Bower Power

ALL BOWER POWER 2.0

2009-06-09T12:49:00.003-04:00

Well, guys the day is here. And I am literally peeing in my pants with excitement.

Here it is -

All Bower Power has moved!!!! AHHH!!

Go check it out at allbowerpower.wordpress.com

And don't forget to update your reader and your links - don't wanna loose you in the transition!

XO - Katie

15 under 50 Updated

2009-06-05T09:35:00.003-04:00

Attention Atlanta-ites, Georgia-dwellers, scavengers of a good deal, and packrats from near & nearer. Bower Power's 15 under 50 has been updated with a bunch more...well, 15 technically...of great Craigslist finds for your lusting pleasure that won't break the bank.

Favorite find of the week:

An antique wardrobe with six intact drawers and a hanging rack on the opposite side. Since this puppy has some water damage, get ready to hone those refurb skills. Can't you just see how functional this piece could be in pretty much any room? Those little drawers could be holding table linens in a dining area, extra toiletries in a bathroom, or your gift wrapping goodies in the spare bedroom. And speaking of bathroom cabinets - if my crummy cabbie can look good after a couple layers of paint - so can this guy.

So kiss your restraint goodbye and go check out some good ole southern deals by clicking the 15under50 button on the sidebar :)

Photoshopped Fun - Lyndsey's Ranch Exterior

2009-06-04T16:49:00.003-04:00

I was thrilled to receive a sweet little note from Lyndsey. You might know her...she has a blog called All Things Fluffy, Fashionable & Famous. Yeah. She rocks. She is also rocking a new house. And a baby belly. I am pretty sure she had to turn down being the surrogate for Sarah Jessica Parker. She's that fab. I mean, SJP is pretty picky about her shoes. You can imagine that she ain't puttin her eggs in the wrong basket.

Anyhoo, here is Lyndsey's letter:

"Katie - Hey girl. I have to say I am quite the admirer of your blog (and your twin Sherry) and a fellow Georgian :) I love both of your styles and I just bought a house so I have lots of things to do and I am impatient and want them done NOW NOW NOW :) I have a couple of questions for you about several things and I was wondering if you would be willing to lend your advice. I don't really need a mood board, just several questions about what color to paint a room and my house desperately needs a new color (it's mostly brick but has some wood on it-it's old built in the 60s).

So basically I am inquiring about your interior design expertise :) and I love DIY! :)...
Let me know what we can work out girl. I am desperate for some advice :) Thanks - Lyndsey"

Lyndsey already painted her shutters a nice black and was hung up on the color of the door and the spa green colored siding. I guess the combo of a deep red door, a gray roof, red bricks, black shutters, and green siding had her brain spinning on the color wheel. Here is the photo before she tackled the shutter reno:

She really liked the idear of a red front door so I tried to come up with a couple options that incorporated a red door...but my favorite was the last one (no red paint on the door - ikes!).

I recommended that she go ahead and paint the door since she was up to her elbows in black paint anyway. I love how the door in black really gives the facade of the house some depth. And the green siding actually becomes more of a relaxing oasis for your eyes. Plus I told her that maybe she could plant a couple trees on either side of the porch to allow your eye relief from going back and forth, back and forth, back and forth with the line of the smaller bushes. Note my photoshop skills with droppin in a couple trees...one bazillion points me.

And although option 1, a blue/red combo with an all-american feel and option 2, greige with an emphasis on gray...are sporting that red front door, they would require more work and I for one vote that pregnant people only sit and focus on growing that human.

So now comes your part - tell Lyndsey which one is your favorite. Voting is fun and burns calories. Sortof like growing someone else's baby...but less stretch marks :)

Woven Caddy

2009-06-03T16:55:00.004-04:00

Scored this woven caddy/basket/whatchamacallit at HomeGoods for three bones, tres buckskins, a trio of beans. Not literal buckskins...eww. I only wish I could use lima beans. And bones? That is a little hardcore. But just a little.

Anyhoo...I got me a thingamajig at HomeGoods. Hated the little curly cue doomonkeys...so I bent them down outta sight with my giant guns. Guns = biceps (not boobs mom! sorry inside joke!) So here was the photo prior to me altering my purchase:

And afterwards I brainstormed how to use this poohamahickey. And I came up with silverware caddy. Just popped a dishtowel in with some silverware and instantly have a outdoor picnic utensil holder.

Or even placing it on a casual buffet for a bit of height and a little texture. (silverware down of course)

So what would you use this for? Anyone thinking candycane holder for Christmas caroling? Or what about hanging it in an extra bedroom with a bottle of chilled water for guests? I need brainstormers to throw out some ideas. Not actual stormy craniums....you know what I mean :)

Photoshopped Fun - Gia's Golden Bathroom

2009-06-02T13:05:00.003-04:00

Gia of A Life in Progress emailed me telling me about her bathroom with the golden tile...here's her sweet little note:

"I have recently stumbled across your blog and must say that I absolutely love it and all of your decorating advice. I do not have the bargain-hunting knack, but I am getting there. Not sure how you handle giving out decorating advice, but I figured I would pose this question to you anyways, and maybe you could get back to me.

We recently bought our first house and have done LOTS of cosmetic work. We do not have the money to do a major bathroom overhaul, and I have two choices: I can either work with the yellow tile and brown cabinet and counter OR I can ignore it.

I want to lighten it up and would be willing to paint the cabinets (as they are the same ones in our kitchen that we painted) and walls again. I feel like it is too dark. The yellow tile is throughout the shower and on the floor.
What advice do you have to offer? Thanks! -Gia "

Gia already tackled this bathroom once and made some great improvements. Let's just say before it was like Anna Nicole minus the Trimspa...

Moving in the right direction, right?! Well, I downloaded her photos into photoshop and played. Here is what I came up with:

My favorite is Option 1 because of the beautiful Pottery Barn shower curtain which picks up the yellow of the vintage tile while still making the room look fresh and clean. And a couple coats of blue on the walls allows the yellow to become more of a neutral colors rather than an uber-dominating hue.

I also recommended that she switch out her brown floor rug for one in pearly white. That and remove the toilet rug...can you say drippage? yummy. And while she is incorporating white - a couple layers of white paint on that vanity will really allow the bathroom to appear lighter and brighter. Dontcha think?!

So which one is your favorite? Vote for one and tell us why you like that option best for Gia's golden child. I'm off. Suddenly I feel like eating a bowl of Honeycombs cereal....interesting :)

ABP Featured on FaveCrafts

2009-06-02T09:23:00.004-04:00

I smiled so big when one of the editors at FaveCrafts asked me to contribute a craft project that my cheeks busted blood vessels. Seriously. It was disgusting.

After a little brainstorming, I came up with a craft that used materials that were oh-so-available; ala coins. Inspired by the movie Empire Records....which rocks with 90's awesomeness...in which a teen glues quarters to the floor, this project gives that idea a good hard kick in the pants. You don't need an artistic bone in your body...just spare change, a bit of hotglue and a frame.

Go check out some rad photos on how-to plus a little instructional commentary from yours truly. (that's me!) And I am sure your daddy-o will be proud to be display this piece of art (unlike the Disney tie that mysteriously got a giant Sharpie squiggly line on it). Plus, this gift looks expensive. And your #1 guy won't feel like you nickel and dimed him....but you totally did. Happy crafting ya'll!

Fan Club

2009-06-01T13:28:00.002-04:00

About a week ago, I became the official member of the 'Fan' Club. Sortof like The Babysitters Club but for girls over the age of 15.

I was able to pick up a few things for our master bedroom and this fun little fan, well, he was begging me to take him home...dirty little thing. No seriously. He was a hot mess. I broke out the Clorox wipes and got to business cleaning him up. Soon his soft turquoise finish and shiny red nose (hence the name Rudolph) were spick n span.

But that isn't the only thing I picked up on my travels. Oh no sloppy joe! I also found a lovely starfish at HomeGoods for $3 and a Pottery Barn Design Bedrooms book at the outlet for $6.

A little stacking action on the dresser across from our bed makes for a nice little vinette. Plus the PB book is a perfect little treat before bed - afterall, isn't eye candy better than real candy?! (jury still out on that one!) And after seeing the delish photos for a little bedroom inspiration...I went directly to Amazon to order the other Pottery Barn Design books which all have the loveliest shade of cream and brown to their uncovered binding.

Now to come up with something beautiful for the other side of the dresser. Maybe a big basket with a beautiful shade-loving plant. Or a lamp and a cake plate for all of my perfumes. What do you think? Any ideas out there?

Aww - Rudolph looks so cute perched there. He is such a classy kinda guy. And you can take one of these home with you too - via ebay. Just search for 'GE antique fan' and a bunch of different kinds come up. And when you bring your new guy into your bedroom...I have not a doubt in my mind that he will blow you away :) heehee! Happy Shopping!

Wanna see who else is a member of the Fan Club? Click here! (clue - have you voted today?)

Take Me Out to The Ballgame

2009-05-29T14:14:00.000-04:00

Last weekend the boyfriend and I headed out the door to go experience an All-American ballgame on an All-American weekend. Unfortunately it got rained out. But that didn't stop me - my game face was already on and my bag was already packed. So instead of pitching (heehee!) a fit, I decided to blog about it. Let's play ball!

Our great state of Georgia has the Atlanta Braves baseball team...but we also have a minor league team called the Gwinnett Braves. Yes...it can get a little bit confusing. But the great thing about the minors is that the stadium is shmancy, still has that new-stadium-smell and they have a BERM...or a spot for blanketing at cheaper rates! Granted, you can't bring in your own food or alcohol but it is nice for those of us that only care about one type of pitcher...and it holds hydrangeas.

So here is the list of stuff that begs to be taken to ball games...whether it be your kid's teeball game or your nephew's little league or even your brother's highschool world series.

1. Eye candy. Nothing can get you through those long innings like drooling over the latest glossy mag.

2. Blankie. Cush for your tush, towel for damp bleachers, and a wrap for those sweaty jerseys - a thin mexican blanket will do it all and still fit in your bag.

3. Cash. Tuck enough in your pocket for a footlong, a tray of nachos, a pretzel, some Nerd Ropes, cotton candy and a water...because you are on a diet.

4. Wristlet. A little tote for your wrist can hold the cell phone, the keys, and a credit card...just in case you eat all your cash.

5. Extra Strength Excedrin. 25 kids + 36 arguing parents + 3 umps + 2 random guys that scream 'heads up' after every contact with a ball = 1 major migraine.

6. Meat product. Since they don't sell pork in a small tube...beef will do.

7. Lip Gloss. Because prepackaged meat can be messy. And because there is that crazy mom who documents every single person at every single game....and yes, I hope to be her one day.

8. Granola. So that you can say that you ate a well-rounded meal. Or have one on hand to give your kid after the 4 oz juice box isn't enough.

9. Pashmina. Take a bite outta the chill with a shoulder wrap. Also functions as a face cover when entering the car with a sweaty child.

10. Water bottle. To wash down the excedrin. Or for wiping off the bleachers.

And then don't forget to make sure it all fits nice and tight into an oversized tote. I like to stack things with the bag lying down...that way if I need something as I walk into the park, I can just grab it. Like if I see Will Ferrell running naked, I could whip out the cell phone. Sure, I could just google that later but the point is, make sure your accessories are accesible.

And here is me with my fake smile and my ready-to-go bag. Yes, I am a poser. Literally. And yes, I photoshopped that monster zit off my face while saying 'strike three - yur ouutta heyah!'.

So what would you add to your ballgame bag? Any good tips you wanna share? I am root-root-rooting for someone to pull a Madonna and say crackerjack....and A-rod :)

Shade Shape

2009-05-28T13:05:00.003-04:00

If all decor items were part of a jungle, then lampshades would be hippos. Keep with me here.

Hippos are silent types, right? So are lampshades. And if the hippo isn't in it's happy place...everybody knows about it...if a lampshade isn't sunny...people also can tell. Plus there is a christmas song about hippos...which makes me smile...there is also an entire aisle in Walmart for lampshades...which also makes me smile. And get this...that aisle...yeah, it's as wide as (you guessed it) a Hippo.

So anyhoo. The hippo...err...lampshade that was in our den alluminating our little storage dresser had a beige lampshade on it. But the pink undertone of the shade was not getting along with the green undertones of the paint color. I know you can't tell, but trust me...the clash was bigger than Kristi Allen's chinese takeout box.

After a little research I ran out to grab a square empire shade from Target. I wanted to get a square shade because the basement door could open and hit a round shade. Plus the linear shape accented the squares of the mirror and the squares of the birdcage and the squares of the books. Yes, lots of squares here. So that's when it hit me...maybe I could share my lamp shade research with you.

So here are the six main shade shapes that I found and some info on each of them. After reading this you will be well equipped to choose your shade, and all of the calories you consumed today will not count. Cause that's how I roll :)

First up is the bell shape. The bell shape is the most popular of the lampshades and also in my opinion the most traditional and formal. The features of a bell shade are that the top ring of the frame is smaller than the bottom ring and the vertical lines of the shade are curved rather than straight. The curved lines create an arc or a bell shape. (duh Katie.) This flared design allows the light to travel down rather than up...which is good if you are using this shade for a reading area or a spot that you want the attention to be on what is below the shade...such as a buffet or a desk. Or in an area where space is tight...like a stray corner or a bookcase.

image curtesy of restoration hardware
Next we have my personal favorite - the drum shade. The drum shape is evident with a frame that has both the same sized upper and lower rings. Although some drum shades have rings that are slightly different size. The drum shade is great for general illumination areas such as sidetables, nightstands, and even bathrooms where you want the light to spread up and down. I like it because it looks the most clean and classic.

image curtesy of pottery barn
Up to bat is the empire shade...not to be confused with umpire shades...or vampire shades...which do not exist :) The empire shade is the BFF of the bell shade. Both have upper rings that are smaller than the lower rings, but the empire shade does not have the flare of it's friend. It has straight lines that make it a more casual and less stuffy. My favorite spots for empire shades are in laidback family rooms, sunrooms, and even in the kitchen.

image curtesy of pottery barn
Ovals are fatties from the front and Posh Spices from the side. The oval drum shade below is a perfect example of how to pair this shade with a base. The fact that they take up visual room without actually taking up space makes this shade a perfect piece for sideboards, small nightstands, and any other place that your furniture real estate is tight.

image curtesy of crate&barrel
Usually paired with a rectangle lamp base, the rectangle shaped shade is masculine and contemporary. The oval and sexy recty are one in the same for uses. If you decide that this is the shade for you - make sure you keep an eye out for a loose harps (the doohicky with two arms that you can clip shades into) as this puppy is easy to get askewed. Those horizontal lines always need to be level with the furniture!

image curtesy of pottery barn
Lastly we have the square. Yes, currently the shape that I chose for my den. Like I said before, the clean lines help this geometric shade retain a manly feel as well as appeal to the masses. It is hip to be square :) yes, the cheese flows through my veins.

image curtesy of pottery barn
So there you have it folks - a tutorial on shade shape. Hope this was as helpful to you as it will be for me after I forget everything. One thing I won't forget - drum shades are my bacon. They are so delish. So what is your favorite?

Oh - and boys...if your wife starts singing "I wanna hippotomus for Christmas"....yeah...here's a tip - she ain't talking about a water buffalo :) Us women are so shady...heehee!

Bird Herd

2009-05-27T10:04:00.003-04:00

Obsessed. That's exactly how I feel about birds. Here's the evidence. I sketched a crapperific little brown thrasher for my den. I drooled over my mom's christmas bird decor...well not literally because it would ruin the ornaments. And I even bought a little white ceramic birdie even though it gave me the stank eye. So I am officially obsessed. Therefore, you can bet your bottom dollar that when I saw a trio of birds at my local antique store, I was flyin high. They were so cute, I think I even mumbled 'cock-a-doodle-doo-hoo-hoo-hoo!'

Wanna meet my chicklets? Ok - introducing Mr. Blue...Mr. Blue Bird. Yes. He is white. Let's not let racial prejudice get in the way here.

Say Hi to Lady. Lady Bird. Yes, she likes wildflowers :)

And finally Larry. You guys can figure that one out :) He can really fly for a white guy.

Their tiny little birdie bodies are perfect for just a smidgen of chic (or chick) accent in our den. And because they are all white, they really pop against the dark grain of the bookcases as well as stay well within the bounds of non-gaudy animal sculptures guidelines. C'mon. This ain't the Neverland Ranch.

Even scattering the little feathered friends around the room allow the trio to seem less like a set of triplets and more like individual accent pieces. And don't ~~parents of (coughJohn&Katecough)~~ multiples usually want their own space anyway?

Larry is taking centerstage on this stack of neutral bound books over on the other side of the room. And speaking of having birds on every side of the small space, let's talk about themes for a moment. Even though the den definitely has a theme of birds throughout...the birds aren't overwhelming because they are subtle in size, with very little color variation (they are all white) and they are now reached their max in number.

And if I ever get tired of the avian theme - I could remove them without changing the basics of the room such as furniture, major art, or color scheme. I am also sure that these three would be never get stuck in the yard sale pile - seeing as how they would be a cinch to store and would be just darling used as decor at an Easter brunch buffet or a ladies tea party. Definitely $5 well spent for the trio.

Going along with the birdie theme is this structural little white-washed birdhouse that I also picked up for $5. Seeing as how I didn't need to do a thing to it (love the patina), I thought that the cutesy little thing would be a perfect way to play on the theme without adding another bird into the room.

I love how the clean lines of my bird 'church' seem to bring out the best in the reflective mirrors hung above them. And how Larry appears to have escaped the cage and looks to be taking flight...GO LARRY GO!

Well, there you have it - one trio of birdieboops and one birdcage. Dontcha just love getting new pets that don't poop, eat or die? I do.

So what do you think? Good purchases or too many hens in the house? Also, I thought I got a pretty good deal but do you think the price was fowl? Also, my dear bloggie friends (Anon that means you!), pray with all your might that my mom will sell me her bamboo birdcage....this good egg wants it for above the fridge and I am sure that with a few extra prayers, God will change her heart. (Sorry Mom...I can't help but play dirty. P.S. You are one hot spring chicken!)

Decoration Day

2009-05-26T10:57:00.003-04:00

Memorial Day was formally known as Decoration Day. (insert eye sparkle here) As Americans everywhere observed the holiday by decorating the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags, I remembered our fallen comrades with a different sortof medallion. See if you can find what I am talking about:

Yessum...it's that navy and white book. Actually it is box made to look like a book. Sortof like a book that you would find in a creepy old library and it would contain a weapon or secrets on how to perform a brain transfer or something like that. Basically this home decor item is pulling a Michael Jackson....and you know what I mean :) Anyhoo - this small non-creepy box is covered in a great navy and white medallion patterned fabric.

My friend Brook spied it while we were shopping in the HomeGoods clearance section. It actually matches her pillows quite perfectly. But she wasn't sure if she would use a book/box. (And obviously I love storage boxes in my living room). So I told her that if she didn't buy it, I would. And at $3 it was quite a steal. They actually had bigger sizes but I knew that this small one would suit me just peachy. Wanna guess what I had in mind for this little gem?

The correct answer is a pedicure kit! One hundred and fourteen points if you guessed it right! When Brook asked what I was gonna use it for...a pedicure kit was the first thing that came to mind. It was the perfect size for holding clippers, nail files, some cotton balls for spreading the toes ('you gotta keep em separated!' Holla Offspring!) and of course, some polish. Because let's be honest - I do not notice the toe-funk until I am plopped on the couch. And then I am too pooped to retrieve said toe-funk removal utensils.

Speaking of couch - doesn't the navy and white of the medallion fabric go with the colors of the new summery sofa pillows just like bacon & eggs. Not that I would ever put bacon or eggs on the sofa...that would be messy. And a complete waste of bacon.

I especially like the layered look with the book - "What Every Husband Should Know" and my little Hooker art. I don't know why but that title is hilarious to me.

So there you have it folks. A fab little side storage soley (heehee) devoted to toes. Plus a perfect reminder that every time I look down at my fungus & jam free nails or at the living room side table, that I should be uber thankful for those who gave their lives so that I can have the freedom to worry about mundane and insignificant things like hangnails. Seriously, can I get a 'wa' to the 'hoo' !?!? WAHOO!

Questions - how did you celebrate Memorial Day? Anybody write letters or actually decorate a soldiers grave? Any fireworks? Did you do like me & decorate? What would you have put in this little box/book of toenail fun? And yes, prepackaged pork products did cross my mind as a must for a pedicure kit...just sayin.

White Hot

2009-05-22T15:18:00.004-04:00

It was an accident. And smooches to God for not letting our house catch on fire.

Needless to say...grease fires are dangerous. And apparently my chicken marinade is really oily. My boyfriend is usually on top of keeping the house, the cars, and the grill in top-notch cleanliness. Yes, I married a mutant. Love you baby! But we had forgotten about the time we made 70 lbs of grilled poultry for the ladies at our church. So it was a complete surprise when we were firing up the grill to find that it got hotter than a latin dance competition. Muy Caliente! Before we knew it, smoke was pouring out the back of the grill. And even though the grill was away from the house, our siding got the brunt of the Kenmore's temper tantrum...and was loaded down with grease & soot. But no matter how much we scrubbed, the white paint still looked dingy. So I have been dreaming of a new paint job.

The picture above is the original...pre-photoshop version. Kinda like American Idol's Bikini Girl during Hollywood week. And then the next ones are when she returns ~~to sing horribly....oh...was I the only one listening while gaping at Kara's abs? Boys - you need to learn how to multitask that way you could oogle and hear the trainwreck~~ for the finale.

So which one do you like better? Is the blue-gray too dark? Is the brown too dirty looking? Is the green like a third nipple and just weird? Or do you think that maybe we should just stick to white?

Repainting our house isn't in the hopper right now - but a girl can dream, right? I mean, the Bikini Girl probably had Pussycat Doll dreams about growing up. Well world, exterior paint color is my version of tah-tahs. (boys everywhere are disoriented and confused right now, huh?)

A Lemon Lime Wedding

2009-05-21T16:54:00.003-04:00

Let's get this party started, shall we? I am here to get down while sharing a very special wedding with you folks. So warm up your chicken arms & electric slide because we are gonna boogie the night away....with a very lemony & limey celebration.

I was thrilled outta my face when I received an invitation that stated my long-time buddy Jack was takin the plunge and finally settling down. Jack is a good ole boy at heart (one time he made me a gift outta concrete...yeah...it was almost as awesome as the one he made with a chainsaw) but he is a true romantic too. So I knew that when we walked up to the outdoor ceremony complete with TONS of flowers - this was truly a reflection of the beautiful bride and my boy Jack.

And speaking of the bride, Callae looked absolutely radiant in her cream beaded gown and pearl necklace. Can you believe this girl doesn't have to wear makeup!?!? (enter choice words here). If it were possible to actually change my skin color outta pure jealousy - I would blend right in with her color scheme which was an amazing blend of yellows, greens, and whites. And the color of her bouquet really picked up those hues by highlighting the white & golden roses.

But Callae wasn't the only thing decked out with flowers - they were everywhere. It was like a florist shop exploded and all the perfectly arranged groups became magically fastened to each row of chairs, the lamps, the doors, the railings, and everywhere inbetween. Like the one pictured above - yeah, the one with hydrangeas, roses, and lilys - was attached to a stairway that lead us from the ceremony spot down to the adjoining reception facility.

