I wasn't that interested in contemporary furniture until we met, but since we started working on our home together, he's introduced me to all kinds of great styles.  Some fancy Italian furniture has even made it's way into our home, although I still love my simplistic Swedish stuff as well.  After all, we don't want to have a bunch of things around that the kids (or I) will ruin.  We're not exactly careful with our things!

As long as we keep the modern look to our furniture and not our artwork, I'll be happy.  Modern art is just a little too much for me! 

Flower baskets always make a room look good -- you can spruce up a single dad's bachelor pad with a basket of ftd flowers or plants that will last even longer.  You can even make Father's Day special for your long distance dad by sending flowers in Canada or elsewhere around the world. 

Whether you want to surprise a special someone or add some delicious decor to your room, flowers are the best, fastest way to achieve your goals.   

I've found some beautiful wooden wall niches and other accessories online, and since storage is something we always need, I am really interested in buying some.  We desperately need a good way to store our books, and I would rather buy a wood bookcase than one of those pressed board ones they sell at Walmart.  Since this site sells magazine racks as well, I thought it might be nice to get one of those to go along with my bookcase.  The one we have right now is cheap and falling apart. 

I love that this company's prices are so reasonable.  It seems like wood is always vastly more expensive than other materials, and it's nice to be able to afford things that are well-made and built to last.  If you're starting to think that wood is good, check out those links and see for yourself!

The reasons for insulating the ceiling are obvious; it's necessary to keep the heat in, in the winter and the air in, in the summer.  But I know he's gotten a lot of questions about why he would want to spend money on the garage flooring.  The first reason is that it's very hard to keep clean when all you have down is cement.  Garage floor mats are good, but they can only do so much, so he feels like it's important to cover the entire floor with something that can be cleaned.  His second reason is purely aesthetic -- the floor looks nicer when it's all sealed and shiny with epoxy. 

Right now, we don't have money to spare on the garage, and we need to remodel the porch and add on a third bedroom, so I'm not sure poor Mike will ever have his beautiful garage floor.  He'll just have to keep dreaming (and throwing down that kitty litter stuff that soaks up oil) for now! 

Fortunately, we have a few nails already in the walls from pictures that were hung before we bought our house, and every once in awhile, I find something new to hang on them.  This time, I've been looking at Len Grossman's Silhouette Art.  I love the whole concept of the way he works.  His silhouettes are created using only paper and scissors -- he doesn't do any preliminary drawings. 

Another really cool thing about Mr. Grossman's art is that he is willing to come to parties and entertain your guests by doing their silhouettes.  Isn't that neat?  I remember my parents going to a party that had a caricature artist once, and they thought it was fun, but I bet a silhouette picture is something people would be more apt to take home and hang on their walls.   

Too bad we don't live in Ohio . . . maybe someday we'll get an artist like him around here!

Some of my livejournal friends knit socks and other things for themselves and their families, and I think it would be really neat if I could learn to do the same.  I'm a lefty, which makes it hard for people to teach me anything that involves the use of a dominant hand, but I'm hoping this article will help me out.  I found it on iContact, which is an interesting new article and email list site.  I guess I'll sign up for the knitting email list and see what else I can learn to do!   

I know Mike likes to go with brand names that he recognizes when we shop for the house, and so Kohler faucets are at the top of my list.  We usually try to pick modern things, as that compliments our taste better than more traditional items, and it seems like we can find a great selection online.

We also want a stainless steel kitchen sink as the sink we have is fiberglass and chips easily.  I don't want to worry about ruining our new sink if I accidentally drop a pot or something!  Been there, done that.  Hey, you try cooking while holding a 26lb toddler!

While browsing for kitchen accessories, I stumbled upon these amazing Kohler water tiles, and now my mind is back in the bathroom.  I've never seen anything like that before -- it looks so relaxing -- like standing in the rain on a warm summer day (and not having to feel all sticky and gross afterwards)!  Once we get this kitchen done, I'm making the bathroom a top priority. 

I found quite a few mailboxes online.  Once I filtered out the commercial mailboxes (we're going to be renting out our house soon, but we aren't going to have more than one tenant), I found these residential mailboxes that seem affordable and nice.  I like these, and I know my boyfriend will, too -- they're very modern and stylish.   

If you're looking for mailboxes, be sure to look online.  The selections at Home Depot, Lowes, and elsewhere are pathetic compared to the offerings of the internet. 

