new home design

Showing off Nicole

OK my friends, have I got a tour for you today! I’ve seriously been drooling over this house since I found Nicole’s blog and I couldn’t wait to show you. It’s a stunner…save some time to look through her site because the photos I’m sharing are just a start. :) Nicole blogs at <a href="http://thehousediaries.com" target="_blank">The House Diaries</a> and their home underwent a full renovation which resulted in some of the prettiest spaces I’ve seen. Now this wasn’t a “thrifty” transformation, but as always there are SO many details that can be recreated – which is what I love most about ogling pretty house pictures. As I grow <strike>older</strike> wiser I am taken with simpler decor and design. I find beauty in less clutter and big statements. Nicole’s house is full of them. Her <a href="http://thehousediaries.com/blog/2014/5/13/may-13-before-after-gabys-bathroom" target="_blank">daughter’s bathroom</a> is just beautiful, with vintage-style lights, a classic vanity and a slightly more modern floor tile: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2YcUA6jy4Y9HXfqIqpyYUu7HWAVhlJy8Q-ZoeE5S_Bg9dEgsL05-0plWiN_QnAAVzM65MoGlqkH6oMyge7utQCmMXOEup2WQ7mAgIfl4kibGvegHZhXLGPMkA0u_GCaqwWyg3Vlrh8w/s1600-h/kiddo%252527s%25252Bbathroom-%25252Bthehousediaries.com%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="classic white vanity bathroom" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpjNmvzHccVOU1PyDvlBCCXbLq77C4gZZuSNII0R-RNsmj686R_WZSdc-VLfZyU7keFATSdiCQCl5VwZ84IBwQjCWKoT9qHVFbfUDF5g0mVfooV_yYerV8UewAf3i-0E5tz6dHX45tjQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="classic white vanity bathroom" width="500" /></a> That’s one thing you’ll notice when looking at her rooms – her ability to combine the old, new, eclectic and traditional is fantastic. This <a href="http://thehousediaries.com/blog/2014/3/17/before-after-the-little-bathroom" target="_blank">smaller bathroom</a> is another example: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI_oYUcNWr_QqGKFEL8mOM21uLrR_g7j_ze6hzQ6yjuORexamgdmGK7Pr4rFCs0rN73rGd3hDMavd1Qu9dkkg30bCV0H2FTJSp0mW3lYItJtCzWgDS8wy7zjcJQfAUsIaHCYlXsEEX10/s1600-h/white%25252B%25252B%25252Bnavy%25252Bbathroom-%25252Bthehousediaries.com%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="white and navy bathroom" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7UdpeVtpLO1qXkpo-GYHkiaI5lB2ID1uHbGdJKQfi2nZUFo6ZXPkFoFICirJFpUaxet8s5-92tufxIIA0v1G_qCxI85ejM4aLAx2SsRZJzpeRdAeQBlndP7A39fas7nhbIOSQjvnSXM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="white and navy bathroom" width="431" /></a>I’ve been wanting to paint the vanity in the Bub’s bathroom a navy blue just like this. LOVE the contrast. I’ve also been wanting to add a window above the shower, and of course this has me sold on that too. Someday it will happen. Again, the <a href="http://thehousediaries.com/blog/2015/1/7/jan-7-big-bedroom" target="_blank">master bedroom</a> is done so simply but with layers and colors that make it feel warm and cozy: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1b0MdB_3pVEtpEWpCpBejwfe8PN0vTrz5D6Bonp90o9I1jbxPbTLgXBuw8PZGbtO3GYSoCZzg-4AjcutOTWxn1iWHFM7Lks9Yu-04-rGdm6bfpqAWzwnSFJhTf2HfjBllLYvVHPU-ibs/s1600-h/bedroom-%25252Bthehousediaries.com%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wood bed frame white bedding" border="0" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VJmvt_jJWMFX30lLvNCwpjItH14rkp8G8rNLvf3ApmaPbAEQJvrakngf-DPGpieyLhnQLDJqKYFeSj9aQH2ued-pi5aaAaiePuF5m_G_XVG6e9LY5FqAghKG4tR646ZoII3y50YBPgI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wood bed frame white bedding" width="500" /></a> They created a TON of storage space in those walls – go check it out to see it all. These are the lovely little details of an older home! Nicole’s <a href="http://thehousediaries.com/blog/2014/2/4/before-after-laundry-mudroom " target="_blank">laundry room</a> is the stuff dreams are made of. Seriously. At least dreams that involve laundry: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDwf9eBaJogDGCqsxzF3qYQzX20tcdEguFmbP-M4pX_l1Wzz2wPCDqYJPhuIqdA-dEwdD56CJzJteqRWE7NZ49CEhrfmG1DFL1TPlIkQoH2R0gf0umdwIzX_EM9DDPLHGg8Tn2fNmE9Y/s1600-h/1392234090725%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="white laundry room" border="0" height="677" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KyistJtVdd5ni5LYO3mgY-349LX3ECsN7UQYM81wLdN2oIC-ddqKlm-UByi_wHMnINrfqtxXp9yuwtEatwa0qnIv0lzgUPNvAJfV9UGSEF2DUozut1DPCZcboX-um6KxlZ8pVExwhyphenhyphen4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="white laundry room" width="500" /></a>It looks like they added a few windows during their renovation and I think that’s some of the best money spent. Natural light makes a home feel so bright and open. Especially important at the end of February when you’ll totally and completely over the cold and snow. Completely. OK, I saved the best for last! And of course this room is the one I’ve been studying closely because of our kitchen reno. I freaking love <a href="http://thehousediaries.com/blog/2014/6/13/june-16-before-after-kitchen-breakfast-nook" target="_blank">her kitchen</a>. It is stunning: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MQAVU_Ibf-NqNY64dUIPLU0b9qAtqOLV9mD4fJweYC7v8Ce0FRQkDSSVniBJpVC5WYgWkg0_iY1ORLN0jt4YI1tHI0iLMHhthm0mxHe72kuuWXpTdqWF9wWOXuifH1hk1WICGrZ-Tcg/s1600-h/kitchen-%25252Bthehousediaries.com%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="shelves under cabinets" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06IDlh4WaidlIX83XbRUsE3CbAuO3Ni-3Jn4ddaA0yAJjcVFi1tzwxT_9GKPXayOE-OoNec2iCt8FoB8XaYt35lnk15Xl0Zmusz5JxRFEMy02QCzRmfKR9SqPdl0yW_yK6DZUDA2Y7t4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="shelves under cabinets" width="500" /></a> I’ve seen the shelf under the cabinets a few times over the past few years and have been intrigued by it. A few of you suggested it for our kitchen reno and I’ve been contemplating the idea. It would involve moving the cabinets up and then installing the shelves underneath. I actually love the idea – I just can’t decide because I love the look of open cabinets above too. Again, her mix of traditional and modern came together so well! The vintage-looking lights, planked walls and kitchen table lean more traditional. The lighter wood around the windows, the kitchen chairs and the shape of the backsplash tile are more contemporary: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2zML5egd_VxfuLN-lBTsnIl93zdOvdSwfR4IML8ns6ux3c8lo2PkP6LcpqkIdd2MnEG5gxBidMaz_SiB3t_PhffUhOJsWZmsWaVCImhgB-4-vCzVdzCUscajw1iZUUlCnVSykRb0kKU/s1600-h/breakfast%25252Bbar-%25252Bthehousediaries.com%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="planked wall kitchen" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVA-U7yu9yWheiydBoTJsHrq0fCh2OhKgoV-BsMW2_qDmW1aHzuDVsuDTau48lZkVdJxNopPKTjBYlm2PyeYhY7_BfXW7qvR2JqL5S-YF0AeZzkWEWOQvdgANkcP_t1ckMj8YXIdouho/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="planked wall kitchen" width="500" /></a> It’s when I see these spaces with the white planked walls that I wonder if I could do it. I still think I need color on the walls but man, I can appreciate the beauty of the all white. It allows you to have so much fun with accessories and fabrics (like the fun chairs!): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou1mWaON4BTsg9TziBFgA2yxTezk8Hv_uye93kPW1JI5HwgWp1IoM-fo7WCIbPkTTTupuZdY9FE1TOtgvoQWKUCBM2SgVtNvRbpVmZ6VsHIoi5GGyj8_7m9mKe18WyVj12yXMmvZxGRs/s1600-h/nook-%25252Bblackboard-%25252Bthehousediaries.com%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="kitchen nook planked walls" border="0" height="734" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIxQ2TGNPioZB3UfrnfUILVXW0W0UjuMw7RCh-U7mu3AElqElOmdF8lsyx863TxMST__sg4JRuI72taNqgPwrRMWoW61hUtlxPjjHT2RjfLf7YFNhx4s9BUC3vTc-K5BV5hoJmZTPSAQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="kitchen nook planked walls" width="500" /></a>That huge chalkboard is so fun too. :) Like I said, this is just a taste of her home, go check out her blog to see the rest. I just love it – her photography is so well done too. Have a GREAT weekend, have fun and be safe!

