The Life of a Future Domestic Goddess

the return of Domino?

2012-02-09T15:59:00.000-05:00

I have to admit I loved Domino Magazine from the very first issue. I was Lucky subscriber when it launched and they offered it to subscribers for something like $5 for 3 years! I was hooked. Then, sadly, just as I was really getting into decorating and buying my first home it was shut down. You can still find great images from the magazine online but it's just not the same.

Now, after years of hearing how much we've all missed it Conde Nast is bring it back with a special issue! It comes out in April and will be called "Domino Quick Fixes."

Because it is a special edition it will cost more than your typical monthly mag but hopefully will be worth the $10 price tag. Apparently it will feature both new and previously published info. Can't wait to check it out!

wordless wednesday: valentines decor

2012-02-08T08:24:00.014-05:00

where do the days go?

2012-02-07T08:51:00.000-05:00

The days are just flying by right now... good thing since I'm 35 weeks pregnant! Although it's mostly because our house is on the market! It went up on Feb 1st and the showings are starting to come through! Fingers crossed.

A few weeks ago we finished up a project that had been hanging over our heads for literally months. Framing the bathroom mirror. Last year I won a Moen Mirrorscapes kit from my friend Roeshel over at The DIY Showoff! It was on my list of things to do before the end of 2011 and I got it done with days to spare!

Let me show you the before pic... just plain standard builder mirror. Boring.

And the after... really wish I did this earlier so I could enjoy it!

I chose the Mirrorscapes 3000 series in Antique Nickel. Here's a close up from the Moen site:

Thanks again to Moen and The DIY Showoff for sending this great product my way!

wordless wednesday: velvet

2012-02-01T08:37:00.000-05:00

coming out of hibernation

2012-01-25T09:06:00.000-05:00

Hi there! Remember me? Sorry I've been MIA for the past few weeks! We've been busy getting the house together to go on the market. So get ready for some projects! The photographer is coming tomorrow to take pictures... ahhhh!

Last week we were in Atlanta for a quick house hunting trip while I'm still allowed to travel. Talk about last minute! The good news is.. we found a house! We will officially be moving in May 1st! I'm already saving pics on Pinterest and working on some inspiration boards for the new place. The house is a lot bigger than our current home so we're going to need a ton of stuff!

And of course we're getting closer and closer to the baby's arrival! I'm 33 weeks this week and getting larger by the minute! We've gone to the childbirth class and started getting his room together but I still feel totally unprepared. I guess that's normal... My shower is this weekend though and I think I'll feel better once I have some of the "stuff" he will need!

Come back tomorrow for a long awaited project post!

wordless wednesday: tufts

2012-01-25T08:33:00.000-05:00

wordless wednesday: kids rooms

2012-01-18T09:32:00.000-05:00

stella & dot Spring 2012

2012-01-12T08:48:00.000-05:00

I always love Stella & Dot's spring line but this year is really fantastic. I love all the blues and greens! They are my favorite to wear for spring and summer!

I'm really obsessed with the Serenity earrings. There are two sizes and three different colors. Seriously fantastic.

Here is the larger size. I love the jade green shade! And they're only $49!!!

Here's the small stone drops. Available in aqua or blue.

I always love the La Coco necklaces because they can be worn in so many ways! I just love the coral color for the summer! Here it is paired with the Paradise Brooch. The necklace is just $59!

Lastly, I'm also really loving rose gold right now. I've been obsessed with wearing gold, specifically bangles for over a year now and now I'm throwing rose gold into the mix. These bangles are seriously amazing.

Check out the entire Spring collection here!

wordless wednesday: winter whites

2012-01-11T08:38:00.000-05:00

happy new year!