My first purchase is going to be a new set of taps or faucets for the sink.  We usually dye my hair in there, and the taps we have are stained from the time I decided to try black hair.  Nothing I do is able to remove the dye, and I can start using our laundry room sink to do my hair, so we might as well replace the faucet handles. 

I found these taps online, and I really like them.  They're called Nostalgic Taps, I suppose because of the way the handle is very old-fashioned looking.  I love things like that, and I think we might give them a try.  Our basement bathroom is very modern and so we might as well do the upstairs one a bit differently!

I've decided that there will be no moisture setting on my next dryer.  I've looked at all the dryer reviews I can find, and I am determined to find one that will work efficiently and also be able to handle the large loads I frequently run.  The one dryer review site I found even lists whether or not they have a moisture sensor, which is very convenient for me.

I hope Mike doesn't fight me on this.  He seems to like the machine we have even though it gets him in trouble with great regularity.  I guess I should be thankful that he does some of the laundry, but I just can't get over the piles of wet jeans and wrinkled shirts that are left behind when his moisture sensor goes haywire.

Off to read some more dryer reviews and contemplate my big purchase! 

One thing I've noticed is that there are many terrific places to visit in the fall, winter, and spring.  San Diego, CA is beautiful all year round, with sunny days and cool evenings.  Fun attractions like the San Diego Zoo are great for kids and adults, and the restaurants can't be beat.  Here's one site where you can find good deals on San Diego vacation rental homes. 

Another awesome vacation destination in California is Newport Beach.  Remember The O.C.?  Newport Beach rental homes are as amazing as the houses featured on that show.  Why not go and see for yourself?

Stop dreading the cold weather, the drudgery of the school routine, and the boredom that sets in during the fall, and book a vacation that you and your family will look forward to for months!      

Since it's summertime and picnics are in order, there's nothing like a batch of gourmet brownies or fresh chocolate chip cookies to finish out a simple hamburger and hot dog lunch.  If you're the hostess and you're not feeling terribly ethical, you can even pass Corina's goodies off as your own or treat your guests to Corina's themed party favors.  If you're simply attending the picnic, showing up with a batch of tasty baked goods wrapped in pretty packaging will please your host and everyone else in attendance! 

Corina's Confections are perfect for the coming holidays, too.  Get away from the traditional bottle of wine or fruit basket and instead, send brownies, send cookies, and send a little love!   

The good news is that I get to pick out new taps!  I hate the ones we have; they have some sort of white something or other on them, and it's stained from hair dye (though I don't suspect it was ever too pretty to begin with).  I'm looking at some traditional stainless steel sets like these now. 

In addition to the taps, I'm also thinking of putting on shower doors.  We found a Method product that keeps them wonderfully clean and new looking, and I am sick of everyone splashing water out of the tub.   

I'm actually really excited about having a new bathroom upstairs.  There's nothing that feels as good as showering in a fresh, clean space! 

I found a great condo rental rate Kauai that looks like a beautiful place!  Actually, after looking at a few of these places, I'm starting to convince myself that every Hawaiian location is simply gorgeous.  These Kauai beach rentals are also linked with a growing ecotourism movement, so you're giving back to the earth on your vacation.  The concept is pretty simple -- you're participating in sustainable tourism rather than wasteful consumerism.  Your money helps the local economy Kauai, Hawaii, which in turn helps the environment. 

It's a pretty neat idea that I hadn't thought of before.  Maybe I should stop planning my (wasteful) fantasy cruises and start thinking about a more eco-friendly vacation.    

However, if you're one of those parents who does want to invest in a plastic bubble for your child, why not try kevlar instead?  You can actually purchase kevlar sheets online, and I'd imagine you could do up an entire room in these things!  After all, you can't be much safer than if you're surrounded by kevlar. 

Okay, I'm feeling a little punchy today.  Truth is, those kevlar sheets could be a literal life-saver for businesses or others situated in risky areas of the country.  But please parents, don't try them at home!   

This product consists of a simple DVD that works to protect the image quality on your big screen.  It will remove screen burn, configure your tv for optimal performance, and achieve the best picture quality your unit is capable of.  Pixel Protector is a very important product for anyone who wants to protect their expensive television, and it's never too late to use it.  Even if your big screen is more than three years old, Pixel Protector's DVD will work to resolve your screen issues and improve your image quality. 