Showing off Nicole

OK my friends, have I got a tour for you today! I’ve seriously been drooling over this house since I found Nicole’s blog and I couldn’t wait to show you. It’s a stunner…save some time to look through her site because the photos I’m sharing are just a start. :) Nicole blogs at The House Diaries and …

20Feb2015

The Right Island Stool

OK, I lied. I said I wouldn’t be doing anymore posts about the island. But I’ve gotten so many questions about our stools and how I cut them down, I wanted to address it in a post. So this one is technically not about the island…just kinda sorta. I got these stools from HomeGoods – and I actually found a tag on them that gave me a bit more info, which is rare. I found two of these last summer and then months later found another one…score! I’ve seen that every so often at HomeGoods – I know it can be frustrating when you find out something you love is from there but I’ve found they carry similar items throughout the country and those items often come back. (I’ve seen one of our family room chairs there many times over the years.) Even though it happens occasionally, I thought it was pretty lucky I found a third! The tags describes them as the “sean barstool dark moon canvas” – if you Google that a bunch of options come up but I didn’t find many with pricing listed. I’m guessing the HomeGoods price was cheaper than what they are going for online, but I’m not sure. They have a canvas top that’s really easy to clean: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5X_-nkGPy0bCwoGwcT8Tke1OJP7inf4MEfysvV38Q4jQ5JRNUVKH_RkydfaIIBFfPeia5jo_tmDK91XUM_DKr5m2CoJY87w22kneB5Kfm9SMLjl1B8pkz-GbPa62hqjhY6DqVottr4U/s1600-h/IMG_1512%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="canvas stool with nailhead" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EYeq4slkXeNJL8NfvjQISJy-u0HWZUBfufvlasRsUZU32_ge_E_o1dAJRZMP1eIFecjFALvIuDTTGUQwMySFL0QCsW7HjjQnmgP1pnNi4ReVp0KkZrSkS97QU3XuUnt0IHTJet6ZXmk/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="canvas stool with nailhead" width="500" /></a> Although I’ll probably go ahead and spray some Scotchguard on them just to be safe. The canvas look wouldn’t be my first choice, but I loved the the color and the other pretty details like the nailheads: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0IML4bwN9L8bpbeXHxSdro427DYjxqa4soFiClXOHe87rbegaYgOm8HIEZxdnDrsN2uR8M9Q1GctOAnT0ZyvDK5y52JCAf_6toZPp963rFsE6UbARhhNAfEQcVrLXsVEYR1zR8dahvg/s1600-h/IMG_1519%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="canvas bar stool " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgXeaDnign36bBwH7iPM4bISry4GpeTrz8RDtmRNEbTa5nNN6MxC5B-LR6__tkMN9PErAap0m27w4hxlGeyrNujjbtJWsWBNWxHv_AsW4ywRfj3t1m1jACsgLWI08sG-C3rEg9Og4RdQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="canvas bar stool " width="500" /></a> You’ll notice this guy in any photos of these chairs. HE LOVES THEM. Really, he loves everything and loves to be in photos too. But he’s especially obsessed with the chairs. I also love that they have a brass metal cover that goes over one foot support so it doesn’t get banged up. (It’s hard to tell but it’s in the front in that pic.) Many of you mentioned that the stools were too high when I first shared <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/final-kitchen-island-plans.html" target="_blank">my plan for the island</a> weeks back. For some reason it’s hard for me to find counter-height stools that I like. They’re always bar-height. I found this little graphic that shows you the difference: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3KaZnlG3DICsa7iW8H_qu4tcrIazlEW54ist4N4Rl8Ea-JmJaTdBnLavhYoWBJF3_8PGE5RfUxxj2o3lMCHam2QnEs0wzH5fDQ1-nntMSBhlXB0bf49AiV9k4NAvscb9IrwAPcXptBA/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-02-19%252520at%25252010.06.04%252520AM%25255B8%25255D.png"><img alt="stool height guide" border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHEbZgJPUpCBHKZGCxxctaQKGwLBycfUVhUp80x85dx8oY_3SlynzbMlT0cn1q4gX7Q8OzjX7Dv3Yxd3R-rlBWhbKLB1n9e_2x03qT2_HN7AOVbF8pytjr8Zw4ynLRFmYRixiqI9XuOk/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="stool height guide" width="581" /></a> (<a href="http://www.hayneedle.com/bar-stool-buying-guide.cfm?source=pinterest&redirect=false&crlt.pid=camp.FYCjXEI1H31X" target="_blank">source</a>) I’ve always cut down my stools because of this and it’s an easy DIY project! I had already chopped mine so I recreated this for you. ;) First thing, wrap the leg with painter’s tape where you want to cut it. This will allow for a really clean cut: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVl3DDnSNQih6ADlvKaaMKSSZU2R8R6Ew8uDzgGuU8X3L-BMP17uj0JhWl4M9U3lI_0xHbh8FEGqBYyMA70gOUaq-SesFQl0ahEPJiYz_OUt61N05fiFKcF6ixOGYTyqqbunjExe2ZtXY/s1600-h/IMG_1505%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cutting down stools" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBOA5syHylm7IKl53Nt2zMlQ6_DNdEmTOwVGfv0hZ6quMe1bG0oSePLxo8XStGfThMojlxYv7Q2LwtRHtUGai2Ho-ofGoGMjgmFszGG6FBYufQOILRu7Yup2U_WotOgk8fIhy0sUdetE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cutting down stools" width="500" /></a> If you don’t do this you’ll probably get jagged edges on the bottom side, so this is important. After that you can mark where it needs to be cut. I cut these down by 2.5 inches. I always mark it before I take the stool out to the saw, but then I find that I have to measure and mark again because I’m never quite sure how I’ll lay it on the saw: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U2BFOziB3oChIQpoW35lhsjCc8zOW5QJ5CrUo7Q5ck1LTkW8IzFsU0hxj2fPKQf2BVtL6ykdz7ymedAdLdsuZJ0vJkSTVS6_Sv_5HKUseqbVGiAh0OfagRynxZFdgi6e75lBGFcwx48/s1600-h/IMG_1508%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cutting down