Well, we’re a few days into February, and we still haven’t gone back to school…I affectionately named these past two weeks “Winter break 2.0″…Yesterday, I did venture up to school because I was “itching” to at least make sure my classroom is ready to go whenever we do head back. I put away my few touches of Christmas, updated my February calendar, made a few copies, and then got the heck out of there. haha!
Anyway, one of the things on my “to do” list was to put out my few festive Valentine’s Day touches, and I did that this past weekend. Most everything is what I’ve had for years, but I did pick up a few new things too.
The mantel in the kitchen is the same as it’s been for quite a few years. I have the wooden “love” sign as well as an XOXO banner.
I saw this wooden serving tray and Michael’s and thought it would be perfect in this little corner of the kitchen. I usually have a cook book in this stand, so that was an easy swap. My friend gave me the cute heart icon candle from Aldi for my birthday, and I added it to a metal pedestal that I have out year round but also added the cute little red and white plate from Target.
Speaking of Target…I have zero regrets purchasing these two pack of tea towels…
I’ve had this little dish for years, and I fill it up with candy.
The coffee table in the living room looks much like it does at Christmas time as I’ve left out a few “winter” touches into February.
On the entryway table, I added this little heart dish that I’ve had for years. I got it from Trader Joe’s, and it had a little flower in it originally. Now, I fill it with candy, and this year, I layered it on another Target plate and pedestal.
I’ve had this white ceramic heart for years, but I did get a new plate/art easel at Michael’s. I wanted something a little sturdier, and I love the touch of gold.
This XOXO is another decorative item that I’ve had for years. It sits on the bookshelf in the living room.
Outside, I swapped my “let it snow” flag (I think it did its job!) for my pretty pink and red Valentine’s Day flag.
I love this door hanger. I’ve had it for years, and I think it’s a nice festive touch for February.
Not decor but, but I’m really “leaning” into seasonal coffee mugs. These two are on rotation for February!
I really enjoy putting things out for Valentine’s Day…especially because set up and take down take five minutes each way!
With my impromptu week off and my quest to refresh a few spots in the house, I’ve been in and out of some of my fave stores – Aldi, TJ Maxx, Target, Home Goods, and Michael’s. I know every year these places must have lots of holiday goodies, but I just saw so many cute things, and I’m sharing those today.
Aldi:
My friend got me a candle from Aldi for my birthday, and now I’m putting it to good use.
So, the next time I went to Aldi, I made sure to go down the “Aldi finds” aisle…and I wasn’t disappointed.
There were other cute candles, various heart shaped bake ware and plates. I think the marble heart was my fave.
Home Goods:
I went to Home Goods to get new bed pillows for Hayden, and while I was there, I took a peek at their Valentine’s Day decor.
The floral heart is such a cute decorative piece…I almost bought it. If I had more storage, I would for sure buy a heart shaped Dutch oven to sit out on my stove top.
How cute is the heart kettle and the colander?! So many cute dish towels too.
Home Goods really had a fun variety of icon glasses…
…and coffee mugs.
I couldn’t help myself, and I did buy the cherry icon glass. I plan on it being a spring/summer glass for me.
Target:
Who doesn’t love Target?! I went to Target to look for a lamp, and while I was there, I scoped out their Valentine’s Day pieces…
I actually have two of the small red/white plates and the dish towels too. I bought them after Christmas, and now it’s been fun to put them out.
How cute is the polka dot ruffle pillow?! Also, I just couldn’t “say no,” and I bought the pink candle with a lid. I figured it would be perfect for February and even into March for a spring/floral color. I might get one of the white ones as well to use later.
The bedding is so cute for a little one…and who doesn’t love a plush heart shaped pillow?
Even the books that were on display and seemed to be love themed.
TJ Maxx:
I did find a lamp that I loved at Target, so I went to TJ Maxx to return a lamp I’d previously purchased. While there, I scoped out their Valentine’s Day stuff. To be honest, they didn’t have a ton, but the dish towels were cute, they had a few mugs, and their pink/red candle selection was strong!
I think TJ Maxx (and Home Goods) have some of the cutest paper products…and I loved the read floral/heart tote. I almost purchased it, but I showed restraint.
Michael’s:
I went to Michael’s to buy some tea light candles, and their Valentine’s Day decor was right when you walk in. They really didn’t have a ton of things, and I could tell they were shifting to spring. That being said, I thought the plates, heart candles, and icon glasses were so cute…as was the bow pillow!
