Sunday, November 6, 2011

Home from Virginia

After a very relaxing trip to Williamsburg, I've discovered some design ideas.

For one, matte flooring must've been a hit in the 18th century. After touring numerous shops and buildings in Colonial Williamsburg, I noticed a theme. All of the floors were unfinished. From the quaint wig shop to the palace. Fantastic inlayed wood, and yet still unfinished! I thought this was interesting and in its own right, beautiful.

Another thing, the textiles of the time were absolutely spectacular. I wish I had pictures of the rugs. I do however have pictures of the wallpaper in the Coffeehouse which I'd love to duplicate in my own home:
The fireplace in the picture leads me to my next point. There is no better warmth than that coming from a wood burning fireplace. My husband has been wanting one for a long time. If we ever finish the attic, this will become a must have.

Some inspiring facades:




I may be in love with this last house here. It's small, and seemingly not a single family house but it is simplistic and the colors are great. And with the white picket fence, how can you go wrong?

The final thing I learned while on this trip was how important it is to make your home homey. It need not be fancy, but it must feel lived in. That's what made us love our childhood homes, isn't it?

Monday, September 26, 2011

Autumn, how I love thee.

Fall decorations seem to be appearing earlier and earlier each year, and I'm not sad over it. Fall is without a doubt my favorite season.

I've only just began indulging in seasonal decorations.


Gaudy gourd from TJ Maxx


If all goes according to schedule, the house should be fit for visitors by late fall. I plan to host a ham dinner. The inspiration:

Martha Stewart All White Place Settings

I'll keep you updated!




Sunday, September 18, 2011

Dining Room Unveil

Our dining room has seen a lot of changes recently. Here's a peek:

Alphonse Mucha "Water Serpants"


Recess with textured & painted wallpaper

Recent changes

Hello all! It's been far too long. Let's catch up, shall we? Here are some updates to our porch, entryway, and living room:
End of Summer Clearance Pillows, I think yes. (Lowes, $4.99 ea)
Kick your shoes off! Welcome to our home. Tile entryway and laminate floors completed.
Living Room goodies (Rug from The Dump, Entertainment Center - Ikea Hemnes Collection, Ikea Basket)
Natural Fiber Rug - The Dump

Saturday, March 12, 2011

A Quick Update

Floors are officially finished! Here's what the floors looked like when we bought our home: And here they are now...=)





Friday, January 21, 2011

A New Start

Well, as I had mentioned my job was in jeopardy because the mother of the children I watch was facing a possible lay-off. When she informed me of that, I decided to put in applications everywhere that was hiring child care providers. I had two interviews at the same company and they offered me the job. I was feeling very guilty for taking the job, as I wasn't sure what was happening with my boss' company yet. The day I resolved to put in my two weeks, she wasn't there. I made it a matter of prayer and decided the next day would be the day to do it. Before I even had a chance, my boss bought me a cup of coffee and broke the bad news, that she was laid off a half hour after I left her house yesterday. I am relieved that I don't have to carry the guilt of leaving a family already facing job insecurity. It is upsetting that she is laid off but they currently live well under their means so they'll be okay. I am sad to leave the three boys I've really grown to love. So anyway, the new job is further away and full-time instead of part-time, but only 4 days a week. But at least we won't lose our house...yaay. lol. I am cautiously optimistic =)

Monday, January 3, 2011

Clean House

Phew. I have been cleaning since 10 this morning and I'm still not finished =/ I usually have two days a week in which I'm home and hubby's working but because of the holidays, he's had time off. I've loved having more time to spend with him but the house suffers as a result heh-heh. There are still dishes in the sink and sheets in the washing machine but I'm going to consider everything just about done.

Our dining room has looked like an office for far too long. Finally got arounded to organizing the hutch and putting things where they belonged.

Having a house has made me appreciate apartment living in more ways than one, but especially with cleaning. It takes so much longer now and I'm still trying to come up with a time effective way to clean each week. I think the key is to not be so messy during the work week, to spend a few minutes each day on organizing but...blech!

But for right now, I will go enjoy my mostly clean abode and relax. Ah.