barstools" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmYnVQ0ur8PSzTLVR4bIXWJVR9X9z-UVjFh6ib__lU-ms8UL1lWDILdPdcefhHi44f0vVAxFg6n-fH6RYDul4EoLzQ4ARGxwza6hH7vXUCxhltlsyHDKvMOein6VMy_5XD3D5oYdwbi4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cutting down barstools" width="500" /></a> Just make sure the stool is up against the back to get a straight cut. You may need someone with you to get it tight. Also, on some cuts I have to lower the saw blade a bit to get the legs to fit in there. If you don’t have a compound saw, no worries. These <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007PMXLEI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007PMXLEI&linkCode=as2&tag=thrdecchi07-20&linkId=4L2UE6LMKTEMU5QR" target="_blank">miter boxes</a> work just as well: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7dvyRJicYkKd6mGaZVWm_tQOd7wwiTIM7VueMGCxrKUgpR2AZ2yMHfHO_Jt3_QqlnFTIfpJYDIr5G0VGOatN6FWSV0wdwKTuE0APMZObMcJ6u0v_0Q2l04e7-SY2Zq4DXv6VuKgfDB8/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-02-19%252520at%25252010.14.41%252520AM%25255B6%25255D.png"><img alt="miter box and saw" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgw428sjAXKkZ5eMXqZa20xaGM2UtX_yOSrkkpvHHRjMkZTzX0q_ws14ORg8RLvVr6k177PB7HlfET9s9y7pn8fTlM7lrQpscf7QvaVUZv5Qf26VlKlAOOjps4UH_tNjSAa4x0eZOQOQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="miter box and saw" width="450" /></a> It will just take more time and muscle. :) Also, you’ll definitely want someone to help you hold the seat end up while you cut if you use the box, or just prop it up so it’s level. I used a simple miter box and saw just like this for YEARS and did a ton of wood and trim projects with it – and had some great biceps. You can do quite a lot with it! When you take the tape off you may need to touch up the bottom just a bit – if the chair legs are black or brown you can just use a Sharpie. Mine came out fine so I didn’t need any touch ups. I do always add some felt jobbies to the bottom to protect our floors: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDmrW1O51GHngqq0Mgk9TAYgzrteCWGePdGwx751EHZ_ZLLXHREZlmbzGdH9zJJb-mKvKb1qUE_h_XrJu19hVeabkuEp8HM1TIUFy5JWy7N3vEIQksS6dn92dzDaJcqoZKKcGCxwMJn8/s1600-h/IMG_1511%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="felt protector pads" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx9CehvPHL2Tp87PFiu0In8rpYRTopIZUx8XA25KkA65s_SgP6yx_2dEoy6n5enTFr51_xfAynOQMwGr6VW_HIcpBye8_C5sypp2nXi48mHNP1xKv6ihGrqYxbslK6bFL2xNpx05JOf0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="felt protector pads" width="500" /></a> The legs most likely will have something on them already so you can also pry those off and put them on again – these had plastic bottoms so I wanted something softer on the hardwoods. OH, I forgot to mention – after you cut down all four legs sit on it and see if it rocks. Three of my four did, so I just figured out what legs were just slightly longer and cut them down a bit. Just barely shave it off so you don’t have to keep cutting the rest to make it work! You’ll end up with miniature stools if you keep going. ;) They are now a much more comfortable height! Our guests still used them before I cut them down and didn’t care. But this allows a little more room for the legs. I told you he’s obsessed: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLht0gjFK1HTlDBcGlYAq8y6QvdEGcR0zP2UZPOUzuRPGnhVPeOP6aX67cM4PZLxBjLtWII8LCxjC_EvN80OHW6cOnQThiknQYFJz-AeB7nEsAdkEdMeu45nkr6DCR1jlM_n2KQXgUnY/s1600-h/IMG_1516%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cutting down stools for island" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4PCfbr3jL-6xlKdviHRqmgdHjXYC09X1hGgKKLjqHHiiy1578Bp5kxxv24fkjd_1abpMU5w4l31vJC5yh9R5tPqwMB2EGjsewdbPPiCf6gm8xoNghNlL0cIFhTtn1RMACygM12V2VSQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cutting down stools for island" width="500" /></a>I found a couple options that are really similar to these in case you can’t find them for a decent price – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J5TSUNQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00J5TSUNQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thrdecchi07-20&linkId=A7SSYZW3VVC4SH3X" target="_blank">these are leather</a> and would be GREAT for kids!: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s3V1u2smPho/VOYO81qVqoI/AAAAAAAAu6g/RchmRIY3IR0/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-02-19%252520at%25252010.11.18%252520AM%25255B6%25255D.png"><img alt="leather top bar stools" border="0" height="446" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eWZ3lhwXhro/VOYO94XxP-I/AAAAAAAAu6o/rVmn5lyhz1E/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-02-19%252520at%25252010.11.18%252520AM_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="leather top bar stools" width="450" /></a> That one only comes in the taller version, so if you have a regular island you’d need to cut those down. And <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F1FOV9A/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00F1FOV9A&linkCode=as2&tag=thrdecchi07-20&linkId=VBZPTCLGULWPKNUO" target="_blank">this one</a> has a fabric top and comes in either the bar or counter height, so no cutting down needed: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eSgfUQrDHsA/VOYO-kKwylI/AAAAAAAAu6w/F46c-z-RSVU/s1600-h/71D0KBHHhtL._SY679_%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="nailhead counter stool" border="0" height="458" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QaMoGy4dICc/VOYO_ZKoMEI/AAAAAAAAu64/a-iAxxj5XuQ/71D0KBHHhtL._SY679__thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="nailhead counter stool" width="350" /></a>This is our second set of wood stools at this island that I’ve cut down – it’s super easy to do, especially if you have a saw! Hope that answers any questions, let me know if not! Affiliate links included for your convenience!