2012-01-01T09:11:00.000-05:00

Wishing all of you a happy and healthy 2012!

wordless wednesday: beautiful trees

2011-12-21T09:40:00.000-05:00

a vintage buffet

2011-12-15T18:14:00.000-05:00

A few months back, well way back, a dear friend gave me a buffet and dining table that she was getting rid of. It was in pretty bad shape but I love these old vintage pieces! At the time, I had only known I was pregnant for a few weeks and was thinking about keeping the buffet for a nursery. So once the first trimester was over and I was up for a little painting I began thinking about how I wanted to paint it. When we found out we were expecting a boy I knew I had to do something a little different. My standard white just wasn't going to cut it. I looked through the Benjamin Moore fan deck until I found the perfect shade of gray. It's called gray. Seriously. It's the perfect dark gray for a little boys room!

Here she is freshly delivered in my garage....

I used some gray primer on this one since I was using a darker paint. I also decided I would reuse the brass hardware so I primed them and then painted them with a flat black spray paint. Two coats of paint and some poly later here it is up in the baby's little nursery...

I love that it has so much storage with both drawers and cabinets! And because it's so long it will be perfect for a changing area too! Now I just need to get around to ordering that crib...

easiest Christmas project ever!

2011-12-13T07:24:00.000-05:00

I saw this picture from One House Love on Pinterest a few weeks ago and thought it was such a cute project!

Seriously so easy! And it only took minutes! I used a few different sized vase filler type ornaments I had around and some small magnets from the craft store. Then just use a dab of hot glue to attach the magnets to the ornament. That's it!

free printables!

2011-12-09T08:49:00.000-05:00

I've seen so many cute printable gift tags and other holiday goodies in the past few weeks so I thought I'd post them all!

These are from Sass & Peril. They are seriously cute. Click here to download!

A few of my favorites are from Jones Design Company. Emily is seriously talented. Check out these gift tags! She even has a few different colors!

And if you are looking for a last minute party invitation Emily has that covered too. So cute!

How about some adorable art? This word tree is from Simple As That. Great to use yourself or a gift! And it comes in 4 different colors!

How cute are these round gift tags from Smile Like You Mean It? Click here to get them!

Enjoy!

wordless wednesday: christmas stockings

2011-12-07T07:47:00.000-05:00

pretty packaging

2011-12-02T08:01:00.001-05:00

Yes, I'm thinking about wrapping Christmas presents already! I love to pick one color or theme every year. This year I'm thinking a more natural, neutral look. I searched pinterest for some inspiration....

Here's what I came up with...

wordless wednesday: white christmas

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sarah's House: Holiday Edition

2011-11-29T15:23:00.000-05:00

You may remember a previous post about Sarah Richardson's farmhouse from her show Sarah's House... She has it ready for the holidays in Canadian House & Home! The pictures are stunning! It's just what you would imagine for a country house!

christmas project ideas

2011-11-28T08:07:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I'm busy doing some Christmas decorating today and thought I'd share some cute project ideas that are perfect for the holidays!

How cute is this spray painted welcome mat? Such a great idea!

I would love to receive these bath fizzies as a gift! Martha Stewart really thinks of everything!

How about adding a little glitter to plain pillar candles? Who doesn't love a little sparkle for the holidays? So easy when you use double sided tape! Click here for the instructions!

Love these ornament magnets from Young House Love!

More glitter.. but so cute! And cheap! Glitter Reindeer.

No sew ruffle tree skirt from Miss Mustard Seed! If I hadn't bought one last year I'd be all over this project!

wordless wednesday: paisley

2011-11-23T08:24:00.007-05:00

custom onesies

2011-11-17T07:30:00.001-05:00

A few months back I was thinking about some baby gifts to give to a few friends. I remembered seeing these adorable applique t-shirts from Jones Design Company and thought I could make my own version for these new little babes.

Following Emily's instructions I headed out to get plain onesies, some fun fabric and fusible web. Then you just need to select an image, shape or letter that you'd like to go onto the onesie.

Once you get the image the size you want, print it out and cut a piece a fabric close to the same size. Then simply iron the back of the fabric onto the fusible web. So easy.