In all my shopping I “only” walked away with the icon glass from Home Goods and a wooden heart from Michael’s…(as well as the two plates and hand towels, I’d bought previously at Target)…
…and one mug at Home Goods and one mug from TJ Maxx.
I’ll show you my few Valentine’s Day decorations later in the week.
With no school on Monday, I’ve had trouble keeping up with what day it is, but you know I love Thursdays.
I also love getting the house back in order after the holidays which is what I’ve been doing over the past few weeks.
I’ve done a little “house refresh” in a few spots, and I’m sharing those updates today.
Trav and the kids surprised me with these pictures a couple of years ago for Christmas, and one of the frames broke. So, I went to Michael’s and got two new (and bigger) frames to put them in. I have this same frame in the hall bathroom, and it’s my favorite.
We moved a couple of pictures around, and I put the new frames on this wall in our office. I see them every time I’m headed to the kitchen, and I love seeing them on this wall.
I also updated a few frames over the past couple of weeks. I’ve always loved this pic of the kids, but I didn’t like the frame. When I went to TJ Maxx right after Christmas, they didn’t have anything I liked. When I went back a week later, I found not one…
…but two frames that I liked and I updated the pic on the kitchen buffet as well. I also added in these new candle sticks from Target.
Another family pic that I love, but I wanted to change up the frame is on our entry table. I guess I’m into gold frames these days.
My Gma gave Trav this gold horse, and I displayed it in our kitchen cabinet with some Derby cups and an American Pharaoh painting that we had painted for Trav years ago.
I asked for these Sherpa blankets for the two ottomans in our living room, and my mom got them for me for Christmas. The ones we had before we had for years, and they needed a refresh.
I also updated the pillow covers on the living room couch. Thanks to Homer, I don’t do fancy pillows, and I always get neutral color, so it blends in with the Homer hair. The past few years, I’ve picked pillow covers that I wash every once in a while, but then given the low price, I just update once a year or so.
Like Target, I let Home Goods “tell me what I need” when I go in there. After Christmas, I got new canisters for our flour, sugar, and salt. Trav said he never liked our other ones…and I said, “Trav, they were on our wedding registry…which means we had them for twenty years!” haha
These white ceramic ones are perfect.
Every week, I buy a few muffins as a breakfast option for the kids, and I wanted a spot to keep them rather than have the package on the counter all week. How cute is this cloche?! TJ Maxx to the rescue!
While at Michael’s, I picked up some new candles, and put this votive on a cute ceramic pedestal, and I added a mini boxwood wreath that I already had. (I use these on many of my candle holders to add a touch of green.)
Both kids purged their rooms over break which made more space for all the things…and Hadley’s new scallop tray has been perfect for holding a few odds and ends.
There’s something about the start of a new year, purging, organizing, rearranging and putting things back in order that just feels like a nice, fresh start.
I hope your week is off to a great start. We had some snow again yesterday, and a few districts even called off school. We had school though which is fine by me because I’m feeling the end of the semester crunch!
Today, I’m sharing a little “holiday home” tour, and while my decor doesn’t look too different than what I shared last year or the year before that, I did purchase a couple new things, and I’ve actually simplified what I put out a bit.
Most of my main areas look the same like the entry way, Christmas village, and mantel….
This year, I changed up the trunk a bit in the living room. I wanted neutral trees rather than the red, white and green ones I’ve had in the past. Trav suggested I get a wreath for the mirror, and I found the perfect one at Target as well as a couple of packs for festive ribbon.
My coffee table doesn’t change much, but I added ribbon to the tree that I’ve had for years.
It’s the perfect little touch. Also, y’all…
…how cute is this book of matches?!? I was shopping at a local boutique for gifts for family, and saw these and had to have them!
When I was at Michael’s, I bought this plaid candle. I usually have a white candle in there year round, but just thought the plaid was festive.
The office area doesn’t look too different, but usually I put the basket in the basement. This year, I decided to add a red blanket to it and keep the basket upstairs.
The tree is also in the office area, and the middle section seems dimmer than it should be. Ugh! This is our third year with this artificial tree.
(This pic is from last year, and it makes me happier than my current situation!)
One thing that does make me happy is the addition of a couple new ornaments.
