Out with the OLD, In with the NEW

While reflecting back on this past year, I realized it was mostly filled with traveling and house updates. 


We spent most of our time on the East Coast, except for Chris taking a trip to Southern California for work. We explored many places in Virginia, including Richmond, Norfolk, the Chesapeake Bay, Bristol, Roanoke, Charlottesville, Warm Springs, Williamsburg and places in between. We also made stops in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and DC. We had some awesome beach vacations to Hilton Head and Kiawah Island--sooo RELAXING! 

As Far As Home Improvements..

We managed to add some curb appeal to our home by painting our front door. It definitely makes us stand out on out street. In 2012 we plan giving the abode a good wash, hopefully staining the deck, and purchasing and/or building a shed.

*BEFORE*

*AFTER*

Our kitchen had a transformation between the beautiful kitchen island (thanks to my dearest daddy) and some fresh coats of paint. We tossed the old vertical blinds and put up a pair of chocolate brown panels and added a fun floral rug under the island. In the new year we may continue to contemplate changing the counter tops and possibly install a bead board backsplash. 

*BEFORE*

*BEFORE*

*AFTER*

*AFTER*

The living room (although still a work-in-progress) had a game changing make over. We were able to upgrade our couch, have built-ins made and installed (again by daddy dearest), got a new coffee table for Christmas, I threw some pillows together, and rearranged and redecorated frequently. This year we have plans to paint the walls a light gray hue, finish up some coordinating pillows and add some wall art. I have a plan to get a new rug, still trying to convince the hubs.

*BEFORE*

*BEFORE*

*AFTER*

We have bought some other eclectic pieces scattered through out the house, but above were the big projects we are proud of from 2011. One of our biggest goals for the house this year will be to finish painting the other rooms. Also, I want to get rid of some of the random clutter and be better about being purposeful when I buy stuff. So far I think I am doing well, I sold our old couch and coffee table and.. I didn't go to one antique store when I was in Richmond this past weekend. Go me!

As for my personal resolutions goals for 2012:

• I want to run and/or exercise at least 3 times a week
• Sign up for 3 races
• Read 3 books
• Take better care of my skin (I have been really bad about washing my face before bed)
• Of course be a better and more understanding and loving wife, friend, daughter, sister and co-worker

I am looking forward to what the Lord has in store for me this year, specifically being a auntie :) x 2 !!

Before I forget I want to THANK YOU for reading the random craziness I write about! You are what keeps me writing!

Pillow Talk

If you follow my pinterest than you know I have been searching for pillows for our new gray sectional.

I fell love with this collection,

(source)

Specifically the floral fabric (but after I found the fabric for $46-$60/ yd I didn't like it too much anymore).

The day we purchased the sofa we hit TJMAXX, Target, and Pier 1 (we don't have a vast selection of stores here) hoping to find some inexpensive pillows, unfortunately we came up with nothing. I poured over the internet and still couldn't find exactly what we were looking for, so I moved on to Plan B (which really should have been Plan A) making my own.
Last year for Christmas my big brother bought me a yard or so of beautiful Dwell Studio fabric in the Gate Citrine pattern.

I was in love instantly and for the past year I have been contemplating making some pillows, but didn't have anything they would go with, so I held off until now. I have only made two pillows in my life, one in home economics in 6th grade and another I sewed this summer out of clothe napkins, neither hit on much.
..So on to plan B, I found an easy tutorial at SewMamaSew and I was able to make three pillows ( all different sizes), I am so pleased with how they turned out.

 I wasn't sure how my husband was going to like the pillows, since the fabric is slightly too geometric/modern for his taste. It took him a good hour for him to notice them when he got home from work, so they must not be too crazy. I just ordered other coordinating fabrics from fabric.com to finish everything off. It is such a good feeling when you can make something you love for much less than the retail price, such as this same pillow at DwellStudio for $72 (no thanks). The other pillows on the couch are ones I was using in guest room and I did have to buy my favorite pillow at target for good measure (or maybe because I have been in love with it since Target started carrying it a few years ago).

As you can tell we still have yet to paint the living room, maybe this weekend if I get put on call..or it might just happen after the craziness of Christmas. Also, I am keeping my eyes opens for another rug and coffee table. 

I am loving this style of coffee table because it is sort of modern with an antique/our taste look..

(Ballard)

Do you know where to find similar coffee tables at a reasonable price? 

Hope yall had a great Thanksgiving!