The Right Island Stool

OK, I lied. I said I wouldn’t be doing anymore posts about the island. But I’ve gotten so many questions about our stools and how I cut them down, I wanted to address it in a post. So this one is technically not about the island…just kinda sorta. I got these stools from HomeGoods – and I actually …

19Feb2015

Kitchen Island Progress!

Hello there! How was your long weekend? Ours was great! I didn’t mean to take yesterday off, it was just one of those mornings where I felt like I wanted to focus on my boy, you know? I got more done on the kitchen island too, so this post is a little more interesting than it would have been yesterday anyway. ;) So there’s a bit of progress happening to the kitchen island! Are you tired of hearing about it? I’m not. :) It’s so fun to see something come together as you had planned it in your head for months. Well, mostly how it was in my head – I’ve tweaked a few things. If you want to catch up you can see my plan for the island <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/final-kitchen-island-plans.html" target="_blank">here</a>, how I made the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/02/diy-wine-rack-island-storage.html" target="_blank">wine rack</a> and then how I extended the current island <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-new-kitchen-island-start.html" target="_blank">here</a>. First up, I had the lights over the island installed last week. I was going to wait to do it but I had money left in the budget and went ahead. I picked out these lights from Lowe’s: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJNk2Lb88tehCDuhfsaMiroz-gxNxEbQ5pYroatb_RnMzUbK_HsWdwnu64otWR1WU6PQZLsf3vWXYy7W6i4ScQusqNGNsVz3icGSALoH89cNyIfEI5ulsBM6D8kUjSS2kAvE32FwqaR8/s1600-h/IMG_1503%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pendant lights over island" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oGTeOuTTCBbrDmxOKfTuy2p4Mpe1xbyd9A5-qaUWZ2Rwwg1AMESdd4elzohiGux-eGiQmaw6eM3r5R7TsthTbMcsQfDu2t-NaU6n0h8KUV-j4PFffwhGDWWoCYlLz1weWX9NnsZ5-Z8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pendant lights over island" width="500" /></a> They are the <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_559840-57278-P5026-74_4294609532%2B4294687726__?productId=50132722&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=" target="_blank">Progress Archie lights</a> in bronze. I’m <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/07/mixing-metals.html" target="_blank">mixing metals</a> in here like I do throughout the rest of the house and I love how it’s looking! The new lights and those over the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-dream-realized.html" target="_blank">window seat</a> all have a vintage/farmhouse vibe so they work well together. I don’t know why the price is so high online – they were $60-something at Lowe’s (on sale). I LOVE them. They are the same style (just a different finish) as the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/06/powder-room-redo-complete.html" target="_blank">powder room</a> lights. I love that vintage look of the glass shade: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKO7YbcY3-BIERFmVucL0fHK3UWpG2RwHZoOgj6S7jesAelTA-kk2BdT7qjGFbEOIa4kLhJEvlZyYfqLDFtP5PCL-4ZScJnsqOobUJjQSMdFhc4o02yzg9bzY81rncFQysJN7QXzLbz4/s1600-h/IMG_1502%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Archie lights Lowe's over island" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_B3RH-AtY8rhNcP_F8-nySNVYesLXH5JeJTtQsK46pRVJ19559OIPk29Lmush3IOExCJ4h7AWCQ18tlSGwjt0D7af4qbVOYfoYbPIyZFQ4DczPaLPnQesVYHeXDsxdKRO3ClX25Us7I/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Archie lights Lowe's over island" width="500" /></a> Excuse the ceiling patches that still need to be painted! They are on the same switch as the other kitchen lights. I’d love to have them on a separate one but that would have involved more holes in the ceiling and I’m kind of over those and need a break for awhile. ;) Maybe we’ll have it done in the future but for now it doesn’t bother me. They are on a dimmer with the rest of the lights too, so I can turn them down. They offer great light – the shades keep the bulbs from being glaring but they are still really bright. I have 40 watt bulbs in them and it’s plenty: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgBUeYFxUG7SRQIL2BhOo9Eksd2wjDKwJk6UOMkFG2mpcZngIyrCH5sfEkG8_58NMhVcc2axq7DmmJcMDwjfFNZP_yj-cuyx-0ZCg9hTbYdSpNf-wTzE1_T3BDjt9WfQSPJ5lhnWzy9M/s1600-h/IMG_1494%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="two lights over island" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjcE15Yqj5Od2X5exEmnwiws2nW_cXpNvwn5AnCq0aIabc2l-hm79WkibQYLPHql2u2mSTOSK7yuflEF3Dw8yB74pDKa9se4LUTGuz_5Xaq10U828rk_N-RA38DgnxSV6jbM0h5k3_Fc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="two lights over island" width="500" /></a> You may notice another small addition to the island in that pic – I finally got the side “supports” built! They are very basic, I just built them with 1 x 4s: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFVgayyJu-2oVzkHZANEJhGWN-K11tGTTAr-YA_m8Sm_Jb6QWr1kfoeBgc2TPXJHnlXd44KcaOloxDOPhFADvTF9JTalTUfwV0Z0hrbpXhvuz5bO6B9akXowpYNCYXDXCOAqXEMNecII/s1600-h/IMG_1489%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="extending out kitchen island" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UzE2huxUTfOQTQqn-V_HNoOpuX17KFBnp9AyHTbmhh0BmaekABrVsyk2siInyTUowyFbc0VonPoosh-WOi3EH5uxHsGJ3QOoufWIS2mJHFbmVOYAXuwXkJHCtPEiQLXHhvf4yJYSW2g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="extending out kitchen island" width="495" /></a> I attached one flat to the side of the island first, then attached two to the side of that. I cut down two pieces at the length I needed for the top and bottom and attached those with screws, then finished it up with the end piece and the two on the side of that: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlavO-dD_o8VpI0QAUTw01BFIG57JrqsOY203tHAUcAGrgVcCQXuljjOVeN5ndeWNrIHmg6m3qreNhx4b_blL-gP2tTCucP6gSiBAmGt3FfWR7m1TX0zTiJrSRmvfofWf4CgtAEfnd6Fc/s1600-h/IMG_1491%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="extending kitchen island" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAc9nCj_bp1xZVW8THU6LOdasinjbsgFOxlbqTSrC_hJPPk7JVeRJeAbCcpmVWQ7VTuhyCEiovIQZJgcGlKOSEI-IH3rGi3MvM6doxEAE-JuK4DsLSxDnrX06O_nXNTxYwwSTGiH1C-YQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="extending kitchen island" width="500" /></a> Very simple, very quick. I used three pieces of pine for each side, so these cost about $15 so far. By the way, these are not to support the countertop, they are just for looks so they don’t need to be structural. But they are super secure and aren’t going ANYWHERE. I will wrap one side of them to match up with the sides of the island, then I can start with my planking! I hope to get some of that done today. I can’t believe how much more custom the island already looks. Here’s a before: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM85HSdkUFcMKzRgHNK2CQ4G2Z0eW0aWK6Qg5quw5Uv-OHxh1Ela7prT2G-zL8AgD9wBmwFGmp420cf_0GYC8vYEGpZRUIJMaVIz85M_wTyYBBaPB4aDqXEw7iBCFg-bnggbgbFcSC_Kc/s1600-h/IMG_1412%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="adding on to a kitchen island" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQjATtjGp7RXj-DSGWj0l2YgCMhi_eNqx5cJw2tQa9gChxYm7Fsh8GvnLjwVGSwL3_NgYZOh1d8WaelEO5aGaTONVwV4flS8wY5HAoB-csXaS6XysjwYyqJB2J4kaNuaiMwzspB8PHT4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="adding on to a kitchen island" width="500" /></a> And here’s how it looks now: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FkeP9sPE6Qjt_WODHiCbUtn3bILHKou9EpiHQM9S_4wfHKYS5IZvcA7dpxLWD0sSATeScv1Rr965FFa5sZnZ6JV6pFb-yxtztLmmmNAS8ukp5Vqcb3XcekHl3dCjbsRgyeDKsXRXXg4/s1600-h/IMG_1488%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decorative supports under island countertop " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdqc2uCxM4TjaXM-0TUrlra31e8kGKswgOWcC8S-Jk8gmvRD0rORD7Ctt3BWiCMENim7-32YWr88cmL7Upwpn13cT6VTVCy23VCldxs7mw6MBapDMTAvhNzFRd0LtIAD2B3kNL0G9deM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="decorative supports under island countertop " width="500" /></a> See?? I think it’s going to look so good! I had originally hoped for a wider island top that would go past the stools so they would tuck under perfectly, but butcher block in that size is incredibly hard to find. By the way, IKEA still lists their island butcher block online but they are discontinued. (They are the only ones I know of who carry the wider size.) Boo. So anyway, it’s still going to look awesome. The stools only stick out maybe four to five inches and I don’t mind it at all. I thought of something this morning though – I may adjust those top supports that are attached to the countertop from underneath. If I ever need to remove the top I’ll have to pull everything apart to get to that, which I really, really don’t feel like ever doing again. Ever. :) We only had to take the old countertop off once and that was to move the island, but still. Just in case I’ll probably remove those screws into the top, which will mean making some small adjustments. But I’m VERY excited to see how it’s coming together…very soon this will look like an actual finished piece. The “art” will be gone, ha!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsW7A8suuRT1J4qwoujhY5uMMwnIxkbyNyLr06Q3-JWIu5EDETSdli5DpAzioFxd_cQql5wom2-4vxk-jwZEIyVREbw03H7dYuWb7X7TmEp_dxfQOYQeEg1u6TfJAPsrp6SmgHlGBG7E/s1600-h/IMG_1493%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="support columns on island" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw17BYEtPVdPJJbkgv4-DqvvXmbb7YOO90yPatSyJBN_RmoZLK3_HAymd2ygfnNMzyoBc7q-ddUaQ3RFoOJQLzuWPzVoywRItr_NtzwqtZ1GKMhhAQu5HAqTMRVM_O1S3l5WK6-vUhIu8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="support columns on island" width="500" /></a>I’ve had a few visitors to our house and readers think that the design on the island is intentional – when it’s just glue from the old boards that I had on there years ago. I’m and artist and didn’t even know it! ;)    So there you go, a bit of progress to share! I’m thinking next time I share this it will be done. No promises though. But I do hope to be done with it by next week sometime!