Through the years, I’ve wished that I was better about getting ornaments when we travel. The past few years, I have done a better job picking up or ordering ornaments. This year, I got an Isle of Palms one when we went there for spring break. Even though we’d been there a few times in the past, I’d never picked up an ornament. I also got one when Trav and I went to the Lake Michigan area this summer.
I also continued the tradition of ordering ornament using our Christmas card photo as keepsakes for your tree. We were dressed up nice twice this summer for our niece and then our nephew’s wedding, so I had ornaments made to remember those occasions.
I mentioned last week that my Gma gave the kids a couple Nutcrackers from her collection.
They look perfect on the cabinet in the office which is where I keep the couple I’ve picked up through the years. I think you can tell which ones are OG’s and which ones are dupes!
My mom gave me this little tree…
My friends sent me this plant a few weeks ago, and the pop of red is the perfect holiday touch for the fireplace.
I have one of the Christmas tree taper candles in the hall with a few trees and Nativity scene.
The other taper candle is in the kitchen next to the skinny tree. This tree is usually in our bedroom, but I decided to keep it out in the kitchen for now.
My Gma gave my brother and I each a Nutcracker cookie jar, and it looks perfect in this little corner of my kitchen. Also, I used to put a holiday sign on this stand, but this year, I pulled out an old cookbook and added a ribbon.
Also in the kitchen, I wasn’t planning on it, but the little tray was decked in all my favorite red cleaning supplies.
Well, besides the Santa matches, I also bought this cute tea towel at the boutique. I just couldn’t say no (and both of those purchases were very affordable)
The sunroom is one of the areas I’ve simplified. Nobody goes out there in the winter, and if we leave the couch cushions down for long, Homer hops up there. So, I just added a few touches to the tray.
I found this cute pillow on sale, and it was hard to resist.
Overall, outside looks the same. I’ve had the door hanger for years as well as the pillow covers.
I did get this doormat at Target and the plaid rug is from one of my trips to Hobby Lobby.
Some years, we put out Christmas lights, but we haven’t done much the past couple of years. We used to have trees that lit up, but we haven’t had them in a while. This year, I ordered a set of two, and mine are sold out, but there’s a cute snowy set. I got the ribbon at Michael’s, and I love the pink and red.
They look really pretty at night, but it’s certainly not the same as when we put lights on our porch.
So, that’s a little tour of our home. It’s been nice having some downtime in the evening to relax and enjoy the cozy space.
TGIF!! I had a great week back to school, but not having students on Monday threw me off all week. I never knew what day is was, but I sure do know that today is Friday.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
This week, my post is all about my favorite fall decorations.
I don’t think I shared a fall decor post last year because most everything was the same as when I shared my 2023 fall home tour.
Just like with that post, much hasn’t changed, but I did move a few things around this year and made a couple of small purchases.
I typically spruce up my front porch mid to late September, but I just didn’t have time to do so before fall break. Trav got the mums right before we left, and then once we got back from the beach, I purchased pumpkins and cornstalks.
I got “fantasy” pumpkins at Trader Joe’s, and then purchased a couple more at Kroger.
These pumpkin pillow covers were such a pleasant surprise when they arrived. I mean, I ordered them so I wasn’t surprised to receive them…I just mean that I was really pleased with the quality and cuteness!
I usually have different fall pillows here, but I loved these so much that I wanted them to be in a central location. I’d forgotten that I had this blanket, and it’s a nice pop of color between the neutral chairs and pillows.
My living room coffee table tray stays the same year to year.
Fall me thanked summer me when I went to my candle shelf in the hall closet and remembered that I’d purchased an Antique Candle Co “apple butter” candle on sale a few months ago.
I made a couple of small purchases a Michael’s a few weeks ago including this gold metal pumpkin bucket.
I also purchased two of these pumpkin vases because I wanted a little height on the mantel.
This pumpkin votive was the last Michael’s purchase that I made. It’s a nice festive touch on our wine rack in the kitchen.
I have two of these “morning pumpkin” pillows, but they typically go where the new ones go. Anyway, I used one on the chair in the kitchen.
Last weekend, I did make it to Hobby Lobby and found four of the embossed pumpkin plates that I had my eye on. I only see the salad plates online, but this plate is more medium sized…so bigger than a salad plate, but smaller than a dinner plate.
I wanted some new place mats, and these that I found on Amazon are so cute.
These mini pumpkin cocoettes are a few find and so cute.