The view from the party spot was unreal. In one direction, you are looking up the hill to see the small gazebo where Jack & Callae said "I do" with the chapel behind it. And the other way, you are overlooking farmlands to view Watts Bar Lake & the Tennessee mountains! Did I mention that this was the perfect spot to get married? Yeah...if weddings were karate - the Whitestone Country Inn would be Mister Miyagi....and he really knows how to kick it :)

Greeting us at the reception was a table loaded with vintage glassware and huge jars of lemonade and limeade. Dontcha just love the floaters? You knew it was coming...didn't you?! :)

And after we grabbed a glass of our favorite sweet & tart beverage we were ushered into the reception space. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the slew of food. And after I stopped hunching over the buffet like a vulture ready to pounce, I realized that waiters had trays with something on it that smelled like bacon. I was correct. Pineapple wrapped in bacon, shrimp cocktail served in mini shot glasses and chocolate covered strawberries were just enough to keep the hunger at bay...at least for a few minutes.

The crew of hungry men that live in my stomach didn't have to wait long because we were soon invited to the feast that I had earlier undressed with my eyes. This was my first plate. The second had chicken and the third had seven bacon appetizers. (oh and do you see the ceremony program in the back? Yeah - simple & cute - I was totally loving the green ribbon!)

I couldn't wait to share the small centerpiece (I didn't get a shot of the big ones!) that made it's home on our table. I love the lemon & lime slices like boys love their own parts. It's seriously that much. (and doesn't it kinda remind you of the baby shower I threw back in October - but with more fab goldenness?)

And love wouldn't be love without cake to celebrate, right? The wedding cake was a layered feast with pound cake with lemon filling and a white cake with strawberries mixed in to accent the strawberry cream cheese icing. It was heavenly. HEAVENLY! And even with it's angelic status, it didn't capture my heart like the groom's cake did. Ohhhh. Let me tell you a thing or two. I don't even like cake. I am more of an icecream with a brownie type of girl. But the chocolate thunder that was the groom's cake had me shakin in my heels. Literally. Two people asked if I was ok. And I heard one person whisper that I was having a seizure. It was that good.

Even though I was suffering from slight sugar shock, it didn't stop me from running around taking pictures of the creativity that I could incorporate at home. Just check out this simple vase filled with some citrus fruits and topped with some cream colored flowers. Stunning right? But imagine it now in the center of your buffet the next time you host a dinner party. Yes - your friends will think you are a decorating genius.

And if that wasn't enough - look at these small round fishbowls filled with some leaves and either a fruit or flower. Hello to a centerpiece that is easy to talk over and will increase your reputation!

If the running around, bootie dancing and jumping up and down was enough to burn off the 4000 calories I had consumed, the newlyweds were kind enough to make sure we could take a little something home with us. Isn't that sweet? (heehee!) This candy bar was consumed with the wedding colors - but not that I noticed. I was too busy pushing kids out of the way so that I could get the scoops first! I filled my little box - and one for my boyfriend - made a mental note to say how much I love the yellow ribbon stripes - and headed out to the car for the long drive home.

But don't you worry - we were smart enough to set the camera on a timer for the obligatory couples picture. Didn't my Jeremy look so dashing in his suit? Seriously - if I hadn't been in such a rush to get back to watch the shows on our DVR, I would probably wanted to renew our vows right then and there. Yeah, I am a thunderstealer.

So now that Jack & Callae are off traveling the globe (yes - their honeymoon was a monthlong trip around the world) - let's ~~eat bacon outta jealousy~~ talk about our favorite part of the wedding. Was it the amazing centerpieces? the location, location, location? the spritely color scheme? or are you a girl like me who votes with her tastebuds? Aren't buffets amazing?!

Recipe for Success

2009-05-20T19:35:00.000-04:00

1 part Paula + 1 part Martha = success. Trust me on this one.

I was looking through my cookbooks to find something easy to make that could make a grown man cry. Not just any grown man...specifically, hotties. That's right. I am FINALLY getting around to making a yummy-in-my-tummy treat for our fire-fighting heroes. And I wanna make them bawl, roll into the fetal position and ask for a bah-bah.

Enter Paula. I have one of her cookbooks and she gave me a brilliant idea. One regular box of brownie mix and add a layer of her cheesecakey goodness and WAHLA! You end up with one batch of tear-inducing weepamatics.

Here is my modified recipe for the cheesecake layer -

1 thingie creamcheese
1 stick o butter
1 cup sugar
1 Tbl flour
2 eggs
1 cup pecan pieces

So throw your normal brownie mix in a pan but keep some for drizzling. Then layer the cheesecake mixture on top (I ran a knife tip around for those psychedelic swirls - totally tubular!) and then drizzle the rest of the brownie mix. Cook according to your box.

And then you end up with a dessert of champions. Are you drooling? Are you crying? Are you swearing up and down that your skinny jeans are not worth it. Yeah. me too. Except I don't own skinny jeans. I only own fat jeans and really fat jeans. But these cheese-cake-brownies would make every single pushup, crunch, and lunge worth it.

Wait. I should be honest...God judges me for lying on the blog too. I do not do pushups. Crunches only exist in my world as the sound of a potato chip loaded with Dean's dip being shoved in my pie hole. And the only lunge I do is the one I perform to stretch my fat jeans out in the upper thigh.

And what can make a treat for hotties look a little hotter? A perfect package. Enter Martha.

After Christmas I scored some festive treat boxes on clearance - 90% off! So this package of 6 treat boxes was only $1.50! Remember how I told ya to stock up after holidays? Yeah - this is that word of advice in action. I knew that I would be gifting edible goodies all year round, so buying these boxes was a cheap way to make our hometown heroes feel like they are loved.

The best part about these Stewart craft packages is that it came with everything. The inner boxes to hold the scrumdiliumptiousness, the outter decorative sleeve, the tissue paper, the ribbon and even a little sticker for a finishing touch. And although they are red (coughchristmasycough) I figure that they aren't too riddled with holiday spirit that they can't be used in May. Afterall, firemen are used to the redhot...heehee!

I truly love the scalloped border on the inner box and the polka dots. Even the white design on bold red looks rich and shmancy. Like the surprise inside actually hails from an expensive pastry shop instead of a kitchen in redneckville. (BTW - all Martha Crafts are 25% off at Michael's for three more days! Yipee!)

And speaking of goodlooking packaging, my boyfriend said that the cheese cake brownies were delicious tasting but the box made them look delicious. Maybe I should send this with a box of tissues too.

So now that you know what I am doing to bring a little love to our community crew - I wanna hear about what you do to show the peeps in your town how much you care. Do you spoil the po-po? Do you treat the old folks? Do you take Beggin Strips down to the dog park? (how did the topic go to bacon?!? weird.) Whatever it is that you give, whether it be a chocolate explosion, or a few hours at the hospital, or even a sweet snail mail note - I want all the juicy details. After all, hearing that there are still acts of kindness going on in the world makes me so happy I will probably need a whole box of Kleenex.

First Flowers

2009-05-20T11:10:00.002-04:00

The hydrangeas that we planted in the front yard bloomed. And they are dandy indeed.

Look at that big beautiful head of blooms! And with such skinny little stems and an exotic flare, they are like the Eva Longoria of the flower world. I couldn't wait to prune the ones that reached their peak to put in my kitchen.

Pruning apparently helps the soon-to-be-blooms flourish so hopefully there will be many more little Eva's for my kitchen later. (Please Lord, make my garden grow...I know it sounds petty. Well, compared to natural disasters, plane crashes, PMS prayers and the occasional 'please help me not kill my husband' shoutout, yeah, some people might think it is unimportant. But my brown thumb really takes a toll on my self esteem and does a real number on the hope that one day I could possibly grow a human. Love you, thanks.)

So what I am really here to share with you is a quick tip on hydrangea cutting. You can prolong the life of your blooms by doing one simple step. Once you cut your hydrangeas to the desired length, dunk the end of the stems into boiling water for 30 seconds. This dunkage prevents the build up of a sticky substance that will clog the little sucker from, well, sucking. And after your flower take the boiled baptism, the blooms can be placed in your vase with room temperature water...just like normal!

So get ready to say goodbye to wilted hydrangeas, and HELLO to beautiful blooms for many days to follow. Happy pruning!

15 under 50 Updated

2009-05-19T15:07:00.005-04:00

What does one ugly gold chandelier have in common with Martha Stewart? They are both in a chain gang! heehee. (Martha, if you are reading this I am sorry and I love you). No seriously. l.o.v.e. Anyhoo.

Getcha this craptastic blandelier for $15 and spray away for a good coverage of thin white coats followed up by a topcoat and....drumroll please....you end up with a look alike of this beeeeutiful Martha Stewart Veneto Glass Chandelier from Shades of Light.

Price difference = $ 1080.

Eat that with your bacon and smoke it...the bacon...smoke the bacon...it tastes really good that way. And after you finish eating, go check out some good ole southern deals by clicking the 15under50 button on the sidebar :)

Paneling Plans

2009-05-18T22:49:00.002-04:00

It's not on my goal list....but I really would love to add faux paneling to our dining room. Then I saw a photo that really pushed my urge over the edge. Check it out:

Look at all the purtiness! Yes ma'am. It's cozier than siamese triplets in a sleeping bag! But as much as I wanna wrap myself up in that rouched quilt and lean back on that greige ornate headboard, the center of my attention is that faux paneled wall. The white on white paneling is just so stately and classy and well, hotter than "the Rachel" in '95.

In my twisted mind, the perfect place for faux paneling is in our room dedicated to eating ~~bacon~~. Currently, we have the trim painted in Benjamin Moore's Pastel white base. Above the chair rail is Valspar's Dusty Trail. Below is Olympic's Stony Creek. Yes, I am playing a little menage a trois on paint brands...they understand, I just can't be tied down.

Bada boom bada bing. Here you go - the photoshopped version of what my dining room could look like with some non-silicone enhancements. What do you think? If I added some trim and painted it all white to make it look like paneling on the lower half of the room, is it too contrast-y? Eventually I want to stain the buffet to match the table - so take that into account when you make your decision. Is it too light, too white, too bright, too (quick, what rhymes with ite?) - I really would love all twenty of you guys to give your input...and I quite possibly think that this decision could change my life. And yes - it is the bacon that makes me melodramatic :)

Greek Row

2009-05-16T01:33:00.005-04:00

During a recent visit to Tennesse, Jeremy introduced me to UTC (not to be confused with UTI...totally different acronym ya'll). Well, a certain area of the UTC campus area was called Greek Row. And it was the perfect spot for a little drive-by-shooting. Not the wacko-with-a-weapon kind of shooting...unless you count me as the wacko and the weapon my Canon camera. If so...you aren't alone.

As we creeped along, my boyfriend told me that these were some of the oldest and most grand houses in Chattanooga. He also informed me that some of the buildings were home to sorority and faternity members throughout the school year....hence the name "Greek Row". After seeing the architectural beauty, I had plans to move in House Bunny style. It's true love if I am ready to don a miniskirt & a tubetop!

Just check out the amazing brickwork on the front porch of this mansion! And the arches don't stop there. Behind them is hiding a HUMONGOUS detailed front door and some arched window. I am totally diggin the stone & the soffit woodwork. And on the lawn...err...dirt there is a cannon...that was the way they took care of frenemies...hence the term 'blasting' :)

What says charming like a pale peach colored abode and an english ivy yard? I'll tell you...this sweet house. My favorite part is the little round-topped window above the front yard...and when I reviewed the photos, I half expected to spy Reese Witherspoon to be drinking tea on the porch.

This brick palace with the double columns whispered "you wish" in my ear. I could live on the top of the double-decker...throw in bacon, sweet tea, and Sherry & it would be heaven in a home. And the lust doesn't stop there - look at that wrought iron fence and the huge front windows! Yes, if I owned a place like this, the door mat would say "WELCOME to Jealousy!"

This sub-lime (heehee) Queen Anne victorian style home left my jaw dropped. Seriously, if I were a little older, this would be the perfect test for Fixadent. The turret, the wraparound front porch, the gingerbread siding on it's 'belt', the second story front porch (aka my tanning deck)....AMAZING. The architecture was so beautiful that it had me dreaming of a photoshopped version with crisp white trim and a warm gray exterior.

Despite an overgrown lawn, the beauty of this piece of history shined through. Fix this old gal up with a mower & some hedge clippers, and I think this home could have even Simon Cowell crying. like. a. baby.

So now that you saw these old-like-a-granny-hot-like-a-JLO-fanny homes, what is your first thought? Are you drooling? Are you calculating the amount of mockery a 43 year old sorority sister would experience? Are you contemplating yelling at the first 19 year old punk you see because they are so lucky? My first thought is...DANG GINA!

Rug Protection

2009-05-14T16:57:00.004-04:00

There has been an outpouring of questions about my kitchen runner and I am here to answer each and everyone of them.

Two months ago ABP hosted a little opportunity for you to decorate my kitchen floor. The uber-fab company Shades of Light generously offered to adorn my woody kitchen with whatever rug won the vote. The results were tallied and the winner was #1 - the Happy Trellis Rug. But considering the beautiful options that the Shades of Light design team came up with, I would have been one lucky dog either way.

But let's "Adam Sandler it" and hit the rewind just a bit, shall we?

Before, our kitchen was sportin a yellow wool rug that was just begging for a spill or stain faster than you can say "NOT CHILDPROOF". We snagged this yellow Pottery Barn rug up for a fraction of the cost at the nearby outlets and hoped that it would survive in the kitchen till we could find a decent replacement. Not only was it the wrong size for this space but since the kitchen is very high-traffic, it started to pill and we were holding our breath when doing the dishes. Which is never a good idea for a time-consuming chore. One accidental slosh and it would have been 'siyanara suckas'.

Enter Shades of Light. (just pretend I am a damsel in distress) Oh Shades of Light, you rescued me! Oh oh oh! Smooch smooch smooch (a little tongue...not too much though). You need air? Ok...let's get this binding plastic off ya, shall we?!?

OH yeah...look how long this sucker is! Perfect for in front of the sink AND the stove...since that is where I stand the most, it makes sense to have something comfy underfoot.

And now that I received a beautiful new rug, I went into mother-mode and knew that I had to do everything in my power to protect it. After all, a rug this nice is an investment...not something you test for kitchen survival skills.

So I did a bit of googling and found that I could use a standard Scotchguard fabric protector on it....it works for wool rugs too! First step - a once over with the vacuum. And let me tell ya, it had already gotten dirtier in one week than Mickey Rourke's rug...and I ain't talking about the one on his floor.

Next I got down and dirty...err...clean. I did a thorough job checking each and every square inch to see if there was any itty bitty bits left behind from the quick sweep or any oreo crumbs that were imbedded.

I noticed a couple little spots where 'sloshing' had occured. So I flipped it over to see if there was a small area that I could do a color test on the rug. I sprayed just a tiny bit of water in the corner and blotted away...seemed okay to me. Seriously...I don't know anything about color testing but this seemed like the logical process.

Color testing stage 1 complete. I moved on to color test my favorite carpet cleaner. SUCCESS! So I went to work dabbing just the tiniest cleaner fluid on the spots and blotting away. Since the fibers of my new rug were so tightly woven, it really wasn't easy to blot...but eventually my paper towel showed evidence of the brown smears...gotta love brown smears :)

After all the cleaning/prep work was finished, I got to work with my protective topcoat of Scotchguard. The key was to use a sweeping motion about 6" away from the rug to get a very thin layer. The back of the bottle said - 2 thin coats is better than 1 thick one. If you plan on doing this - be sure to have a paper towel in hand to wipe up the bits that get on your wood floor!

And there you have it - doesn't it look like a completely different kitchen? I think so. It is amazing how it not only breaks up all the wood, but it really draws you eye to see the yellows, greens, and reds that are in the rest of the room.

The best part is that now the sink area is no threat to my new pride & joy. I have total confidence that any little spills will bead up and can be whisked away before their staining power takes affect. My boyfriend likes it too. Especially since he does all the dishes. Not as much screaming now...

Warning - I kinda got loopy off the Scotchguard. Man, that stuff is powerful! That or I am a total wimp. Either way, I was flying real high as I cut a rug next to my brand new & protected yummy green runner. That ever happened to you guys? Or do you only Scotchguard smaller items? Any tips for the amateur Scotchguarder? Or any questions about the runner - let me know! Gotta go satisfy the munchies...like always!

Inside This Young House

2009-05-14T14:33:00.005-04:00

Don't worry. No breakin & enterin laws were broken with the writing of this post. And I didn't actually go inside casa de Petersik. In fact, all I did was obsessively observe when they came to visit. And then I opened the floor for a bit of nosiness to you. That's right. I was gonna give you the low down on John and Sherry...but apparently you don't have that many questions. BOO YOU. Either that or you don't read my posts...in which case, I don't blame ya.

Seriously, only Anon & Karin spoke up. So first I will answer their questions and then I will answer questions that you should have asked. That will be the fun part.

Karin - excellent inquiries. Let me be frank for a moment (you guys be Ron)...while they share some of the same qualities - they are definitely different people. I would say John is more easy going than Sherry. And Sherry is definitely more bubbly. And while they are both more stylish than me in their choices of home decor and clothing - I would say that they aren't the kind of people who obsess over the upcoming fads and trends. From seeing them IRL - how they dress, and talk about their home, they don't take ONLY style into account...but cost, usefulness, and longevity. Which I think is why they are so popular.

And as far as the blog goes - I saw it happen with my own two eyes. Sherry does reply to some answers (like questions about their paint colors & where to buy stuff) on her own...and gasp, use the 'we' instead of 'I'. BUUUUUT, I also saw Sherry & John work together to come up with answers...four eyes are better than two (that's what I always say!). And I saw John do a bunch of behind-the-scenes work to make sure that the comments, layout, production of posts, and some email questions were bloggerific. And no...Burger does not participate in answering questions.

Anon...this is actually more of a question for John & Sherry...but I think that the probably of me freaking them out is quite high. And yes, the thought of chaining them up in the basement and forcing them to create thousands of moodboards for my home did enter my mind...but then I reconsidered. After all, we have windows down there. If they escaped then how could they ever fall in love with me?!?

Ok - now onto the questions ~~I was really hoping you would ask~~ that weren't asked...

1. How often did they go to the bathroom? Sherry went into the bathroom twice the day she arrived, four times one day, three the other. But I only counted the times that she went downstairs...so probably increase that number by two for each day (once upon waking, once before bed). And I have no idea if she actually used the restroom...we don't have a camera in there...that would be weird.

2. Did you sense any tension in their relationship/was John gay? The only time I sensed tension was when John was checking out Jeremy. I have no idea if John is gay but I did find a Playgirl magazine in the guestroom. Whose was it? I guess we'll never know :)

3. Was Sherry a little tart? I didn't actually taste Sherry so I have no clue. I will tell ya this tidbit of fun - the girl can talk quicker than anyone I know. But then again I do live in the south...they can make the word 'fast' into four syllables.

and lastly....

4. Was Burger actually a stuffed Taco Bell dog doll? At first I thought he might be...but no. I checked the poop in the backyard and I have never seen a doll poo something so tasty. Just checkin to see if you were still reading :) Actually we loved Burger lots and lots...he loved to snuggle on the top of pillows...like a princess but with little boydoggie parts.

So there you have it...all the info you might ever need on the Petersiks. Stay tuned for a post on our fabulous new kitchen runner and how we did our duty to protect it from harm :)

Big Day - Small Hall

2009-05-13T13:52:00.005-04:00

In general, our first floor is void of photos of me and the boyfriend. There are some exceptions. But for the most part, I don't like people coming into our house and seeing us sporting last year's Halloween costumes or half nakey on vacation. Side note - call me a nudie-aphobe but I don't like naked pictures of anyone...like girls boobs or crazy naked man statues...sorry Michaelangelo...sure, you shmancy portrait people can call it a cherub but I still spy an exposed peepee and a stray tahtah. Eww. Moving on.

So when I was confronted with the issue of decorating a small hall leading from the dining room past the bathroom and into the kitchen, I knew that it would be prime real estate for a photo gallery. I love photo galleries. Hence a compromise.

I decided that if I was gonna post personal photos for all to see on our first floor that they needed to have a sense of uniformity. Also, since this was a large space and could hold three large frames - the photos all needed a central theme and I needed a lot of choices. So I decided upon our wedding photos.

I found three large frames at Target with inner foam boards covered in a neutral yummy linen. They cost about $9 a piece. I love the black frames because I have black elements in the adjoining kitchen and the bathroom across the way.

First I took all my photos into Microsoft Office Picture Manager - I didn't download photoshop at that point, don't judge me - and minimized the amount of saturation and played around until each photo was linen-toned. Just changing the colors really uniformed the photos. Armed with some scrapbooking adhesives and the pins that came with the frames, I got to work arranging and adhering the various photos to the foamboard.

And because I know you guys love before & after pictures - here is the view from the kitchen looking at the new art/wedding photo gallery.

The view from the bathroom is now prettier than Ashley Simpson's new shnoz.

And looking from the dining room into the kitchen is now an intriguing little spot instead of a big blank wall.

Oh and because you voyeurs love looking at the closeups (yeah - my name is peeping Tom too!) here are the three groupings from left to right...note that the center frame is jammin out with a different layout. Yay for breaking free from complete uniformity :) And even though the theme for all three frames is our wedding, each one has a different feel.

This first frame boasts photos that have a bit more masculine feel. The groom - my boyfriend, the ring bearer - my little cutie mushroomie, and all the boys from the hood...err...from the wedding are big pimpin this collection.

The second frame is more about the details, the feel from the day, and the overall celebration that screams "I JUST GOT MARRIED!". Its like Jeremy & I got sandwiched together & out popped this fun wedding day collection.

And lastly we have the girly frame. And yes - this one contains a little lip action (gasp!) but for the most part it is more romantic, more sentimental, and a little sweeter than the others. It might be just me but for some reason, taking the kissing photo and turning it the same color as all the rest makes it a little more like art. It's like the sepia tone took the 'ick' out of the pic!

So there you have it...a small hall sportin the memoirs of the biggest day of my life. So how bout you - do you display your personal photos loud and proud? Or do you save em for the bedrooms? Are you a random picturer or a gallery type gal? Are you like me and think that the color of a smooching photo really matters? And lastly, do you like nudie pics? That came out wrong....

Sherry Petersik's Picks

2009-05-12T12:56:00.004-04:00

It's oh-fab-thirty and you know what that means!

I am back to share with you the items that were stashed in my tablesetting warehouse (aka the kitchen cabinet) that didn't make the video cut. I mean seriously...did you see that slew of stuff we laid out?!?! It was like Mr. Maxx exploded in my kitchen...you know, Mr. TJ Maxx? :)

Anyhoo, Sherry and I had a tough time limiting the tablesetting schemes to only 5 different tableaus. We tried to center each scheme on a different idea - a vibe like beachy, a food such as soup, a meal like breakfast, an inspiration piece such as a heirloom scarf, and an event like a bridal shower - all to demonstrate that your table can be set around ANYTHING. And while we were attempting our empowerment of tablesetters everywhere, some of our favorite things had to sit on the bench for our video.

But now here's their chance to get a piece of the action. Since I love everything I own (duh!), Sherry chose some of the items from my stash that tickled her fancy. So watch out Adam Lambert, there is some competition for the limelight!