Kitchen Island Progress!

Hello there! How was your long weekend? Ours was great! I didn’t mean to take yesterday off, it was just one of those mornings where I felt like I wanted to focus on my boy, you know? I got more done on the kitchen island too, so this post is a little more interesting than it would have been yesterd…

17Feb2015

Puffy Heart You

Hello my friends! Welcome to FriYAY, so happy it is here! I have a super quick and easy Valentine’s Day craft for you today. These are little but make a big statement when grouped all together. I would have shared this earlier in the week but just found it myself a couple days ago. :) I saw this idea <a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.nl/2013/01/wall-of-paper-hearts.html" target="_blank">here</a> and there is a printable there that I will refer you to that makes this incredibly easy to bust out. I just printed that out on some red cardstock I had, cut them out and then made them “puffy”: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBtXsHKM-XLTwb70qfMaG31fzjHja1yuK6IeOx4HonsG7PHQSgKtHLLSu2dPdD53BtAF4QycjXDuBZ5RTNxuZLoRYFMm_1ym3oGhwnJPMYQzJicR6U5VA4yHNO8z_1tgsPdvChuwtGC8/s1600-h/IMG_1487%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1487" border="0" height="745" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2OAw6STKkFbhK0L7r6f12eBQhMcBTB6jow6mdAe3lyNnNyGA2WRpvBoJQbjLE18543PXSa-McS6Ie20pkxkAFdM7WKnAllSSwX_97_xOgUD6N0umhyphenhyphen980zObE5B9CM7TN72k4rkfJvw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1487" width="500" /></a> I did this slightly differently than in the directions – I thought it was a little difficult to puff them up the way she did (probably my thick paper) so I just folded one side of the heart over the other just a bit to make it three dimensional and then glued: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMeW9L0G7D4EBAOmiihrt8KomdoPTJxJ7tw93oUFLakiLt4WqiOauEwwpnkVwXaf0hMTzEEb3QjwV4KtrGHwylmhPBRz0exlZC5o0W2AjWKALyNh8TOGTwifHDYC6e9Q4TBBmfal0dfs/s1600-h/IMG_1481%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1481" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKglXqsiuU3QAAAel8QM5ZXp2nmtAGtZApOWo4fEVWtFwJp1eOlIbQHnd6LmdppJu7M7eGsTJT8sCdbMlqf-U4OBbcPxxYTk9u4oyhLBvt5vphqCELUftWGOn7qt6PjNwsfs45IaZdBBY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1481" width="500" /></a> I hung them with some tape on the back and most of them have stayed up! The guy in this picture has realized he can knock them off so that’s been a fun game for him and not for me: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI8htzabgcpJHEfKjt9s6mnFGkE-8nkAjVhwN6lOnTKo30yC2DstS_xJkd3Mv_IxHXiPmmsazmzN2Zv_TAuKAroeWlMJt6eBKe7ZwkKfbqqzwtpVYqjqtKGApmSrNxwBnGxCSgJpP1K4/s1600-h/IMG_1479%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1479" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAOKR_HD4gUBT_YfLTKifUBtyInMis0XF0sHoBwU-EyROwwG35Ui5hxWLmjKBpSg0PY9Zw8B1PduZvhj91VNZvNL2MBjdnEkuaUTP8e3XZ21NJcIULE6V7ldILB29dLrWslJAYAa_jug/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1479" width="439" /></a> As you can see, I spread them out all over the chalkboard in the kitchen. I love the red against the black! (And yes, I have almost painted those plates numerous times but then realized I’m still going to have white switches so I still haven’t done it just yet.) It took about thirty minutes to cut them all out (I did about a page and a half of hearts) and get them hung. You could make them today and surprise the kids when they get home! Or just do it for you cause it’s CUTE! Have a GREAT weekend my friends, take care!

Puffy Heart You

Hello my friends! Welcome to FriYAY, so happy it is here! I have a super quick and easy Valentine’s Day craft for you today. These are little but make a big statement when grouped all together. I would have shared this earlier in the week but just found it myself a couple days ago. :) I saw this …