I don’t do much in the basement, but I decided to use a couple of pillows that I typically put in the sun room down there.
When I was at Hobby Lobby, I picked up two of these fall LED candles to put on the basement bookshelves. I love the glow of them when we’re watching TV in the basement.
In our bedroom, I have one of my favorite raffia pumpkins that I got a Michael’s years ago. Its twin is on the living room coffee table.
One last Hobby Lobby purchase…this cute mug! I couldn’t resist.
I have a few more decorations here and there, but I really only put out a few of my favorite things this year.
Weekly Recap:
I had a few posts last week…and yesterday’s post (Fall break trip recap part 2) went out late yesterday. Ooops!
Target is the real MVP of all the things, and lately, with some purchases, I’ve thought to myself “oh, I should share this!”…so I’m doing that today with a Target Tuesday round up.
Hadley has actually driven me to Target twice since getting her permit…I guess I’m already teaching her my ways! haha
Here are some recent finds that I’m loving:
So, I shared the bathroom update with these pretty white towels that I picked up at TJ Maxx…
…but I knew when I bought them that white probably wouldn’t be practical for everyday towels because, well, my kids still don’t seem to understand not to wipe their toothpaste mouths off with the HAND towel?!
Anyway, Memorial Day weekend, I was absolutely influenced by Landyn when she shared her cheetah pattern bath towels, and I saw that the Threshold brand also had the cheetah hand towel, and I purchased two.
I’m still keeping the white hand towels in the rotation, but I’m loving this neutral with the wallpaper.
…and I did what any rational person would do and I purchased two bath towels as well. We’ve had the same bath towels for quite some time, so I got rid of two and replaced them with these. They are just perfect.
When I purchased the towels, they were on sale, but they are absolutely reasonably priced and great quality.
I’ve already shared this tray, but it’s still one of my favorite parts of our updated bathroom. Online, it comes in three colors, and my receipt says I purchased the white one.
…but it most certainly looks cream to me. I love it…but I don’t think I would call it white.
On the same Target trip, I also picked up this little tray not knowing which tray would work best. I had every intention of returning it, but then I thought it looked so cute on the night stand next to our guest bed. Our guest bed situation is one that “bothers” me in that we don’t have a guest bedroom…just a bed in the basement.
So, I took this opportunity to keep it and put it on the bedside table.
On a second Target trip, I added this room spray and…
….this sweet little scallop trinket dish to the tray. I figured it would be good for jewelry or keys.
Y’all, I have this cute little corner in the kitchen where I usually keep a plant. The problem is that we don’t get a lot of sunlight in that spot, so time and time again, a plant doesn’t survive.
So, I decided to add that to my Target list, and of course Target has everything so, look what I found…this cute little fiddle leaf plant. I think this is just what we need in this spot. But, y’all, twice I’ve almost gone over to water it! I’m used to trying to keep a plant alive over in that little corner! haha
A few months ago, Travis got rid of my plastic cutting boards…he has his reasons, but I was so annoyed. I asked him if he was trying to cut our marriage short! I was truly so mad. Anyway, I saw this cutting board and bought it to replace one of the two that he got rid of on his purging spree.
…and was just what we needed to spruce up our front porch.
These wide leg sailor jeans come in so many cute colors. I have them in beige and blue. They are high rise, so I sized up one. When I bought them, they were on sale, but full price for $28 is worth every penny.
I’ve already worn both pairs a few times, and love them.
I wore the blue pair to a graduation party (with this sweater) on Sunday and the senior graduate complimented me on my outfit…enough said!
Ok, I’m not a fan of wearing shorts…I’m a leggings girl all the way. That being said, `Regan (@thebloomingnest) shared these flutter athletic shorts, and I decided to give them a try. I always size up in athletic shorts (just my preference!), and that’s what I did with these. I now have them in navy and black, and I really like them. Again, I got them on sale, but they come in quite a few colors with a $20 price tag. The “All in Motion” brand has been a good one for me.
I was in need of a couple new sports bras and have similar ones from All in Motion in the past. These are comfy and supportive!
Like I mentioned before, Hadley was with me on a couple of these Target trips. She usually has a list, but really all she needed was some more dry shampoo. We always get the Batiste brand, but I hadn’t seen the “brunette” dry shampoo. I guess it doesn’t spray white when you apply it to your hair. What will they think of next?
Have you done Target returns from your car?! This new feature is life changing as well!
