Simple Details // Blog Love

Reading through the comments on my last post affirms what I already knew about those of you who read this blog:  you are thoughtful, kind, compassionate, self-aware, nonjudgemental, and just generally good people.  It makes me feel more comfortable sharing my life with you via the Internet. :)  I recently stumbled upon a new (to me) blog via Pinterest and wanted to share this goodness with y'all!  

Pam of Simple Details is a wife and mom living in Dever with some serious DIY and design talent.  I found her when I was looking for a tutorial for spotted leopard-like walls because I wanted to do that in my office.  Well, check this out! Pam was actually featuring the DIY starburst flush mount tutorial (which is awesome), but those walls!  Turns out she did it with a stencil and will be sharing the process on her blog soon.

Browsing through her posts (I love getting lost in a new blog!) I found this DIY nailhead ceiling.  Are you kidding me?!?!  Talk about a long, dedicated process with stunning results!

And then there's one of the best Ikea hack's I've seen in a while, this faux Ostrich Rast chest.  Very expensive looking, but only $75 (including the chest!).

The emerald green she chose for this wooden dresser makeover is so cool.  Not to mention her styling.  You really need to see the "before". 

I'll leave you with those four projects, but be sure to check out her blog and get lost for a couple hours like I did! 

Have a great weekend!

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Is There A Happy Medium Between Enjoying Your Things & Minimalist Living?

I have spent several hours rearranging and reorganizing my closet over the last few weeks. I consider myself fortunate to have a large closet, so I want the space to be useful and look nice. As I surveyed the area to create organizing solutions, I realized just how much stuff I have (clothing, shoes, jewelry, bags). Over the years, I have pared down and donated much of what I wasn't wearing anymore, but I also purchased more jewelry as a Stella & Dot stylist, thus adding to my collection.  

At the same time, however, I'm really drawn to articles like this that discuss a minimalist lifestyle, pursuing your greatest passions in life by owning fewer possessions.  In January especially, I tend to go pretty minimal and also go on a spending freeze.  During that time, I do find myself cooking more and being more "present" in my home.  But by March, with the weather warming and new styles popping up, I'm itching to start shopping for Spring fashion.   

Can I want/enjoy the new styles and things I already have and still have a minimalist mindset?  Can I admit I like my closet? Maybe the answer is in not letting my pursuit of things detract from the bigger, more important parts of my life.  For instance, yesterday, I was leaving a doctor appointment with my mom and dad and my son was home with my husband.  I considered stopping at the mall on my way home (child free shopping time!) but felt a little tug in my heart that just said I should go home.  I can't explain it, it was just my Spirit speaking and I listened.  It wasn't like anything major happened when I got home, but I know that tuning into that inner voice never leads me wrong.  Maybe stopping at the store would've meant that I wouldn't have had time to make dinner with my son that night - and that was a precious time. 

I think we all have that Spirit or Intuition inside and the point is to let that be our guide. I'm sure there will be days ahead where it feels perfectly fine inside to do some shopping or buy a new outfit.  I can usually recognize when I'm shopping to fill a void in my life or because I'm upset. In times like that I should call a friend, exercise, or maybe journal or meditate instead.  Similarly, I have to make a conscious effort to put down the technology and devote time to my family.  I'm bad about this one with all the apps on my phone. I love checking in on my Instagram friends or browsing Pinterest, but I know I need to put it away and PLAY with my son, cook with him, read together.  He's almost 4 and I say this every year, "this is my favorite stage so far."  I've toyed with the idea of going television free, but really, who am I kidding?! First of all, my husband would never go for it and I still watch trashy reality shows. But I think about it and the advantages it could have. (Have you done this? I'm so intrigued by those people and I mean that with all sincerity.) 

I keep putting off finishing my closet post and I think it's partly because I don't want it to feel like, "Look at all this stuff I have and how well I organized it all" (ew.) because at the same time, I embrace being present with people, looking them in the eye when we're together, and I know the real value of love and relationships.  Yes, things are just things. I'm proud of my organizational skills and have found a lot of joy in styling and photographing spaces in our home for this blog.  Whenever I get feedback from you that you enjoyed a post or that it helped you find a solution for something in your home, it's very gratifying.  Thank you for that.

This post isn't written to solve the dilemma about having/saving/giving/living with less, but so that you will know my heart a little more on the subject.  Do you struggle with this too? Have you found your happy medium?  I think I'm doing okay but could definitely use improvement.  

Pics of the closet will be coming soon . . . I just need to get in there and photograph it! 

Thank you Court for inspiring this post. ;) 

Guest Bedroom Update with Pintuck Duvet

A few of my blogging friends and I are sprucing up our guest rooms this week and sharing a few tips to help you make your guests feel welcome when visiting.  Our guest room gets used most often by my in-laws who live out of state, and I'm hoping my Grandma will visit soon too. 