13Feb2015

Rustic Charm in the Basement

Hello all! I’m back on a rare Wednesday post to share a little spot in our basement that I spruced up this week. I am honored to work with Better Homes and Gardens every other month and share a few of their products! This month the theme is “rustic charm” and although I LOVE and have rustic touches throughout my house, I knew this one would work in our basement best. We definitely have more of a rustic/industrial look going on down there and I dig it. We had a specific spot that was crying out for some attention so I focused on that. This area is right when you come down our stairs and used to just be a spot for the kiddo’s small drum set: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU__Z-_rhBouPkNOKQInYRXxfInrN2F7VUGYB-MGu-P3Ijbgab6ontjsbkWx5a-4bJOKJYU9gqdeGKxxjMe8Bh0-9VrQvvWqQJO5SS0WUJuTwuZZYMqQyqmnarnrVrxC9rhIyiDyoWPe4/s1600-h/IMG_8571%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue gray walls basement" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiT-LrGgMnRZtIVNx4JETS7zYkuw-ki_VXKVuGo36x-78YVNUXxQ9mNgfVQPhoOOCuMg9ffQwHSgfbo-ExtbkHhp2Q-sr8vGbZmvGIID1eAPoyvR1KHH_gMzW9ZJ9bwIVP1FNqvCAO7U/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blue gray walls basement" width="500" /></a> My vision for this area has always been to add a table for games, Legos, whatever, and then to build a built in bench around it. That little angled wall and this skinny little area just seem to call out for it. I haven’t gotten to the bench just yet, but this spot looks so much better already now! I started with the light – did you know you can change a recessed light into a hanging light? There are two different adaptors to do so but I used the simpler one that usually holds a glass fixture. I actually got mine from over our kitchen sink (we have new lights over the island so I was planning to take that one down when those went in anyway) so didn’t have to spend anything on that. You can find them at any hardware store. (I shared how I installed it in the kitchen <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/01/diy-ballard-designs-pendant-light.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) I wanted to do a lamp shade fixture but they need to be the kind of shade that fits down around the light bulb, not one that work with a harp. Does that make sense? It’s so the adapter can fit through. I found <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-14-Taupe-Taper-Drum-Shade/17018198" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this drum shade</a> to use: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr68DTdA50gl-EVnQiqN7Lh0SUtP_nCzy74EiJFND3BbgYOfdP5x-Tbwg7nKAqUwJXKNCoa9bOtqawb1xkVqQrHC6_pUaHu9VCaAB07cPqw4xejlZtHKMV4DfwkLa1QdAG5XXXkztUzk8/s1600-h/IMG_1433%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="drum shade walmart" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ckQWFbL9C-w7gHTwzyCkrYtmYvGde2ci5E0YAH776J2sUBGbhENqqhPJUfa6esPdF9g8XchHAkiEy4Yj5HbhkCc-RL-ecK_P3bkBU1zKX6FQRf4zOhjSuX9qGyjdCQm2p73ngqAUqzs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="drum shade walmart" width="500" /></a> I actually quite loved the color and fabric, but I had a different fabric in mind. It’s been years since I’ve shared how to cover a shade so I thought I would show you again. :) You’ll need about a yard of fabric for a lamp shade this size. I laid it down and then rolled it and marked (anyone else singing pat-a-cake right now?) about an inch to two inches on the top and bottom as I roll: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAhyphenhyphenbkPP4fmp6ZjFaImc6iZ1PHhqXDdlfF-wWP4yrKjPQcx7Y47I-RHSmCTTkRGapKSIcDyGdKR0JQhL3SUH3Ko38gVIRknE4P5BM8t5XGy9TJu4eXVzsFrpL0yiJT-ijd5DXZwqOu2Y/s1600-h/IMG_1436%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="covering lamp shade with fabric" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IoKvLYCj2ue0w-0g6bJZ_OpUR7CwQMJatpgqbPfgST8SnJ11IUi1nS4MSi6knSKkURPqh7YSqQ5gIRDhPFq0RRj3BYdAePY_VP23iiHFH9RwKwOvmT1engSdzZuG6j-iZdL0xRhE8VQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="covering lamp shade with fabric" width="500" /></a> You can see that I used chalk because it comes off easily and won’t be seen through the fabric. Be sure you give yourself plenty of space when you mark it though – so many times over the years I’ve cut it too close and when I lay it down again to glue it doesn’t roll quite the same way. So give yourself extra. :) I usually start on the seam of the lamp shade and then use hot glue to start attaching it as I roll: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQD02Osf2rMEAAuM1tpEZVe3RvfZfgUQWxn4T0AoXVNvSdHf-7aLmxfeXPZkIHZE7wdchJl-QndI2pG6NC2_BvubLV20fEy-VW-_miesREjauUWS07hHE9F3bJxxpLfoa72Ik0W9uufa4/s1600-h/IMG_1438%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cover a lamp shade with fabric" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RKRc5lEi_wGJTywrr27lsm6DvO3VblJCOImPiCg1NG6qYXIdBjMOW85Ick4xA4cNuGQLV8IeCXQANkL3BbY84vY-AQYfbImowi7fHwlbCnwvTsKWTrDMGOhJ7XnY66PHDxe1sk4uDI8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cover a lamp shade with fabric" width="500" /></a> This time I just used little dabs of the glue around the outside of the shade as I rolled. After I got glue on both the top and the bottom I trimmed down the fabric a little bit more: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNmd9lJ4e7lqPwKt_5AqGRZ_84HQj_AE_J-fj11vVnB5qLbgowJpC-RonxLmlnKciJ2zNhHLNxqH-CovR7yLFE-9HhtxY4gRUGuRZRLXEQ4v0ZcZ4JPePRHzwb4UsmeAn5mXbf67g_Lo/s1600-h/IMG_1440%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY hanging lamp shade pendant" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4adKPBdkf-CPWvb0tvIw1VNQ_yXlo3cWQ7dhBbYnRv2_o5t6BvymWIBnIAXjviAJusNKTG7oMkb6lOGP0y_EMhU6T960zcGYhqeJnNiFs0l2dAnS9ivC9UOkFZ8dtDu6RqazMBGurVgo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DIY hanging lamp shade pendant" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1Rg841v8cGhNwZy9ni8j1kO66qTUIDenD0HOCsPEkfxHE5vB3UOM3zzvvZVlO-pY7YwhRIVFfA_NyGHfsSW51duy_Ugto_DZzLDdpw0_YcZLqQOLJDI1OjdOEe7JzEkWM5q4Pv-NuCM/s1600-h/IMG_1441%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to cover lamp shade with fabric" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1zw9rGS2huQATadOyI-gABmFnmIdKeXtGPj-eOQfj4FrKTbYRO35d8NBSYX8wlpMaRVrOGOm6MUoyu2gtUT542ZOLFUT-khg10v3Q0nGbM9nCG_MIDfdRBAe3-XCX57QR-Z4HHgVd1k/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="how to cover lamp shade with fabric" width="290" /></a> Again, don’t cut too close. I cut that section a little too short and it was hard to get it around the edge. When you’ve got it cut, put a thin bead of hot glue around the inside of the edge of the shade and wrap that fabric over. I fold over the end to give it a more finished seam before I glue that down: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyHxJhT2HmAlrCYsR2uQ9Mh7hOd_r95ikiNsf3IPES2Uoju5E8aPF3NFtS8U5YMNYiJ0xcQ1Hs0if3XnOE4yyIQIQW4Hs0OldzpnCxfssCn0zXedvHF5k68TeclQM5xSvYTqxOPK-5Ho/s1600-h/IMG_1442%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="covering a lamp shade with fabric" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcgJajEpAXveiH6cytTTDfBrOW7M63NZ2hqn0CxxYWivqzRTYCTJDQvIy2IO7_RWX01irFACfT8HlHqoX9C9REInWOvtX5GPbXGt477uwRwVXeY-z9bUa8997aRihKF8Yp4VBwrfQWfw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="covering a lamp shade with fabric" width="500" /></a> If your cuts aren’t perfect (mine rarely are), you’ll probably want to add a line of ribbon around at least the bottom to cover up the edges of the fabric on the inside of the shade. Not necessary but it does clean it up a bit. :) Because the light bulb would stick out the bottom if I attached the lamp shade to the adapter the right side up, I had to turn the shade upside down: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedmG20dRI9pXJX4fumZ3i9IoRHYXqLffJhtFZ46zC_WK5vlU8itPtrO-xrAPlXh95pmurjcSdqhD_-mYPzl0quwj9CKJECJy4dx_viSCCIU-vuBVIBrOo90Uht0Hp9Yl4apRT-K3SsAE/s1600-h/IMG_1452%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="recessed light to hanging light" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0t-yc3fhY5yRmZLOt17asEAU3_xs_ZNizIVoFtBeySTjV08oVMaMOJTVWSXQ99YN0imDeLoGKTp3z6NGJ1uygYHo2q-wcGH-rHfIpxVWmIS8Tq4YAgb3r1PYHwkLR0X0e2USB5wobgfE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="recessed light to hanging light" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvFbwDFEtMZPIYesBBEUCEfzpIhbPFCFMNoRRCSfdOvY2KFRKzwEjCbRBXpXthUh4OxceudjhFJ0dnx3kdeERvSYWpvjHcESyn2L8Okpeq5q_a8lnyPcthy8YaV3jn_WdHsVtA3iWLls/s1600-h/IMG_1474%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="recessed light adapter" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2b3KPFkZwZB8TZKq1floqp4_yd4taMP81XlcPWcRgYyj95Vsqsq6sYmG34nc1Pg1j81rzxk_1DNHHOq0QF_AdROJ9xPQHXH8dfaqP8AgUyywfKDpKrMLgKZBnmxdnNNxCWsnmM1Cv0C4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="recessed light adapter" width="290" /></a> That’s why I recommend using as much of a drum shaped shade as you can find. I actually love this inverted look here but if it was more of a classic shade it would look off. I LOVE how it turned out! Then I got to work on some storage for this spot. I have been wanting this <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Galvanized-Round-Bin-Silver/24534332?