There's no point in investing in an expensive television if you aren't going to take care of it.  Give your family the gift of a big screen, and then protect it with PixelProtector!   

This Saturday, we're meeting our accountant in the morning and them going tile shopping.  Our kitchen floor is horrendous; we've needed new tile for ages now but we've been too cheap to put it in.  Of course, the prospect of new tile has me excited to replace the dinged up kitchen sink and the formica countertop, too!  My quest for a new (shiny, stainless steel) sink led me to Farreys.com today.  I found quite a few really beautiful sinks, too.  I think this one might actually inspire me to wash some dishes by hand instead of overworking my poor dishwasher.  Speaking of, I think I'm adding kitchen appliances to the list of things that must be replaced when we get new tile! 

Farrey's appears to have an equally good selection of bathroom accessories, door knobs, and other practical yet decorative items!  Go check it out and dream big!    

Grande Portal also has a good selection of inexpensive As-Seen-On-TV items -- who doesn't get a kick out of trying those!?  I wonder if they have my pasta pot . . . it's the one that has a strainer built into the lid.  And we need one of these to hold our remote controls; we're always losing them!  They also have space bags and a few other items I would like to try out around the house. 

I am really impressed with the selection of housewares at GrandePortal.com.  I think we could all get a few good bargains there!         

I was surprised to find myself missing grass and trees and my car -- oh how I missed my car!!  I really couldn't imagine myself raising children in the city, and I was repeadly shocked at how the downtown area of the city surely did sleep -- by around 5pm every night!!  By the time winter rolled around, I found myself never wanting to leave the dorm.  It was just too cold and windy between the buildings.

Of course, I still have fantasies about life in the city.  Now that I've had years and years away, I think it could be fun.  I get deluded by advertisements for afforable apartments, yummy restaurants, and exciting shows.  Still, I'm thinking a trial run is in order . . . did you know you can actually rent New York furnished housing for short-term?  That way, I could enjoy the city for a month or two and leave when I got tired of it all!

Sponsored post commissioned by Serr.biz.     

I really love the look of the cloudburst shower head, but I wish I could try it out before buying it. I like really high water pressure, and I am afraid a shower head like that wouldn't have enough pressure for me to wash my hair and feel comfortable.  Do you have any experience with them?  Comment and let me know!

Now I'll just need to take some time and compile my favorite pictures of the kids.  That shouldn't be hard since I already had a calendar made for my mom and my boyfriend's parents for Christmas.  If nothing else, Mike can laugh even more about my mom's ever growing "shrine" to her grandkids when she adds a custom lamp shade to her massive collection of pictures! 

When you use a referred professional blind technician to measure your windows, you can feel comfortable knowing that the window coverings you order will be just the right fit.  Using a professional installer will ensure that your blinds or shades are mounted correctly, centered just right, and secure on your windows.

Why not let GuaranteedBlinds.com save you some time and effort by giving you a great referral?           

The front porch is going to be our first project.  We have a beautiful back entrance -- we actually joke that it's too nice for the house!  But the front is in terrible disrepair.  Mike will be responsible for the siding and most of the construction, and I'm responsible for decorating.  As such, I'm looking for new outdoor wall sconces. 

I'd like something bright and simple.  Mike likes anything and everything contemporary, and this outdoor lighting site has a lot of really unique and modern styles.  I am thinking that we'll put up an exterior wall sconce and then match our door knobs and knockers to the same style of chrome used on the sconce.  I really like everything to match that way!

I am a bit weary of giving up all the free time we've had as a family to get back into house work, but I do think it will be for the best.  Maybe this time, we'll be able to strike a good balance between work and leisure time!     

I am starting to seriously consider using the self-storage facility down the street from my house.  It would take no more than a few kid-free hours to pack up the unused toys, baby furniture (yeah, baby never ded get the memo about sleeping in a crib), and other junk that we've collected over the past five years.  

Simplifying your life can make such a difference in your mental health.  Using self-storage ensures that you still have access to your things, if ever you should need them, while still allowing you to live in an organized home.

Storage Concierge will help match homeowners up with local storage facilities.  The new year is a great time to de-clutter!   

P.S. It's also a great time for college students to think about decorating.  Here's another page written by a university student friend of mine. 

