Homefront: Massive Roadside Coffee Table

I spied this massive coffee table, hiding under a dirty king size mattress next to a filled garbage can on the side of the road. I told my mom to "stop the car!" and we got out and saved this sucker, (she was worried we were stealing). She held up the mattress while I, in my crazy 9 months pregnant state, slid it out from under. Together, we hefted it into the trunk of my Volvo wagon and prayed it wouldn't fall out as we slowly drove home, since we couldn't shut the door. I had been searching for a sturdy, cheap coffee table and finding one for free is always awesome.

Now, we can all put up our feet, eat snacks, and the boys can destroy it all they want and it's not going to topple. We just removed the iron scrolls since two were missing, and now all it needs is a coat of paint, maybe a neat lace stencil design? This place is getting closer to what I envision it to be every day.

Blog Makeover : Love Jess Designs

It's been busy, busy, busy around here lately! With having a new 7 1/2 week old infant and traveling to showcase her to family, and hosting family to come visit, we are finally, and hopefully, settled for the summer. I haven't (embarrassingly) even unpacked my suitcase yet...

So, it's about time I acknowledge Jessie of My Mod Style, for my wonderful blog make-over! I love, love, love it!

 She is so easy to work with, she knew my style and was able to decipher my scatter brained ideas and help me stay organized. She gave my blog a clean, modern, fun and organized feel. Not only does she work with blogs, but she does websites, art prints, and even interior design boards, so she can even help you with redesigning your craft room or bedroom.

If any of you are in need of some graphic help, then she is your woman! Visit her Love Jess Design site for details.

Homefront: DIY Rag Garland Window Cover

I did a quick little fix during the week. Our front door has a window (and no peep hole) that lets in some light, but I feel exposed not having it covered, like any tall creeper can just peek in looking for me so they can sell me something. So my wonderful husby added these lovely taped up papers a long while back.

I wanted to make a curtain or faux roman shade, but couldn't hang a rod on the door, nor did I have any fabric laying around for that. I also saw a really neat cellophane/tissue paper tutorial for a stained glass effect, but didn't have the energy for finding the glue. But I did have an old piece of white fabric that I tore in strips, and some jute and command strips, I decided to make a little rag garland. I tied them like this easy tutorial here via Yesterday on Tuesday.
 

 

The fabric scraps weren't long enough to cover the whole window, so the little swag will have to do. To hide the command strips, I just made some quick fabric rosettes, kind of like this tutorial here, and hot glued them on, so they will peel off whenever.

It's not perfect... but compared to the alternatives, creeper peepers or ripped papers... it's an improvement in a shabbily charming sort of way. Have you ever made any last second, functional  fixes that turned out okay?

Sweet Treats: Apple Blackberry Blueberry Pie

The summer sun brings summer berries. And with that comes summer treats. So when I had a fridge full of berries, I knew just what to do with them. There was a small disagreement about a making pie vs. a cobbler/crisp... but the pie won, largely b/c I had already thawed my pie crusts. It was going to just be apple, but we didn't have enough, so I added blackberries and blueberries to the mix. I used this recipe, but I also added some cinnamon and all we could think was it had a potpourri type flavor and fragrance to it. David folded the pie crust edges, he did much better than I do! The fruity sauce color was so pretty.

 Hubster thought the pie looked okay in the pics, but he suggested adding Elisabeth to make it much sweeter.

 The boys enjoy pretty much any kind of sweet we put in front of them. Naturally.

 Being adorable is such an easy job for her.

He also realized Miss E is about the same size as she was in my belly, and he wanted to experience that for himself.  She was not too impressed.

Inspired Rooms: Bachelor Pad Nursery

I simply, madly adore this nursery, aka "Ike's Bachelor Pad" from Design Crisis. I would love to do something like this for my boys room. The drummer art, the stuffed giraffe, the hot air balloon chandelier and Persian rug are what floors me. Okay, so to be honest, so does the rocking chair and the gorgeous gray walls, ( Pratt and Lambert’s Wolf)... I basically love everything. Be sure to visit the link for more pics, details and supply info!

Ornate Frame Prop for Family Pics

I have been getting a lot of amazing thrift and garage sale finds as of late, (which those re-dos will eventually be blogged).... but this massive, gaudy frame is a favorite! It was only $1 at a garage sale a few weeks ago. Hubby is not so in love with the print that came with it. I intended to shabby it up with a coat of spray paint, which I may still do, but am glad I waited because it turned into a really cute prop for some family pics we took over the weekend. I've compiled a pinboard of photo prop pictures that have been so popular the past several years for ideas, though here are a few we did. Have any of you used frames in photo sessions? If so, I would love to see them. I think a fancy oval frame would be neat to try next.

 

 

 

Happy framing!

Bits of Pink

bhg 

All of these rooms feature bits of PINK. Simply smashing, especially with natural elements

 of wood and earth tones. I must indulge somehow.

stellen herner

domino 

Eren Hays, San Pedro

stellan herner via sfgirlbybay 

 nester