So, those are some of my Target finds and faves! What would we do without Target?…especially Target pickup and exchanges! What a time to be alive!
Another week down and another weekend on the horizon. I’m ready for it.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Last Saturday, I was in Louisville with Hadley for her volleyball tournament, but Travis and Hayden were in Lexington for Hayden’s track meet. He’s kind of hit a “plateau,” not making much progress with this times despite his training, and I know he’s been frustrated.
I shared last week, that he had a PR in the mile and he did the same on Saturday in the 3200m. I can’t tell you how much it seems a weight was lifted off his shoulders having run two really good races and making progress toward his goals. I know not every race will be that way, but he was due, and I was happy when Trav sent this pic and told us Hayden’s time.
I stayed home on Sunday, but a friend sent me a couple of pics and a video of Hadley serving. Thank goodness for the live stream, so I could watch her two games on Sunday.
Y’all, I was influenced by Athena (@lifeandlightstyled)…
How cute is this little rug? I’ve had a black and white checkered one for a few years and I was just thinking how I need to replace it.
Honestly, I still don’t understand Walmart shipping, but I ordered the rug Friday afternoon, and it was on my porch by Friday evening! While I was at it, I ordered the brown striped one too for the fall and winter months.
My Target also had the “hello” door mat that Athena shared, so I placed a pick up order, and my porch refresh was cute as a button by Saturday!
An up close look…
I love a moment for scallops!
…speaking of scallops…When we were at my brother’s house for Easter, I saw this cute little lamp. My sister-in-law had a couple of them, and I thought they were so cute. I’ve always wanted one for our front hall table as there’s no outlet for a traditional lamp. I’d saved a few to an Amazon list, but just never ordered one. This one is from Walmart, and it’s sold out…but she had a third one that she hadn’t really used, and gave it to me! I love it so much.
I tried to find it to link it in case it comes back in stock, but I can’t find it on the website…which is a bummer because I’d love another one.
BTW – she also has this blue and white one that I’ve seen shared as well, and it’s so cute too…and in stock!
Circling back to the front porch, we moved two of the chairs that were in the sun room to the front porch to replace the ones we’ve had for over fifteen years. The lovely weather, the lilac bush, and the swivel chairs have been a great way to spend evenings recently.
We’re making progress on our hall bathroom update. Truly, it’s basically back together, but there’s a few little things to complete.
Trav has been helping our neighbor who has been doing our bathroom update. Well, Hadley was tasked with painting the baseboards…and she understood the assignment. haha
You know I’ll share a whole before and after, but the wallpaper went up this week, the vanity was installed, as were the sconces. The biggest highlight is that we now have a working toilet! It’s the little things over the pretty things at this point!
The mirror is the “chef’s kiss” to this wall.
Remember last week when I shared that Trav and I have been watching Race for the Crown with the races leading up to last year’s Derby?
Well, we sat down to watch episode 4, and in that episode, they were at the Derby draw where the post positions for the races are announced. Trav said, “Remember, I went to that last year? Maybe I’m in this episode.” Well, yep –there he is!
He’s going to be so difficult to live with now…haha!
On Wednesday night, Trav went to a Derby week dinner with work, and he came home with some food and some flowers. He made a big deal about “bringing me home flowers…” even though I’m pretty sure they were just the table center pieces.
I put them in this cute vase that I have, and they smell so great.
Favorite Mom Meme:
I feel so seen!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
Today is Oaks and tomorrow is Derby. I don’t think I’ll never not share this pic of the kids in kindergarten. At school, they’d made their own Derby hats.
This pic of Hadley playing dress up with my (borrowed) accessories is so cute too.
Unfortunately, this year I’m not going to the Oaks like I have the past few years. I love that tradition, but with the iffy weather and just a lot going on at school, I opted out this week. Maybe it will work out to go next year.
There’s truly nothing like Louisville and Churchill Downs the first week in May!
This is one of my favorite posts to share as I love seeing how others decorate their homes for the holidays, so it’s a fun post to write.
Just like with my fall decorations, I didn’t buy but a few new things to decorate for Christmas.
Two weekends ago, I took about an hour to put up all of my festive fun.
So, my house pretty much looks the same as last year, but I’ve added a couple of things here and there.
In the morning, I tend to turn on the colored Christmas tree lights. This mug is still one of my faves and very “on brand” for me.