Cut out the letter or image while the fabric is cooling and trace the outline of the image right onto the back of the fusible web. Now, if you're doing a letter you'll need to do it in the reverse so it irons on correctly.

Now, just cut out the shape! Lastly, iron it right onto the onesie! Seriously so easy! And who doesn't love a custom gift like this??

I spotted this tutorial for a tie applique on pinterest and used the same technique for this adorable one too. Try this one yourself!

wordless wednesday: ombre

2011-11-16T09:11:00.001-05:00

wordless wednesday: suitcases

2011-11-09T08:12:00.001-05:00

22 weeks

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Finally over the half way mark! We're narrowing down names for the little guy and I'm getting ideas together for the nursery. Things are moving along! I thought I'd share the inspiration board I made for the nursery in our current house. I wasn't sure if I would want to get a crib before we moved but think I'd prefer to have the option of putting him in his own room. Who knows if he'll ever actually sleep in it in this house but he'll at least have his own space for all his stuff!

As for the details...

DIY bird mobile - Instructions from Spool. Seriously so cute. I love the idea of using various fun fabrics.

Black Jenny Lind Crib - Such a classic. Can be found everywhere these days. Here's one from Babies R Us.

Bedding - My mom has been making quilts for a year or two now and I picked this fabric from Annette Tatum for the quilt she is making for the baby. Then she offered to make a matching bed skirt to go with it! I found the fabric on fabric.com but you can also purchase the bedding directly from Annette here.

Chevron Basket - Probably the first item I purchased for the baby when I found out I was pregnant. I spotted it on pinterest and bought it off of etsy! I love it! From Treasured Totes.

Wall Color - Silver Drop by Behr. I actually painted the room over a year ago in this color. It's one of my favorite neutral grays. My living room is the same color actually.

Dresser Color - A few months ago one of my best friends gave me a dining set that she was getting rid of. I had just found out I was expecting and was waiting to paint the buffet until after the first trimester, and until after we found out what we were having. Once we found out it was a boy I knew I wanted something a little darker to add some contrast to the room. So Benjamin Moore's "Gray" was the perfect dark gray I was looking for. Once I get the buffet moved up to the nursery I'll be sure to post the before and after! You would never know it's the same piece!

wordless wednesday: in the navy

2011-11-02T08:27:00.000-04:00

2011-10-31T08:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween!

image from terrain

wordless wednesday: halloween decor

2011-10-26T07:29:00.011-04:00

Stella & Dot Holiday 2011

2011-10-21T08:28:00.002-04:00

Wanted to share a few pieces from the Stella & Dot Holiday collection! I'm obsessed with gold these days and love that they included more rose gold! It's perfect for the winter!

Harlow Bangle $32

Annabelle Necklace $69

Maddie Pearl Earrings $29

Third Time's a Charm Necklace $69

Madeline Pearl Necklace $98

Caroline Pendant Necklace $59

Goddess Teardrop Earrings $34

baby on the brain

2011-10-20T08:42:00.003-04:00

If you follow me on Pinterest you know I've been looking at nursery inspiration. Particularly nurseries for little boys. That's right... It's a boy! We could not be more thrilled. Although the nursery at our current home will be quite basic since we will be moving I still feel like he will need a little space of his own. I'm finishing up the first project for the room today! Here are a few rooms I've found...

wordless wednesday: white

2011-10-19T07:16:00.001-04:00

back in action!

2011-10-18T17:16:00.000-04:00

Got my new computer today! Woo hoo. It's funny how out of touch I felt without it! Trying to get everything off of my old computer transferred to this one so I can post everything I've been working on! Stay tuned!

technical difficulties

2011-10-05T09:35:00.000-04:00

well, my computer is officially dead. So I'll be on a little hiatus while ordering a new one....

wordless wednesday: chicken wire

2011-10-05T06:14:00.000-04:00

wordless wednesday: poufs

2011-09-28T06:08:00.000-04:00

2011-09-27T18:36:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much for all your comments, emails, and messages! We are so thrilled! I am starting to look at all this baby stuff we will need and it's overwhelming to say the least. So, I'd love to hear what your must haves are. And what did you register for that you never used? I'd love to hear all your ideas and opinions! Here are a few favorites I've found so far...

wordless wednesday: fall wreaths

2011-09-21T07:47:00.000-04:00

cha-cha-changes

2011-09-20T09:22:00.000-04:00

It was a busy summer around here. Hence the lack of blog posts. So, if you're reading this, thank you for sticking around! I promise posting will be back on a regular schedule! We have lots going on and I'm thrilled to be able to share it with all of you!

