Year end review

Some of this years highlights, enjoy!

The biggest (and my favorite), we finished our kitchen renovation. Woohoo!

Check it out here, here and here.

Annnd, Don't forget to check it out in this summer edition of Kitchen + Bath Makeover magazine! *Squeeeaaal*

Then, we put the little cottage that could, up for sale.

New kitchen and all. Sad stuff, but time to move on to bigger and better things. Hopefully this time with less spiders.

We unprofessionally un ghettoized staged our bedroom for under 100.00 in a hurry.

We painted some goodie furniture.

And a broken pitcher.

Did something with those chubby cheeked baby photos.

And, all around partied like rock stars.

Can't wait to see what this year has in store!

Transformation Thursday

DIY DAY

Rhoda's projects of 2009

Merry Christmas, Mom.

Welcome to my Mother's Living room.

It has good intentions, really. Nice high walls, lots of windows, a floor to ceiling fireplace. But, add some bachelor pad furniture, dark paint & high water curtains.. (Sorry Mom!) and it's lacking in it's true potential. I had a vision in my mind back in-- oh, October, or so-- about getting her a design consultation. With who you ask? Isn't it obvious?


Miss Layla really had her work cut out for her with this one. And, I think I can speak for everyone and say she did a phenomenal job! I wrapped up the pictures into a folder and when she got them, I think I almost saw a tear; a happy one of course! :)


She hasn't stopped talking about it since. Isn't amazing what a little paint and new furniture placement can do? I'm ready to get my whole house done!

Fa-lala-la la.

Miss me anyone? Let's have a run down of the last week ala no blogging.

Wrapped too many of these

Watched a lot of this,

and this.

Potty trained her

Made these,

these

and these

Got to spend more than a 24 hours with this guy

(Yeah, that guy. He's under all the beard.)

Staying out of this

Even though our house looks like this.

And, I'm completely okay with that. :) Merry Christmas!

Giveaway

Have you all met Kathy? She's my fabulous friend from California (Hate her! Lucky!)

She was the first person to comment on my blog a year ago and we've been besties ever since. She's having a giveaway and I'd love for you to go over there and check it out. She's generously giving away a Canon photo printer. From her own pocket. Yeah, I told you she was amazin'!

Go check her out, & tell her how amazing she is.

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You may even get a new printer out of it. ;)

Easy last minute ornaments

Need a quick and easy present this year? How about if you can make each one for under 3.00? Yes? Let me show you how. Grab a 4 pack of big glass ornaments (if you wanted to stretch your dollar even more grab the normal size ornaments, I believe they come in an eight pack. Score!) a pack of scrapbook rub ons & some ribbon and package filler.

Grab your ornament and center your image and start rub rub rubbin.

I tried two methods, starting from the center and moving my way out, and starting from one end to the other.

I liked the first one. I'm sure there's a really good scientific reason for that maddness but I just thought it worked better. Getting out the bubbles better from the middle? Who knows, but this one wasn't from the inside -> outside technique and ended up a little wonky. Darn you crappy Y, darn you!

I think I'll give that to Grandma, she can't turn down my wonky ornament, and she loves anything I make. Ahh, Gram's aren't they great? *Sigh*

Back to the ornaments. Once you have it the way you want it, stuff some filler in it. I'm not sure if you can mess this up, my four year old did pretty awesome at it.

Then take your better ornament and grab some ribbon and tie it on, my ribbon was a little too fire engine red compared to the brick red color in the rub on but at the time it's what I had, and well.. You know I like using what I have! :)

See here I used some of my silver stickers from the Memory Jar? Love it. So pretty. Can't beat homemade, and under 3 bucks--or less!

Lastly, because it's cute. The girl who wont stop growing no matter how much I tell her to knock it off..

Transformation Thursday @ Shabby Chic Cottage

Special Packages

I ordered some vinyl for a family member and while I was at it, got some house numbers for myself. Why not right? It's good to splurge once and a while. However, 5.00 is far from splurging I'd say! :) Yes, a measly 5 buckaroos gave me a huge grin and the chance to jump up and down and receive the "who's this crazy girl" stink eye from my husband. This is the first time working with vinyl and I'm not quite sure why I didn't jump on the train sooner. It was so easy!? And, my vinyl girl Dawn (yes, my vinyl girl-- I feel we're at that level now.) Was very quick! I ordered them and they shipped the same night, awesome eh? My inspiration photo was this one, you've seen a 1000.2 places because it's just GORGEOUS.

That's Chris (from Just A Girl)'s house. Yeah amazing right?

Here's my version.

Swooooon. I'd show you my entrance but it's not as fabulous as JAG's. I don't have a sparkly white welcoming foyer...I know, hate her right? But, I do have a black door, with beautiful house numbers on it now. And, that's enough for me! :)

Home for the Holidays

I'm not quite done with my Holiday decorating but I'm sure I'll be tweaking things until Christmas Eve so I might as well show what I have now right?

Welcome to my home, come on in.

Dollar store wreath

A lovely faux mantel, with all my favorite things. Sticks, twine, berries and shells. Oh and it didn't cost a million bucks! Love it.

Of course, the icing on the cupcake, the tree. In all it's gold glory. Dollar store ornaments and burlap, you can't beat it. Still missing the topper but one is s-l-o-w-l-y being made.

Watch out for Christopher, he's keeping an eye on you.

And, lastly of course my recent addition, a Santa topiary. Another dollar store creation. I'm addicted I tell you!

Anyway, Thank you for stopping by, so happy to have you! Merry Christmas and come back soon!