Welcome to Sherry Petersik's Picks:

Graphic Red & White bowls had Sherry saying "obsessed, obsessed" over and over. I think she said something about them being crisp, and modern, and Hermes inspired (is she talking about the frog puppet?...I don't know...I wasn't good about paying attention) Either way, these lovelies could possibly be more flexible than a Chinese gymnast...pair em with green for Christmas, rattan chargers for a outdoor meal, or even just an all white tablesetting for a jolt of color.

I knew Sherry would love these rope handle servers from Pottery Barn. Not only are they right up her alley...err...beachy boardwalk but they are perfect for American-size servings. Pop em in a big ole bowl for a little salad bling. Plus the silver finish makes them oh-so-pretty with your basic silverware.

Complete surprise was the only reaction I had when Sherry was drooling over these handmedown cut-out napkins. I didn't take the girl for one who would like vintage linens, but I couldn't be more pleased that she jumped on the antique train with me. It's not like you can find this kinda gray on white stitchery these days! And if you were doing a tea for two...these little mouthwipers would have you questioning the value of your sleeve. Can I get an amen?!

Speaking of antique, this amber colored decanter set had Sherry at hello. We even put this together with some pen-art dishes & a jewel toned pashmina to demonstrate a little wine & cheese tasting table setting. It's kinda sad that it didn't make it past production. Boo us. But it doesn't take away from the fact that the little shot glasses would be perfect size to taste various reds&whites and the decanter could be housing your palatte-cleansing drink of choice.

We all know how Mrs. Petersik likes white...it reigns hue-preme in her house. And every table setter knows that #1 on the must-have list is white dishes. So it comes as no surprise that the pigmentless scalloped plates and white accent hearts played on her heart strings. Sherry said that she can imagine the little bowls filled with pink & red M&M's for a Valentine's Day treat...I remember very clearly when chocolate is mentioned.

These little red vases also made the list. Shocker...right? I thought that for sure she would by-pass these little 25 cent purchases for a more glamourous choice...but I guess the rosy color, the textured glass, and the small size (about 6") all spoke to her. And since she kept calling them candlesticks, I can only imagine that she would take all ten of them (yeah, I would collect packrats if I could) and arrange a long, twinkling centerpiece.

The glass footed ice cream dish was a shoo-in to be featured in this list of Sherry's picks. Afterall, what girl doesn't like a bowl that is guaranteed to hold something sweet?!? The scalloped edge of this Goodwill find is really the cherry on top. To me it screams "Southern Living" and since we are both living in the South (Richmond is technically below the Mason Dixon), this treat holder really knows how to give us a drawl after a mouthful of Ben&Jerrys.

**no chocolate was wasted in the production of this photo

I love the fact that the antler on our mantle actually made Sherry's list of tablesetting things. Not only is this structural, white, and a piece from nature (err West Elm)...but it would look amazing in the center of a holiday table maybe with a note that says, "Kids - tried to capture Rudolf...he got away. Merry Christmas." or with a bunch of silver and white ornaments. Or you could use it as an accent piece with stacked plates & napkins....just don't serve venison....that would be crossing the line...unless you are like me & have a twisted sense of humor.

Sherry really tugged on my heart strings when she told me that she liked this bright green vintage tablecloth. Yeah...it was my Grandma's. Springy, fun, shamefully unironed, it is the perfect size for a table of two. Sherry said that she loved the long fringe and the simplicity of the color scheme in the fabric. Me too, Sher, me too.

Lastly but certainly not least is the smallest of the items that made it into the Petersik Picks. Yes, these bronze nametags are only about two inches long but pack a huge sucka-punch. With their twine ties and the erasable pen, you can attach this mini message board with a general note (Happy 4th), a word of encouragement (U Rock!) or a personalized name (D. Shrute). Or tie around the handles of pitchers to identify which tea is sweetened, splendafied, or peach infused.

So there you have it. A list of Petersik Picks. But before you go, I thought I would take this opportunity to do something a little unconventional...open the floor for questions. Yes. That's right. Not questions about me...inquiries about our favorite home decor bloggers...JOHN & SHERRY. Yes...do not hold back people...you know I don't. So ask me anything. Have a question that you are too afraid to leave in the comments - email me. And I will spill the beans, dish the dirt, and in general get into the nitty-gritty of Blogland's elite. Big or small, I promise to give only blunt & honest answers :) And maybe put a celebrity reference in there. It's up to you.

On the Top

2009-05-12T00:26:00.003-04:00

1 decorating genius
+ 1 gawkward jokester
5 FUN TABLESETTINGS

One Table Five Ways on Vimeo.

Don't try to do the math people. It'll give you a headache. It did for me anyway :)

Anyhoo, back to the video. Did you watch it? Note: I was sweating worse than a Biggest Loser contestant during their last chance workout. Seriously. I had to run up to reapply deodorant three times. And that was before the record button got pushed. Needless to say, I am no HGTV whiz like Sherry!

And if you are here from my house tour that featured on This Young House, WELCOME! A friend of Sherry is a friend of mine. My name is Katie. I am an equal opportunity jokester with a flair for celebrity jabs, cheesy jokes & potty humor. This is more of a warning than an AA intro. Be on your guard my fine friends because at some point while reading ABP, you will be given the opportunity to laugh at yourself. Go ahead and take it...cause afterall, laugh lines are the new skinny. It's like a full-body workout but just for your abs....if you know what I mean. Plus, you are in good company since I make fun of myself more than anything. And yes, I was teased as a child for my ginormous head :)

Oh and folks - stay tuned...this afternoon I have a ~~fun dump in a bag for ya~~ bag of fun to dump on ya....it's all the decorating goodies that didn't make the cut for our video....it's "Sherry Petersik's Picks". Meet ya here around oh-fab-thirty :)

How to Host a House Crasher

2009-05-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

I am not Martha Stewart. Not even close. I am more like Cindy Stewart (her younger, quirkier, less-talented-in all things-craftiness sister). And when it comes to hosting houseguests, Cindy likes to KISS (you know - keep it simple stupid!). So for our recent guests (who excel at all things fabulousness), I did just that. And now I am here to share how to host the heck outta your house crashers...the simple way.

1. STOCK JUST-IN-CASES

I read somewhere that John & Sherry liked all-natural body products...well, we all know how effective those are...so just in case the Hotlanta weather took its toll on the Petersik pits, a basket of extras is in the guest bedroom. Stock up mini toothpaste tubes, contact lens solvent, even sunscreen to take your home to 5 star hotel status. Best part? When something gets used up, replacing it costs usually around a buck.

2. SCRUB SPARINGLY

Let's face it, most folks don't have time to clean their house from top to bottom for houseguests. And although I may be disgusting clean freaks from here to Timbucktwo, I only REALLY clean the spaces that are gonna be home for my friends - namely, the downstairs bathroom, the guest bathroom, the guest bedroom, and the kitchen. Everything else gets a quick sweep & tidy-check. (please note that this was NOT the case for the Petersik stay - where you could have found me running around like a crazy person - yes, for one day I was Paula Abdul of the clorox wipes!)

3. BEDROOM BEVERAGE

Dehydration is a real problem. And I am not talking about celebrity-dehydration (coughLohancough) which usually means that they aren't drunk. C'mon guys - hangovers don't mean you need your own hospital staff. Moving on. During the athletic event of house crashing, one can get thirsty. That is exactly why I like to make sure that the guest room has a couple glasses and a decanter full of H2O.

4. SUPPLY ROOM EXTRAS

Supplying your guests with a luggage rack is a great alternative to knee or back surgery. And although you aren't responsible for their orthapaedic problems, a place to put their stuff is always nice. Even John mentioned that it was a nice spot for his Disney figurine collection (yeah, he takes it with him everywhere - oh wait, that was me!). Other extras that are great for your guest room are a blanket, extra towels, a little reading material, and a small dish for jewelry or change.

5. SPELL IT OUT

Sometimes the smallest details can make your guests feel right at home. And since Sherry is a writer at heart - I knew that she could handle this seven-letter word...WELCOME. Nothing says come in, take off your jacket, relax like this word. And I like to keep it up year-round (written on a white plate with a dry-erase marker) for a little greeting signage.

6. KNOW YOUR GUESTS TASTE

With John & Sherry on their way, we knew they had more refined (and when I say refined, I mean organic, natural, and healthy) tastebuds. So we made sure to stock up on orgagnic foods. No, that is not a typo. Don't judge me...me & preservatives get along just fine. When you have your guests, keep in mind they might be on meat-free, milk-free, or calorie-free diets.

7. APPEAL TO THEIR SENSES

In order to mask the smell of bacon, air freshener is our friend. And my boyfriend was sure to spend about fifteen minutes spraying our odor remover all over the house prior to the Petersik arrival. Let's just put it this way, if your guests smell the pork stank when walking in the door, do you really think they wanna risk keeping their 10 lb doggie in there? The correct answer is no.

8. GIVE A HUG

Do not go in for the full frontal hug uninvited. Trust me...it's a little awkward. Instead give your guests a hug in plushness. A terrycloth robe, matching slippers, a snuggly blankie, even extra socks (NEW...NEW SOCKS! WITH THE TAGS!!) screams 'I want you to be comfortable here!'. And that is exactly the message you wanna send to people that could blast you on the internet...not that they would ever do that...right Sherry?!?!

9. AVAILABLITY IS KEY

When it comes to prepping your house, keep in mind that basic needs still need to be met. Make sure these basics are available to your house crashers...snacks, internet, knowledge of where to poop your dog...that didn't come out right...wow, the potty humor is just oozing today. pun intended. The point is that suppling & informing your new friends of the ins & outs of your home takes the 'ows' out of 'houseguests'.

10. DO NOT DO THE ABOVE

Seriously. Bad. Idea.

Well, there you have it folks. A little insight on how to host a housecrasher for a fraction of the time and energy. Afterall, you will need that extra oomphf later when they ask you to give a foot massage....to their chihuahua. Not that that ever happened.

And to see the results of the housecrashing (which includes some fun photos of my partially cleaned and non-bacon-smelling house) go over to This Young House...and tell em crazy Katie sent ya!

Breaking News

2009-05-08T15:30:00.004-04:00

Way back in October, the more-popular-than-a-bikini-carwash blog, This Young House, posted about our bedroom makeover. Basically that is where this beautiful story of friendship, OCB (obsessive compulsive blogging) and bromance began.

Fast forward seven months and one full email inbox later and you would have found me screaming as I ran down the stairs to greet my new IN-REAL-LIFE friends. Yes, it is true I do not live inside the computer. That's right, John & Sherry & Burger (their cheeky little chihuahua) Petersik were actually at my house. (oooh I just got chills again!)

Since their three-day visit to Redneckville, USA you can imagine that keeping their visit quiet has been KILLING us....which is why I was totally relieved that we were able to bust out this corset-of-a-secret and let the blogworld know that our crossover event is here! Yessireebob. It's like she is Paris and I am Nicole...except I am the tall one and she doesn't have a scandelous video on the internet (stop googling people!).

But boy, do I have juicy details :)

So stay tuned to ABP and TYH for the next couple of glorious days as we reveal a house crashers double feature, a superfun (and educational) video, and all the dirt on those youngsters (cause you know there ain't nothin on me...afterall I am the normal one! right?!? So what are you sayin? C'mon, everyone has pasted their heads on other people at one point or another!)

Ladder Plant Stand

2009-05-07T14:18:00.002-04:00

Recently I saw this photo in my May 09 issue of This Old House:

And it struck me like teen Disney stars hit medians..."there is an old ladder in the basement." After I did my little heel click, I ran to go get her. She was all raggedy and worn in her old age - just like I hope to be one day.

Then came the issue of the pots. I had a bunch leftover from a church event that I decorated - the theme was 'Names of God'. We stamped "BREAD OF LIFE", "CREATOR" etc. At first I wanted to do "STUD MUFFIN" and "ULTIMATE HOMEBOY" but we couldn't actually find where it said that in the Bible. It's gotta be in there somewhere. Note to self - read Bible more. The leftover painted pots meant the only cost was the plants and some exterior paint. SCORE.

So with the ever helpful instructions that Sherry posted (I know what you're gonna say - Katie, shutup about TYH already. I really should but I just can't. They are still in third folks. Please go vote for them - future fab home improvements are on the line here peeps! Dontcha realize your vote is investing in the future!) about painting pots, I got to it. I chose a pale green, pale pink and pale yellow. Yes, it is like a baby shower exploded.

And now for my grand reveal of my ladder plant stand (hold your breath, it'll be more dramatic that way!) -

I really like it even with it's 'too-sweet-for-bunnies' feel. And the thing is...our deck is pretty crappy. So it definitely draws the eye away from the ugly structure and to the plants with it's easter-just-became-every-day color palette.

And because I could help but take some close ups - everybody loves a macro :)

So there you have it...one free plant stand. So how bouts it? What do you use as a plant supporter...have any unique potting methods? I saw this one using old cans & knew that you would love it. (Hi Kim!!!) And if you wanna holla out your cool-as-the-tundra plant stand ideas or potting ideas, please don't be shy!

May Goals

2009-05-06T09:58:00.004-04:00

April Goals

1. Finish super duper secret project SUCCESS
2. Make a treat for firemen (still 'hotties' still hungry) POSTPONED
3. Go to the gym a total of six times FAILED
4. Finish copying all photos onto Snapfish and Photobucket PARTIAL SUCCESS PARTIAL FAILURE
5. Plant front yard garden bed with shrubs SUCCESS
6. Hire elusive Athenian to mud basement POSTPONED
7. Sew two pillows & four dishtowels SUCCESS
8. Read Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen FAILED
9. Dance for at least one minute every day SUCCESS
10. Take birth control & vitamin every day FAILED
11. Finish dressing room POSTPONED
12. Finish master bedroom POSTPONED BUT NOT MY FAULT

May Goals

1. Girldate a Blogger
2. Make treats for firemen (still 'hotties' still very hungry)
3. Swim at gym three times
4. Finish copying all photos onto Snapfish and Photobucket
5. Write one encouraging note each week
6. Hire elusive Athenian to mud basement
7. Spray paint outdoor furniture
8. Buy, borrow, or rent Pride & Prejudice
9. Non-car dance for at least one minute every day
10. Upholster blue chair
11. Finish dressing room
12. Finish master bedroom

Please note that #1 is totally non-lezzy...I just wanna turn my internet connection into a real-life friend finder. We could all use more IRL friends right? So here is my ad...

MWF seeks F for non-experimental sisterhood-of-the-traveling-jeans-type-friendship. Interests include snoopbloggin, thriftiness, eating bacon, This Young House (go vote!), and Edward Cullen. Girl with girl action could include shopping at Goodwill, shopping at Pottery Barn outlet, eating bacon, reality TV watching and crafting crafty crafts. Location - metro Thuglanta. Must tolerate non-pc comments, celebrity & potty jokes, the constant smell of bacon, and penny pinching. Boyfriend-type-husband optional at events if bromance can be brewed.

Interested? Email me at allbowerpower@gmail.com

Not interested? (Hey Anon, I'm talkin to you...you know I love you) Email me at allbowerpower@gmail.com

Bathroom Budget Breakdown

2009-05-05T16:01:00.002-04:00

It's time to wrap up our visit to the guest bathroom with one final look.

And now comes the scariest part ever....the budget. Yupperdoodles. And everyone knows that a blown budget is the worst part of any home renovation. It can make you cry in your sleep...and no girl likes to wake up with puffy eyes.

SO here she blows:

Our grand total was under $500. Our paint & grout was free (which definitely helped since it was leftovers from a prior project) and if the floor had been a little more level, we could have saved on the cost of thinset. But overall, I didn't think our bill was too bad.

In fact, the weekend before our bathroom renovation began, we had a yardsale which brought in $210 for old curtains, archaic electronics and some junky clothing I had from highschool. We also put the old toilet on Craigslist for $40 and have already have some bites...so if we offset all the costs with the moolah rollin in the door....this bathroom makeover was around $225...not too shabby for a renovation that could increase the value of our home, increase the comfortability factor for our guests, and definitely increase the "selling this house in a bumb market" probability.

So how bout it? You guys think that we shelled out too much dough in a bad economy? Or do you think that every penny was well-spent? How much would you spend on a bathroom reno? You guys have any affordable makeovers that you would love to share? Email me and let me browse your photos....you know I love that more than Jacko loves collecting creepy statues.

This Young Voter

2009-05-05T11:32:00.008-04:00

Dude, it's like the home improvement Oscars.

Yessireebob.

And I am super pumped to see who takes home the prize of FIVE FREAKIN GRAND! It's the BHG's & Home Depot's 48 challenge!!! Unless you have no idea, I am completely obsessed with This Young House. Let's put it this way - Sherry is Angelina and I am Octo-mom. So it's not a surprise that I am gunnin' for them to win.

It's also no surprise that I like to paste my head on pictures of their friends. That's not creepy Sherry...that's devotion :) Isn't my boyfriend just striking?!?!

So now that you know that I think their blog is the cat's meow, you can only imagine my disappointment when I saw they were runnin' 3rd. So I thought I would put my two cents in.

10 REASONS YOU SHOULD VOTE FOR TYH EVERYDAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE:

1. They design super-swanky rooms super-swanky-like
2. They are amateur renovators, just like you & me
3. Edward Cullen would if Edward Cullen was a nonfictional person
4. A vote for TYH is a vote for puppies
5. If they win, world hunger will be no more
6. When you vote, you will lose weight instantly
7. After 5 days of voting, your children will do better in school
8. If you don't vote, I can't promise bladder control will be easy
9. TYH is uber-educational (I dare ya not to learn something)
10. Chuck Norris did.

And if that doesn't do it...just look at poor Sher-Sher painting her porch while nine months pregnant. C'mon people, vote with your heart.

And for your voting convenience, I added a little yellow button on my sidebar...just remember you can vote every single day....till the day you die or till the contest is over...whichever comes first. More Bower Power to ya, This Young House!

****This post was not approved or endorsed by TYH!!! Also, I have knocked up Sherry with Paint. As far as I know, only her heart is impregnanted with love...no baby human is growing in her uterus. Unfortunately, I am not close enough to Sherry to know the actual status of her reproductive organs****

15 Under 50 Updated

2009-05-04T15:19:00.002-04:00

Attention all stingy Atlantans: ALL BOWER POWER's newest little thrifty helper 15 under 50 is now updated.

Check out my favorite find of the week under $50 available on Craigslist here in the ATL -

Cheap - check.

Domino blue color - check.

Makes me spin right round baby right round like a record baby right round round round - check.
Wanna see more? Click on the button in the side bar.

Wanna remake this video? yeah me too :)

Tiling Tips

2009-04-30T14:21:00.004-04:00

I'm back with more info from my recent bathroom tiling adventure. And here's a headsup...I am NOT going to talk about how to tile...you guys can google that. I wanna go into some tips to make tiling easier than a call girl. YAY!

TIP #1 - BE LEVEL HEADED (and floored)

Before our bathroom floor was less level than the tower of Pisa....but now, its a whole new ball game. You can see how we did it here. The even floor makes a world of difference. Not only will the thinset be easier to spread but the actual tile will lay flat instead of having one corner higher. Plus the finishing touches such as trim, doors, furniture, and toilets will go in easier. There is nothing worse than finishing a room only to discover that now the legs on your bathroom cabinet wobble all over. Do the prep people - even out that floor!

TIP #2 - WHOLEY MOLEYS.

Lay out your tile in the room first. Getcha a good plan going. Small adjustments now can save you time & moolah later. See how our room is just a smudgen under the perfect size? Look closely. Our tile is right up to the wall on the left side and leaves just an inch on the right? If I evenly centered the tile in the room (like every website suggested to do) both sides would have required a half inch tile to finish it off. Instead I scooted the plan over to accomodate my inner Britney (It's My Perogative!). It saved me cutting time and the cost of extra tiles!

TIP #3 - PEE YOUR PANTS.

People often try to use a manual tile cutter. If you wanna right shoulder muscle the size of a linebackers & have bazillions of hours...go for it. But me? I like to pee my pants. And you can quote me on that. A wet tile saw is not only easy to use but it will save you TONS of time. Rent one, borrow one, or buy one (we got ours on sale for around $80 and it's been used for six projects already!) whatever you do, just get your hands on one for your next tiling project.

TIP #4 - CLEAN YOUR CRACK.

Let's face it, your crack can get nasty. Stuff is squishing out in the bathroom. The nearby crack is the only place it can go. Wet crack mess can get everywhere. And when it dries, it must be removed or else you end up with negative reactions. So go ahead and scrape it clean. It may hurt your hand, but you will get used to it. I use an assortment of different tools...the key is to dig that hot crack mess out and start with a clean slate :)

TIP #5 - GROUT WITH TWO SPONGES

Spreading grout is super fun. Wiping grout is not. Make the job easier with two sponges and a partner who doesn't mind helping. As you wipe with one sponge, have your partner clean out the other...then switcheroonie. Not only will it make the 'wiping grout' stage easier and faster - but it gives you a flawless finish. Just don't forget to squeeze your squeezer later for a job well done.

TIP #6 - PAINT BEFORE TRIM

Self explanatory. Yes, you will have to caulk and paint your trim but go ahead and get the walls painted before you apply your floor boards. It'll save you time later because you don't have to do a perfect bottom line.

TIP #7 - INVEST IN YOUR THRONE

My older brother (a master plumber in Alabama) recommended to us that we spring for a Kohler brand toilet. He said that in general they have less problems. I figure Pepto Bismol's catchy jingle reminds us of enough potty problems - we really don't need an issue with the potty itself. So we were set on Kohler. We also learned that chair height is comfy for those of us with knee problems. And that the gentlemen folk prefer the elongated bowl. Just so happens that Lowe's carried a Kohler, elongated bowl, chair height toilet for under $200. And let me tell ya, its so comfy I can read an entire House Beautiful on my throne now. I know - I checked.

TIP #8 - DEVILS IN THE DETAILS

You have heard this a million times...devils in the details. It is never more true when you are retiling a bathroom. Sure you may have a totally tubular tiled floor but if the room looks gosh-awful, then nobody can focus on your DIY masterpiece. Go ahead and switch out hardware, touch up paint, include accessories, change your 80's wallplates and finish up your space 100%. It will let your guests dial into your bling-bling floor instead of the blah-blah room.

So there you have it my fine peepers. Some useful tips to help you in your next tiling extravaganza. And if you have some uber helpful suggestions that you would like to share, the floor is yours. I am sure that I am not the only one that could use some more money-saving, time-saving, effort-saving and result-improving tips for along the way. So, just like in the potty room, get to it!

For more bathroom makeover fun, check out Freckles Chick's new loo.

Decoupaged Digits

2009-04-30T09:00:00.002-04:00

That's right people. I am putting the swagger back into decoupage with a simple piece of art that you can do right at home. and for CHEAP. Just take a look at my finished result:

Let's say you have a frame that you want to feature a little gender neutral, totally personal, yet still hip work of fantasticalness. And the place you wanna feature this soon-to-be-hotter-than-a-jalapeno frame is not really appropriate for a blownup picture of you in your tankini in Cancun. (Pixels are not my cellulite's friend). SOooo, what's a girl to do?

Decoupage : The ancient art of gluing.