First, we're moving!! And I mean really moving. From Philly to Atlanta! We're beyond thrilled to be moving to a city we love and have spent a good bit of time in. And we have some fabulous family there! So, over the next couple of months we'll be prepping to get our house in tip top shape to put it up for sale in early 2012. Believe me I have a list of projects that need to be done asap!

And in even bigger news.. we'll be bringing this little one with us..

That's right, because I like to do everything at once, I'm pregnant! I'm a little over 15 weeks and am finally getting back into the swing of things. I'm due in March and it will certainly make for an busy Spring!

Again, thank you so much for sticking around through such a slow summer. I can't wait to get back to sharing projects with all of you!

best cupcake ever.

2011-09-19T08:12:00.001-04:00

I found this recipe on Pinterest a few weeks back and had been waiting for the perfect early fall day to make it. It was seriously the easiest, best cupcake I've ever made. All you need is a can of pumpkin and a box of cake mix. No oil, eggs, water or anything. Mix the 2 ingredients together and bake at 350 for 20-25 mins. So easy. I topped mine with a little bit of cream cheese frosting of course... Happy Fall!

wordless wednesday: plaid

2011-09-14T07:48:00.000-04:00

heading out

2011-09-05T07:55:00.001-04:00

We're heading to Las Vegas for a few days for a little end of summer vacation! See you soon!

fall fashion

2011-09-01T08:29:00.001-04:00

I LOVE the summer but always get excited for fall clothes. Maybe it goes back to the years of back to school shopping?? This year I turned to Pinterest for some inspiration...

Love the leopard flats!

I can't wait to get into boots and leggings again!

Love this comfy look!

Need to get myself a new jean jacket.

wordless wednesday: chevron

2011-08-31T07:15:00.002-04:00

checking in

2011-08-29T13:58:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to quickly check in today! We are cleaning up from Hurricane Irene around here. We finally got our power back on late last night! I never knew how much I could miss it! Here's a pic my neighbor took of the flooding in our neighborhood. Hope everyone on the East Coast made out okay!

wordless wednesday: nailhead

2011-08-24T07:30:00.001-04:00

wordless wednesday: whites

2011-08-17T07:27:00.003-04:00

Stella & Dot Handbags!

2011-08-15T07:27:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to share the new line of Stella & Dot handbags! Now I can't wait to see them in person! They are manufactured in the same factories as Kate Spade, Coach, Burberry and Prada!

First up is the Waverly Three Way Bag. I love that you can wear it multiple ways!

Here it is being used as a clutch...

Here is the Soho Wristlet! It comes in three colors! I love it as a gift idea!

Here is the Lafayette Crossover Bag! I love the classic yet edgy look!

Next is the La Coco clutch. Probably my favorite of the collection. I love that you could use it to run to the store or for a black tie wedding! It has a clever little bar on the front so you can personalize it with a brooch! It also comes in black!!

Lastly, the Soho Key Pouch. Perfect to stick a few items in for a night out or to keep in another bag! Shown below is the black patent leather but it comes in three finishes!

Check out the entire collection here!

wordless wednesday: quilts

2011-08-10T08:11:00.001-04:00

2012 ikea catalog!

2011-08-09T19:11:00.000-04:00

I know Ikea is totally hit or miss but I do get excited when the new catalog arrives in the mail. There are a bunch of new additions that I'm really liking...

