Question of the Day...

will you choose to live your life with the joy of the front row,

or the solemness of the third?

happy weekend...

rachel :)

via pinterest

Elf on the...Swing?!?

This little guy made his grand appearance this morning...

That's our Elf on the Shelf, Blake...only he made his debut on a swing, not a shelf. A swing attached to our 1950's chandelier. Awesome.

I am hoping he will work his magic on the Smurfs! Happy first (your shopping days are numbered) weekend of December!!

Rachel :)

Getting Ready for the Holidays...

Since Thanksgiving was a little early this year, I feel really on top on things! The tree is up...and decorated...the holiday china is out...the wreath in the kitchen is up...and my dining room is a mess!Everything that doesn't have a holiday home yet is currently hanging out on the dining room table. My goal is to have it cleaned up by next week AND to have the mantle, and rest of the house, somewhat decorated. While I will not go out and purchase all new holiday decor this year, I am leaning towards a more neutral and green color pallet...

Talk about inspiration...just looking at these pictures make me want to get to work!!!

Rachel :)

...more pictures and all sources can be found on my Christmas Pinterest board...

DIY Kitchen Tile BackSplash

So...I know nothing about tiling. As in zilch. Zero. Nada. A few months ago, my dear friend Ann asked me if I could tile her kitchen backsplash. She and her husband had purchased the tile (and "stuff"), and it had been hanging out on her dining room floor ever since. I thought sure...I'd go to the tile class they offer at my local Home Depot, learn how to do it, and help her out. Well...I missed all the tile classes in September, they offered none in October, and all of a sudden it was Thanksgiving and I still didn't know how to tile. This is why I have the most wonderful friends. I can seriously not know anything about anything, and they still want me to come over and practice on their houses. Their nice houses..that they love! Talk about having faith in someone!

The kids and I got up Wednesday morning and headed to the big metropolis of Gray. Luckily our kids love each other so it was great that they were able to entertain themselves while we got to work. Here's how it went down...

before

before

getting ready to put the tile up

tile is on and dry...grouting

waiting to wipe off and surveying the mess I made...

after

after

after

after

They picked out a great tumbled slate mosaic blend tile. The tiles are 1" x 1" and came on a 12" x 12" mesh backing. We went with a coordinating tile strip to break up the pattern and add a little  more texture to the backsplash. It's super durable and will be able to handle any kitchen messes that might go its way!

Rachel :) 

Happy Fall!!

Have a great Thanksgiving! See you guys next week!!

Rachel :)

DIY Wooden Picture

As soon as I saw this video, I wanted to share it with the world! Best idea ever! And cutest video ever...enjoy!!!

Let me know if you do this and how it turns out!

Rachel :)

$50 Room UpDate

Shannon's living room has a few more tweaks before I show the entire room, but I am super excited to bring you a sneak peak. Yes...its only a wall...but a great new look...Remember before?...

This wall of a door and windows leads out to their backyard. Here is what it looks like today...

Completely different. Minimal money. Seriously. I started by removing the window panels, bamboo shades, and the wooden grid on the door and windows. I primed and painted the walls and doors. I kept the same curtain rod (really I would have liked to used a longer one, but sometimes you need to use what you've got), sprayed painted it black and gave it a RAISE! If you are hanging panels, raise the rod!! We discussed using the old panels and sewing fabric to the bottom to lengthen them, but ended up purchasing two drop cloths instead (I love those things) and hanging them. Total cost for the paint and panels was about $50.

She went from being scared of going too neutral to loving the new look! The black door keeps the color pallet neutral but adds enough contrast to make her happy. Happy Shan =  Happy Rach!!

Rachel :)