I wish I could convince my family to up and move with me.  I know it would be a huge process and probably rather costly, but I feel increasingly pulled away from the United States.  I visited the United Kingdom back when I was in high school, and it seemed like a wonderful place to live.  Maybe it's all just an impossible dream, but I like to think I might get out of here someday.       

I've had death threats thrown at me before, and while I've always been able to ignore them, I should probably be looking into bulletproof glass for my windows.  After all, I've got kids at home and I don't need any of us getting shot by some random person who has an issue with my opinions.  Hey, bulletproof glass can make a statement, can't it?

In all seriousness, I'm not going to be changing our windows any time soon.  I think bulletproofing is something that should generally be reserved for businesses and cityfolk.  The only statement it's going to make at my house is, "Hey there, paranoid girl!" 

P.S. Here's what one of my university friends has to say about <a href="shades">http://loki.stockton.edu/~stk29458/blinds.htm">shades and blinds</a>.

Places like Norway and Denmark really intrigue me, though.  They have awesome programs that really take care of the families who live there.  I think it's going to be a long time before I give up shopping for property overseas.  One of these days, I'm going to say, "Sayonara America!"   

My friend recommended this awesome store called SeatCoversUnlimited.com, where you can purchase seat covers for just about every vehicle out there.  My boyfriend loves the idea of picking out a nice set and using them to protect the seats on our Sport Trac.  He says our leather seats are in danger of cracking and looking worn, and that seat covers will protect them.

I'm more concerned about how they'll look.  I guess that's just my decorative side.  The truck itself is orange, so it's going to take a bit of work to find a color to coordinate with the interior.  I like bright things -- maybe I can find rainbow seat covers or at least flame print ones.  My ride certainly won't be boring this winter!    

P.S. I've just started helping some university students decorate their dorms with blinds and curtains.  Pretty fun job, if I do say so myself.  I'm sure I'll be talking about it a bit more here!  

Some of the cabinets I've found are fairly attractive.  I don't think we'll be  making one the centerpiece of our living room, but it won't be awful to have one in the office.  Maybe we'll even set up a decor theme around our guns.  We can use the adorable moose border I found at the paint store, and dark greens and browns as accent colors.  It'll be like a cabin, without the antlers hanging on the wall (I am way to animal friendly for that)!  We can purchase a gun safe that will blend right in.

If you own guns, like we do, and you don't have them locked up securely, there's no better time than the present to purchase a safe.  It will surely be the most important furnishing in your home.       

In all seriousness, we haven't gotten to that point in our lives just yet, but we are doing everything we can to get there.  We had to take out even more home loans when we wanted to do some remodelling projects, which was a real disappointment.  Thankfully, those second mortgages are paid offf now, and we have a greatly-improved house to live in as well.  We used the money from our home equity loan to finish the basement and make room for the new baby, and we were able to pay it back quickly so we saved some money on the interest.  I expect it will all be worth it when we sell the house.

I am getting a bit sad about moving and leaving all the work I've done behind.  We'll be painting more before we go, and I have a feeling I'm going to have to use neutral colors so as not to offend the senses of our potential buyers.  That kills me -- there is no joy in painting in shades of white and beige.  Again, it all comes back to the hardship of mortgages.  If ours were smaller, we'd be staying put and painting the house red (or some other equally cheerful color).  Such is life.  Someday soon, we'll be working on a new home in a new place, and I'll love that one even more because it will be debt-free!      

I think I'm also going to take that as my opportunity to add some colorful kitchen gadgets as well.  I love the line of Kitchen-Aid mixers that come in just about every color of the rainbow, and I wouldn't mind leaving something like that set up on my counter all the time.  Even practical gadgets can be decorative, too, you know!

I may also pick up a pot rack so that I can display the Le Creuset cast iron cookware that I accumulated while I was working at their outlet store.  I could go nuts shopping for kitchen products.  It's too much fun to think about all the ways they can be used to create delicious meals and tasty treats -- and cooking is always so much more fun when you have a new toy to play with while you cook!   

Anyway, talking about moving has lead me to think about having a wedding at home before we go  We have a big, beautiful yard, and I don't want a fancy wedding in a reception hall, anyway.  I think it would be fun to fix up the garden, hire a justic of the peace and a wedding photographer, and tromp down the driveway into the arms of my waiting groom. 

What about you?  If you're planning a wedding anytime soon, I highly recommend this online wedding site for advice and information.   Make the most of your special day!