The ISALA coffee and side tables. Love the fabulous gray color and the turned legs. I always love a coffee table with a drawer for remotes etc. And it's only $199!

The side table also comes in lilac which would be adorable in a bedroom!

This SODER pendant is so cute! Can't you just see it in a fabulous closet?

I'm also loving these vintage inspired white frames...

How great is this footed serving bowl? It reminds me of a Simon Pearce. And for a fraction of the price!

I don't think this little bed is new, but I've never noticed it before! It would be so cute in a little girls bedroom! I love that it extends from toddler size to twin.

Looks like I need to head over to Ikea to check out the new goods myself!

wordless wednesday: canopy stripe

2011-08-03T07:04:00.000-04:00

wordless wednesday: potting benches

2011-07-27T07:44:00.000-04:00

a wedding present

2011-07-22T10:39:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago my step brother got married! I wanted to give them something personalized as part of their wedding gift so I decided to make them a family sign! I received one as a wedding present and it was one of my favorite gifts!

I started out at Michael's to get a wooden wall plaque. I then spray painted it with some black paint. Then I used this method to paint their last name and the year! Finally I distressed it with a palm sander to give it that aged look. Such a great, easy project!

I saw this tutorial on Dear Lilly about making crepe paper peonies so I just had to try to make them for the perfect wrapping!

wordless wednesday: decorating with shells

2011-07-20T06:55:00.000-04:00

wordless wednesday: rope decor

2011-07-13T06:50:00.012-04:00

fall collection!

2011-07-08T10:19:00.000-04:00

It's finally here! The new collection from Stella & Dot debuted last night and it couldn't be more fabulous. I love that the pieces are hitting so many big trends right now and make a big statement. It's definately edgier than seasons past. Here are a few of my favorites...

Tudor Studs $39

Serpant Bangle $49

Astor Five Strand Necklace $158

Amelia Drop Earrings $79

Chantilly Lace Chandelier Earrings $49

Isadora Pearl Bib $128

Click here to check out the entire collection!

wordless wednesday: mason jars

2011-07-06T08:04:00.011-04:00

happy fourth!

2011-07-04T07:47:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July!

wordless wednesday: summer whites

2011-06-29T07:53:00.012-04:00

beach cruiser

2011-06-28T08:38:00.000-04:00

Ever since we were in Hilton Head I've been dreaming of the perfect beach cruiser... I need to find one to ride at home. I'm loving the beachy look and need a cute basket for the front!

All pictures found on Pinterest.

style for a steal

2011-06-27T08:32:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to see the new line of Stella & Dot that comes out in the next couple of weeks! In the meantime, some great pieces are on sale to make room for the new goods! They are selling out quickly so hurry and check them out!

Signature Clover Cuff $55

Stella Vintage Link Bracelet $62

Penelope Necklace $55

Musette Necklace $79

Charlotte Statement Necklace $89

Pave Clover Necklace $47

Festival Til Dawn $99

Gold Leaf Earrings $27

Garden Party Earrings in Ivory $43

Clover Single Wrap Leather Bracelet - Purple $19

Grace Pearl Bauble Bracelet $71

To check out all the sale items visit my Stella & Dot site.

wordless wednesday: blue and white

2011-06-22T09:22:00.009-04:00

do you pinterest?

2011-06-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

I have a slight obsession with Pinterest. I've only had it a few weeks but I'm loving it! Especially the iPhone app! Follow me here!

Here are some great pics I've found!

easy summer art

2011-06-20T13:36:00.000-04:00

I've been looking for something to hang on the walls of my powder room for a few months now. I just couldn't figure out what I wanted so I thought I'd do something summery. I stopped at the craft store and picked up a couple different frames, some starfish and a sea fan. I also had this cute sea fan print from etsy!

