I'm starting to create a plan for the guest bedroom, which I'd like to work on this summer, along with my craft room. Here are some inspiration pictures. I have a gray and white duvet cover that I still really like so I'm thinking the yellow and gray look with a shabby chic touch? Perhaps a white  craigslist find, like a dresser or vanity for it... We'll see.

A few pictures I found on www.decorpad.com. I like the top one the most, with the pale blue that goes with it... Anyway, we shall see!

I have been looking at other people's blogs and I'm so impressed by what "normal" (non-professional-designers) pull together. I gotta step up my game! I still want my home to be totally livable, but it's nice to have it feel like a magazine picture, too. So far my rooms have turned out so much like my inspiration boards!



John and I are going up to Bellingham for the night, then headed to Wenatchee for the weekend. As much as I could stay here all weekend and do house stuff, it'll be really nice to get away and relax. I think John needs it, too. Anyway, there's just a few more things we want to get set up before our Housewarming Party next week -- which is SO much fun to plan, pictures will follow.

We are going to get this mirror for the entryway, from Pier 1 ($149, but we've got a coupon):

I found a bunch of cute stuff at Ross today, like vases and some wall art... and a set of Apothecary Jars (John think 2 are enough... but you can never have too many!) but I held off. As my mom says "You can nickel and dime yourself to death buying little things." But, eventually I will put the "finishing touches" on all the rooms....... eventually.... good thing I've got a job next year!

Okay, today was a 1/2 day at work, so I started working on an arrangement for the office - I even hung a few things up!

Here's the inspiration picture from DecorPad:

Below are some poor-quality photos (below the pictures is a detailed decor list and a to-do list)

The wall above has a door to the bathroom and 2 closets, so we didn't need a desk with lots of drawers. My hope is to make the right side of the desk (by where the calendar is hanging) a mail stop so papers don't pile up in the kitchen... This is where John gets to put most of his antiques - most of which are currently displayed on the bookcases. Eventually maybe I'll put up some shelving, but there's really not a whole lot of wall space with the window and 2 walls of doors!

Office:
- Paint: Glidden Olivewood (same as most of downstairs)
- White Microsuede Curtains: $15/each at Fred Meyer
- Silver Curtain Rod: $15? at Walmart (leftover from apartment)
- Simple solid wood desk with architectural legs: $230 at overstock.com ($1 shipping, arrived in 3 days!!)
- Clock from Target
- Bookcases (low and high) $20 and $26 at Target


To Do:
- Hang John's diploma
- Buy artwork
- Paint wooden magazine files for desk
- Something to go in corner to hide modem -- printer table? chair?
- Desk lamp (or floor lamp over desk)
- Office chair

So we would really like to get as much of the downstairs done as we can before the open house. That includes the office, which needs a new desk. Apparently the metal desk my dad got me from work when I was 8 didn't make the cut when it came to moving, so it's back to square 1.

I really like the simplicity of this desk:

It's from Overstock.com for $236.

I read a review that it has some reddish color in it and it's not solid black, which wouldn't quite go, but I'm considering taking a risk and getting it. We have a tall and a short bookcase that are "cappuccino" colored. They are cheap but will do for now. We also have 2 closets in the office, so I'm not worried about having too many drawers or anything on the desk.

Any other suggestions on where to look for something like this?? I'd like to find one soon, clock is ticking!

Well, I haven't posted in a while because I lacked an internet connection. And it's been quite a busy couple of weeks. Every night I try to go to bed early but find lots of projects. Today I will post some pictures showing the HUGE progress we've made so far. We can even park both cars in the garage!

My to-do list for tonight
- Hang living room curtains (had to buy a longer curtain rod..)
- Spray paint lamp for living room
- unpack boxes from office

We got 2 apothecary jars last night for the mantle, and I love them. I even love them empty, but any ideas of what I could fill them with?? Some light and bright.

I'm also trying to find a simple black office desk. I found this one at overstock.com, but the reviews say it's more of a red-brown, which just won't do. Suggestions? $250 is about my max.

More to come. Can't wait to post pictures!

Well, 100 people looked at my inspiration boards and I only got 1 feedback post. You must have to be in the D&R "in crowd." :)

I've been off on spring break for the last week and it's back to the grindstone tomorrow! Per usual, I have a pit in my stomach. It's been quite a school year and I'm ready for it to be over (only 50 more days!). I know once I get back into it it won't be so bad. I'll survive!

Of course my last day was my most productive as far as packing and moving. We have "most" stuff in boxes, which we moved into the garage that's not attached to us -- it'll be easier to move into the van. I hope I can be productive and have everything but the big furniture in there to make it easy on all our helpers. Can't wait!