This beautiful white pin tuck duvet cover was provided by Crane & Canopy, a company known for their quality bedding, which is also pretty and affordable.  I love how it makes the king bed feel like one you might find at a nice hotel with fresh white sheets.  The duvet is 400 tread count, 100% cotton sateen, and very well-made. I kept everything else in the room minimal so that people will have a sense of fresh and calm while they are here.  To add a little color to the room, I brought in a couple pillows and a throw blanket from another room. 

A good pair of lamps is important for your quests, especially those who like to read in bed before falling asleep.  I also like to sneak in and turn on the lamps at night so that when guests enter their room at night, a soft light welcomes them in.  You could also light a candle. Fresh flowers are just nice and thoughtful. These grocery store daisies are inexpensive and last for about two weeks.

I always keep a clock, pen, paper, and coaster on the nightstand. 

A welcome gift basket is always appreciated.  I filled this tray with some of the basics: fresh fruit and chocolate, water, books, magazines, and a cell phone charger.  I try to keep my guests' interests in mind when I choose the magazines and books.  

It only takes a second to leave a message for your guests. 

Some other things to be mindful of when having guests over is to leave space in dresser drawers and/or the closet for their clothes with extra hangers, fresh toiletries, towels and washcloths and perhaps a hairdryer if you have an extra one.  

You can check out my friends' guest room spaces and tips also:

Hi Sugarplum

A Thoughtful Place

Home Stories A to Z

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On Honey We're Healthy:  I've made progress on my fitness program. :)  See the Week 3 recap and photos here. 

Our Breakfast Room

A few changes in our breakfast room has given it a whole new look.  We spend a lot of time here eating meals, hanging out, and my son plays and does projects on the table.  It is often a mess, but I try to clean it like this at the end of each day.  I remember so well when we first moved in and didn't have anything in this space for a long time, except a rug, then after about 3 months, decided on the table and benches.  Six months after that came the drapes (I picked out the fabric and had them sewn).  At some point we added the roman shade because we were being blinded by the late afternoon sun. 

The benches are great for kids, but I often prefer to sit in a chair that has a back- much more comfortable.  Sometimes I put two chairs on the end of the table and have the benches on the sides, but moved them for now.  We bought 10 upholstered dining room chairs when we first moved in, so there are enough to have them in the dining room and also in here. I still have to remind my son to take off his shoes and not stand on the chairs but so far, so good in keeping them clean. The benches are currently backed up to the couch holding books and magazines.  I'm loving this extra storage!

But, I'm most excited about the new rug! We previously had a jute/sisal rug, but it just looked like too much beige in the room and I wanted something with more color and pattern and that would be easy to vacuum.  I think this busier pattern is helping hide dirt and spills- always a plus with a toddler.  I thought the tan in the rug looked creamier online, but now I think it's better darker and won't get as dirty looking. 

I like the size of it for this space too (6'7 x 9'6). 

I don't think the barstools are very comfortable because they are   super stiff, but my husband likes them, so . . . I guess it just depends on your preference.  It was challenging to find barstools in the height we needed because it seemed like most of them were either too short or too tall. 

I love picking up grocery store flowers- daisies last forever if you change the water and cut the stems.  

Source List

Dining Table & Benches

Upholstered Chairs (similar- I'm not sure they sell ours anymore)

Drapery Fabric Windsor Smith Pelagos Fabric in Mist 

(I got mine at High Fashion Home for $15 a yard, but they told me when I bought it that I was buying their last of it and they wouldn't be getting more.)

Barstools

Rug (Joss & Main) 

Have you shopped Joss & Main before?  They feature sales that last for a few days but you can find things at great prices.  You need to sign up to view their sales.  It's free, and you can sign up here.  (If you sign up through me and make a purchase, I'll earn $15.  I bought the rug with commission I earned so THANK YOU if you signed up through my link!)

Mirrored Accent Table  

Mirror

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You can also find me at my fitness blog, Honey We're Healthy.

Sugar Paper LOVE

My love affair with paper knows no end.  Yes, I already downloaded a FREE printable 2014 calendar that is hanging in my kitchen and I had a 2014 desk calendar, BUT I hadtohave these Sugar Paper calendars that I found on clearance last weekend.  I mean really, how can you resist these designs at 50% off?  I'm sure before 2014 is over I'll have used all of them!

The inside of the smaller one is also adorable and it comes with a weekly and monthly calendar. 

And how cute are these?!

And the inside.

This wall calendar is fabulous too.

What do you think?  Have you seen them at your store?

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On Honey We're Healthy: The 10 vitamins and supplements I take everyday. 

My Fashion Snapshot

Hi guys!  Hope your week is off to a good start!  I've been staying pretty focused on trying to get in shape, eating regularly and working out 5 days a week, but this weekend I also started reorganizing my closet and plan to share that with you as soon as it's done.  It's been a project, but I'm already loving it! You can see a sneak peek on my Instagram. 

I'm still going with clear spaces in my home and on the console table in our entryway, just added a vase from Homegoods and some fresh lilies.  So simple and pretty, but almost too fragrant.  