I used a hot glue gun to secure the starfish to a shadowbox frame and then just cut the bottom of the sea fan off so I could just put it in the backless frame. So easy!

wordless wednesday: white floors

2011-06-15T08:54:00.000-04:00

renegade collection

2011-06-13T07:45:00.000-04:00

Have y'all seen the Renegade Collection from Stella & Dot? It's gorgeous! The fall line comes out next month and this is just a little taste of what we'll see. And the prices are amazing! I am so excited about it!

Cluster Ring $44

Cluster Bracelet $59

Mini Drop Earrings $24

Mini Cluster Hoops $29

Layering Necklace $69

Cluster Necklace $59

beach bound

2011-06-03T06:34:00.000-04:00

I'm off to my favorite place in the world... Hilton Head Island! See y'all in a week!

summer reading list

2011-06-02T06:32:00.001-04:00

I love to read, especially in the summer. I look forward to all the new books that come out in the summer months. I thought I'd put together a list of some books I'm looking forward to reading! Please send any and all recommendations my way!

wordless wednesday: garden stools

2011-06-01T08:33:00.000-04:00

red, white and blue

2011-05-30T07:38:00.002-04:00

Happy Memorial Day! In honor of the holiday I thought I'd share some red, white and blue decor! Enjoy!

greek key

2011-05-27T13:36:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago I picked up this dated faux wood tray. It was in desperate need for a makeover! I just loved the Greek key border though so I snatched it up! Here it is after a good cleaning...

I started out by spraying the whole thing with my favorite Heirloom White..

After a few coats I found some left over gray paint I had laying around and hand painted over the key design. Here it is on my coffee table... Perfect for the summer! I think it'll be great for bringing drinks out on our deck!

wordless wednesday: runners

2011-05-25T07:24:00.000-04:00

sarah's cottage

2011-05-23T13:52:00.000-04:00

Please tell me you're all watching Sarah's Summer House on HGTV! Finally it has come to the US. Last summer Sarah's cottage aired in Canada and now it's finally here! I personally love Sarah Richardson's design style so I've been looking forward to this forever! Here are some pics of the finished project!

starting with a blank slate

2011-05-19T07:24:00.001-04:00

It's not very often I have the chance to refinish a piece of furniture that is completely unfinished. So when a client purchased this vanity in Lancaster a few weeks back I jumped at the chance to paint it!

We decided to paint stain the top of it with a dark stain and paint the rest black. I love how it came out! And I love that I didn't have to strip it all down even more! Please ignore the sponge painting on the walls.. that's up next!

wordless wednesday: outdoor living

2011-05-18T08:03:00.004-04:00

easy makeover

2011-05-17T10:21:00.000-04:00

My sister found this stool a little while ago and thought I could give it a makeover. Oh how I've taught her well! It had good lines but the terrible needlepoint just had to go!

So I painted it with some flat black paint and then recovered the top with some tan linen I had around. Super easy and it makes a huge difference! (pardon the terrible picture, it was so dark out I had to use the flash!)

wordless wednesday: driftwood decor

2011-05-11T07:53:00.003-04:00

Calypso St Barths for Target

2011-05-10T10:25:00.001-04:00

Please tell me you all have checked this out already! It's fantastic! I love the look of Calypso's upscale line but the prices, not so much... So I couldn't wait to see the Target line in person! Here are some of my favorites:

I LOVE this pouf. It looks like an expensive one you see in all the shelter mags. And it's only $60!!! I ran to the store to pick this baby up for myself!

These candles are a steal! The regular Calypso candles don't come cheap..and it's huge!

How fun is this pillow? It's even more gorgeous in person! It's actually embroidered!

Now for some accessories.. I love this little clutch! And would you believe it's less than $15?

They even have fantastic wedges that look just like the full priced line!

And if you need a beach bag... this one is stunning!!

Beth's kitchen

2011-05-09T08:54:00.001-04:00

Over the past week or so I've been helping my friend Beth with a budget makeover on her kitchen. My favorite type of project! After she saw my kitchen island she decided she wanted to paint her cabinets.. which led to a new floor and wall color. Here are some before pics of her kitchen:

(yes, her kitchen looks exactly like mine.. we live in the same neighborhood!)

