tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70626728575193965202024-03-12T22:25:38.100-04:00Designed To DwellWendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comBlogger319125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-29057078533943740212016-01-11T05:00:00.000-05:002016-01-11T05:00:19.620-05:00Goal KeepingDespite rarely ever completing all my goals for the year, I really enjoy taking a look back & seeing what all I accomplished & what still needs improvement. I only shared four goals on the blog & was able to cross all but one off the list. Let's take a look at my <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/01/from-back-to-future.html" target="_blank">goals for last year</a>...<br />
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The first item on my list of goals was to update the morning room. As my style transitioned, this room was stuck in it's dark & dreary past. I finished it up in November as part of the fall One Room Challenge. You can see the <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/11/morning-room-challenge-big-reveal.html" target="_blank">reveal here</a> as well as links to all the projects.<br />
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One of the first projects I started to tackle in 2015 was my son's bedroom makeover. His room slowly evolved from a small dark bedroom to a bright spacious room with the help of new paint & space saving furnishings. You can check out the <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/08/tween-boys-bedroom-reveal.html" target="_blank">reveal here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocSaAKZp1JSbjCJX5cMLTXroaRAz_D3jw1gkfm-iKiuM5r0EqqWXjS8GG-qzYkalbL_RtYIyQIAnfGZC-jEzhoAfzQ6jGhtPETQua5qc7s_BpVMURqzTmoUyqP9AC75fEO0Df08ogDQk8/s640/DSC_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocSaAKZp1JSbjCJX5cMLTXroaRAz_D3jw1gkfm-iKiuM5r0EqqWXjS8GG-qzYkalbL_RtYIyQIAnfGZC-jEzhoAfzQ6jGhtPETQua5qc7s_BpVMURqzTmoUyqP9AC75fEO0Df08ogDQk8/s640/DSC_0551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My daughter's room was also in need of a makeover this year, as she had grown out of the sweet, princess room from her preschool years. Her room now is much more cheerful & suited to her fun-loving personality. You can see the <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/05/girls-bedroom-makeover-reveal.html" target="_blank">reveal post here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox49xG5_mAk/VUfGkN_5qDI/AAAAAAAAGZs/lNIQ8I7nQTY/DSC_0014_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox49xG5_mAk/VUfGkN_5qDI/AAAAAAAAGZs/lNIQ8I7nQTY/DSC_0014_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></div>
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The one item that we did not finish (or really even start) was the master bedroom makeover, which leads me into my goals for 2016! </div>
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When we had our house built over six years ago, I didn't think we would still have rooms & projects that were unfinished. This is the year I hope to start improving on some much needed areas in our home. I don't know why, but I really want it to be finished enough that if we had to suddenly move, the house would be ready to list. (Moving is not at all in the plans at this point though! I really love our home & hope to stay here for a while longer!)</div>
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1. Master Bathroom</div>
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That being said, the first room I would like to tackle in 2016 is the master bathroom. I'm sure you can't tell from the pictures, but this room is disgusting! I would love to replace the floor & tile, but that won't be in the budget for years, so I plan on focusing on simple changes to improve this room. I hope to paint the walls & cabinets, add shelving above the toilet, replace some of the trim, & add new curtains & accessories.</div>
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2. Master Bedroom</div>
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Once the master bathroom is spruced up, I plan on moving into the master bedroom. This is another room that hasn't been touched since we moved in. Well, we did purchase a new headboard & chairs last year, when I thought I might actually get around to decorating this room, but then I lost focus! This year I hope to paint the walls, replace the dresser, nightstands, bedding, & mirror, & add art & accessories. </div>
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I hope the main focus for us this year can be the back yard. Once we realized how sloped our backyard was (after building) we planned on building a two-tiered retaining wall to span the width of the backyard. While that won't happen this summer, getting these other exterior spaces in shape will help us prepare for those future projects.</div>
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3. Fire Pit/ Picnic Area</div>