If you're not lucky enough to have instant DIY tutors available, check out DIY Extra.  It's a site chock full of articles on home improvement, designed for people who want to do their own work.  There, you can find building guides, hardwood and laminate flooring instructions, and even instructions for electrical projects -- though that is the one area in which I would recommend you spend the money for an expert if you're truly clueless.

Are you feeling hesitant about starting a big project all on your own?  Check out the safety tips; hopefully they'll keep you from falling off a ladder or slicing off any fingers!  You'll be surprised at how quickly you learn to make all kinds of home improvements!

Now the real question is:  What kind of project are you going to tackle this weekend? 

That comprehensive sites includes reviews of online furniture stores, so you'll know right off the bat whether or not you're dealing with a good company.  They also have a directory of stores that includes links to other merchants so that you can find exactly what you're looking for, for your home.I especially loved looking at the bedroom furniture stores.  Plus, they feature handy tips to help make your online furniture shopping experience a success!

Don't be afraid to start and end your furniture search online.  With the massive nature of the web, you're sure to find more options than your local retail store could ever hold, and myriad choices will ensure that you find a piece that you'll be proud to call your own.  Now take out that credit card and get to work!

Kaleidoscape Carpet Tile offers you the flexibility to choose your own configuration by simply rotating the tiles in different directions.  The six-tile area rug (which forms a 6' x 9' rug) offers 4,096 different possibilities.  Create symmetrical or random compositions depending on your taste.  Manufactured using top-quality materials with sustainability in mind, the 3-foot square carpet tiles are easy to clean and are not harmful to the environment.  They are constructed of recyclable materials, and with TractionBac non-adhesive installation system; no glue or tape is required.  They leave no residue on the floor, yet stay in place due to the high-friction coating.  Just lift and rotate the tiles to change the design.  Hard to imagine?  That's what everybody says.  Get a better idea by going to KaleidoscapeCarpetTile.com and Feel Free 2 Get Floored.

Doesn't that sound just perfect for me?  I love being able to change things around, and it certainly sounds like a unique way to go about covering up my hardwood floors without damaging them.  Now I just have to convince my boyfriend to start yet another home improvement project!

]]> 7/27/2006 7:40:00 AM http://www.8pixel.net/simpleblog/?view=pLink&id=159 159 I am going to be trying out another service designed for bloggers to make money from their blogs.  It looks like a pretty straightforward tool, and may be a way to earn some extra money for all the decorative things I want to buy.

I know blogging for cash is a pretty controversial idea, but when you're a stay at home mom working on one main income, even an extra $50 a month can make a huge difference!  I have a feeling this will work out to be an excellent way to get some spending money, and once I see how it goes, I'm going to encourage my friends to give it a try as well!

Cheryl also contributed a great article on finding appropriate window blinds for the living room.  I don't have a living room myself; that's too formal for my tastes.  I did, however, agree to get my friend from Kentucky set up with new blinds for her home next fall.  She's moving across the country and wants to decorate her house in true HGTV style.  I'm sure all these informative articles about blinds will help us make the right decisions.        

It's been a week and I still can't get these shades that are roman style out of my mind!  I'm considering shopping for cellular shades to replace the roman ones I have in my office -- I can't bear to look at them anymore.

How did roman shades get their name?  Do you know?  Please, clue me in!

If I were a rich girl, I would happily buy one of every item featured here.  I especially liked the flat-bags, made from recycled bicycle inner tubes and the large drying rack.  That one would be perfect for sunning the stains out of my son's diapers this summer.

Oh, and if I ever move to the UK, I'm telling my family to bury me in an Ecopod coffin.  Maybe that's a depressing thing to think about, but it sounds a lot better than being put in a steel vault and never having my body turn into worm food the way nature intended!  It's also pretty neat looking -- almost reminds me of a kayak!

  Do Mother Earth a favor and go green whenever you can!

Broken down into three simple steps, this website will help you create the perfect design for your environment.  You'll choose colors, fabrics, and styles that suit your tastes, while always being reminded to "keep it vibrant" -- advice I really love!  Check out the living room decorating section for suggestions on getting a "bird's eye" view of your space.  That makes such a huge difference when coming up with interior design solutions!

If you're craving even more expert advice from HomeUno, be sure to visit the HomeUno Blog, which is updated frequently for your enjoyment!

I'll let you know how it all works out!