Then at night, I love the white lights on the tree! Last Sunday, we took a few minutes to put the ornaments on the living room tree.
{Side note: those “gifts” under the tree are Amazon boxes that I wrapped years ago, and they are a perfect holding spot until I get my act together and wrap actual gifts!)
This year, I did a good job picking up ornaments to capture trips we went on. I got this Washington, DC ornament as a nod to our trip on spring break.
I’ve decided for the next few years, I’m going to make a point to get both the kids an ornament as one of their birthday presents. They’ve received tons of ornaments through the years, but not any from us. This year, I got Hayden the Oregon ornament to remember our trip to the Olympic Trials this past summer.
I found this Dr. Pepper ornament on Etsy, and Hadley laughed when she opened it. She loves a Dr. Pepper!
Hadley’s tree has a lot of fun ornaments, and the tree looks so pretty in her room.
The tree in our bedroom has a few meaningful ornaments I’ve been given through the years. Including this Betty White ornament from my friend a few years ago.
Most of the other ornaments on this tree are the ones I ordered on Shutterfly last year.
Last year, I ordered ornaments that included pictures of the kids at Christmas time through the years. Most of them are front back with two different years, and some are front back with pictures for the same year. I just have so many great memories of the kids at Christmas with Santa or dressed in their green and red outfits.
Shutterfly always runs a good deal around the holidays, but their regular shipping is still expensive. So, the past two years, I’ve ordered the ornaments when I order my Christmas cards.
2019: This was the first year that we had Homer, and the kids really wanted him in the pictures. That was harder than I thought it would be. haha
2020: Apparently, they had the same request for 2020!
I didn’t realize it did, but this next ornament is another 2020 pic with Santa…and then…
2021 – We stumbled upon Santa at Union Station in KC when we were then for Thanksgiving. This was the first year I was pretty sure I didn’t have “believers” anymore, so I love the pic with Santa.
2022- I loved our 30A beach pic so the kids and family pic is on each side.
2023- The Christmas card pic last year was of the kids dressed up for the December cotillion. The other side was went we went to the “Magic Tree” in KC when we were there for Thanksgiving.
2024- I always love our front yard tree, and snapped this pic of the kids. Then, another family beach pic to capture our time in 30A again this year.
As for a few new decorations:
When I went to Kirkland’s a couple of weeks ago, I couldn’t resist these cute felt reindeer!
I also thought this festive ceramic house was cute. I love the jingle bells and ornaments.
On one of my many trips to Micheal’s, I got this bell to hang on the front door knob. It’s just a slight jingle, and nothing annoying. The one I’ve had for years was showing its wear and tear.
I thought I’d use this wreath elsewhere, but ended up tying it to the arches I have on front hall table.
Just a few touches here and there. I will enjoy all the sparkle and shine of the Christmas decorations, and then it always feels nice to have a fresh start with everything put away in the new year.
Today I’m sharing all about Hadley’s “room refresh.”
Once the kids turned 13, I had it on my mind that I wanted to update their rooms and some of their furniture. Last summer, I got serious about clicking around trying to find ideas for Hadley’s room since she cared way more about a room update than Hayden did. Well, like I do…I started to feel overwhelmed, so I hit pause on that project.
Around their birthday, Hadley mentioned her room again. So, I decided to reach out to my friend who has an interior design background. She said she’d love to help. So, one day when Hadley was at volleyball practice, my friend came over, measured Hadley’s room and we chatted about ideas.
We live in an older home with smaller bedrooms. I wanted to somehow give Hadley more storage while also eliminating a bigger piece of furniture. My friend knows Hadley pretty well, so I knew whatever she came up with Hadley would love. When she asked what color palette Hadley was thinking about, I only knew that Hadley likes blue.
The next day, she sent me these designs, and I immediately knew that Hadley would love it.
(This wasn’t the blue on the walls that she thought Hadley would want — it’s just what was in the rendering) I’d never thought about putting Hadley’s bed in front of the window…or thinking there’d be room for two night stands.
I’ve shared a few “peeks” in previous blog posts…
…and another when we did the wallpaper a couple of weeks ago.
…and Hadley really tidied up her closet during this process too.
Before:
Well, Hadley got to purging and Travis got to painting before I could take a true “before” photo, but I’d shared these pics in a previous post a few years ago, and her room still pretty much looked like this:
…and this…although we’d gotten rid of the bean bag a while ago. The cubed shelf is what I was trying to eliminate with the new refresh.
