll eat that too. Mmmm.

“I don’t feel so good”

sad eyes