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs_middle&strategy=SMT&visitor_id=DSWzDAyNu-tOIQEYZL8jIk&category=&client_guid=8db10349-39ee-4040-8848-471157bb3de7&customer_id_enc=&config_id=2&parent_item_id=24534331&parent_anchor_item_id&guid=30212792-06a8-498b-afad-b01a170d7493&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.0&findingMethod=p13n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">olive bucket</a> FOREVER and found the perfect use for it down here!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALJdvRRYa_AiWofe4mf1JtxPaHrRybuDJuv63eivfNSb1FsNMlyQiWdlijWufYTLFOInzoGJ64lNI2tKlctUCG04p6C4eVVsu-tr1AwFUF7xyscXpMR8AeOaCoYvMi4W8NnPhPOkx6Io/s1600-h/IMG_1466%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="olive bucket walmart" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoBJ-xKhXUFvyemfUqzbDbzotTMItrUImyMkgUHFKQf3biRVNDhxY82X0AuJJ5ixk7RNUToRhNCQH9bBb-OWPlKne0vrvFVZl7QWTG_H7ljPmUAxBqphkADqbBPcAjHk0md2e5Ox9PY4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="olive bucket walmart" width="500" /></a> I mean, I know so many of us have kid stuff everywhere, but it’s OK to want to make it look a little nicer, right? The bucket was way bigger than I thought it would be too, it holds everything perfectly. When we got our new kitchen table last year I couldn’t bear to part with the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/ikea-table-turned-farmhouse-table.html" target="_blank">farmhouse table</a> I (half way) made a few years back. I love the look of it so we brought it down to this space and it’s PERFECT in this little corner. Because this is basically the Lego table (our son loves having all this space to spread out) there are usually a few sets in mid-completion laying around, as well as 489 tiny itty bitty Lego pieces everywhere. The cats get to them and then they end up all over the place. I found a simple solution in these really <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Medium-Wire-Basket-with-Chalkboard-Black/24534322" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cool bins</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfrxUyU17kC5QHWuCfs06ljGrSd-pSg8vtftkpc_stlTHPMy-rQ-gSTFH1tsN64HcEQOBcuXelnRE66GCzS-nEfgNZd5eYZkkGP5OagxJjjC8WRNO_fnpcEDigAGf7Sbe0Yy0N1Ijhd8/s1600-h/IMG_1463%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="metal baskets with liners walmart" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEiz-Y4SRJ9UEoykVe_ZicqfFxtaNL2lYJDTvUE0HDinXSx6iL-CRvtEyB1_UvorAj_yJKFAJGya7uhj8V_FwqNx0xanpa5ygP8mdP3ejd6Vv035n4kYvybST0wZxv6fqERYJpxAaqgQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="metal baskets with liners walmart" width="500" /></a> I love the rustic look but love that they are fabric lined even better. No worries about little pieces getting stuck inside and I can take them off and wash them if needed. Whoot! Since we don’t have chairs on that side of the table just yet I slid them under there. One holds little pieces and one holds sets he has yet to open. (He just had a birthday and Christmas in December so he has a few right now.) I LOVE that I can just swipe everything right off the table into the bins. Easy. I found this <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Quatrefoil-Wall-Mirror/21806611" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">quatrefoil mirror</a> as well (only $15!!) and added it to the wall behind the table <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRsmOzKT4NWEhaIQslq3udHD3wFrDMq0A_TzTlyuZR70QU28kYdV2vIiV0OS7c_Q69AdK5F1a6RS7iThs37fGk-FYYxpbf6zch6vXJkhVlcw99sKPbcD6iPldML_qSxg1-2P2NhYoinM/s1600-h/IMG_1470%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="basement craft table" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_cWbruO_ZYPbPIG1tnIKbXor4ocuwtFhGNxuKlugunFhyX_9gPGpZUyVrzZFmfJS0MMSqWVuEgVXkt3E6VwEOHU7M5oeYzZEYO0N3xZymYc-ztiBQ5AHmjphhz4OX21pqFptMXrF0vc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="basement craft table" width="500" /></a>I moved the guitars (I use that word guitar loosely here) to either side to add a little something to each side of the mirror. I was SO pleased with how it all came together! You can see that I still have some things to do down here – that little access door needs to be painted and the pillar needs to be finished up as well. But these little changes made this corner feels so much more purposeful and it’s so much more functional!: <img alt="IKEA table norden table hack" border="0" height="683" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIryINfGaskuRm5869lAPTSMrKRIztWtoKP33OlXMgSiU54NXNBbkIo8PftPbcMhyRvpYYJTlpqiyP5EZMNON5pu7Wnh6SFD1hUwz6oaKOUJB8BsGiuBWHe4Y1C_CNYCgPKyxXFnLbXjQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IKEA table norden table hack" width="500" /> The light hangs in the middle of the table from the front, but from the side it’s not perfect. It doesn’t bother me though – I just love the look of the hanging light: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84VyBPHQwQF0SI_SloUVaNR_eJ-rC93-TJ7jsW6jm1NebepzrN6PbXAy8iBv_I-5XtXzBgg_HuDqtUR4aaI6wQIaYu0WtNJ3r8G0RNyQ09zIpxVz6Q2zy-mV2HHQbsb_NxE0uOwVztLc/s1600-h/IMG_1471%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY drum shade pendant" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimotlTXD_YGydOTmB2LG5VVMwfAfgU9aR4xe1uTgayLMBjNSiJtcZnJ42ULgasBoV3yD9HvX00C5dHnOcP5IIstOar4kPf_Vq4Y9obHuTLaYHL4wcHT6XLL6vjoG_KFnU8rZQ3BexBDaY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY drum shade pendant" width="500" /></a> Here’s a look at it before and now with the table: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjoFQiYf8IO2QnyuHK7NDFncH29_HJGUyR59uHhg5BV3Zp83AYoawyy2e8d3Y5KNgEKtPBagzbvUIb5D08873xmhhrjmjAOTT89QI9LHYlw8gn3wyJ1uD618RoWqGQZYtshak008dqho/s1600-h/IMG_8571%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCYHkKfHhmy1I608xbRvw3ISgFofDOKutT7j1XKyQLqOvwPtmd7yBu1WdJ3UOuepKfLxjLpYJ1Uadcs5cCBp8s_yq9fhIlWnvGRe4D4sG93QjSmBZTbK4q0yVhhuDoS523uScO11pZRs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKhgZi9RfmmMHQ6tD3DulUwQOjLmScbK4nKpVT5gOm7Wn_8ULiwMxk7dUApl7xff7XdZSJ6f6W46Z9D7hsMqP_SPCAnAqlWWNoPVkl0b-lFiW-cyNMwCAiNErnQU_ecteNxqRnvX3D0g/s1600-h/IMG_1449%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="drum shade light fixture" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN3o5GV3w2FKwitj9wma2hfNHqeoEUiRlG_PM94lnO_q261__tOSfs3caPQ9nWTglvhyphenhyphenZeaefDkbIB0ow3LR3EQvIXv78ODjiDEkCY3vHlXP50s2TLbmBQIT85M1OCbKzY7QR10vNRjk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="drum shade light fixture" width="290" /></a>  It all came together and adds a little more charm for sure! :) Have you tried one of those adaptor kits before? The possibilities are really endless with them! And that olive bucket…I just love it. I may be stealing it in the summer for big hydrangea bouquets…wouldn’t that be gorgeous? <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tH1csvXgwJE/VNtvT8sdNXI/AAAAAAAAu00/RLRAHZY2bM0/s1600-h/Network-Badge-300x298%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Network-Badge-300x298" border="0" height="298" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EQhnocoD868/VNtvUuFiyVI/AAAAAAAAu08/1aGkMKNvgGs/Network-Badge-300x298_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Network-Badge-300x298" width="300" /></a> I received compensation from BHG at Walmart for my time and participation in the BHG Live Better Network. All experiences and opinions are my own. 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Rustic Charm in the Basement