That's right. And the best part about our favorite glue-filled activity (while keeping your nose clean anyway) is that most of the supplies can be found in your home! Here's what you need to get your decoupage on:

Glue
Water
Scissors
Paper (or magazines or photos or whatev)
Something to stick your cutouts to (in my case, a piece of foamboard)
Paint, glitter, a pinch of love (optional)
Brush (or sponge or fingers)

First, cut out whatever little doodad you wanna paste down. Let's say you are making a Britney montage. Cut out a pink wig, a sign of Cedars Sinai, a microphone, a Cheetos logo, and a chubby Kev-dogg. Also include a picture of fireworks...cause you know, like a firecracker she makes it hot.

Personally, I chose some numbers that were near and dear to my heart. 1435. I printed them out in Word. And went to town with my nearest scalpel. Just call me Meredith Grey.

Then I mixed some water, elmer's glue, and some yellow paint. I added water till I got at the consistency I wanted...and brushed it all over the foam board...then laid the cutouts on top and gave it another good wiping or two. Pretend you are Nicole Kidman...on the beach...spread generously. The key to making the "old" look is to vary the colors...a little more brown in one wipe, a little more white in another.

The best part is that this piece of art incorporates some other existing art in my room! And you can personalize yours to do the same. In our kitchen was a yellow sea fan...but it was all by its lonesome in the hue department. Bringing in another piece of sunshine was just the ticket to make the yellow really pop. Plus, the frames in the kitchen hide outlets...no more wall acne!

Wanna get some digits? Cause you know you are lovin the numbered fun...Here is some inspiration.

So how bout you? Do you decou? What have you glued lately? Got digits in the house? And if you were to do this art, what numbers would you choose and why? Would they be your birthday - cause of the personal historic significance? or maybe your name is Jenny and you like 8675309 :) I think I just aged ten years.

Mission : Demolition

2009-04-30T09:00:00.001-04:00

Demolition is my favorite part of any project. Somehow there is something very theraputic about tearing out trim or cabinets or removing gross stuff. It's like I have house bulimia. And when the cockroach poo has fallen in my open mouth, I actually consider daily purging. The point is...demo is disgusting. And freakin' awesome.

So if you wanna attempt a project, don't let someone take the demo away from you. It might be just the thing to release the pent up frustration that builds from dealing with your physician who insists that chocolate is not a major food group.

Now let's look at the de-construction of my first floor bathroom.

We start with a normal bathroom. My flooring before went a little something like this:
The joists in your house are beams that hold up the floor, roof, or ceiling. They are important - do not mess with them during a bathroom tile job. Otherwise, the results are like Britney-with-an-umbrella, if you know what I mean.

On top of the joists come the subfloor. Yes, made of plywood. This is usually nailed directly to the joists and most importantly, needs to be dry. Why does it need to be moisture-free? Mold. Mildew. Wood rot.

Next comes the glue or adhesive that is holding the lineoleum down. If it is old then the lineoleum is ridiculously hard to remove. If it is new, it should come up pretty quick.

After the lineoleum is the trim...usually a 3" to 5" nailed board on the wall with a piece of quarter round finishing the look of the floor. Ours was partially made of pine, partially partical board...aka cheap...so it splinters upon removal. You have to remove the trim to remove ALL of the lineoleum. So obviously that is where I started.

After the trim was off (yuck), I tried peeling up a corner of the lineoleum. Hallelujah - it came off easily. Fortunately for us whoever laid the lineoleum let the glue dry a little too long before putting on the actual floor. The lineoleum wasn't even sticking. Basically the only thing holding it down was the trim and a few square feet where the glue did it's job.

Unfortunately I discovered some issues. Take a look:

Swirlies were no problem. The paper could be scraped up using my handy dandy joint compound knife. The water damage was quite old and the subfloor did not suffer any damage from mold, mildew or rot. Whew. My only issue was the joint compound on the floor. I called my mom. She said that in older homes people sometimes used jc or plaster to 'level' the floor. Obviously in my home, they didn't do a good job...only 3/4 of the room was covered...the other quarter was obviously lower. So I did my homework.

I found that you can apply mastic or thinset to the clean floor before fastening your Durock (or backerboard). Some people skip this step & fasten the board directly to the subfloor. But in our case, the thinset made sure our new tile foundation was completely level. But back to that in a second.

So I scraped, swept, cleaned and prepped the floor. When all the extra glue, paper, lineoleum and dirt was hauled off, I brought in the big guns to remove the toilet. Turn off water. Unscrew bolts. Lift toilet. Pretty easy right. My boyfriend and I hauled it to the garage.

The toilet hole got some press-n-seal to keep that stank down. And I finally got behind the toilet to sand the rough wall behind the tank.

I also took this opportunity to get rid of a couple squeeky floorboards. I fastened the floor down to the joists with a couple screws...and just like Trump, I said "Not another squeek or you're fired!".

The photo on the right shows me marking my tile line. As you can see the old lineoleum went right up to the hallway hardwoods. But our new tile would only be in the bathroom. We needed to extend the hardwood by adding a few additional pieces and then the finishing touch would be a threshold stained to match the hall.

Then came my floor leveling event via thinset. Spread with a notched trowel. Then take your backerboard and lay flat on the thinset. Press down until level.

Then screw er in. The fine folks at your local home improvement center will hook you up with all the proper equipment.

Speaking of equipment - here are my top 6 bathroom demolition tools (so girls, make sure you have one of each in your pink tool belt (or within reach) the next time you rip out your loo):

So there you have it. One prepped and ready to be tiled bathroom. Demolition mission complete. Yeah, my next mission (if I choose to accept) may be suspending over a temperature, motion, and pressure sensitive room to get a NOC list...or I might leave that to the amatuers :)

Spring into Summer

2009-04-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

Does the thought of summer make you wanna change up your home decor? Yeah. me too!

During the spring months, my palatte starts craving fun colors, sheerer fabrics, and oddly enough, strawberry fruit rollups. And at 50 calories a pop with no known side effects for eating the entire box, it is just the start of a beautiful summer experience.

Speaking of sweet experiences, this is the year for brightening up my home. I wanna feel easy going and casual. I wanna feel lighter than Posh Spice. I wanna walk in the door, kick off my flips, and wear shorts again. That is the feeling that inspired a little story. This story of summery transformation begins with a $3.50 placemat find at the Pottery Barn outlet.

And this is how it motivated an entire couch redo in funner colors (kinda like when fruit rollups went from only in red to swirly hues!):

Our fall/winter pillows are super fun right? I still adore that chocolate/green color combo especially with that graphic brownie-on-top-of-my-sundae pillow smack dab right in the center. But on the down side, it definitely gave off a cooler month vibe. Not exactly a swim-inspired look....unless those colors were on a VS model....they could make some pocket lint, a key ring, and a post-it-note look like a bathing suit. grrr.

And now my pillows are funner than a bunny farm! I am loving the combination of the navy with the pale turquoise and spring time green. Plus the trio of graphic prints and the various fabrics give the couch visual & textural interest. And the sheer number of pillows comes in handy come kanoodle time. Wahoo!

So how did we start with a placemat and end up with a summery couch? I am so glad you asked. A+ for you and one thousand points for excellent inquiry skills.

The little accent pillow is actually a placemat. You know - one of those things that sometimes makes it onto the table under the paper plate only if company is coming? Just ripped open the seam where the front layer meets the back layer. Two inches will do ya. Then just stuff that hole like you are on week 6 of Survivor. Hand stitch the sucker closed and BADA BING! An accent pillow!

I actually considered attempting to sell this sucker back to Pottery Barn to see if they would give me more money since pillows cost more than placemats. But God would be watching. Also, I am quite sure that Pottery Barn could trace my credit card and I would like to continue shopping there in the future. But the point is, this little piece of summery heaven looks a heck of a lot more expensive than $3.50. And since I chose a pillow with several colors, all I had to do was mix and match pillows till I found a combo that screamed "POOL PARTY!"

So are you changing your home decor for the warmer months? How do you do it? Are you a pillow-switcher or a slipcover & go kinda peep? I hear that drapes make a springtime switch...although I have never done it. Have you ever made a placemat into a pillow? Please share. Oh and if you guys wanna attempt this project at home - be sure that you get a placemat with two layers. Otherwise you will end up with one ripped piece of fabric and fiber fill all over your sofa...and I can think of other things that are cooler :)

Secret Project Reveal

2009-04-28T12:35:00.003-04:00

Remember all the clues? Yeah, the clues I gave you about the secret project I have been diligently working on? Right. Those clues.

Well, I am ridiculously ready for this grand reveal. But first let's review the before:

Before it had lineoleum flooring. yes. It was gross. Sure, it didn't look gross in pictures but trust me...it was. In fact, it was the same flooring that continued into our kitchen before we ripped it out and laid hardwood. Which actually added to our problem. The hardwood was 3/4" higher than the linoleum...trip city (and I ain't talking about McConaughey's bongo). Oh and did I mention it was ripped?

Under my new bathroom cabinet was a giant gash. Everytime we swiffered, the snag would cling to dirt like Madonna to her yoga mat. Eventually the buildup was disgusting. Note the grossness in the corner...eww. So naturally it needed a makeover.

Enter moodboard options:

Obviously the tile choice had to go with my existing paint color (because I love it) and my white beadboard cabinet and the flooring in the hall (which it meets up to at the door). The first option was my favorite of the tiles...bring on the hexagon! But the priciest of the options as well. Three times the cost of the others and not appealing to all future buyers.

Option 2 was the most standard option being a porcelain ceramic tile. Since it was uber durable, this would definitely hold up well and still bring a light feeling into the room. Affordable, appeals to the masses and still brought warmth into the space. Obviously the least creative option as well.

Option 3 was a dark slate tile that would pick up the blues on the walls. Dramatic, enduring and also appeals to the masses. However the blue undertoned color might give the room a stark feel (no natural light + blues everywhere = ultra cool...and when I say "cool" I mean "not inviting" instead of "awesome like Blossom".)

After a quick consult with my boyfriend, we went with Option 2.

We picked out a couple options that 'spoke to us'. I liked the english muffin tile - lighter colored with tons of nooks and crannys. Jeremy like the bagel - smooth, warmer colored and little variations. I won.

What really sealed the deal was the fact that we had leftover white grout from our kitchen backsplash project. And white went better with the lighter beige tile than the darker beige or the slate.

So now that you know what we chose, let's get to the reveal. Afterall, my bathroom is screaming like Speidi - "I AM READY FOR MY CLOSEUP!"

Wonder what we did? Ok. Here's a recap:

Wanna know the best part? I did 90% of the work all by myself. GIRL BOWER POWER! My dear husband did change the door hardware and trimmed the bottom of the door (which I could have done) and he helped me lift the old toilet off and put the new one on (which I could have done with another girl) and he carried the sink out to the kitchen (which I could have done with another girl) and he screwed in the toilet bolts (which I could have done). I am saying that I could have done this not because I am ridiculously competitive at times (which is true). I am sayin' it because you women COULD DO THIS! Believe me...I am slightly above a down syndrome intelligence level. If I can do it....you can do it better.

Ok - back to the bathroom. I have tons of photos & info to share from this bathroom redo (including the budget breakdown) so if you wanna see all the details - stay tuned!

15 Under 50

2009-04-27T15:53:00.003-04:00

No, this isn't some post about the 15 hottest celebutards under the hill. This one is for my Atlanta peeps (but don't worry, if you are from somewhere else, this can be a good reference tool for you too!). Yes, my fine friends, here is my new latest Bower Powerful tool to help out you penny pinchers. It's called 15 under 50.

All you gotta do is click on the 15 under 50 button on the sidebar and it will take you to a Photobucket slideshow that contains this weeks top 15 Craigslist finds under 50 dollars. I plan on updating that weekly (but just like Britney's virginity promise, you can't hold me to it).

So let's just say you see something utterly fantastic - (or at least has fantastic potential) like this:

or these:

well, then pause the slideshow. Then run your mouse over the photo of the lovely desired item and above the said photo will appear the "GET LINKS" link. Click it and it will take you to the craiglist link....so you can actually buy it!

And for those of you that live outside of the great Peach state...too bad soo sad. SIKE! This is a great reference tool for you too! See something you like, then go scour your own local craigslist. Not only does it give you a price point but it gives you negotiating power with the seller.

Plus, I make notes on each photo - ways I would use it or things to redo or what style it would work with. So if you see something similar to that item lurking in your basement or stored in your attic, you immediately have some ideas on how to reuse, recycle, or repurpose! And isn't that the best way to be green?!?!

One stipulation...if you find something off of 15under50 and redo it, you must pinky promise me that you will send me befores & afters. Because you know there ain't nothing I love more than making over cheapo finds!

Renovation Nation: Kristina's Krib

2009-04-24T10:22:00.005-04:00

When I saw Kristina's master bedroom renovation, my jaw dropped faster than Michael Phelps can ~~light up~~ swim. Here is her letter:

You are fantastic and I love reading your blog everyday. I wanted to pass along my before and after pics of our bedroom. Started off a lovely builder white, with mismatched everything. I'm sort of embarrassed to submit the before picture, but I think it's important to see the transformation. I was totally inspired by your bedroom and when I saw the floor to ceiling drapes, I knew I had to do it.

I did most of it on the cheap. Our bedroom furniture was bought for us from IKEA (MALM series in medium brown) I started to hate it, so I primed, painted and polyacrylic-ed it a Espresso color. All of the bedding was pieced together from different stores (I got everything on sale, even the sheets!) and the "cluster" (framed pieces) above the dresser was all hand made by me with the exception of the bird
piece. I bought the roller shades at Walmart for $3.45 and covered them in a off white fabric for a more finished look.

I truly appreciate you sharing your ideas. Keep up the good work! Kind Regards, Kristina

Here is the hot mess before:

And the uber-chic after:

Can you believe that she redid all that furniture?!? Uber-freakin-amazing. I am drooling over the green/eggplant color combo....seriously a ten. and those drapes give the room a miracle makeover. Before the room was a Susan Boyle picture. Now the room is a Susan Boyle cd. You know what I mean. For more info on how Kristina joined the renovation nation, check out her blog tour-de-room.

And if you wanna share your hot-mess-turned-supermodel room, email me the pics pronto! You know it puts the swag in my step, the nanners in my pudding, and the eww....that last one sounded gross.

Dressing Room

2009-04-23T13:49:00.002-04:00

Since you guys asked to see more photos of my dressing room, I thought I would oblige ya. It isn't finished...so you only get one. Feast your eyes on this:

This is for the single ladies. Married? Engaged? A nun? Divert your eyes immediately. Personally I prefer the Wolverine look. It's like the offspring of Gizmo the Gremlin and a lawn man. You see muscular arms, I see garden rakes for hands. And what girl doesn't like the thought of a leaf-free yard?!??

Anyhoo. Here you go. This is it so far. I have plans for the frames...don't think it's some new home decor trend. And I am loving the bunches of pillows (7 +2 bolsters!) on the bed...it just screams "get on me" & "I can comfort you" & "I'm soft and supportive"....basically it is the perfect man of a bed.

Speaking of furniture - see any piece of furniture that came from the office?!? Yeah...I totally celebrate Earth Day everyday by using what I got...reuse & recycle....same applies to my ever popular shimmy dance :)

Happy JCrew...err....Earth Day!

2009-04-22T15:22:00.003-04:00

Today is Earth Day. And obviously earth = oceans = water = kayaking = crew = JCrack. It's like six degrees to Kevin Bacon...except with Jcrew. It only takes six stages to get me from any other thought in the world to thinking about the addictive retail shop. Don't judge me, you know you do it too. And I recycle like Leo, so there!

Here is my shame on display. I created rooms from three outfits.

1. couch - IKEA
2. curtains - IKEA
3. art - allposters
4. coffee table - coffeetablesgalore
5. rug - overstock
6. pillow - target
7. pillow - pier1
8. ghost chair - allmodern

1. sofa - crate&barrel
2. curtains -IKEA
3. art - IKEA
4. chair - IKEA
5. pillow - westelm
6. rug - westelm

1. pillows - potterybarn
2. chair - target
3. rug - shadesoflight
4. table - jcpenney
5. sofa - potterybarn
6. curtains - westelm

So after you come down from your J-high, which one is more your style? Do tell. It'll make this earthling very happy :)

A Perfect Pair

2009-04-21T11:08:00.001-04:00

I could not wait to get started in pimpin' out the tops of my den bookcases. I had already added some plants and some other white accessories but the frames needed some art and FAST!

I wanted to add some high contrast art for a little tabletop drama. I also wanted to make sure that the background of this art was light colored or white so that it didn't create black holes on the top of the bookshelves. Your eye can be suckered into focusing on dark art when you really want it to continue around the room. And since we already have so much brown & black in the room (the shelves, the club chairs, the fireplace, the dresser) I really wanted to focus on brightening up the space.

To the left (to the left, holla Sasha Fierce), we now have an IKEA frame complete with another sea fan. (yes, I have a yellow one in the kitchen but I picked up several during my trip to Grand Cayman) And since this baby is high contrast (check) with a light background (check) it totally meets my needs. Behind it is a picture I sliced from my Hooker book...a pair of perfect pears! I love how the dark leaves really accent the live plant but the contrast doesn't steal the show.

On the right side we have a similar set up. Gotta love balance. The back frame has more pics of pears peeking out with more contrasty leaves in that yummy green. And in front is a little DIY art. I decided the best way to fill this frame was to take matters...or charcoal...into my own hands.

I decided I wanted to do a bird...to complement the little ceramic bird that lives on the mantle. And what better way to choose than to pick your state bird. Here in Georgia, the state bird is the brown thrasher. If you are up for a little artwork or wanna occupy your six year old during church, drawing the state bird is not only fun but it is relevent and reflective art. Check out your state bird here.

A few minutes, a few hand washes (charcoal is really messy!), and a little frame work later, we have a free tweeter that you can be proud to show in your home...or nest :)

Clue #3 - You ain't cool unless you pee your pants.

2009-04-21T10:26:00.003-04:00

Clue number tres. One of the tools I used for my reno project made me look like this. Yes, I was in the squatting position...but no, that is not urine. nor one lactating boobie.

Know what tool could do this to a totally sober operator? Then you are well on your way to figuring out the project...

Note that my hand is fine...I am too lazy to fetch a bandaid so I tend to create them with paper towels and asparagus rubberbands....this is normal....sortof....usually I have a quarter of Bounties on my body during a single project....so you can see I am ahead of the game with only 2.

A Farrah Faucet

2009-04-20T11:39:00.003-04:00

Our guest bathroom was 98% completed. To put this in perspective, Megan Fox is 98% of Angelina. Not the same thing, right? Same applies to home renovations. Some say work hard. Some say play hard. I say "Reno hard".

So our bathroom...on the left is the photo before. The right has some small changes...one renovation change in particular.

That's right! I now have fairer (or Farrah) faucets! And the proper knowledge of how to use the white balance on my camera :)

Before, I had the basic builder-grade silver toned faucets. Totally not groovy with the oil-rubbed bronze accents that were floating around the room. Since the shower curtain rod, the vanity knobs, the towel rack, the toilet paper holder, the light fixture and the misc. bathroom accents were luscious and dark, the shiny nickel spigots stood out like a sore thumb. Not cool.

So I decided to do something that I have never done before. I ebayed. And I am so glad that I did. I found a seller that sold this good looking feller and shipped it to me for free! Not only did I save by not shelling out a single red cent for shipping but I also got each faucet for the low price of $54! You may not scour home improvement stores websites like I do, but rest assured this is an amazing price. In fact, the lowest Lowe's bathroom faucet in oil-rubbed bronze was $108. I love Lowe's but I gotta go with the price that is easier on the wallet. So just like the Olsen parents, I got two for the price of one.

Just wanted to show you how beautimus this baby looks from the top! I don't usually say this about drain holes, or holes in general, but yum! Just look at that deep chocolate color...delish!

The best part is that it looks like a really expensive improvement but really it took only a little over a hundred bones and 30 minutes to install (yes, installation instructions came with the lovely water spouts). In the end, it improves the richness of the room and that my dears, is priceless :)

Have you made faucet decisions lately? Where is your favorite place to score a good deal? And dude, is ebay the best or what?!?

Sexy Toys - Clue #2

2009-04-17T12:04:00.002-04:00

First - is it weird that I think a staple gun & paint sprayer are hot?

Cause they are. Hot like the Mel Gibsons of the power tool world. And when I say hot like Gibson, I mean, Mad Max Mel not the current Mel who probably has some Jews tied up in his basement. Bless his little heart.

Second - the number two clue for my upcoming grand reveal is that I use one of these sexy beasts for my project.

And just for fun - here is a photo of my nephew kicking a bush. Why? Because he can. Yea, he's practically a ninja.

I mean, look at this face?!? He could murder a Jonas Brother and nobody could hold it against him. Heck. I think some folks might thank him.

Project-ions Clue #1

2009-04-16T11:33:00.004-04:00

I got a project up my sleeve. And I thought I could build the anticipation by only giving out clues until I am ready for the grand reveal.

So here is your first clue:

Hmm.

Interesting.

The first floor bathroom.

Is the project going to take place in her loo?

Or is Katie trying to trick her faithful few? We all know that she would do that.

Maybe the picture of the pooper means that this project is something you can do sitting down. Or maybe this is her version of potty humor. She can do potty humor like it ain't nobodies business! (heehee)

Side Table Makeover

2009-04-15T13:45:00.003-04:00

All ya'll tired of seeing the little transformations that I do in my spare time? Or is it the Boston in your cream pie? Just wondering. Here's another piece that called reno 911.

I got this sucker for $5. Most people would have looked right past it...and did at the local Goodwill. Apparently a previous owner thought it would be a good idea to strip it and started the process. Five minutes later they quit and this puppy ended up between the 1980's electronics and the used bedpan...eww. And it came with a free coat of dried varnish-remover. yipee.

But she has good bones. She's like a good woman. Sturdy. Classic lines. A bit of curve where it counts. Real. Solid. ~~Been around the block.~~ You know the type. And when the barn needs painting, you whip out the white, right?!? So that is exactly what I did.

And I put her in the office. I also switched back the throw pillows to the lighter more summery version. It was a nice little change. Plus, I really like the way the round table sets off the round captains wheel on the wall. I need to get rid of the rug.

And because it was going in the sea-inspired blue room, I decided to distress the edges of the piece for a weather-worn look. So there you have it. A cheap makeover for a cottage by the lake feel.

Ok- here's a question for you eleven peeps. Are you over the distressed look? Is it sooo last year? Or do you still dig it? I mean, it's kinda like deodorant. It may not be for everyone...but is it for you?

Studying for the Bar

2009-04-14T13:18:00.003-04:00

Slowly but surely, progress is being made in Casa de Giggles. And this home improvement is something that every girl, woman, pack rat, and shopaholic can enjoy - additional storage! But first let's review the situation...

This random corner of our dining room was narrow and housed our ~~wine~~ empty bottle racks.

First we added some wine glass holders to the bottoms. But underneath the racks was a small space for additional storage. I looked and searched and shopped for something that would fit. But alas, I was more disappointed than Madonna in a Malawian orphanage. Nothing!

Until my grandma came to the rescue. She had a storage piece in her hall that was just perfect. Outdated, sure. But my dreams of having a little bit of that wonderful old lady in every room of my house is coming true...starting here.