(Hadley’s furniture was my furniture from when I was a kid. We painted it white when it was time for the kids to have their own rooms when they were three.)
Ideally, I wanted a new bed for Hadley, at least one night stand, a vanity that could also be used for a desk, and then instead of a dresser and bookshelf, I wanted a combination of the two which would eliminate one big piece of furniture from her small space.
It was crazy to think about, but I also told my friend that whatever we chose/bought, I wanted Hadley to feel like she could take with her to her first apartment.
I was blown away by the design.
I like that my friend emailed me the design board with clickable links. So, if we didn’t purchase everything all at once, we’d have that email to go back to when we’d make purchases in the future.
Also, since I wasn’t 100% sure what Hadley would want, I initially only bought the bed and desk. The desk was out by the Christmas tree on Christmas morning, and then, I wrapped up the board for Hadley to open with the ideas.
She was surprised and excited.
Since were home over Christmas break, we used that time to get started. She purged her room filling bags with trash or donation piles. We moved everything out of her room, and she helped Travis paint.
Over break, we also put the bed together and after she made some decisions on what she wanted from the design board, we ordered the rug, vanity mirror, night stands, and bedding. The bedding on the design board was back ordered, so we found something similar at Target.
We’ve pieced the rest of her room together over the past six weeks or so.
Anyway, here’s the finished product…
After:
Ta da!
The wallpaper was the “chef’s kiss” to the room. I’m very grateful my friend Amy was able to help me with it a couple of weeks ago.
The nightstands are perfect and easy to put together.
The bigger drawers in the night stands are still empty…which makes me happy knowing we still have empty storage.
I love that Hadley kept her “girl boss” sign.
She’s had it for years!
The natural light in the room is so nice, and creates a calming vibe with the blues.
We bought the bed that has two storage drawers. In the IKEA picture, these drawers are side by side under the bed. I was pleasantly surprised that you can put the drawers wherever you’d like, so she has one on each side of her bed. Side by side didn’t work because of the nightstands.
On this wall, it was so blank I wasn’t sure what we would do. The design called for two bigger pieces of art, so I thought we might do that…and I’d let Hadley choose, but then we decided that she had a few things she didn’t want to part with.
She likes gold accents, so I went with that idea.
She updated the pics in the white collage frame that she’s had for years.
The quote above the collage is something my mom gave me when I graduated high school. It’s always hung somewhere, including in Hadley’s room the past few years, so we kept it.
Hadley loves macaroons, so I picked up this print at a yard sale, but then I put it in a frame I got at Target.
The gold pineapple we got at Hobby Lobby years ago when we updated her room when we first moved in our house.
Travis gave Hadley the dancing picture last Christmas, but it was in a white frame, so I spray painted it gold.
Then, I had one spot that just “needed something,” so I sent a puppy pic of Homer to Mixtiles for one last piece for the gallery.
I’m really glad we used what we had and incorporated meaningful pieces. And…I think we could still add to this wall if we want to through the years.
We bought the full length mirror a few weeks ago. I needed the mirror, so I could spatially figure out the gallery wall.
I’ve never purchased from Ruggable before, but this rug is washable. I already see a muddy Homer paw print, so we will probably have to wash it sooner rather than later. haha
This vanity has been perfect. It’s long but not wide. The one drawer is big enough where Hadley has a few school supplies on one side and then her skin care/make-up and earrings on the other side.
I bought the suggested desk chair from Ikea, but I didn’t realize Hadley preferred one with wheels. So, we looked at Home Goods a few times and never found what she wanted. We clicked around on Amazon, and she found this fuzzy/Sherpa fabric one….and it’s cute and functional.
The vanity mirror isn’t what was on the design board. I should have known that Hadley would want one that lights up. haha
She found this one on Amazon, and it is neat. It has three light modes and a USB charging port.
Not to sound dramatic, but this vanity has saved my sanity in the mornings. The kids share the world’s smallest bathroom, and they always seem to be in there at the same time in the morning. Because of this vanity, now all Hadley has to do in the bathroom is brush her teeth! Otherwise, she can get ready in her room.
Hadley is still loving her new makeup/skincare organizer. I like that it looks cute, and it’s a spot for her to hold her products.