And now for the after...

The colors aren't right in this pic but you can see the glass tile backsplash and the chalkboard painted fridge!

The details:

Cabinets painted in Glidden's Onyx Black

Walls painted in Farrow & Ball's Pavilion Gray (color matched at HD)

Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint in Black

Linoleum tile flooring from Home Depot

Glass tile from Home Depot

Stay tuned for a backsplash tutorial!

equestrian love

2011-05-07T08:37:00.000-04:00

In honor of the Kentucky Derby I thought I'd share some great horse accessories! We live in an area known for horses so it's even more appropriate in my own home!

First up are these amazing bags! I know, not really home decor but they are stunning! I think I might need one for my fall bag this year! You can get them in a variety of colors and even can pick from three different images! Seriously cool. Check them out here.

The next two are from PB. I love them both! I think I'm going to need to order the hook!

Love this horse pillow from Etsy. Maybe because it has the same image as the bag above?

How cute is this wooden sign? And of course that it's whitewashed.. another Etsy find.

And no home would be complete without a lucky horseshoe.. I happen to have one over my own front door! Love this silver one from my friend Mary's shop on Etsy. Urbanfarmgirlandco

wordless wednesday: mini bars

2011-05-04T07:00:00.003-04:00

may flowers

2011-05-03T20:20:00.000-04:00

Hi guys! Sorry I've been MIA recently! I've been working on a ton of projects that I can't wait to share later this week. I made a quick flower arrangement for my mantle today! It's perfect for the late spring/early summer decor!

I found this metal pitcher at Goodwill a few weeks back for a couple bucks. It had some terrible flowers in it but I took them out before I even left the store and knew I could do something with it...

Heirloom White to the rescue! A couple quick coats and some faux hydrangeas from AC Moore and it's like new! I love the little bees!

wordless wednesday: barn doors

2011-04-27T07:49:00.002-04:00

game room tables

2011-04-25T07:04:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back I picked up a set of end tables and coffee table for my mom's gameroom. The green is way too country but it's just the style I was looking for. I decided to repaint the legs in flat black paint and then strip the tops for a more rustic feel.

Here are all the legs, primed waiting for paint.

For the tops I used a chemical stripper to take off the stain. I gave them a good sanding and then sealed them with a poly. I wanted to have them a more rustic look. Here they are with the black legs. Amazingly easy and they look fantastic!

25% off!

2011-04-24T08:25:00.000-04:00

save 25% this weekend on your highest priced item! Saturday + Sunday only enter SPRING11 at checkout. Happy Shopping! www.stelladot.com/janorourke

last minute easter decor

2011-04-22T06:55:00.000-04:00

Last week I saw this adorable egg topiary over at Dear Lilly. She madeover a store bought topiary into something a little more her style. It was such a cute project! So when I spotted a basic Easter egg topiary at AC Moore yesterday I knew I needed one for myself.

So here's what I started with... The urn base is super cute but the fake flowers and chocolate eggs, not my style.

I removed all the flowers and taped off the urn so I could spray paint it.

After a couple coats of Heirloom white I filled in some of the gaps with a little moss I had around. So easy! Happy Easter!

wordless wednesday: neutral living

2011-04-20T08:50:00.000-04:00

Stella & Dot Summer Collection

2011-04-18T09:04:00.000-04:00

This week Stella & Dot came out with a few Summer pieces to add to their fabulous Spring/Summer line. They always have the most gorgeous summer styles!

wordless wednesday: painted furniture

2011-04-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

spring mantel

2011-04-12T10:26:00.000-04:00

After a preview of summer yesterday we're back to April showers today... I did manage to get some flowers planted before all the rain, so it's looking more and more like Spring around here. I thought I'd share my spring mantel today. Hope it's dry where you are!

wordless wednesday: shades of gray

2011-04-06T07:47:00.016-04:00

spring bling

2011-04-04T10:59:00.000-04:00

I wanted to do a little Easter decor for my house. I'm not big on all the bunnies and eggs but thought my home needed a little something. So I found this egg wreath in the dollar section at Target and knew it was exactly what I needed.