I am totally digging the clean lines and the storage possibilities. I think I want to paint it white (go figure) and re-do the hardware with a bit of oil-rubbed-bronze color or replace them with glass knobs. Won't this just be divine as a little drink station?! I am so excited about getting this one started! And I am just drooling about painting the inside an accent color...any suggestions?

Best part? It is totally functional. Not only is it the perfect size for bottles but it is just the right size to hold the ice bucket, additional wine glasses, and all the other doo-dads that are necessary for entertaining a bubbly event. Speaking of wine tasting parties...you know they break out my favorite at those things....no, not Chardonnay...all the cheese! hee hee!

Fake it till you Make it

2009-04-13T11:30:00.003-04:00

Remember how we replaced the bedroom side tables? Since I subscribe to the 'Waste not, Want not mentality' (aka the I-don't-got-no-money lifestyle), I couldn't replace the bedside tables without turning the old ones into something uber-fabulous.

Before the mirror+luggage rack were just a little old place for a cup of water and a bedtime book. Now they are...wait for it...be patient...here it comes...

A MIRROR & LUGGAGE RACK!

I can't help the cheese, ya'll. It's within my veins.

Anyhoo, the guest bedroom was the perfect place for the luggage racks. And the mirrors just needed a little updating for them to fulfill their lives as lovely faux windows. That's right. you heard correctly. I wanted my reflective beauties to create a fake window in my den.

First, I gave the mirrors a coat of white paint...yes, me and white paint are like Fifty & Eminem....brothers from another mother. Then I snagged a piece of lattice from Home Depot. I decided that this new mirror would be perfect to reflect the light from the door across the room. So I went to work brainstorming about the design...diamond, octogon, inside rectangle, maybe even spell out "I love Highschool Musical"...

In the end, I decided to make it look like another window. My boyfriend was ever-so-kind-enough to hang the beauts. Look at that focus...that determination...that manly forearm...it's totally hot :)

Now we have a fakerroonie window/mirrors on the wall above the newly stained dresser. Not only does it open the space up but in the mornings, these bounce around the light pouring in from the deck door. And who wouldn't love more light these days? Combined the light with the illusion of space, and these faux windows are just the thing for my den. Seriously, if mirrors weren't so dangerously shard-y, I would totally kanoodle them. Because let's face it, mirrors are to home decor like fiber is to your diet...except the only horn you'll toot is how dang good your house looks.

For more info on the benefits of mirrors go check out TYH's post.

No-Cost Spice Shelf

2009-04-10T11:28:00.002-04:00

Like many folks, I have a spice rack. But apparently I use spices that aren't included in said spice rack...like garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. I am Italian...we put garlic & onion powder in our cereal. And for every family event I get assigned deviled egg duty...hence the need for paprika. But somehow I have also acquired many other little bottles of flavor that have been jammed into the cabinet. But I can't see them.

My solution? Well, something like this -

Seems pretty simple right? Well for the low low price of $11 it can be mine. Is a dozen dollars too much? In this economy, you can betcha Beyonce's booty it is. So I decided to make my own. Crafty McSpiceshelf...that's your new name after you follow these simple instructions.

First, clean. That's right. Everytime you use pepper or garlic or tarragon (what's that for?!?!) a wee bit gets on the bottom of your cabinet...go ahead and wipe it up. Next, measure the width of your uber-clean space.

Next, cut three pieces outta a 2x4 to the exact width you measured. I had some wood laying around in the basement so this was no-cost to me. If you aren't the type to have studs hanging around ya, well I am sorry. Maybe a workout will help. jk. They cost under $3 at Lowe's or Home Depot.

Self explanatory. Stack em in the back em.

Create the 'step' by putting the first in front of the back two. Easy peasy booty squeezy. Now that they all fit, you could spice up your new spice shelves by yankin em out, givin them a nice new paint job or stain them to match your cabinets and reassembling. I didn't because I am too lazy right now...it's not on the goal list peeps.

Next, organize your spices on your new shelves. I put the bigger stuff in the back. It works on my body...thought it could work here too. I also put the most used spices up front so the next time I cook all I have to do is grab and shake it...like...a...salt...shaker...like...a...polaroid...picture.

So there you have it - my no-cost spice shelf. Uber-useful, right? So what about you guys? What's your spicy situation? Do you rack it, shelve it, or drawer it? C'mon, spill the salt.
Then make sure you throw a pinch over your shoulder, then brush your shoulders off. (any excuse for a dance move, right?!)

Zen in the Den

2009-04-09T11:58:00.002-04:00

What is zen decorating?

I was wondering. I know. It's like totally last season. Like teddy-bear wallpaper borders. But I still wanted to know.

So I looked it up. And surprisingly, I didn't run into a whole lotta 'what-is-the-sound-of-one-clapping-hand' rhetoric...instead I got some pretty kick-buddha tips on creating a space that encourages relaxation, peace, and harmony. And who doesn't need a little more of that?!?

So here are my fav zenny tips to use when creating your own little slice of nervana:

use simple, straight or clean lines
display no overpowering knick-knacks
decorate with little color or earthy tones
hang unfussy, light and airy, or sheer window treatments
incorporate nature and light and fire
use metal and wood (no plastic)
hang art that is pleasant and comforting

Then I got to work.

First I potted some "natural elements" to go into my den.

Then I switched out the lamp shade from the golden silky version to the white cotton version. Sure, this might not seem like a totally zen thing to do but the curtains are white and match the new shade (which creates unity). Plus, the yellow undertones of the previous shade were as distracting as a celebrity sporting a cameltoe. HELLO!

So after a quick switcheroo and adding some more frames to the top of my shelving units, it is definitely feeling more cozy. The colors are definitely more zen. I incorporated metal with my little thinking man statue on the center side table. The curtains are sheer. Next up - some feel-good art. And five more magazine holders for the left side bookcase....cover your eyes people. My shame is on display.

Anyhoo. The key is to create a comforting environment. And nothing I read said that you must use an Indian or Asian style. So there you have it...a little more zen in my den. So pretty it could make Chuck Norris cry...and yes, it can touch MC Hammer.

For more Zen style - with a bit of a Indian and Asian kick in the pants - check out this post at Elements of Style.

Gotcha Covered

2009-04-08T13:50:00.003-04:00

About a month ago I gave up trying to find the perfect daybed for my dressing room. I really wanted the West Elm overlapping squares with my heart daybed...

...but alas...my knees vetoed that. Then the ever-fabulous Mrs. Rauth recommended the Tromnes daybed from Ikea. Be still my heart! It looked like the Jennifer Aniston version of the Pottery Barn Jennifer Lopez version. But my Atlanta store didn't carry it....and they wanted me to pay more in shipping than for the actual product.

And when that happens, it's perfectly okay to whip out the Peshawww! (that's my "yea right, that'll happen when Kim Kardashian has a flat booty" word). Try it sometime...it's fun.

So you can imagine my elation when the day after I gave up my search, the Ikea beauty showed up on Craigslist. And at $145 - in brand new condition! Booyah!

Enter yummy linen fabric at $2 a yard.

And an hour later you have a yummy covered mattress on a daybed!

Yes, it still needs a little bit of fitting to make it perfect but for now it helps create a more uniform look. And I can't complain about having a new cover for my mattress for under $10! Plus the linen brings in yet another texture for this come-over-and-touch-me kinda room. Next up - pillows :) And maybe a Chuck Norris joke...we'll see :)

Making a Garden Bed - Part 3

2009-04-07T09:40:00.002-04:00

Geesh...I am tired of talking about this project. So I can only imagine that you all are tired of hearing about it. Sorry. Let's wrap this sucker up faster than a Taco Bell chalupa.

We prepped the garden...whoopdeedoo.

Then we bought the plants and dug the hole to put em in.

Not rocket science...just dig a space two times the size of the plant. Make sure you loosen the root ball and if there are any roots encircling the bottom, cut them or pull them loose. This will help your new plants to get established. Also, check the plant info to see if they are supposed to be planted flush with the ground or slightly above it. Plant, fill, press, water. It's easier than convincing a Biggest Loser contestant to eat layered cheese fries.

After your plants are in the ground, it would help to add landscaping fabric (to prevent hours of weeding that would take you away from your addiction to Twitter - don't deny it) and mulch. We still haven't decided what kind of mulch to use...I'll let you know when we do.

We chose the following for our yard - knockout roses, hydrangeas, phlox, hostas, azaleas, gardenias, howardi ligustrum, and delphinium. All whites, pinks, purples, and blues. We also wanted to plant some crepe myrtles but our landscaping friend told us to wait. So there you have it. Plants. Planted plants.

OOOhh and in the front bed of shrubs we also have a place to plant more flowers...see that big bare spot...yea...future flower bed right there. I thought about doing a bed of roses just to see if Christian Slater would appear...I'll let you know.

And because I am a dreamer...check out how I hope this area looks next week. A girl can wish, right?!?!

Making a Garden Bed - Part 2

2009-04-06T10:56:00.004-04:00

In part 1 of this outdoor project we tackled the painful task of clearing and turning the old flower bed. That step was definitely the hardest...so if you get through it, just remember it is all downhill from there. This was how we left the garden...

Because we decided to keep the sidewalk and the front steps, the next biggest concern was how to get the house to look balanced even though we live on a sloping hill. Like a wonderbra, we needed to fake it but make it look legit. We also needed to make sure that the ground would be graded to allow for proper waterflow.

Taking into account the fact that water is our house's numero uno enemy, we made sure that any aqua would flow far away from the house. Water can not only cause damage to the plants and cause pesky mosquitos but can actually grow mold inside your walls, ruin basements, create foundation problems, not to mention create thousands of dollars worth of damage to your exterior. If you have a problem with standing water or rain accumulating next to your home, I would recommend looking into a solution such as installing a french drain, regrading your yard, upgrading or reworking your gutters or talking to a professional about ways to improve your drainage system.

As you can see in the photo above, we reallocated some soil to ensure that the flow of any rainwater would be ushered away from the house.

In terms of leveling the ground, we had a great reference point of what is level....the bricks on the side of our house. We just chose a brick and made sure the soil was even across that line. But maybe you don't have a brick line like us...there are ways to make sure you still get an flat yard.

Use two sticks, some string and a level to create your own reference point. If you aren't bringing in any fill dirt or topsoil, set the string lower to the actual level of the current ground and rake or shovel till even.

Next we laid out our plants in their general zones. This was to help us identify different sections...we like to work in little sections at a time...sometimes the smaller parts are easier to conquer than the whole thing. And it doesn't mean that you aren't producing quality goods. Just ask Julia Dreyfus...dude, she has awards out the wazoo and what has she done except Seinfeld?

Anyhoo. After we decided what section to do first, we poured out some yummy garden soil. Yes, we bought ours. No, we don't have a compost pile. Yes, you have the freedom to judge us right now.

After it was raked evenly along the area, it is time to turn the bed. We grabbed a few shovels and got to mixing. Basically you can till the soil yourself by thoroughly mixing the amended soil with the surrounding area of dirt. Just mix, mix, mix.

After we mixed our old and new, we leveled out the soil once more. We also walked all over it to make sure it was compacted enough so that the next rain wouldn't wash our hardwork away.

Oh and one more tip for ya...see that blue bucket in the photo above? Yeah. That is the handy dandy do-it-all bucket. You'll find that a pail can be quite helpful in any project...this time, this little baby was my weed/rock/stick/root holder. I kept it next to me pretty much at all times. Like a sweater, this bucket had my back :)

So there you have it...more gardening...did you guys take advantage of the weekend by spending it outside? Have you started your flower-plans? Do tell...and like my blue bucket of fun, share any tips you have for beginners....heaven knows I need all the help I can get!

Making a Garden Bed - Part 1

2009-04-03T11:04:00.002-04:00

Ya'll remember how I was uber-excited about starting a little landscaping project this spring? Well, you are about to find out why. That's right...you are gonna see the ridiculous exterior landscaping of our house.

Before our house was majorly lacking. Our lawn and our shrubs were like Lindsey Lohan...a little bit pathetic, a little wild, and although fully developed, they didn't reach their full potential (sorry you LezLo fans!). So we got to work quicker than you can say "Samantha Ronson".

Armed with our trusty garden plan, we went to work marking the area of where the bed will border the future sod. (You can do this with a garden hose and a bit of flour!) We decided to work on only one area at a time so that we can maintain focus. So for the time being, the right side of the steps is it. With a hoe, shovels, rake, and some trusty gloves, we removed all the bushes, roots, and rocks from the space.

During this phase, all you can do is pick out the unwanted stuff in the top 8 inches of your soil. Basically dig, hoe, pick out nasties, repeat. It's not fun but it's free. If you got cash to burn, a tiller can be rented for around $50 a day. But make sure you remove all your bushes first...so digging is still required.

Although we tried our darnedest to transplant our little shrubs, only the boxwoods would release their kungfoo grip on the earth beneath. The azalea 'bushes' actually turned out to be trees that were cut down by previous owners! The low-growing branches were so fully and bushy that we assumed that these 'shrubs' would be easy to transplant as well. We were more wrong than George Hamilton's perma-tan. You can see the hole after we chopped the suckers down and pulled the main root out.

After the first day our bed looked like this. This is my favorite side - yummy! And this is after only 1 day! The other side looked half-baked.

And these are some of the rocks we pulled out. The small ones are the size of grapefruits. So you can imagine that those biggies are ridiculous.

In part 2 of Making a Garden Bed, I'll show ya how we mixed our new root/rock/shrub free soil with some compost-fortified stuff. And how we hand-tilled the area and created a more even and balanced looking bed.

And part 3 is going over shrub placement and planting as well as ways to help the new little botanical babies get established. That is the fun part so stay tuned :)

April Goals

2009-04-02T12:54:00.002-04:00

You thought Martha Stewart got a lot done?!? Did you seriously think that Ryan Seacrest had a lot on his plate? You really believed that Donald Trump was productive? Meet "Conquerer Katie"....

yes, she works hard, plays hard, and when she sets her goals, she delivers at least one of them. Remember that time she created a space shuttle outta some pocket lint, four toothpicks, and a little cow manure? Yeah, that was awesome. Seriously...don't be jealous.

March Goals

1. Finish super duper secret project POSTPONED
2. Make a treat for firemen (also known to many as 'hotties' - get it? heehee) POSTPONED
3. Go to the gym a total of six times FAILED
4. Finish copying all photos onto Snapfish and Photobucket POSTPONED
5. Purge closet SUCCESS - eat that Kelly Ripa!
6. Mud the basement bedroom POSTPONED
7. Sew two pillows & four dishtowels POSTPONED
8. Read Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen POSTPONED
9. Dance for at least one minute every day FAILED
10. Take birth control & vitamin every day FAILED
11. Review Spanish words for days of the week and months of year FALLIDO

Sure, you may avoid setting goals after you see my success rate. You feel like you are just never gonna be able to compete with my productivity level. You'll get green with envy about how I get er done. It's ok. They make pills for that. (Paula's on em.)

So on to April.

1. Finish super duper secret project
2. Make a treat for firemen (still 'hotties' still hungry)
3. Go to the gym a total of six times
4. Finish copying all photos onto Snapfish and Photobucket
5. Plant front yard garden bed with shrubs
6. Hire elusive Athenian to mud basement
7. Sew two pillows & four dishtowels
8. Read Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
9. Dance for at least one minute every day
10. Take birth control & vitamin every day
11. Finish dressing room
12. Finish master bedroom

Yes, car dancing counts...which leads me to a very interesting question. Do you ever bust a move in your vehicle? I totally host a Honda dance party on my way home. And apparently in Belgium, they really know how to rock it - check out this video. My favorite move? The fake-wheel turn...but the stripper-hair-spin is a close second :) Monkey-face is dead last unless I get a neighborly stare...

White Coffee

2009-04-01T11:16:00.004-04:00

White coffee table, that is. Yessiree. I have been riding the white bus for quite some time. And let me tell ya, this white boy is making me jump (jump).

Before the coffee table had a stained finish. Kinda looked like, well, coffee. Although it was decently built, the bottom shelf was damaged a bit and needed to be removed. I figured I could replace it with a bit of beadboard. And the price was too good to pass up - $10 on craigslist. Since the glass was unscratched and the octogonal shape was exactly what I wanted, I figured this was my winner. Jeremy, being the good husband that he is, drove me the 40 minutes to pick it up. in the rain. in the boonies. Thanks baby - I award you one Get-Outta-Housework-For-Free card....we'll talk about the limitations later.

After a quick couple coats of primer, this baby is looking pretty darn tootin' good. I love the clean lines and the open feel of the piece. I also like how it picks up the white of the fireplace and the adjoining kitchen stools (not seen above). The shape also ties in the different seating in the room without taking up too much space. So now we come to the question -

Should I get the beadboard like planned and paint the whole sucker a nice crisp white finish?

or

Should I leave the bottom open like pictured above and paint it as-is a nice crisp white finish?

It's up to you peeps. The beadboard might actually take up more space visually because the floor would no longer be exposed or it might help lighten the space by allowing more white to be in the den. What do you think? I need your help like Ashton needs practical jokes.

States of the Union

2009-03-31T09:27:00.003-04:00

Although we picked Melissa, our hearts really belong to Molly. And when I say Melissa and Molly, I mean Georgia and our native states. Yup. My boyfriend and I are not natural born Peaches. Sure, some people didn't think it would work...you know, us being Georgia dawgs but just like Michael Vick, if you hang out with enough canines, eventually you can become a dog. (Bankruptcy hurts doesn't it buddy - Burn!)

Don't get me wrong. We love our little nook in the world - smooshed inbetween the rednecks and the rappers. But we still have a soft spot for our home states. Jeremy was a Tennessee boy when our romance began and me, well, I am a Jersey girl through and through. So naturally, when I spied this art at ZGallerie it inspired me to create my own little montage to our alma maters.
I noticed how the fonts were different sizes and styles. I also saw that they used names of landmarks, general areas, specific towns, and famous New York roads.

I kept those important factors in mind while I went to work with my own version of wordle. I created a little Tennessee montage and a New Jersey montage to remind us of our own home sweet home. Yes, I did it in Paint. Yes, it is not high-tech. Yes, I want to print it out on cream colored paper instead of super-white.

So what do you think of the final reveal? My uber-cheapo art is a fun reminder of who we are and where we come from. I tried to focus on including as many major cities as possible and also incorporate some very personal places as well. I bet with a little time and google.maps, you could create your own version to represent your home state.

Which leads me to my next question - where do you live and where are you from? Do we have any Jersey gals out there? Or Tennessee peeps? You know the volunteer state produced one hot cookie of a husband, so I imagine the gene pool is booming up there :)

Living on the Ledge

2009-03-30T11:15:00.003-04:00

So this is what's up...ledges. Specifically wall ledges.

Not only are these puppies fabulicious but they are uber-functional. You can use one to create a frame gallery, display your cork collection, store your kid's Beanie Babies, or show off your favorite books. The possibilities are endless! Seriously, I betcha ten thousand points you could think of something awesome to do with these in your own home.

I picked up three at my local Pottery Barn outlet a while back for my dining room. Since the space was too small for a buffet and a china cabinet, these ledges provided a perfect solution for storing (and showing off) my beautiful Lenox.

The ones I bought are called the Holman Ledge and are just lovely! The price however makes me smile less than a SAW movie. Which is why I was very excited to share this news:

IKEA IS STEPPIN' OUT ON A LEDGE :)

That's right my fine friends - Ikea now has the Ribba ledge...comes in black or white and they have three different sizes. Picked one up myself this past weekend! Love it, adore it, lick it occasionally. Best part is that the price is no Dog the Bounty Hunter, if you know what I mean...

Let's face it, ledges rock...also Ledgers rock as in Heath as in the Joker as in Oscar booyah as in that's all I got. So go on, live on the ledge! You'll thank me, I promise.

Linen Closet Organized

2009-03-27T12:57:00.003-04:00

This is a boring post. But if you are already bored, it won't hurt to read. Or if you are looking to become un-bored, get a bag of marshmallows and stuff one into your mouth every time you read the word "STUFF" - then say the title of this post after each mellow - it's like playing Chubby Bower Power. One million points to those who can do more than six marshmallow. (STUFF)

Our linen closet is in the upstairs hall. And we just STUFFed it full of STUFF to make room for more STUFF in other areas. By now it is a mess full of my old apartment STUFF, Jeremy's old apartment STUFF, STUFF we have acquired during our marriage, and a good deal of new STUFF.

And now for my boring after. Yup, nothing color coded or labeled or with shmancy organizers from a Home STUFF store. Just the ole fashioned stacked items. We do keep a heck of a lot in there though. Look at all this STUFF -

5 pillows, 2 sleeping bags, 7 blankets, 1 heated blanket, 2 body pillows, 6 sets of queen sheets, 1 extra duvet cover and shams, 7 beach towels, 2 sets of twin sheets, one mattress protector, and all the ironing STUFF! STUFF, STUFF, STUFF! (that is for those people with giant pie holes)

And that is after we purged a lot of STUFF! Having all that STUFF organized instead of just STUFFed in feels really good. So have you cleaned your linen closet lately? Find any weird STUFF? I found a dropcloth. Complete with paint stains and pine needles. Stranger things have happened :)

Okay I am done with the boring post - so like scrunchies and tightrolling, I am out. (STUFF!)

Fan of Fans

2009-03-26T10:39:00.004-04:00

Sea fans, that is! And during my recent trip to Grand Cayman, we learned that the earlier hurricane season brought strong winds, high seas, and roughed up some of the coral reef. The rejects were just laying on the beach. All I needed to do was stroll. That and have someone help me carry all my doo-dads back home. So I went walking on the beach with high hopes and boyfriend in tow to perform an America's Next Top Sea Fan search. Requirements - be skinny enough to fit in a suitcase, be able to sit still and look fierce, and be real. Please note that these requirements are ~~exactly the same~~ slightly different than ANTM's requirements.

Let's just say I wasn't disappointed. I brought my collection home and started to make the perfect scene for displaying my pride and joy. More specifically, a perfect yellow sea fan. It is drop dead gorg! I bought a Ribba frame at Ikea and wrapped the mat with white fabric to create a soft uniform background.

As you can see, I wrapped it just like a present...except with packing tape. And I made sure there was a white piece of paper (it's actually gray on one side but the back is solid white) on the underside of the fabric between the mat and fabric. It makes it a little more uniform.

And there you have it. A new piece of art for my kitchen. It covers an outlet right now :) And I love the color and interest it adds to an otherwise boring part of the wall.

Just look at that detail! Beautimus, no?! Not only is it a good memento of my trip to the Caribbean but it is just an everyday reminder that each person in this world is even more wonderfully made. Everyone is intricate. Everyone is different. And just like this sea fan, I need to remember to treat each with tender lovin' care. Even skinny model-types that seem to have everything in the bag. But that doesn't mean that I can't taunt them with a bagel every now and again. ~~It's actually really fun!~~ I would never do that.

***Those ocean-lovin' Youngsters over at TYH also did this project a while back by ordering their dried sea-fan online - go on over to check all the details!

Peace (out) Lily

2009-03-25T09:36:00.003-04:00

Yo, I have a lily! And it is a Peace lily. And it makes you peaceful. No, seriously. NASA did a study on houseplants and this sucker was among the top ten in removing indoor chemicals and keeping the air greener. Tell me that doesn't give you peace of mind, go ahead, I dare ya!