Then, to keep it real –this corner still needs some TLC. The one piece from IKEA that we haven’t purchased yet is the cabinet that will replace the bookshelf and this dresser. So, we’ve left a few things sitting on top of the dresser until we know if we’ll need them once we do get the new cabinet.
We have plans to go to Cinci next month, and I hope to go to IKEA for a couple of returns and maybe to go ahead and get the cabinet for this corner.
We had leftover wallpaper, and my mom put it in the cabinet. We also took out the bottom shelf to make room for my Gma’s jewelry box that I’ve had for years.
*one more update*
I’d forgotten we bought these knobs to add a touch of color. We did have to buy different screw to make them work for this cabinet, but they were a cute finishing touch.
We did have to buy different screws to work for the drawers.
I just love walking past her room now. It’s such a bright spot in our home.
Sources:
In case you are interested, here’s where we purchased everything:
Paint Color: Benjamin Moore White Dove
Wallpaper: Wall pops: Blue Wisley (I purchased four rolls for this one wall. We have leftovers, but we did have to use more than I thought to find the correct spot to match it up along the way)
Rug: Ruggable: Verena Soft Bluerug (I got the 5×7 for her room)
Bedding: white quilt from Home Goods, Linen Chambray comforter set from Target
Night stands: Her pretty blue ones aren’t available, but there are a couple other color options. When I ordered her “ice blue” ones, it did say only two in stock…so I’m not sure future availability.
It’s the time of the year when I really love my time at home enjoying the twinkle of Christmas lights. It’s always quite a bit of effort to get everything in the right spot, but I’m always so happy when we have our holiday decor out.
While it doesn’t change too much year to year, today I’m sharing how we decorate for Christmas.
Come on in!
I changed up the console in the front hall a bit compared to last year. I just moved some holiday items to different spots, and then added in a couple of my cute new houses from Kirklands.
This year, I did print out old pics of the kids with Santa to change up the frames that are out year round. They are sweet memories.
This year, I changed up the trunk in the living room. Last year, I made note that I wanted to get a couple of pre-lit trees for the trunk and then add in a mix and match of trees that I’ve collected through the years. I love these trees from Walmart, and it was fun adding in various trees I had in my Christmas storage bin.
I love my morning view of the coffee table tree and scented candle.
On the fireplace, I put out my favorite Santa and some nutcrackers.
On the built in, I switched out the picture in the frame to include my favorite Santa pic of the kids.
I added snow globes and another LED house from the Kirklands set to a couple of shelves too.
Just like when I shared my fall decor, I have to be honest and say my couch will never really look like this, but I love when it does. The couch is usually covered in order to Homer proof it! haha
I’m still loving our new tree, and it’s even better now that it’s decorated with ornaments and a few presents.
Nothing new in the office area…but a few of my favorite decorations and the sweet pic of the kids under the tree for their first Christmas.
I love my view from the kitchen when I’m cooking…and I love the little pic of Hadley being Hadley…and Hayden being embarrassed of Hadley. My brother took their Christmas pic many years ago. I also picked up a snowy fern from Trader Joe’s.
On the kitchen island built in, I added the bell and candle. The Santa plate isn’t really a spoon rest, but that’s what I’m using it for currently. The Merry and Bright sign is of KC’s Plaza lights which I love. I’ve had the monogrammed hand towel for years.
I’m still loving how I decorated the mantle this year with new garland and “Merry Christmas” sign from Smallwoods.
I decided not to hang the stockings yet…and Hadley is beside herself 😆
I added a few things to the tray on the kitchen table; I decided not to use a table runner this year.
Hadley’s favorite part is the village…She put it out the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
It looks even better at night.
A few other festive touches in the dining area:
A couple of years ago, my mom gave me this Santa cross-stitch that she made.
Much like the living room couch, the sun room doesn’t often look this neat and tidy, but I love when it does!
It’s similar but different every year too. I always change what I put in the tray and what I add to the side tables. The pillow slip covers are an easy way to decorate.
At the end of the hall, I added a few things. I put out some of the cards that I received last year from my mom, Gma, and aunt. They always make the best cards. The LED trees are also from Kirklands and provide the perfect glow for the nativity scene.
In our bedroom, I have our pencil tree and reindeer crock. When the crock has a candle in it, the stars shine on the wall. I love it.
Some years, I wish I had more neutral decorations, and this year, I wanted to “do less,” but Hadley wouldn’t let me! haha
showmeandsweettea.com 