Oh, and if you're so inclined, you can click here to advertise on my home and garden blog.  I'm always trying to promote this site, so over time, your ad will receive plenty of exposure!

The first thing I bought was the Pappa Rocking Beach Chair.  It's described as being very comfortable and relaxing. The padded armrest and the polycotton fabric provide you with exquisite support, while the pillow headrest and extended footrest add extra comfort. The chair is constructed from a black baked enamel steel frame designed to withstand all the elements. The gliding configuration allows for smooth rocking. And best of all, this chair folds flat, enabling beach goers to carry it anywhere they desire.  Since I have an infant, I think this chair will be just perfect for nursing on the beach and by the pool this summer.  I can't wait to try it out!

I also shopped around on the hammocks category page because I think my boyfriend would really enjoy relaxing with one of those in the yard.  They're supposed to be excellent for back and neck pain.  From what I've read, lying in a hammock perpendicularly can help relieve some of the pressure off your muscles. The hammock adjusts and molds to the weight and shape of the body perfectly, providing support to the body and removing pressure points.  In addition, the swinging motion and spinning motion of the hammock stimulates the cerebral cortex, therefore increasing a person's ability to focus and concentrate.  I could also try the hammock out with my yoga and meditation routine.

Before I finish my shopping spree, I'd love some feedback on the selections on the barstools category page.  I wrote to the company to ask for more details on the stools, and this is what their representative had to say, "All the bar stools are sure to spice up any home or business decor. Their stylish sleek look will definitely impress friends and family. The bar stools are designed for comfort, safety and durability. All their bar stools are built with an oversized seat constructed well to provide you with strong and sturdy support. The bar stools are built with an adjustable seat that is activated by a piston hydraulic lever, giving you the option to smoothly lower or boost the chair to the height of choice. The bar stools are built with a raised metal footrest to provide with a place to put your feet and enjoy maximum comfort."

They sound like well-made, durable products, but as usual I'm having trouble picking a favorite design.  Help me shop? 

He has some very unique ideas for the home, including wall graphics that add an artistic flavor to any plain painted wall.  I would love to give them a try in my living room or rec room since we have very few pictures hanging and are desperately in need of a little flair. 

Of course, there's unique and then there's just plain wild.  I think the idea of Lord of the Rings themed furniture is enchanting, but probably not right for my home.  Even if you're not an LOTR fan, there's sure to be several ideas in this blog that you could easily implement in your own home decor. 

Go check it out, and starting changing things around in your "interioer"! 

I love the idea of incorporating appliances into your home decor.  I'm one of those unusual people who enjoys spending time in the kitchen, and sadly, my kitchen has never received the proper decorating that it deserves.  I have a mix of appliances in all different colors and styles, and it would be wonderful to pick a color or type of finish and coordinate them all.  It won't be cheap, but it certainly will make my kitchen more inviting!

I'm looking forward to checking this new blog every day for more advice.   

I especially liked reading about how to save money on energy costs.  I recently found out that I'm going to be paying $3.19 per gallon of propane next winter -- almost two dollars more than we have been paying -- so any suggestions for improving energy efficiency and decreasing costs sounds good to me!

The article on finishing your basement was excellent as well, even though we accomplished that a few months ago.  It's always nice to hear that we made a good decision for our home -- and so far, we're really enjoying that new living space!     

If you're looking for home advice, keep checking out that blog.  I have a feeling it's going to end up full of wonderful tips and tricks in no time!

Though I didn't really find anything that struck me for her, I did find an adorable skateboarding room theme that would work perfectly for my friend's son.  Since my friend has been skating since he was a teenager and his son is currently starting to compete at the local skate park, I think this would be the perfect gift for them.  They have a skateboarding comforter set, complete with matching pillow shams, and even a wall border!  The primary colors in the set are blue and green, my all-time favorite combo! 

I'm definitely going back to Artistic Sensations when it gets closer to my daughter's birthday.  I bet we'll be able to find her a great new room theme there!  

Once I get some practice, maybe I'll even be able to sew window treatments for my family and friends.  I enjoyed making basic curtains for my living room, and I'm hoping that this new project will be equally as much fun. 

I'm glad that the author seems to really stand behind her work.  I know making roman shades won't be easy, but I feel like this will be a good resource and definitely a useful thing to learn!  Check back and I'll update you on my progress!