We got a honker of a plant at IKEA (of course) for $20. I don't know if this is a good price for one this large but it was the "Plant of the Week" so I bought it. It was calling my name!

I decided that the little area behind this chair in the den needed a little sprucing...err, a little lily-ing. And since we didn't have any foliage going on in this space, it was only a matter of time till it would feel sterile and cold.

Can you see her? She is peaking out from behind the chair. I love her. Although she is pretty, peace lilies aren't for everyone. Apparently they are toxic. And toxic is not a good thing - you can't believe everything you hear on a Britney Spears' single, you know? The peace lily leaves are NOT chew toys for animals and humans...so Moms - it is not ok to tell your kids to suck on the plant to shut them up...unless you are evil...in which case, alright.

From another angle, you can see that my NASA-approved houseplant looks quite homey. It just works. Like an OJ Simpson hand and a glove. Like Will Smith in Bel-Air. Or like Bower Power on your computer. Peace out ~~lily~~.

Cool Stools

2009-03-23T22:53:00.004-04:00

This past weekend, Ikea had some specials. Here was one of the ads:

My reaction was a little somethin' like this:

WHAT!?!?! I DIDN'T KNOW THAT IKEA HAD BARSTOOLS LIKE THAT?!?! HOLY SHMOLY!! I COULD PAINT THOSE SUCKERS WHITE AND THEY WOULD LOOK LIKE TOTALLY VOLCANIC (hot, people) I KNOW THEY AREN'T LISTED ONLINE...I JUST KNOW IT!

So I checked. And I was right. They are not listed online.

Currently we have two counter height barstools from Pier 1. They are slim profile with metal legs and a woven seat. The problem is this: our counter/bar is not very deep. So in order to sit comfortably with your knees under the counter and not jammed up into the paneling, you must scoot your hiney back and then lean forward. That last part sounds like a rap song :) But maybe our patooties are too big because we feel like our derriere is falling off the chair.

That is the prob bob. And it doesn't help that one of the stools has a bent leg. I thought about posting a weight limit sign on the stool but then that would be tacky...I'll just let the fatty take a tumble :)

One day maybe my rear end will only be four inches deep...I could be dreaming though. I think I was born with a bigger bootie than that....and I ain't talking about baby shoes :) These babies are gonna make it into the yard sale pile....maybe someone will buy them that can fit....like a child or a dwarf or anyone on Dancing with the Stars.

It didn't take long for my boyfriend and I to head down to our lovely Atlanta branch of Ikea to check out the fabu barstools. Obviously they were sold out of the antique stained version at the too-good-to-be-true price of $20. Buuuuuutttt we did see something that caught our eye.

They carried this stool in WHITE!!! Sure, they weren't the best price in the world...$60 a piece. I have listed all the reasons I love them:

They require no work (apart from assembly).
They break up all that woody-woodwork in the kitchen.
The backs are low enough to not block the open feel of the kitchen/den.
The seats are large enough for an adult-sized bootwha.
They resemble a much pricier Pottery Barn version

So there you have it - yet another reason to visit Ikea asap...or any store for that matter....because just like a dog's stomach, you never know what's inside!

Slain with Polystain

2009-03-23T10:21:00.003-04:00

Right now I am focused on getting the den done. I want it to feel like the Paula Deen of dens....I want it to draw you in with a warm and cozy spirit...I want it to feel like it has been around a hundred years but not stuffy...I want it to make me smile.

Ya'll remember my conundrum?

Yupperdoodle. Five different wood finishes. So I got to work to remedy the color problem. The table in between the chairs (#4) and the dresser (#1) needed to be morphed into a more sophisticated version of themselves. I conjured the makeover powers in the movie Princess Diaries where Anne Hathaway goes from 'nerd' to 'word' - and hoped that I could be as effective as Julie Andrews...dude, is there anything that woman can't do?!?

Just take a gander at the top of this dresser. The shame. But what can you expect for $25 at Goodwill, right?

Our original plan was to use Minwax gel stain in walnut. But nobody sold that color. I found that out after calling 17 home improvement stores...so I bought hickory instead. We sanded the pieces lightly to make sure that the stain would stick. And here are the results after two coats of gel stain...

Less dramatic than a Hugh Hefner breakup (or three). The problem with the gel stain was that you had to wipe the thick-as-butta stain off after you let it sit for a few minutes. The longer it sits - the more time the wood can suck the color. But the longer it sits - the harder it is to get it off. I could only convince my boyfriend to assist me with two coats... I needed a hero and fast.

Enter Cabot Polystain. I picked up a jar of Dark Oak in satin finish...it's the butter on my pecans...it's the sugar in my grits...it puts the purr in perfect! Sure, it takes a million thin coats - but there is NO WIPING OFF REQUIRED :) By the time I finished the first coat, it was dry enough to apply the second.

Twenty-five or so coats later....

...our curvy little side table matches the flanking bookcases.

And the moment you have all been waiting for....dim the lights please...our new princess of the den is ready for court -

I couldn't believe it either :) Let's look at it one more time:

I am officially on the Polystain train. I am slain with Polystain. I would love to obtain, sustain, explain the Polystain campaign with plain Jane, Elaine and Wayne in Maine while drinking champagne. Can you tell I have Polystain on the brain? (heehee)

I loved this product. And the results were fantabulous, no? So the question is...did you guys know about this? And if so...why didn't you tell me?!?! One hundred points to those of you that wanna join the Polystain chain gang.

Bigger is Better

2009-03-19T14:08:00.003-04:00

Bigger is better especially when it comes to lighting. And that is exactly the reason I was so pumped to find this huge (no kidding - it's humongous) deal at my local Pottery Barn outlet store.

Yes - I placed that regular sized wine bottle next to it specifically because I wanted you all to get a sense of scale. This sucker is big. Like Pamela Anderson big, if you know what I mean! I also figured that most of you knew were pretty familiar with the size of a wine bottle :)

Just for kicks, here is a link to a PB side-table glass lamp that is ridiculously similar. See the price? Yeah - $200!!! The original price on my sweet see-through baby was $250 including the oversized linen drum shade. Wanna guess how much I paid? Ok...take a shot. You'll never get it - I will just tell ya....(drumroll please).....

$15 for lamp
$17 for shade

TOTAL of $32 for this sexy beast.

This is better than chocolate. better than Lost (this season is rockin my socks off!). better than the time I saw Theodore Huxtable in the airport. And way better than Pam's acting skills.

**Please note that bigger is not better for Miss Anderson - think apples my dear - not watermelons.

Hob-knobbin'

2009-03-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

Nothing get's my heart throbbin' like an interactive online decorator. So naturally I am totally diggin' Anthropologie's Hardware Store. Experiment with different dressers or cabinets, change the color and add a few totally fun knobs and handles to create your own favorite look. It's more fun than Bengay on a toilet seat :)

Here are some of the ones I came up with:

Bedroom Sidetable

2009-03-17T09:30:00.003-04:00

I love Walmart. I ain't ashamed either. I LOVE WALMART! (yup, I would yell that in a crowded courtyard declaring my feelings for the chain superstore - the doves would fly, the violins playing in the background, and hearts would melt). And I love them even more since they got the Canopy line and the Better Homes and Gardens stuff. Seriously, I haven't been this excited since they started selling Mary Kate and Ashley makeup!

So our bedroom. Yup. This is where the magic happens (and when I say magic I mean thousands of hours of sleep complete with drool, snoring, dreams about befriending Britney Spears, and a little tiny bit of stuffed animal canoodling). Our bedroom was a mish-mash of different styles - but it has always been in the plan book to get a complete bedroom set for this space. And I have proof...remember this post? Obviously my two readers do :)

First, I did the most complicated disassembling job evah. I took apart our current 'side tables'. That's right - it got me sweating worse than a Biggest Loser contestant. I think I need a massage :) Seriously though...as you can see, our side table was nothing more than a $10 mirror on a $5 luggage rack. And being the thrifty gal I am, both the mirrors and the luggage racks will have new homes in our wee little house.

Then we put together our new fabulous side table. Yes, that is a singular term (not side tables) because we only have one. We bought two. The other one suffered from DDS....popularly known as 'DAMAGE DURING SHIPPING' - which is a quite common occurrence with el cheapo and expensive furniture alike. Note this is the side table with the silver knobs (Jeremy's preference).

And this is the side table with the more subtle wooden knobs (my preference). What do you guys prefer?

I also decided to change out the lamp shades. I got these creamy silk beauties at the Pottery Barn outlet for $7 a piece. I love the non-shine-through quality. Nothing is worse than rolling over to say goodnight and being blinded by the bright bulb shining through the shade. Except maybe rolling over onto a cockroach, or having a giant spider dangle over your head as you sleep or the thought of those microscopic worms crawling into your mouth as you nod off. Do you see why I have a hard time going to dreamland?!? Thank you Jesus for pest control....and Listerine!

Book Nook

2009-03-16T10:37:00.003-04:00

Like a hounddog, I have been on the search for the perfect bookcases. My goal - to improve the den. My sad little den is really a transitional zone in the house. It has the most architectural details (read: the fireplace) but it really isn't a focal area in the home. It's most important role is that the den connects the kitchen to the living room (read: the food to the TV). The den also serves as an overflow room when we have too many people to seat around the kitchen peninsula.

Originally we had red accents going on in there - but the globally inspired crimson accents didn't flow with the rest of the rooms. And since the adjoining living room has green spots of color throughout, my boyfriend and I decided that this room should be like Paula Abdul and be completely statement-neutral but still make you smile.

My biggest beef with this room is that the leather chairs didn't balance out the microfiber chair because they were pushed back too far. In order to center all the chairs on the fireplace, the club chairs had to be floating out about two feet from the window wall. And let's face it, random brown floaters only are good in one place...and we are working on the den. (Gotta love some potty humor!) So we decided to buy two of these bookshelves. The problem was no store carried them. After a few weeks of fervent Target-stalking, we finally landed two of the espresso colored cases for flanking our window....on sale for $64 a piece.

After assembling the new shmancy bookcases, we called it a day. I stuffed some books in the bottom and threw some old pieces on the shelves but really wasn't digging the vibe. It wasn't putting out a neutral mojo, was it?

So we decided to begin accessorizing. Bringing in a small lamp ($2 Mexican thrift store find) and a few $1 books from the flea market (all with brown, beige, and white covers) helped create a little reading zone on the center table. The Pottery Barn photo albums took their place on the bottom shelves. The rest of the shelves got a few scattered items for now but will need to be adorned in the near future. I definitely want to paint the gold mirror white and place above the bookshelves (don't worry, I have two!). Any other suggestions? If ya;ll find links to neutral hued items that you think I might like - please let me know. A girl is nothing without her accessories :)

Oh and I almost forgot to mention, the bookshelves really help my floaters to not look crappy (heehee) pushed out in the middle of the space. In fact, I can just imagine dumping (haha) my junk on the floor and popping a squat (ok, I'll stop) on one of the leather thrones (sorry, I can't help it).

A little makeover that happened by chance. This is a chest I scored at Goodwill for $35. On top it had a bit of that red we were phasing out. Naturally it had to go.

Obviously this isn't done yet. But just so I can keep you guys up to speed, I did a quick change to make the chest accessories a little more neutral too.

Ok now here is what I really want to share. I have FIVE different wood finishes in the den. All different. It's driving my boyfriend bonkers. He is so matchy matchy :) So over the next month or so, be prepared to see some of these wood colors change...yup, Bower Power is gonna digest these suckers and you are not gonna believe what comes out the other end :) Seriously though, potty humor is a stinky habit and I am trying to get it outta my system...pun totally intended.

Lots of Love to Locks of Love

2009-03-13T16:37:00.002-04:00

In this day and age it is hard to know whether or not charities are good samaritans or evil doers exploiting our generousity. Case in point -

After yesterday's post, I was concerned about the feedback I got about Locks of Love from my fellow Shades of Light fan, The Upstart. She stated that her hair (which sounds freaking gorgeous! hello hair model!) wouldn't make the cut at one of the best known charities in America. So I followed her well-spoken (err, well-typed) advice and did some of my own research.

Here's what I came up with:

No charity can use every single thing donated
No charity can sell every single thing for the highest amount
No charity is going to be perfect or flawless because they are run by humans who are imperfect and full of flaws

And so my decision is to keep with my original support of Locks of Love. This may offend people...well, tough cookies. I am standing by my decision. I am Hayden and this is my Shamu.

A huge thank you goes out to The Upstart for encouraging me to get some charity enlightenment. And a million points goes to each one of you that told me about your donated follicles....dudettes, you rock! Even if your locks end up getting sold to a doll company instead of adorning some child's shiny bud-free head, your act was still a good deed and it still benefits the charity. So high-fives all around!

Oh and those of you that haven't voted on a Shades of Light rug for my kitch, get to it! This is my call for help -

(clockwise from top left)

Totally chic and super comfy on the knees for those baking marathons - Happy Trellis Rug in green
Uber durable and easy to clean for when spills happen - Variegated Round Rug
Cheerful hue and texture galore for a little global inspiration - Soho Dhurri Rug in yellow

Made in the Shades (of Light)

2009-03-12T10:26:00.004-04:00

The fine folks over at Shades of Light are my new BFF. If I was Rudy, they would be Notre Dame. If I was an old person, they would be Depends. If I was Brad Pitt, they would be Jen...doh!...I mean, Angelina!!! You get the point.

What is Shades of Light? Besides being Katie's Best Friend Forever, they are the cat's meow provider of lighting, rugs and furniture. Just look at some of these amazing lighting fixtures:

Lurve me tender! Uber cute, no?! And the goosebumps don't stop there - the SOL items are actually quality stuff...totally 'investment' pieces. No, I don't often recommend spending a boo-coo of money on home decor items but in this case, loosen those purse strings! Not only will this stuff last the test of time in quality and general wear and tear but also in design. So your purchase is well worth the money.

So why are they my BFF? I am so glad you asked.

When they heard about my kitchen rug debacle, they swooped in to save the day. They actually offered me a rug! (insert bootie dance here!) And their fabulous design team already picked out some options! One word - "Moderndaysuperheroes".

As many of you know, I love it when you guys vote on stuff for me. Mostly because I get option paralysis...diner menus are the worst (too many choices!) but also because all ten of you have super-fabulous taste! Soooo this rug choice is going to be put into your very able hands. Here is the photo of the too-much-wood-ain't-so-good space:

Now please put on your design hats and pick me a kitchen rug! Here are the options:

Option #1 is the Happy Trellis Rug. Ya'll know how much I love me some green...and this brisk colored plush baby is totally punchy and comfy to boot. Available in three colors :)

The Variegated Round Braid rug is the second option. With it's happening combo of colors done in a practical polypropylene, this option is a breeze to clean (prime time kitchen rug!)

Last but certainly not least, is the Soho Dhurri rug. This is similar in design to my too-small-Pottery-Barn rug but in a rugged and durable dhurri weave. Although it is not as plush as many rugs, the nubbly texture and the yummy yellow color make it quite the contender.

So there you have it...the battle of the century. Even bigger than the one over Brad Pitt. Dear friends help me out by voting. Whatever you choose will be the rug I will live with forever :) I realize that a few of you may not be in the mood to de-lurk, so I thought I could give a little something to you too - here is the Shades of Light Blog. So now you can add that sucker to your reader and continue your lurk-dom!

And because those fine folks at Shades of Light are being so generous, I also decided to pay it forward.

For each vote I get, I am going to donate $1 to Locks of Love (up to $250). They provide hairpieces to bald kids who lost their hair due to medical illness. I know several little girls who suffered from cancer and losing their hair was excruciating. I figure I am getting a rug, so should they :) And it is all thanks to Shades of Light.

What do you do?

2009-03-11T22:24:00.011-04:00

What do you do if someone dies and leaves no will?

We have a bit of a situation. Let's explain. Grandma went to be with Jesus last Friday. She left a will when it came to money. But she left a WHOLE HOUSE of stuff. Tons of clothing, three floors of furniture, and millions (no joke - millions) of chotchkies. It will take weeks and weeks to sort through everything.

My dad is one of four brothers (my uncles are VERY well off and their families have asked for basically nothing in the house). So it kinda falls on my immediate family. My older brother asked for a doll (my grandma handpainted their tiny faces) for my neice Clara. My younger brother didn't ask for anything but we found some old coins we thought he would like to add to his collection. My sister has no space and asked for a few scarfs and a bit of her costume jewelry. And then there is me. I have a certain emotional attachment to almost everything. I would keep an unhealthy amount of items. So what do you do?

We have all asked for little things of sentimental value...I asked for the pighead. But then there is the stuff that has REAL value...like furniture. In actuality, my parents and I are the only ones with room for anything...and when I say my parents and I, I mean my mom will stuff other things in a closet to make room. Also, it seems wrong to ask for anything of any intrinsic value because we don't NEED it. But it seems more wrong to not ask for her things because of the emotional value. Even if an item is worth a lot doesn't mean that is the reason you keep it, right? So what do you do?

For instance, Jeremy and I have space for a bedroom suite. I would prefer her bedroom suite...because it was hers. Her hands touched those dressers everyday. Her smell is still in the drawers. Her most personal items were in that room. But it is probably the nicest of all the bedroom furniture. And besides the dining room set, it has the most value. So I felt really strange asking for it. But I didn't want to NOT ask for it and it be donated to someone who never knew how special it was to touch her things.

Have you ever dealt with a situation like this? What do you do? Do you only choose the items of sentimental value or do you ask for items that are worth cash? We don't want to sell anything but if we donate the items, the thought of her stuff being picked over by complete strangers is really painful. We realize that it is better if we give the items away for others who need them. But it is really hard to know whether it is better to choose all sentimental items or mix it up with some items of value too. Just another reason why death sucks.

Right now I am on the way home. Yup. God bless technology. Gotta love wireless internet. My boyfriend is driving down Interstate 85 and I am speed typing (get it? hee hee) Ya'll keep truckin!

Pier Pressure

2009-03-10T22:00:00.004-04:00

Did you see this post? When I saw that Bryn scored such an amazing deal at Pier 1 Imports, I had to shout it from the mountain top...err...small molehill called Bower Power. But I wanted to take it one step further. I spied some other ooh-la-la's on the Pier 1 website and knew I had to share. So let's grab some bon-bons and take a plunge in the pool of fabulousness that is Pier 1.

This is the side table that Bryn scored for the low, low, ridiculously low price of forty bones. That's right. $40. Believe your eyes. If Tom can ruin a lifetime of Top Gun coolness and a public relations dream with a bit of Oprah couch-jumping, this price is possible too. And just like Tom's first love, the golden coloring and the uber-skinny legs will allow this beauty to 'cruise' to classic stardom. go. buy. now.

Speaking of classic beauty, I am loving this swing arm lamp that is on sale for $50. Sure fifty buckaroos is not the best recession price I ever heard...BUT this sucker is adjustable...just like the interest rates on all those foreclosed houses. And that means that whoever is in control is definitely a happier camper...or reader.

I have me one of these lovely diffusers - got it for christmas! And I love it. Not only does the scent last long, but the diffuser looks more sculptural than the ever popular reed version. It's like modern met floral and had a baby diffuser. Goo goo gah gah. Buy some for a baby shower game prize or stock your gift closet with a few for a ~~cheap gift~~ welcomed house-warming present.
Where in the world is Carmen Sofa-licious? Well, Pier 1 of course. And for only $700 you can own this name brand, full sized sofa that could be the crowning glory of a very transitional room (dude, it goes with everything.) Best part - the nailhead details - who apparently have wooed blogebrities (blog celebrities in Bower Power lingo - yes, I make up words) into submission.
When life gives you lemonade mix, you don't count your eggs before they hatch. When you get a gift horse's mouth, don't put it before the cart. When judging a book, the grass is greener on the other side of the cover. Go ahead - make up your own saying. Just makes sure it means you should buy this cutesy bag of drinkability.
Exotic, unique, makes a statement...no we aren't talking about celebrity baby names - we are talking about the Pier 1 Asian Rattan Side Chair. You may be thinking that this doesn't go with your decor...well, change your decor cause it should. Don't they say that you should put one random item of interest in each room....hello!? random item of interest knocking!

What says glamour like a chandelier? Nothing. Nuff said.

So there you have it. A couple of decor items that will have a rootin tootin good time in your house. you should seriously buy them. everybody is doin it. everybody who is cool that is. ok - enough pier pressure :)

p.s. tomorrow I have a very IMPORTANT post that I will need EACH and EVERY single one of you to read. Your input is a life or death matter...and no, we are not voting to keep my boyfriend alive, it was only a twisted ankle :)

Pretty Paper

2009-03-09T00:22:00.003-04:00

Dudes & Dudettes, you peeps are the bomb-diggity. Seriously. If you dig a saliva dripping cheek, I would be wet-smooching each and every one of you in thanks for your spirit-lifting encouragement. Your sweetness oozed all over Bower Power.

Currently, I am in Steeler Nation - yup, Pittsburgh - here to celebrate grandma's homecoming. And having a grand time reminiscing about her fabulousness. And I wanted to share a bit of her glamour goodness with all of you in the area of home decor - specifically wallpaper. She had her halls covered with ornate paper with flocked details. It felt like crushed velvet. And it begged children to touch it more than the youngest member of the Jackson Five. My grubby little hands could never resist.

This post is inspired by grandma - who is probably teaching Jesus how to bust a move as we speak.

First - get some wallpaper inspiration here:

Sure, wallpaper has a worse reputation than the IRS when it comes to sticking it to ya but these days the work will be well worth it. The new styles and lovely patterns can turn so-so into la-la! Take for instance this Ballard Designs room with the contrasting black and white. It grounds the room for a classic and bold feel and makes the white shower curtain really pop. And the country patterned Southern Living laundry room could bring that sweet farm air into the most lofty New York apartment.

I love how the stripes in this indulgent children's room make the ceiling seem five miles high and takes the attention away from the whimsical pattern on the walls. The paper is barely noticable due to the monochromatic color scheme! And just throw me in with grandma because the textural West Elm room is stopping my heart. Just beautiful.

Second - check out some of the wallpapers that are just like grandma's new home...get it?...heavenly, duh...

Modern Grasscloth
Faux Trees

Ballard Designs Trellis
Topkapi in Powder Blue

Neutral Stripe
Colorful Floral Pattern

And C - get hands on with this interactive wallpaper tool over at Home Depot. It is addictive - not as much as grandma's nut roll - but I would definitely say it comes in at a close second. Plus it doesn't entail a twenty pound weight gain and setting up camp on a certain flushable fixture.

And Number Five, for a ultra useful wallpaper calculator - check it out here.

So what's it gonna be folks? Willing to take the plunge and do an accent wall in paper? How bout some fancy new shelf liners or papering the back of a cabinet or built-ins? Or do you have the guts to go all the way with an entire papered room? Be bold my friends. Not all paper has a cutesy flowered border or makes you gag like the thought of reused catheters.

Grandma

2009-03-06T12:33:00.002-05:00

Gosh this is hard.

This morning hurt. Like go-chop-off-my-finger-hurt.

Jeremy woke me up by rubbing my back - he never does that. I turned to look at him. "Katie - your dad called". He didn't have to say anything more.

The question is - Why do I spontaneously combust with tears? Why today? Why is this so dang hard?! And it is...this is way harder than I thought it would be. I knew it would happen one day....I just didn't want it to be today. or tomorrow. or the next day. I didn't want it to ever happen.