Hello all! I’m back on a rare Wednesday post to share a little spot in our basement that I spruced up this week. I am honored to work with Better Homes and Gardens every other month and share a few of their products! This month the theme is “rustic charm” and although I LOVE and have rustic touche…

11Feb2015

Easy Entertaining

Hello there! Thanks for the encouragement on the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-new-kitchen-island-start.html" target="_blank">kitchen island</a>! I’m so excited to see it come together. I really wanted to get a lot of it done for the party I hosted over the weekend and I did get it about half way done. The best part was the larger surface area for all the food. :) I love to entertain…LOVE it. The cleaning the entire house like a MAD CRAZY woman beforehand, notsomuch. I laughed when a reader commented a few weeks back about how she’s usually cleaning up to the last second and rushing to get ready and sweating as she answers the door because that is so me. I always underestimate how long it will take to get the house clean. And then I focus on the upstairs and the basement and then no one goes to those parts of the house and when I don’t worry about those areas everyone wants a whole house tour. ;) So I err on just cleaning the whole place. (I love when friends want to see our whole house!) Because I always plan on getting the house cleaned up way ahead of time and that never happens, I always try to go with easy food and decor so I’m not stressing at the last minute. I shared how to make these <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/09/tissue-poms-poofs.html" target="_blank">tissue paper poofs</a> years ago and they a staple for showers now. You can make a HUGE statement for less than ten bucks: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQJmKJtks1hTciCUxfT01qUXXOMrQNTF8V3KmsMixGoJxhyphenhyphen2xdecTJHSine2IEBghRfzzPLqi8VXRDu4hErRRY6eLvrgyIX8ADGWfQrTBroMcQxU2HjFJgWE_857iXhPgJbvKTovXcaM/s1600-h/IMG_1849%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tissue paper poofs" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkwJ8QRFsoSP5swppjnsuFMaJ3UUeovzg90SVYs3WWNw6PB3ESjXL2LbFwx5QQclVgqe3xWvhv_eGOteZo89oLCcsHEnWO-6i6c4S8pfNcAL8qoCTyZGvLu2SvrRWJClNQ3rayyMdAW0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="tissue paper poofs" width="500" /></a> I got the polka dot ones from Hobby Lobby already made – you just have to poof them out. But the rest my sis and I put together in less than an hour. And the Mama took them home to use in the nursery! It will be so cute! I spent about ten bucks on balloons for inside and out: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOQvPw6YgMwgWWhanPv2hVMRs9cnDal5ejvyQD9BAho1aVSrBn00azu3A4RdbhYfobgTBlBVO2quQpGkm_q9rtIZVWwIDxlptG4mZ7E6G3hmXNbz32F9uH2f2tZFDz08aqK089UeS0-M/s1600-h/IMG_1850%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="metal and wood etagere" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbinAVvps_LhUnbh_0i3W_0-Cf_miRyE1qkOyYtOACx2Vgi7YG-V3vXxbkg3A1T5xS9QIk4XjivG1Rfq4cDdCTMnByMemclJwzwVeB0TlZa5OgjSZolNRtEUWwgViqrL6jBv2bJbJ5lc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="metal and wood etagere" width="500" /></a> I still haven’t decided what I want to put on this bookcase <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-in-kitchen.html" target="_blank">after Christmas</a> so it was pretty empty – which was fine because we filled it up with one of the games which was SO CUTE I had to share it. One of my girlfriends who helped me host found this scavenger hunt game where you get all kinds of little baby things – headbands, socks, bibs, barrettes, etc. and put a few of each pair in the bags. Then you hide the match to the pairs around the house. The first person to find all of their matches wins – and the Mama gets to keep all of the items. :) This was a perfect game for this shower because it was for twins – the “pairs” theme was so cute. I always get fresh flowers for any party – they make the space even prettier without breaking the bank. Especially when you have a Trader Joe’s nearby with super cheap flowers!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl8-mz8fc0seCNtnTBCaCxNgyAclioRdOYV8nz7A-TcWo86tfl69BRwI0u7Fe6pyC8QGU2JnP3Nra9c7Dse0eRVtrlqn-rYguVy7M9zZ8fG7GkHUPc20l7waU2jajOPWA3bF59UC9lho/s1600-h/unnamed%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="hydrangeas in pitcher" border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jVTddML4rk1PSdEcBKlPQmru-bFZlv-78LfJzY0dfN-7RfU8UE1nKy94U3xa_k6RXwggGHsVsCcmoq54Mq_bHWKf7XZPg3SLl-lnz8rVyT-hmgPEndnY9NzwGxbuvntu9BzLjoZlNWk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="hydrangeas in pitcher" width="500" /></a> We had simple sherbet punch, pink lemonade from TJ’s, soda, wine and my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/06/best-sangria-ever.html" target="_blank">homemade sangria</a> to drink: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2y9iO24el3828iv5ciqRL3S17KbbkOzU9LPa-4y_PzteKyliaUMTyIfb6cRgjUt964oZp1aXsM3fWCT98r-azCDczWhx47UMW_9gyFFqGNj2bGTHbOof_j4tJgKOthWXBOfXdLkTuzn0/s1600-h/sangria%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="best sangria recipe" border="0" height="701" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoS0gZB6lZsbKv5YUJKa_Q0W2E0TCvMZdMFWkrLK1iM2iMzoPuTmdiOWoJM_qCNnoq1gnZA2-_sztgo650wOa9nRnTV0DltVSWOq5kUCc6YCdH1AxRohQfsvco6AG06NTgqo76lG6Z5bY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="best sangria recipe" width="500" /></a> SO GOOD. A friend of mine makes cakes and cupcakes and they were yummy! I was impressed because I don’t usually like frosting and hers was so good I think it was my favorite part: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEewBoZfY5Yay2UMV0PwvnOhqTVjoDDiTadVSWBGOF2BXI6lDxNgo16FWncPCqInGtlblPvMzTUyjd_G-X_B-FCtnlKtNOA3EEHE1n8QUe5yLnj3y6Om1_xKMvbb_71fl7pz7ugpxc94M/s1600-h/IMG_1852%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cupcake stand" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUGIePblzt7Nwkheg99SiMoQmc1ZvJlv8ELvGTV08SmZQz6g8sCVMKrBxCszqm0yy9MGRqmCipmOb9BDIAf7nAriMzCfJ8dMQyD-hpm7GioWWWkkDNqlmOFkjK49vtjee7REgrLhXcik/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cupcake stand" width="500" /></a> If you live on the north side of Indy you can find her on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiffany-Takes-the-Cake/206822209516716" target="_blank">here</a>. The other food was a mix of store bought and homemade: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1blc5PQR_AJRt3D4vbxdfvyUHguMIQz3s4hfAp6_uG8aZDh8oPWNzLicRPcPR3CE__t8bgISWwQRDni54yRSUYWHgutNXf3HAVDsUmlsNU0fTtJ1-wyiKppdxHb-cn4hnxzjhxq7uOUQ/s1600-h/IMG_1851%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="baby girl shower" border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsIO6gG_SEkPbnpm0fS1AdbodzO3OGhI73PPPcJqu99jsP2qb5fvi6toydIkHk8jsDGXHgMbZQYr-lSEPK9lnn5SJQHE_KzwvsHVm4PrJqNmJ2DvRO4wQMLumK2obRA7DxFQ9NsPO1zs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="baby girl shower" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/07/love-for-my-garden.html" target="_blank">Caprese salad</a> is always a hit and super easy. Cream puffs from the freezer section are a favorite of mine so they always end up at our parties. :) My friend made a scrumptious bruschetta dip (I need to get the recipe) and havarti dill cheese and apples on crackers – that was SO good. I found a Hawaiian roll sandwich recipe online but didn’t end up making the dressing that goes over it. I just put the bottom of each roll in a pan, layered black forest ham and provolone cheese on them, then smeared cream cheese on the bottoms of the tops of the rolls. I baked them at 350 for about ten minutes and they were yummy and so easy! I’ll be making these for dinner in the near future too. We had so much fun celebrating these baby girls and their Mama! I am SO thrilled for her. Isn’t she so beautiful?? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt_2iiZ_SBj5Zeihzzr7_k5zSZ5Eec0wzNZV5eNu50iiZNlaIxYbHGnyaqxlFGVwToZv2yUab8aDkIoWFf8A1wZWI1g9eoqYZOEjCfqkkjSUi2jXBm2qLNWU4AoM8a_QY1BEgkOX2JJE/s1600-h/FullSizeRender%252520copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBySv7YEimIWKvqLp3_mtC7asYMu-xEBC8YcPaLGo3I9zmdLkBUDvhjuYR27SrLzj3DQpbLl2YWNiqwgCj3avQtjyGFR1f19ZylnKlOpOlyXRKw2IL8pWvaOxx_qkwz2Wo5tkTkKoaRk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="450" /></a> I get to do it all over again next month for my sister – for a baby girl again! :) Do you have any staples when you entertain? Any easy recipes?

Easy Entertaining

Hello there! Thanks for the encouragement on the kitchen island! I’m so excited to see it come together. I really wanted to get a lot of it done for the party I hosted over the weekend and I did get it about half way done. The best part was the larger surface area for all the food. :) I love to en…

10Feb2015