You can expect to read about my family (one boyfriend, two kids, one cat and soon to be three goats), my work, and all the other news that's fit to print!

And have no fear, I'll still be updating here frequently. 

]]> 6/2/2006 3:14:00 PM http://www.8pixel.net/simpleblog/?view=pLink&id=145 145 While we were visiting my boyfriend's parents over the holiday weekend, I noticed for the millionth time how depressing and dark their house is.  Even the main living areas have room darkening shades that prevent any light from getting in during the day.  Those are the kind of blinds that are terrific for bedrooms, but they're terrible for making an already dark house very pleasant.

I think I'm going to get them a set of Leann Sheers next Christmas.  They're so nice and light, and they would allow the sun to finally penetrate that depressing house.  I know they're working on painting and fixing up the place, so they should appreciate a new set of sheer window treatments.  I know it'll make me happy not to sit in the dark every time we visit!     

They fit in so perfectly with the rest of the theme!  We chose the Caribbean Woods line of tropical shades since they matched up so well with our wood moldings, and they've really put the finishing touches on our rec room. 

I really like these wood blinds as well; I would have had a difficult time deciding if I had seen them before I placed my order!

Basement pics coming soon . . . my kids have momentarily taken over the room with their toys and the beachy decorations are somewhat hidden!

Cellular shades are both attractive and practical.  They are terrific for insulating your home from the elements, keeping the heat in during the winter months and trapping the cool air in the summer.  Not only will your home be more comfortable, it'll be more efficient, too!  Double-celled blinds will help reduce your heating and cooling costs, while helping mother nature out at the same time.  You'll even get a better night's sleep, since these room-darkening shades block out the early morning sunlight quite effectively.  Everyone wins when you decorate with cellular blinds!

Then (insert scary music here) we received notice that our township's tax assessors would be evaluating our property and raising taxes accordingly.  We expected the finished basement to cost us -- and big time.  Finally, our turn for an assessment came, and the surprisingly cordial gentleman showed up to review our home.  He inspected the upstairs and then headed down the alternating tread stairway to the rec room.  "Oh," he said, "This won't affect your assessment.  The ceiling isn't finished."  Whew.

When a different man inspected my mother's house a month later, he told her that most people who finish their basements leave the ceiling open so that they won't be assessed for the extra living space.  Who knew?  I like our navy blue rafters even better now than I did when we first painted them -- what a great example of decorating on a budget!

Sunday, my wonderfully patient mother came over and helped me paint -- and I'm so glad I did!  My bedroom finally resembles a real living space. Now I'm on the hunt for a new bedspread (you try finding something in honeydew green!) and new blinds for the windows.  Ours are black and covered in waterspots from last year's spring cleaning.  I'm thinking of trying these ocean-blue cellular shades.  Here's a snippet of how the room is turning out so far.  Don't you think some pretty new window treatments (and that elusive new comforter) would make a world of difference?

]]> 5/9/2006 7:34:00 AM http://www.8pixel.net/simpleblog/?view=pLink&id=139 139 Doesn't it just kill you when you take a liking to something and all of a sudden, it's all the rage?  That happened to me first with pigs . . . I started collecting little piggy trinkets for my room when I was still in middle school, enjoying the challenge of finding cute and unique items, and within months, the shops were full of piggy this and piggy that.  My moose obsession was similar, and now the latest one of my previously personal favorites has been defiled by the masses:  the garden gnome. 

Unfortunately, I still love all those things despite their instant poularity.  One of my recent outdoor decor projects has been a habitat for the gnomes I'm collecting.  I visit Garden Gnomes Need Homes almost daily, hoping that one day I'll no longer find the idea of a hundred-dollar lawn ornament completely ridiculous.  I even have a vague hope that my children will give me the gnome bench my friend discovered in a gardening catalogue for Mother's Day.  Silly?  Absolutely. 

But I refuse to let the sudden trend spoil my fun!

My next project:  hang some art on the walls.  I don't care if it's the handiwork of Picasso or my three year old at this point.  I just want more color! 

I'm torn between a couple different types of blinds.  These hobbled Roman Shades really look like they'd do a fantastic job of darkening the room during the summer months when the sun is out long past bedtime.  But the basic, pleated shades I found come in so many wonderful colors.  I'm a sucker for cheerful colors.

I guess it's a good thing the baby is still sleeping in bed with me -- he's not going to care what his own room looks like for a long time!