Let me tell you about her...

Grandma loved to laugh. Every joke was giggled at...even if it wasn't funny. It meant she loved you.

Once we went to a church dinner together. She leaned over and whispered "These old people are so funny - Do they not like flavor on their food?" She was the oldest one there. Then she giggled as she reached for the salt and pepper.

One time I kicked her when I had chicken pox. I was 7. It wasn't an accident. But she simply said - "it's okay honey, I shouldn't have gotten in the way of you scratching". That is just how she was...she saw the good in you even when there wasn't any.

She would make the yummiest nut roll. Every time we arrived for a visit there was at least three full rolls for us to devour. Our other Mummum heard how we liked it and tried to make some for us but it wasn't the same. I believe the secret ingredient was grandma.

Grandma was married in a navy blue suit. It had white piping and white buttons. She saved all her gowns from her go-out-dancing days. My sister and I dressed up in them one time. Grandma laughed and clapped and told us how to dance.

I like to think Grandma was a young woman trapped in a 91 year old body. I would tell her that she should grab her bikini cause we were going to the beach. She would say "are we going to pick up some fellas first?". I think she was partially serious.

She had four boys. So obviously, it was a miracle that she never got mad at them. My dad said that if any of them acted out, she would deck em. Which is funny because she is the size of a 8 year old.

She also had a weiner dog at one point named George. Years later she would talk about George like he was another son. I think that she loved animals so much because she grew up on a farm.

Grandma was one of fourteen children. She would sit and tell us stories about playing in the fields and running to her papa when he came in to eat. She loved her family very much.

She had a pig head on her kitchen wall. It held the dishtowels. She would say to rub the nose for luck. I would rub and rub hoping that "luck" meant candy. It usually did. She always would chuckle at the fact that I saved some candy for my own daddy.

I can't possibly share everything about this amazing woman. It would take days. All I need you to know is that time is whizzing by...so hug your family a little longer. On days like this when your heart is breaking, you will wish that you never let go.

I love you Grandma and I will miss you terribly.

Not so Gore-y Anymore-y

2009-03-05T13:49:00.002-05:00

Jeepers-creepers! Maybe three of you were around when I first talked about our friends, the Gores, who bought a lake house chock full of potential. Now that there are like ten of you (holla 300% increase in readers!) I wanted to share the finished product.

and peeps, you wanna buckle your seat belt for this one. and wear a helmet. preferably a full faced one.

Before the room was a bedroom. With hunter green carpet. Let's just say that it was as so ugly that if you threw it on the beach, cats would try to bury it. That's my little Jeremy (with the red shirt) when we went up to build stuff and teach drywalling 101. Isn't he a cutie?

After the newly bedazzled kitchen is totally drool-worthy. All new stainless-steel appliances, new hardwood floors and a fancy new layout were just the start to a drop-dead gorgeous space.

In order to get the new wide entry into the kitchen, a wall had to bite the bullet.

And this was how Jeremy & I left it the last time we came to visit.

After four months, this baby is definitely an improved view. Not only does the punched-out doorway allow for more light to be shed into the kitchen and the great room, but the flow of the house has improved a trillion percent. Plus the view down to the lake from the kitchen is to DIE for. literally. you must die if you don't love it. I have all the Bower Power and if you don't like lakehouses, you must go away. just kidding. only sorta.

Back to non-rambling. The view from the kitchen into the great room before. Yes that is me. no...the other one...the one in the back.

And TA-DA! Fab, right? Dontcha just love kitchens where you can watch ~~Girls Next Door~~ the kids in the living room?

When the boys took down a closet, it opened up a bunch of space for a....

...wall of custom cabinetry! I am totally digging the antiqued and rich looking white cabinets that just scream "I AM A LAKE HOUSE!" and the dark cabinets with the same details that form the island. Hello beautiful, come to momma.

And the hidden hood is just icing on the cake at this point. Like none of that gross plastic icing but the good stuff...like homemade cream cheese icing or a lemon glaze with just enough tang or a sweet buttercream icing that could send you into a diabetic seizure....all which are going to be easy to make now that the Gore's have this GORE-geous space!

The Look for Less

2009-03-04T11:18:00.003-05:00

Did you ever watch that show called "The Look for Less"? I always liked that show. For those of you that never saw it the premise was "here is a fancy (aka expensive) look that I love - now my personal shoppers will buy items in my budget and I get the look...for less." And for those of you that never tuned in around 2002-2003, the View's Elisabeth Hasselbeck was the host. Yup. That was when she was all post-Survivor skinny, with no kids, and she didn't know Rosie O'Donnell from Roseanne Barr. My how times have changed...not the skinny part. Hasselbeck still has a six pack dang her.

So out of my love for cheap quality goods, I decided to host a Bower Power version of "The Look for Less" for the first time. It was for fun. It was a challenge of my internet surfing skills. So now here is the phat look I was looking to copy.

Pottery Barn

Queen Georgetown Tufted Headboard $799 + $75 surcharge
Morgan 400tc Duvet cover and shams $199 + $39 + $39 + $39
Olivia Silk Quilt and shams $299 + $49 +$49 + $49
Pleated Button Bed Skirt $99
Parker Bedside Table $449
Bradley Table Lamp $149
Thomas Print Drape $119 +$119
Marcel Ottoman $449

TOTAL = $3020

and the look for less....

El Cheapo

1. Greenwich Tufted Headboard $199.99
2. Hotel Collection 3 pc Down Comforter set $99.99
3. Fieldcrest Luxury Coverlet Set $99.99
4. Solid Color pleated bedskirt $17.99
5. Georgetown Nightstand $209.99
6. Canopy Brushed Steel table lamp $39.88
7. Varen Curtain 2 pack $19.99
8. Hartford Storage Ottoman $95.99

TOTAL = $783.81

So there you have it - a Pottery Barn inspired bedroom for a fraction of the price. It's like ordering a double cheeseburger and they bring out Flo's Filet. And who doesn't like Flo?! I mean, as long as it ain't Aunt Flo - I am all for it :)

So what do you think? Do you think that this is something that you would like to see more of? Like a regular little Look for Less feature here at BP? Or could you do without? Maybe we could fancify this puppy and you guys could send in your fav 'looks' and I could rummage up the 'less' parts. hmm? opinions please...and if we disagree, I promise that we won't fight like cats and dogs (err...elisabeth's and rosie's).

March Goals

2009-03-03T14:55:00.002-05:00

Last month I didn't do goals. It was my birthday month and I decided to take it off. But now that it is March - I am rarring to go! (by the way - for those of you that don't know Spanish ~~(mom)~~, we do not celebrate Cinco de Mayo this month. During a brain spasm, I told someone that this Thursday was the Mexican holiday...smart, Katie, real smart).

Let's get to it:

March Goals

1. Finish super duper secret project
2. Make a treat for firemen (also known to many as 'hotties' - get it? heehee)
3. Go to the gym a total of six times
4. Finish copying all photos onto Snapfish and Photobucket
5. Purge closet
6. Mud the basement bedroom
7. Sew two pillows & four dishtowels
8. Read Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
9. Dance for at least one minute every day
10. Take birth control & vitamin every day
11. Review Spanish words for days of the week and months of year

For clarification sake - I do not call firemen hotties - so if you think that I would think that about our brave fire-fighting heroes, you would be thinking wrong. Unless that hero is my brother - who happens to be a volunteer fireman....and he is hot....in a totally non-incestual way. This is awkward. I love Jeremy.

#8 is the first on the list of the 100 books I have to read before I die. I figure it takes me a while so I better get started.

#10 is still ridiculously hard. I forgot three in a row this week - so don't be surprised if I have to announce something in a month or so. ***NOTE: No - I am not pregnant....I think.

And lastly #1 is gonna rock your socks off...so tie those hightops on tight friends :)

Nice Rack

2009-03-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

I love seeing your mess. So you must love seeing mine. This sort of logic doesn't work in every situation...but in this case, I can bank on it. Your mess gives me such pleasure! No really. Doesn't it make you feel better knowing that you aren't the only Messy Bessy out there?! It forms a connection. It relays humanity. And it makes me feel better about myself just knowing that somewhere (in your house) stashed in a closet or crammed in a drawer or behind a closed door that there is a mountain of clutter aching to spill onto the nearest possible surface. It could take out a grown man - it could eat a small child - it's awesome!

We have many a crammed, jammed and slammed doors in our little home. And one of them is under the sink. In most homes, below the basin lives the Anna Nicole Smith of slobby trainwrecks.

Our problem is that my boyfriend likes to keep cleaning supplies down there and I like to store oil and vinegar in there. I don't really know why I do that...yes, I do. That was a lie. Forgive me Jesus. Thank you, amen. It's because my mother does it. That's where her oil and vinegar are...hence, this apple keeps her apple cider vinegar where the tree did.

So with a little help from this "organize-anything-post" from the fab youngsters - I was able to quickly separate and clean out the pipes...err...under the pipes. I separated the cleaning stuff into one huge pile and the more edible stuff into a different pile.

Then I wiped down the cabinet before ~~nagging~~ sweetly convincing Jeremy to install the new Ikea sliding rack. All that empty space that was too far back and too hard to access is now useful and utilized. One thousand and two points - IKEA. Seven points me for successfully coercing my boyfriend.

So check it out! Cool beans, right?! I filled the slidey storage thingie with everything for cleaning the kitchen. All the other miscellaneous cleaning supplies (like the swiffer stuff and the grill cleaner) got reallocated to more appropriate locations.

And now my oils are clearly separated from the cleaning stuff. Whew! And in the middle of the cabinet lives the the trash bags and the Clorox wipes - dude, I know it is a waste of money but I love me these wipes...I would bathe with them if Jeremy would let me.

So....tada! Doesn't it look like a thousand bazillion times better? Don't worry though - I still have many more cabinets (and closets - heck, whole rooms) that need a bit o' organization...so you aren't alone friends!

And for all of you that had such wonderful input on my rug situation - you confirmed it - it is too small for the massive amounts of wood that need to be covered in the kitchen. But I definitely appreciate all you folks who recommended that I move it to the sink area - it looks mucho bueno! Of course, now my boyfriend is the only one who gets to benefit from the cushiness seeing as he is the dishes-man. Hey - I cook, he does the dishes....I say it's a good deal.

What else is a good deal? You coming into my kitchen and telling me I have a nice rack...and in return, I swear I won't think you are creepy or lezzie :)

Plant Encyclopedia

2009-02-27T11:33:00.002-05:00

I am not plant savy.

In fact, for most of my life I thought that shrubs were non-flowering plants, that the majority of vegetables grew on small trees, and that succulent was a dirty word.

And seeing as how this spring I wanna grow stuff in the ground, I am so happy to discover an awesome gardener's tool over at Better Homes & Gardens. They have a Plant Encyclopedia!

It's a groovy little tool to make you into an elite green-thumber, tree-hugger and gardening-guru.

All you gotta do is type in your specific requirements of what you are looking for and BHG spits out the options to meet your needs. Check it out - all I did was type in perennials in my zone that grew in partial sun and under 3 feet tall:

And that is only the first 2 pages of options! Plus they give you additional planting information for each plant so gardening has never been this easy! So go on - play in the dirt again...

Golden Rug

2009-02-24T17:03:00.003-05:00

Did ya'll know we are in search of the perfect rug?

Yup.

A rug for our kitchen.

Right now it looks ridiculously....wooden.

A nice patterned rug would be the perfect solution to break up all that gunstock colored wood flooring. Since our cabinets are wood too, it takes your eye and makes it feel a little soaked in oak. It leaves it pining for no pine. It's wallowing in willow. It's maple-ed in...err...yea, I got nothing.

The point is we needed some floor covering and fast. The boyfriend and I headed to the Pottery Barn outlets to see if their 30% special on rugs would yield us a great buy.

Jeremy spotted this yellow one and loved it instantly. The only problem is that it is a 3x5 size. We were really hoping to snag a 5x8 because it would cover a larger portion of the kitchen floor. We searched and searched. All they seemed to have was plain red and a couple pink and green combos...somehow I don't think I would be able to convince Jeremy that pink/green would be the right fit in the kitchen. Plus the key to getting a rug for that space would be a bold but not show-stealing pattern...which none of the others had.

We shirked off the ALL SALES FINAL sign and headed to checkout. What really sealed the deal was the price tag. It was marked down to $89 and then we got an additional 30% off. When we found out that this lovely sunny baby would only cost around sixty smackers, we thought that surely it could work for now and then later be moved into the basement laundry room (I have dreams of a golden laundry room complete with a folding station, country sink, and laundry shoot that magically carries the dirty towels down the center of the house into a basket waiting with open arms!).

Overall, I don't actually think it looks that bad for now. Sure it's a little too small. Sure it's not gonna stay there forever. Sure I will have to keep my eye out for a future bigger kitchen rug but for now this little golden child looks a-ok. Besides, this thing is worth its weight in gold for being so cushy on my knees when I am cooking dinner. And my philosophy is that you buy things you love especially when on sale - in the end, you'll find a way to make it work....right? or did I make a horrible decision and just throw away 60 bones?!?!

Front Yard Planning

2009-02-21T23:23:00.006-05:00

When I hear about curb appeal, the thought that comes to mind is not our home. Our house has little curb appeal - the old toilet flower planter doesn't help - nor does the extra tires...attached to that broke down Buick. When we bought the house the previous owners told us that the yard was used as a dump...no joke. So in preparation of the listing of the house, they decided to rip out everything.

Last spring we had a 75 foot pine cut down and the root ground out. And that is where we stopped. So obviously this is the right time to plan to get some plants in and some curb appeal out there. Let's get to the plan.

(Sorry about the ghetto "yard map") We have a small front porch that has a long set of brick front steps. Currently our yard slopes from the right side to the left - due to being located on the side of a small hill. We hope to level out the area surrounding the front porch in the coming month. Topsoil would need to be added so that the depth from the porch to the ground is even on both sides. We also want to add actually plants. I know...this may be asking too much or being greedy - wanting grass and shrubs and all...that just goes to show how high maintenance I am :)

The trees I decided on were the following (pictured from left clockwise):
Dwarf spruce
Crape Myrtle (not really a tree but has a high profile)
Flowering Dogwood

Shrubs (from top left clockwise):
Gold Privet
Crape Myrtle
Hydrangea
Azalea

Perennials (pictured from top left clockwise):
Begonia
Moss Phlox
Daylily
Gaura
Bluebeard (actually a shrub but low growing)

So we definitely need to take this challenge one step at a time. But the key is to get a plan written down, right?! First up - get our landscaping expert friend to take a look at our situation and let us know how much topsoil would be required. I am really looking forward to this transformation. I am also looking forward to Jeff Foxworthy no longer making fun of our yard.

Helpful Hint -Georgia flowering perennials link

Herb Garden

2009-02-20T15:09:00.003-05:00

Dontcha just itch for springtime?! I know I do.

So as I anxiously await for the warmer season ahead (and for celebrities to stop trying to bring back super-high waisted pants - it's over people, they don't look good on anyone with a normal BMI!!!) I decided to turn my brown thumb green. And if a little determination and a whole lotta dead plants can make me into a gardener, well, I am up for it.

I have been saving my empty egg cartons for about a year...yes, I have packrat tendencies...and yes I have many more not pictured. They are the perfect size to make into your own seed tray. And you'll save a bundle - yay for no money! Pack each egg-noogie with a little potting soil. Then stick your fingertip in there to make the seed hole however deep your seed calls for. Mine was only supposed to be 1/4 inch deep. So no deeper than half my finger nail. Then I threw in a few seeds. Cover, water, and wait. Since my seedlings were going to be living indoors and get watered frequently, I didn't go to the extreme of covering the suckers with saran wrap...but if you wanna go that extra mile, more Bower Power to ya.

I chose Mint, Rosemary, and Basil seeds to begin. But now I am eager to get back to the store to snag a few packets of Parsley, Thyme and Cilantro. Once they are 2 inches tall, I will transplant them to real pots. My own herb container garden will ~~thrive~~ ~~live~~ be located on the back deck. Herbs can actually add a really lovely fragrance to the area as well - which is a major bonus since my boyfriend's nose is like a tracking dogs'. Who knew that a few seed packets could help make our deck time more enjoyable?!

Plus these wee plants will actually save me money. I hear that spending $100 on seeds and soil can save you $500-$700 on buying the fresh goodies at the supermarket. That's a new pair of Manolo's! Over the years, that can add up to a hefty sum...if you like to use fresh greens. And since nowadays I am actually USING fresh herbs in the kitchen, it is just another reason to grow em at home.

And if you are still on the fence about planting some of your own - I have one word for you...mojitos. just kidding. But seriously, there are tons of easy ways to use the 6 herbs that I have listed - and here are a few of my suggestions:

MINT - mint lemonade, mint tea, smoothies
ROSEMARY - rosemary chicken, rosemary potatoes, rosemary in stew
BASIL - tomato sauce, pesto, garnish on bruschetta
PARSLEY - flavoring stews, garnish foods, marinade for steak
THYME - garlic thyme butter, rub on roasts, add to eggs
CILANTRO - salsa, chutney, guacamole

And all you parents of potheads - switch the kids stash for some dried oregano - I promise that weed won't be as attractive afterwards. The saying should be revised to this - GIVE ~~hugs~~ OREGANO, NOT DRUGS :) I'm not a parent but your teen + an italian seasonings joint = motherly joy. Maybe it won't break the mary-jane habit, but it will give them a coughing fit they soon won't forget. When I am a parent, I hope to never have to use this anti-drug method...but you can bet your bottom dollar I ain't above it. I am also not above bribery, coercion, guilt-trips and threats of embarrassment.

Now for the two-week update: Yup - sprouting has occured!

We have liftoff!!! I can practically taste the spaghetti sauce already! No, not really - but I am super excited that it worked! I mean, who wooda thunk? Maybe a farmer...or a horticulturist...or a gardner...but not anyone that knows me! And if I can do, you can do it better. So go get em tiger...plant an herb garden and call it spring!

Question of the day - What herbs do you love and whatya use em for?

Credit Card Points

2009-02-19T10:57:00.002-05:00

So I almost forgot to tell you.

I earn points for each dollar I spend on my credit card. So I finally redeemed the points for actual money...well, almost. I actually got a couple of these:

Yippee! So I had $100 to spend at my favorite french store - Tar-ghey.

Two weeks ago I ordered this. When it came in - Jeremy and I whipped it together (no tools necessary - double Yippees!)

And we put it in our master bedroom.

Right now, it definitely looks a little cramped. But that is because of the chest to the left of the chair. This room is currently a hodge-podge of random stuff. We don't have our real furniture in yet. We are saving up for the Canopy bedroom furniture at Walmart. When we finally order it I think this chair will look totally phat next to the dark brown sidetable.

Maybe you can see it here - it really needs a dark element to separate it from the bed linens...otherwise it looks all too beige. And the side table lamps need to be really beefy. Like Chris Farley lamps. I didn't say beefcake - I said beefy :) So that means I need to scratch the wish list lamps and be on the prowl for some bovine-sized lighting. Ya'll have any suggestions?

Best part about this purchase was definitely the cost - only $26 including shipping and handling!

Thank you Chase credit card company. I know you are taking advantage of the economic crisis by spontaneously increasing many people's interest rates and forcing their bank accounts and credit scores to plummet, but I still love you.

Wanna see more dolce chair in action? Check it out here and here and here! Apparently all the cool kids are doing it...err...buying it. And you know me and peer pressure...gotta ride in the back of the bus...gotta tightroll my jeans...gotta wear my teenage mutant ninja turtle shirt on Wednesdays...at least till next week...things might change...and Bower Power tries to stay ahead of the curve :)

Valentine's Day Momento

2009-02-18T16:49:00.002-05:00

Ya'll guessed what I got as my 'love-ly' reminder of my Valentines at the Biltmore.

and here are the total of votes:

Silver plated server - 9 votes
Pink glasses - 4 votes
Handweights - 1 vote
Gray plates - 3 votes
Milk glass - 4 votes
Apple bowls - 3 votes

and the correct answer is....

(drumroll please...)

...THE MILK GLASS!

When I spotted the Fenton milk glass I knew it just had to be mine. The best part - it is a piece that I will actually use. And the candlesticks were just too cute to pass up. I am somewhat on a "white kick" right now - if it is creamy and colorless, I will take it! All you albinos better run!

My favorite part of the small capped bowl is definitely the lid. When I look at it the little handle reminds me of an acorn...which just happens to be the symbol of the Vanderbilt family. Small world, huh?!

I found this old photo of the hand-hammered copper roof ridge that had the intertwined initials of George Vanderbilt and the acorn motif on either side. On the tour we learned that the acorn was chosen as the symbol because of what it meant to Commodore Vanderbilt - the saying goes "From the tiny acorn springs the mighty oak". It symbolizes his rise from steam boat captain to
the head of the richest family in the world. Cool, huh?

I placed the milk glass pieces in the newly painted bathroom cabinet. I also added an old milk glass footed bowl on the top shelf to hold the scented oils for our diffuser. I simply can NOT wait to use the candlesticks for a ladies brunch - wouldn't they just look fabulous with pink glasses? Gosh darn - maybe I should drive back up there for those beauties...maybe not...we'll see :)

So a big fat hand goes to Kristal, Sherry, Mrs. McB, and Miss Fabulous Side of Me! Each of you are awarded one hundred thousand points for correctly guessing!

Oh - and for those of you that care - Jeremy got hurt. Don't worry - it's nothing major. He crashed on his bike. ~~Yes, my 32 year old husband still rides his mountain bike like he will bounce back like a 17 year old and tries to do "cool" tricks like jumping over hills. Arg!!!~~ If you have facebook and wanna check out the video of it, here you go!

So if you could pray for him that would be great. The clinic doc said that his foot is fractured and he has a second degree sprain. Tomorrow he goes to the surgeon to get it further examined and to schedule the MRI. Boys and their toys, right?!? When will they ever learn?! I love you baby.

I don't like to point the finger but...

2009-02-17T14:18:00.003-05:00

...this is all your fault!

And all I have to say is...

THANK YOU!

(apparently my free photobucket account has only a certain bandwidth...and you people keep on viewing the tons of posted Bower Power pictures - aka - using up my bandwidth! Soooo...now that problem is fixed!!! YAY! and you can go back and play my V-day momento guessing game!

Oh and folks, thanks for eatin my bandwith - just be careful! You know what they say - you are what you eat!)

Antique Shopping

2009-02-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

On the way back from Asheville, Jeremy pulled into an antique shop for me to peruse the aisles for a Biltmore-vacation style souvenir.

Pulling up, we spotted these large barn doors that welcomed us into the caves of wonder.

I really wanted to get something that would always remind me of the Valentine's day trip. It had to be something that I would love looking at, using, and it had to be a constant reminder of the fun that we had and the experience as a whole.

These early 1900's style handweights - carved from solid wood - would be a totally unique memento and have a worn-cottage feel to them. The Biltmore estate had some similar ones in the 'gym' and it would be a perfect reminder of the tour of the grand home. It would also be useful when I feel like I needed a quick workout. Or when I need a microphone to sing along with Britney.

I spotted this four-tiered silver plated server from across the booth and it is fab-u-lous. Not only does it have a Vanderbilt feel to it - aka richness - it is completely useful for many parties and get-to-gethers. And at 20% off - the price was just right.