I decided to remove all the eggs and cover them in glitter! I used a toothpick to hold the eggs while I used a brush to cover them in Tacky Glue. Then I covered them in some gorgeous Martha Stewart glitter. I picked white gold for this project because it has more of the vintage feel I was looking for.

I let them dry overnight to secure all the glitter. Then I used a little hot glue to attach them to this little nest I found at Michaels. I thought it would look adorable under a glass cloche on top of the trunk in my entry.

I loved the look so much that I ended up covering all the eggs and putting the extras in a pedestal bowl on my dining table.

candle project

2011-04-01T13:37:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back I found these adorable vintage tea cups at Goodwill. I picked them up with no idea what to do with them but I just had to have them. After staring at them for a couple of weeks I thought they would make great candles!

So, I headed to the craft store to pick up some supplies. I decided on soy wax because I usually buy soy candles. You'll also need wicks, a scent (if you'd like), a candy or candle thermometer and a pouring pot.

Melt the wax in the pouring pot by setting it in simmering water like a double boiler.

While it's melting you'll need to secure the wicks to the containers. I used a dab of hot glue.

Once it gets to the temperature recommended on the wax you let it cool a bit, and add the fragrance. Then just pour it into your containers (or teacups!)

You'll need to make sure wicks are straight.. I found that chopsticks are perfect for this!

Then let them cool and you have a great candle! I love this as a gift! I actually keep one of the empty cups on my bathroom sink to put rings and other jewelry in so they don't get lost!

wordless wednesday: gallery walls

2011-03-30T07:16:00.004-04:00

field trip to Winterthur

2011-03-29T09:14:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend some girlfriends and I went to visit Winterthur in Delaware. Winterthur is the estate of duPont family and has been turned into a gorgeous museum. It also happens to have the largest collection of American furniture in the United States. If you're in the area it's really worth checking out. Especially if you love furniture like I do!

For more info on Winterthur head over to their website winterthur.org.

spring wreath

2011-03-28T09:12:00.000-04:00

I'm working on bringing spring into my house this week with some fun projects. First up is my new wreath! I saw Emily's idea for a ruffle wreath on her blog and knew it was exactly the look I was going for.

I started out with a basic straw wreath form. They are super cheap and you're going to cover the whole thing anyway! I then wrapped the whole thing with strips of linen. Here it is:

I then made some simple ruffles and wrapped them around the wreath as well. Securing with some hot glue.

The wreath looks great just like this but I thought it needed a little spring bling. I picked up a couple flower pins at the fabric store and a couple rhinestones. I used some hot glue to attach the rhinestones to the flower. So cute!

I then used my trusty hot glue gun to attach the flowers to the wreath. Lastly, I hung up the wreath with some white ribbon I had around the house. It looks great, and was super easy! Now I just need to work on the rest of my spring mantle.

Here's how Emily added a little sparkle to hers!

weekend whites

2011-03-26T09:42:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling crafty these days so I'm working on a bunch of great projects to share next week! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

wordless wednesday: terrariums

2011-03-23T07:13:00.003-04:00

quick, easy wall art

2011-03-22T10:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I made this super easy wall hanging for my office. I thought of the idea when I spotted a vinyl wall decal at Homegoods for only $3! It came with two different chandeliers, I just needed to find a place to use them!

So I picked up a 16 x 20 canvas and some linen fabric at the craft store. I covered the canvas with the fabric just and secured it with a staple gun, just like you would a chair!

Once the fabric was stretched over the canvas I took the back off the wall decal and stuck it right on! So easy!!

This wall decal also came with some stick on rhinestones to add a little bling. I decided to do one with the rhinestones and one without. I love the look of a little bling on the rustic look of the linen. Seriously such an easy project!