If you want to check in on my fitness progress, I posted a Week 2 recap on Honey We're Healthy.  

Also, I'm talking fashion and sharing my new favorite ankle jeans on my friend Courtney's blog, A Thoughtful Place.  Come check it out!

Paint Colors in Our Home

I'm often asked about the paint colors used in my home and wanted to compile a list so you (and I!) have them all in one place.  All of the paint is by Sherwin Williams- it's what our builder used and I've been happy with it, so I stick with it.  Of course, it's difficult to get a true reading of a paint color over the internet.  Sometimes I edit my photos to make them brighter which may distort the color, but I've tried to pick the photos that depict the way the color looks to my natural eye during the day.  Also, the color changes depending on the light in the room.  If you have any questions, leave me a comment and I'll reply to it.  I hope this is helpful! 

All Downstairs Walls - Accessible Beige

I previously reported it was Agreeable Gray because that's what I thought- but after buying Agreeable Grey for touch-ups around the house, I realized I was wrong. :( I had go into the attic to see what old paint we had and finally figured out it is, in fact, Accessible Beige.  Agreeable Gray is cooler, but not too terribly different.  I repainted the entire entryway wall (the one with the stripes now) Agreeable Grey and it blends very seamlessly with the adjacent wall that is Accessible Beige.  I hope this makes sense! 



The best way I can describe Accessible Beige is as a creamy greige.  

full post HERE

All of the walls downstairs are Accessible Beige- except the entryway stripes, so you can refer to other photos below to see how it looks in other rooms.  It's also in the upstairs hallway.

All Trim, Ceilings, and Cabinets - Divine White (flat)

full post HERE

full post HERE

Inside Kitchen Cabinets - Urbane Bronze

Stripes - Urbane Bronze 

This is the wall I accidentally painted Agreeable Gray.

full post HERE

These two walls are Accessible Beige and Urbane Bronze.

full post HERE

Downstairs Bath Door- Black Fox (Semi Gloss)

full post HERE

Inside Media Cabinet (first)- Jamestown Blue

Inside Media Cabinet (now) - (Urbane Bronze)

full post HERE

Hallway Doors - Black Fox (semi-gloss)

full post HERE

Master Bedroom, Sitting Room, & Bath - A New Gray 

full post HERE

full post HERE

full post HERE

Son's Nursery - Blissful Blue

The color is similar to what's on his ceiling now. 

Son's Bedroom Walls -"Indi-go-go" by Benjamin Moore - color matched at Sherwin Williams)  

full post HERE

Son's Bedroom Ceiling - Honest Blue

full post HERE

Home Office (Now) - Divine White 

Which is the same as our ceilings, cabinets, and trim.  It's a soft white.

full post HERE

full post HERE

Closet Island, Shoe Shelves, & Dresser - Venus Pink High Gloss 

This pink is very pale/sheer.

full post HERE

full post HERE

full post HERE

If you have any questions, let me know! 

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On Honey We're Healthy- check out my Ultimate Workout Playlist if you haven't already.  It gets me though every tough workout! 

Popular Pins // Valentine's Day Edition

Put me in the camp of, "I like to celebrate Valentine's Day, but it doesn't have to be a huge celebration. A small acknowledgement of love is great."  A little love note, a great piece of chocolate or sharing champagne, a cute nighty, a flower . . .  you get the idea.  I think Valentines are for everyone too- kids, girlfriends, Mom.  I've got a few things picked out for my son already. :) 

Below are the most Popular Pins on my Valentine's Day Pinterest board.  You can follow me on Pinterest HERE. 

Free Valentine's Printables via Love From the Oven

133 repins 

Christi has other free V-day printables on her site, just as cute too. 

Burlap Valentine's Treat Bags by Cassie at Hi Sugarplum 

92 repins

The bags, the ribbon, the tags, the stitched hearts!!!

Doily and Heart Mason Jar via Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

 94 repins

Simple crafts are best in my opinion.

Free Chalkbaord Printables via Nest of Posies

105 repins

I like how she included PINK in her art.

Heart-Shaped pancakes via Cheryl at A Pretty Cool Life 

102 repins

Wouldn't that be awesome to wake up to on Valentine's Day?  I think I'll make some over here. 

Brownie Hearts and Brownie Bites via Martha Stewart

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For dessert! 

Valentine's Heart Attack by Brittany at The House That Lars Built

100 repins

Does it get any sweeter?!  

Kids Valentine's Heart Attack by Cindy at Skip to My Lou

234 repins

I definitely want to do this!  Words of encouragement and affirmation are my specialty!

Sequin Love Sign by Mom and Daughter duo Pop Cosmo

112 repins

So happy to have found this blog!  

My  DIY "you hold the key to my heart" has been popular too.  Thank you!  Get the mat HERE.

675 repins

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!

On Honey We're Healthy:  Operation Get Lean Week 1 Recap & Treadmill Sprint Interval Training

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Dr. Oz New Health and Fitness Magazine