I can't help but swoon over milk glass. I love it more than most celebrities love their spouses. And since I am no expert at antiques - I only look for items that mean something to me...ya know...I would choose a Suri over a Shiloh. Sure, one might command wheelbarrows full of money but I'll take the cuter one any day of the week. Sorry Brangelina - you loose to TomKat on this one. Back to the point - this display of milky white glass is a shoutout to the fact that the Biltmore estate began as a farm - with it's largest operation being in the dairy department. Get it? 'Milk' glass?! So naturally this would be a reminder of the trip too.

My girlie side said to buy these pink glasses in honor of Valentine's day. Aren't they just so Victoria's-Secret-fabulous?!? They would be perfect for serving some of that famous Biltmore Winery's crushed-grape beverage (yeah, we bought a case for future celebrations) and especially perfect for any ultra feminine parties. Seriously, if I was drinking out of these glasses, I am sure that any passerbyers would totally think "oh-that-girls-got-her-own-glam-squad".

Gray is my new favorite color for dishes after seeing these beauties. Not only are they completely practical because let's face it, it could go with ANYTHING. But they are also in great condition and the wee handles on the bowls would be perfect for a show-stopping soup dinner. I totally see the gray color with warm red tomato soup and some grilled cheese sandwiches. Yummy.

Lastly, there were these darling blue apple dishes. There were about eight that I found in different booths - and they are just sweet as can be. Not only are they reflective of the trip (we were shopping at Barber's ORCHARD antique mall) but they are perfection in terms of blending new and old styles. I would serve apple fritter doughnut holes in these turquoise bowls for a delish and springy breakfast. An apple a day, people, an apple a day...

So here's a guessing game for ya - what do you think I bought? I really wanted to buy it all but alas - I need to save room in the house for future adventure memorabilia. Hint - it is something pictured above. No guesses? Tell me what you would have gotten as a momento...oh and make your guess quick - cause you'll find out tomorrow the answer to this pop quiz!

We Moved...

2009-02-16T11:38:00.004-05:00

...and we bought this new house.

Yeah - we decided to upgrade to a new pad with a bit more square footage...let's say around 175,000. And with these fabulous views -

For real though...for real people...we didn't sell our work-in-progress metro-Atlanta home for the castle that is the Biltmore Estate. In all reality, we only toured the home. The owners wanted us to buy it but we said that we needed more space and it just didn't work out. Besides, it isn't on the water. And I don't think our staff would appreciate downsizing.

So besides looking at potential real estate for me and my boyfriend, V'day was also a mini-vacation. My lovely boytoy decided to surprise me with a visit to Asheville and the mansion...and boy, was it fabulous and fun! Just like Jer :)

Unfortunately, photography isn't allowed inside the house (if you could call it only a 'house') but we got some amazing shots of the grounds.

The outdoor gardens weren't in bloom (Jeremy promised we would have to come back in a future spring, summer or fall to see all the flowers) but we did get a chance to explore the greenhouse. It was an alive paradise that just begged for us to lust for spring.

We stayed at a nearby hotel which had an amazing room with a huge comfy bed and an even bigger headboard. We also got to relax after a long day of wine tasting and touring in the hotel's hot-tub. Have I said that I want one of those before? Because I do. Badly.

Oh and did I mention the winery? Yea - you get a tour of the winery and a free wine tasting when you get to the estate. Above is the wine library of the many years of grape-induced beverages. And not only do they have your basic reds and whites, but sparkling wines, juices, and special occasion wines are for a reasonable rate after your tasting. Our favorite was a Christmas white wine and their 'Century' wine - both for the taste and the beautiful bottles.

And since we are discussing the trip that my lovely boyfriend got me in honor of our 09 LOVE day - here is what I got him...

It started with a clue here and a clue there - randomly hidden by the Valentine's day fairy...aka Cupid. When Jeremy put all the clues together (it took him all day to collect them), the guessing game began. Finally something clicked and he guessed correctly. Out came the wrapped present. He tore that sucker open and WAHLA!

That's right...I bought my baby a power tool. How romantic! How functional! How long till you can make me that headboard?!?!

So there you have it - our mini getaway and our v-day celebration. Hope yours was super awesome with a dash of romance. And if not, that's ok - live vicariously through us. Afterall, Bower Power is like a box of valentine's day chocolates......a sweet experience with a bunch of nuts!

Sproost Style Quiz

2009-02-12T12:06:00.003-05:00

Sproost.com has a find-your-style quiz available. And if I do say so myself, it looks to be quite accurate!

Those sproost folks gave me my results and as you can see, I am 41% Nantucketian and 41% Cottage Chic...with an 18% dash of Hollywood couture thrown in for kicks :)

Let me see here what I agree with...

Love the beach? check.
Coastal art & accessories? check
Natural fabrics, cottons & linens? check
Light wood & wicker? not so much
White, light beige, blues, greens, and greys? check check check check and check
Comfy furniture? check

So yeah - I can definitely say that I love being a Nantucket girl. Although I am not particularly drawn to light colored wood, I definitely am attracted to all the other aspects of beach life. Good Job Sproost!

Moving on to Cottage Chic...

Carefree spirit? check
Appreciate modern art & hip treasures? check
Love old and new? check
Light background? partially check

While I love to swim in a modern and chic world free from florals and cheesiness (except my jokes, of course) I can appreciate a warm chocolate room or some black painted floors (like the photo above). I only wish that this description gave me more clue on what the particulars of cottage chic were.

Finally my smattering of hollywood couture...

Sparkly crystal? love looking at it - not lucky enough to own it
All things flashy? Not so much.
Sense of opulence? I wish.
Rich feeling? yes please.
Over the top with livability? how is that possible?
Luxury? I am begging.

So overall, I definitely agree to the mix of these three styles as something that would be an accurate representation of me. Sure, it isn't always possible to make your home a complete reflection of you...especially these days with different trends flying in and out the door with ludicrious speed or when you try to make sure any home improvements are appealing to the masses. But it is definitely helpful for the next time I go shopping. It'll help me reign in the brain and focus by chanting "nantucket, cottage, hollywood".

So ya'll...what's your sproost style? Do you agree with the sproost assessment? Or is it whack like crack?

A Bolt of Lighting

2009-02-11T11:31:00.004-05:00

You guys have seen your fair share of our first floor loo. But did you notice that our light fixture was the most hideous thing ever? It may look subtle and cute when staring directly into the bright shining glare - but believe me, it was as attractive as Tara Reid's tummy circa 2006.

As you can see, the dirt cheap light fixture wasn't doing anyone favors. But it seemed that it would be the only light that would fit in our powder room. The light needed to have a small radius because the door was thisclose to hitting it when swinging open. And the light had to be low profile because the ceiling in the bathroom is noticibly lower than the ceiling in the rest of the house. I guess that these older homes have the plumbing running up in the ceiling and the builders didn't bother trying to run pipes between floor joists. Instead they just lowered the ceiling of the room below.

My boyfriend and I brainstormed about what lighting would fit and look good in our new loo. We finally decided upon recessed lighting. Not only would it fit, but it would not draw too much attention to itself. Jeremy removed the old one....

...and popped in a can. Lookin' good, right? Well, now that we have that light, I have been thinking. I wanna put this to ya (if you are up for the challenge)...do you think we should add four more recessed lights? We can't add any lighting on the wall that has the vanity because the plumbing is ridiculous back there and we don't wanna rip out the wall to rework pipes just for a light. So I was thinking that four smaller can lights in all four corners of the room would provide more light and help illuminate the loo. Whaddaya think?

Side note - I got this wee jewelry box at Goodwill about a week ago. Isn't it just the cat's meow?!? After a few days of scrubbing with baking soda, it still showed some ugly black spots on top. I was kinda bummed because I spent a few dollars ($2.50 to be exact) and thought it would clean up really easily. But I didn't give up. I decided to use whatever was under our kitchen sink...let's try it all, right?

Then something actually worked....just guess....ok...you'll never get it....it was our stove's glass top cleaner! Did the whole world know that you can clean silver with glass top cleaner? How did I not know this? It worked wonderful....with a little elbow grease of course :) And I just love the detail work on the little box. I probably could go back and clean all the little crevaces, but that will have to wait because I have bigger fish to fry.

The newly polished box is just the thing for our bathroom cabinet so that anytime I wanna tackle bathroom cleaning, I can throw my rings in there. But I can also see this little baby living on my side table as an accent or in the master bathroom for when my hands need a bit of lotion. Oh and I forgot to mention that the velvet liner is a beautiful shade of midnight blue...gotta love some jewelry box drama! Plus the plushness keeps my jewels all snuggly and safe...

...speaking of jewels...I gotta go talk to Jeremy about Valentine's day :)

Clicker Box

2009-02-10T12:12:00.002-05:00

Ever since I saw the lovely white bamboo box at Target's Home Design event, I knew that the time would come where it would make it's way from my wish list to my coffee table. I spent many moons dreaming how I would incorporate the beautiful storage piece into my home.

Then an epiphany happened. As I was watching Heroes, a truckload of migraine decided to park in my head. Immediately the all-of-a-sudden-super-intense-this-season-close-mouthed-talking Claire Bennett (of "save the cheerleader, save the world" notoriety) became ridiculously brain piercing. I reached for the controller and pressed the mute. Nothing happened. Then across the room I spotted another controller, again no volume difference. At that moment, I could have lunged into the television, superman style and strangled her to death. Don't worry. She'll heal. Third clicker was a charm. That's when I knew exactly what must be done.

Before our flippers were strewn about. At any moment they could be found in random places. or be completely lost. And they didn't exactly fit into my home decor style. I figured the best way to use my soon-to-be-mine-o-mine bamboo box was to make it a controller controller. A container for our clickers. A fence for our flippers. A region for our remotes.

Out went our wooden elephant and in came the bamboo box. Secured at Target for 50% off this wood-like wonder now acts as an enclosure for our corralled clickers...and my heart. Plus I love how the white color is complementary to the white-ish coffee table tray & books combo that lives on the upper level. And since bamboo is a renewable resource (a fast growing grass to be exact) I feel that I am doing my part for the environment. All you tree huggers should applaud me. Go ahead. Clap away.

Plus it makes finding the remotes easier than ever. Combine that with the fact that Jeremy never has to move his patootie from the couch to reach the controller...and I do believe I got myself a winner. One hundred points - me. Two thousand points - Target.

As you can see, this beauty is the perfect size for the remotes and has room to spare. Next up...trying to cram the PS3 controllers in there :) Just kidding Jeremy - I would never do that.

If you wanna get your own albino box - click here - and it's your lucky day - 50% off online for a grand total of 15 smackers! And they have a version in natural and a smaller size for all you universal-remoters.

But before you run off with your Visa flappin' in the wind...tell me about your clicker situation. Do you lose the little sucker? Do you even know what controller goes to what controllee? Do you know what a flipper is? And if so, where do you keep your little boob tube remote? Most importantly...if you had a clicker for life...what would you pause or mute or fast forward? Go ahead...let's get all Adam Sandler up in here.

Artsy Fartsy

2009-02-09T20:38:00.005-05:00

I don't know about ya'll but I do NOT like the idea of purchasing art. Sure, Etsy has some great folks who are reasonably priced and their work is FANTASMICO. but didn't those people want to be 'starving artists'?! And who am I try to force feed someone who wants to be skinny?!?! Now force feeding a child is my style...or coercion to get a man to eat vegetables....I have even been known to shove a spoon in old peoples mouths (they gotta get their fiber)....but handing over a little, tiny, wee bit of moolah for a unique and utterly beautiful piece of art is not how I roll. I like art that is cheaper than dirt (and not that expensive fortified dirt...I am talking about the free dirt that comes with children, animals, and gossipers).

So obviously I was swooning and cringing when I saw the above photo in the December issue of Cottage Living. I was totally in love with the piece. I love the depth of darkness and the softness of light. It's modern. It's fresh. It's totally unique. But it's also probably ridiculously expensive. And I would never buy art that costs more than my first car. I mean, art doesn't even have a motor! Or air conditioning....oh wait...my car didn't have that either. So what's a ~~cheapskate~~ girl to do?

DIY! that's what! Out came a new frame (curtesy of Tar-ghey $8) and my box of paints and a scrap of white twill fabric. My goal was to make a piece that had tons of browns, lots of contrast, and even more randomness. And for all you artsy fartsy folks out there - I used a 2 inch brush, acrylic paints, and a large glass of sweet tea. (the tea was for a little inspiration...and a hit of caffiene. every artist needs a muse!)

Ten minutes later my masterpiece was near completion. Some might say that it resembled a muddy mess...but look closely and you might see a cloudy river or a stormy night or a few angel wings or even a howling coyote. The key is to paint till you feel happy...or buzzed from the Lipton. And then frame that baby.

In our den, we have been phasing out the red accents. It was time to replace the crimson magazine holder that called our hearth home for the last year. And my new paint-doodle was just the neutral piece that could temporarily turn our fireplace into an art gallery. Adding a candle and a bowl with mossy orbs was just the right pieces to complete the look.

Plus my new artwork covers up that little metal knob that is essential for cutting off the gas for our fireplace logs. But that ain't the best part. The fact that this beauty cost under $10 (and that includes the frame) puts the "lust" in my "illustration". Plus this is one piece of artwork that I won't see as I lurk on your blogs. It is totally unique. And that makes me very happy.

So now all you gotta do is get out there and get some inspiration - grab some paint and leftover fabric and you will be well on your way to creating a masterpiece that will put Picasso to shame. And for all of you that need a little shove in the right direction - check out some of these fabulous posters that would be perfect for a little copy-cat action here here and here. You too can be Monet (and keep your ears while you're at it!). Artsy Fartsy never smelled so good.

So 28 isn't so bad...

2009-02-09T14:43:00.006-05:00

Since you guys couldn't come to my birthday celebration...I thought I would recap on all the amazing goodies that the birthday fairy brought me. For those of you who don't know...my birthday was last Thursday...and I have been the world's biggest blog slacker....so that is why you haven't heard how great it was.

I had some reservations about turning the ripe old age of 28 but fortunately there was no surprises on the morning of the 5th. No increases in weight or lack of teeth. But as you can see, my kin did look a little bit different at my family party.

My dad looks a little more bald. Besides that...we look pretty normal. for us anyway.

You all voted on a coat and Jeremy listened. Thanks baby! The swing style is just perfect for when a little Bower Power bambino comes. Yes - I had to test it. And the red "Audrey Hepburn" style coat (every other color was gone!) is just perfect for a Valentine's Day date! Give me a high ten on great outerwear!!! YAY! then give me a G! give me a R! give me an 8! What's that spell!?! Crazy cheerleading face!!!

My mom bought me some new music books - yes, I started back at piano. I took a 19 year hiatus from the instrument but thought since I will soon have such bad arthritis, I should start now. Jeremy gets to listen to me practice. Let's just say he would rather listen to Heidi Montag sing "Higher" over and over. Yeah...it's really that bad.

Jeremy's dad and stepmom, Vicki bought me this wishlist item. And I must say that I have big plans for this little woven beauty. It is so textural and fun - and being that it was a complete surprise made it even better. Thanks you guys!

My last apparel item was handpicked by my boyfriend. A sweet little sleep shirt a la Victoria's Secret. It could be because he was sick of my ratty t-shirt/cheer shorts combo that usually subs in as pajamas. Is he trying to say that I am too old to wear shorts with words on the bum? I sure hope not :)

I found these great Martha Stewart nesting bowls at my local Old Time Pottery. The next chance I got, I dragged Jeremy in to buy me the set of three -all for under $8! Pretty good considering one large mixing bowl goes for $36 at Macy's! The wait just about killed me because I swore I would "open" them on my birthday. Aren't they just the loveliest shade of blue?

The following night we had a really small get together. I really didn't want a party to celebrate my entrance into upper-twenties. I just wanted our normal get-together-on-a-friday-night-crowd to come over for burgers. I got exactly what I wanted (minus a few friendly faces due to the flu).

And the best gift was from a far away land. Jen from A Thousand Words sent me a really great birthday package all the way from England. It was so thoughtful of her! I spent a few hours poring over the UK magazines (do you think I could get a subscription, please?!?) and sipping on the South African tea...it was heavenly! And not only did she include a bunch of goodies for me to enjoy on my big day - she also thought of my lovely boyfriend! Believe me Jen, this bar of manly goodness is a sure-fire way to my guy's heart! Thank you a million times over.

And a big fat birthday smooch goes out to all you wonderful blooogers who wished me a very happy 28th. Your virtual friendship and internet well-wishes really made my day. You da bomb diggity! And maybe one day we can all celebrate together - like a giant combined birthday party...with Dippin' Dots and balloons and clowns and a pony. The only question is - Who gets the birthday spankings? And who dishes them out? (ooohhhh pick me!!! pick me!!)

Goodbye 27

2009-02-04T15:55:00.004-05:00

Sorry ya'll that I have MIA lately. I have been super duper busy. But I have so much to talk about but not enough time. Are any of you sad that you haven't heard from me? anyone? why is it so quiet? mom?!

So ~~even if you couldn't give a rat's~~ you get an update on what I have been up to. I made you this list of all the stuff that has been taking me away from Bower Power. I have posts coming up about some of the following so don't go too far...

Planned, shopped for and fed 75 ladies at a church event (and decorated the shindig too)
Bought a new shmancy mattress and boxspring at Ikea (lots of bootie shaking there!)
Celebrated my boys - the Steelers - as they kicked the Cardinals tailfeathers.
Found some great new tchotchkies at Goodwill.
Started piano lessons.
Made some fantastic cheap art.
Copied and transfered a bazillion photos from my old computer to my new & snapfish & photobucket (still not done - it takes forever!!!)

And lastly, I have one last thing I am doing. I am saying goodbye to the great age of 27. Today is it. The last hurrah...el ultimo buenos dia...the finale to my mid-20's...tomorrow I will officially be in my late twenties :( I could kinda get away with saying 27 was mid twenties...but no more. See how happy I was with my family on my 27th:

I have this irrational fear that tomorrow that I will wake up thirty pounds heavier and looking like Joan Rivers or Helen Mirren. Please dear Lord, I would prefer Helen...if it's your will :) I will also have gloucoma and my teeth will start crumbling. Bladder control will be a thing of the past and Jeremy will have to help me remember my maiden name. My doctor will have to prescribe cholesterol medication instead of birth control and my two favorite topics will be arthritis and the weather. Gosh. 28 sucks.

Tonight, instead of saying goodbye with a wave and a smile and maybe a margarita, I will be laid out on a table while a laser hair removal lady zaps my bikini area with a high intensity laser. There will be tears...there will be enormous amounts of sweating...and a muttering of words that I will need to pray about later. Even the goodbye sucks.

Also, I am not really done with 27. There are a million things I was supposed to do or see or accomplish by now and I haven't done any of them. Why have I been such a slacker?!? Why does time fly?!?! Why does it go faster if you have a good time?!?! WHY?! I might be having a panic attack. Quick - what is the number for 911 ?!?!

Four Eyes

2009-01-29T01:19:00.006-05:00

It all began in 1988. I couldn't see the blackboard during school. Two weeks later I walked into second grade sporting some clear framed glasses...yup, they had pink and hot green stripes. They were also too big for my face. I ended up looking like a cross between an Easter colored hard candy and a bug. The perm didn't help.

In 1996 I got a job as a lifeguard. The number of children that I pulled out is seriously impressive. That job made me realize that you don't actually need to SEE the kids face to know that they are sniffin the bottom of the pool. In fact, when wearing glasses or contacts, your rescue speed can increase substantionally. I only lost little Billy...I thought he wanted to try to french me...again :)

Fast forward through time.

The year was 2008. My boyfriend noticed that I squinted a lot, had frequent headaches and was a horrible night time driver. When I told him that I couldn't tell the difference between regular and high definition television, I thought I might have to rescitate him. Memories of little Billy flooded back.

Basically I need glasses.

This is me. What?! That is my normal face :)

And this is the visionally enhanced me...sorry it doesn't improve your view...just mine. I loved our eye doctor. My boyfriend picked him out. He was really helpful, explaining each test and what he was looking for, telling us what to look for in frames and even recommended some tips on when (and when not) to throw on my extra set of eyes.

Jeremy picked the frames out. I think he did good. And now, I can see all the pores on Randy Jackson's face as he grooves to those excellent Idol auditions. Literally. I think I could count them.

So do you wear glasses? err...corrective lenses? Do you love your eye doctor? Are you a ~~full-body~~ contact kinda person? Do we have any colored contact peeps in the house? Let me see (heehee) your vision situation via comments please!

The New Loo

2009-01-26T11:18:00.003-05:00

Our first floor bathroom view (from the mirror reflection) before:

Yup - that is our archaic washer and dryer hanging out in the first floor GUEST bathroom. I had a constant fear that I would accidentally leave a load of laundry in there. Then a uber-nosey guest would go in there...shut the door...and check our undies for skidmarks. It was terrifying. At first chance, we moved that sucker to basement - away from the prying eyes of panty peekers.

Now when you peer into the bathroom mirror, the reflection looks a little more refined with my newly painted cabinet! YAY!

Before the cabinet was dark, dated and pretty depressing. After a little TLC, I brought this baby back to life.

All my beast needed was a couple coats of primer and paint. I used a roller for all the flat parts, a foam brush for the crevices and a regular brush for the spindle-y legs. The primer was actually Zinsser's oil-based primer - which is fabulous for furniture because it seals and is a stain blocker. This hand-me-down didn't have any visible stains but it was an extra measure that ensured that no hiding blemishes would peek through my white top coat. Two coats of primer (three is special spots) and two coats of Benjamin Moore's base paint in Pastel White gave the dark veneered wood a traditional, clean, and time-lasting look.

Ya'll voted for the color of the inside and I listened. Since the vast majority chose the blue-gray smokiness of Benjamin Moore's Atmospheric for the inside of the cabinet and the inside of the drawer, I made a mental note that the next time I was out I would get a pint. But when Jeremy was making a trip to Lowes - I decided that I probably could find an alternative color that was screamed Atmospheric. Enter Valspar's Winter Flannel. Immediately, I was totally crushin' on this color. A little less blue and a little more gray than the Atmospheric. And is it just me or is this not as punchy but more cozy? Or am I just taking cues from the name?

We definitely splurged on the hardware. Usually I have a three dollar limit for each knob or handle. But when I saw these brushed nickel pull cup handles - they practically danced their way into my buggie. I got them at Ace Hardware - but for an online version, check these out.

I also moved some of the existing art in the room. The two black and white pictures that flanked the window now live above the cabinet. I got them at TJMaxx for $5 each.

I told Jeremy that when I bought this art that they were an interpretation of us. He is the one on the left....orderly, stable, transparent. Me - I am the right hand photo...messy, romantic, and sometimes I fall apart. I knew I was meant to own the b&w prints. Plus now I have a clear view to ponder the balance my boyfriend brings to my life as I do my bid'ness. Two thousand points go to interpersonal art.

So that is it folks. The tour of my new bathroom complete with new-old cabinet is finished. But now that I spent so much time in the loo, I found about seven more things I need to add to the to-do-list. Does that happen to you? It's like chores only lead to more chores. Maybe we should all just leave it as-is and quit, that way we would have tons more time for more important things...like reality TV :)