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Two years ago we bought supplies to build a retaining wall to the right of the fire pit area. The wood is still sitting in our basement waiting to be used. This is the year, I plan on getting that out of the basement. Then, we'll add a picnic table & the hammock we got my husband for Father's Day (two years ago).</div>
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Due to a drainage issue, the fire pit stairs & patio are a mess & will need to be worked on. I also want to add a small deck behind the Adirondack chairs, to add space for more chairs & stain the fire wood storage box.</div>
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4. Deck</div>
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We need to replace several boards on the deck & it is in need of a good staining. Our umbrella & table will hopefully get replaced this year too.</div>
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5. Play Space </div>
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The final outdoor area that needs some help is the kids play area. We really need a sandbox cover, toy storage, & I am hoping to add some additional play areas for the kids.</div>
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So, that's what I would really like to happen on the home front this year. We'll see how far we get!</div>
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-88572749961281658542016-01-08T05:00:00.000-05:002016-01-08T05:00:00.188-05:00A Few of My Favorite PostsOn Wednesday, I shared the most popular posts from 2015, & while they were nice, a few of my favorites slid by without much mention. Here are a few of my personal favorites that didn't quite win the popularity contest this year.<br />
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<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/08/tween-boys-bedroom-reveal.html" target="_blank">Tween Boy's Bedroom Reveal</a><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aO5X3Hnirl4/VK7O3nAdQfI/AAAAAAAAF6c/nzU5B1v8KBQ/OB-Zeke%252527s%252520Room_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aO5X3Hnirl4/VK7O3nAdQfI/AAAAAAAAF6c/nzU5B1v8KBQ/OB-Zeke%252527s%252520Room_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></div>
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My son's room was actually the first makeover I worked on in 2015, but I took a break from it when the One Room Challenge popped up & I decided to make over my daughter's room. I really love the way his room turned out & I think it is a great representation of him. Click on over to see how I gave the room personality & worked in some of Zeke's most treasured possessions.</div>
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<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/03/curtains-pillows-letter-z.html" target="_blank">Curtains, Pillows, & the Letter Z</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTn_13exYQo/VRWrpmNHwyI/AAAAAAAAGJg/haViHXkYBWo/DSC_0840_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTn_13exYQo/VRWrpmNHwyI/AAAAAAAAGJg/haViHXkYBWo/DSC_0840_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" /></a></div>
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During Zeke's bedroom makeover, my husband & I worked together to build this Z marquee letter. I really love how it turned out & especially the glow it gives his room at night. Zeke's room only has one window, so adding this unit really brightens up his space.</div>
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<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/morning-room-challenge-how-to-trim.html" target="_blank">How to Trim an Arched Window</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W1VDUlOvrdjAWcn8xvnJNnp0UbTFE9hMXrEZlVJYU38OCKB9g5pkv4n8_mg5Q6-i3o4ZaBCXgXd_6dNRGUa2HV1IV1w0TVGZQ86EMeIUS64pS8jWvygmKI5ObacMTQebF7Ed64JAEEoV/s640/DSC_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W1VDUlOvrdjAWcn8xvnJNnp0UbTFE9hMXrEZlVJYU38OCKB9g5pkv4n8_mg5Q6-i3o4ZaBCXgXd_6dNRGUa2HV1IV1w0TVGZQ86EMeIUS64pS8jWvygmKI5ObacMTQebF7Ed64JAEEoV/s640/DSC_0749.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have slowly been trimming out all the windows in our home. The last room on the first floor that needed trim had us stumped. We couldn't figure out how to add moulding around the arched window. Amazingly enough the Internet did not have an answer for us, other than basically hiring it out. Fortunately, we figured it out & shared the easy solution with you in the post.</div>
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<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/06/summer-learning-challenge.html" target="_blank">Summer Learning Challenge</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU8Ntq0ZPI8nq971SYdzjMchke_T12TmRojoVs3_Rr4vhwKFB24Kwi9U3MqjfgBFFt7r1oNEOsIVr50NaJF1DEwfftPyB4dsnPtI9sldy3TSb7zGoq6CmV_sdjDvl_Va8SJzgahQISOsx/s640/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU8Ntq0ZPI8nq971SYdzjMchke_T12TmRojoVs3_Rr4vhwKFB24Kwi9U3MqjfgBFFt7r1oNEOsIVr50NaJF1DEwfftPyB4dsnPtI9sldy3TSb7zGoq6CmV_sdjDvl_Va8SJzgahQISOsx/s640/DSC_0165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My children are proof that keeping up your studies over summer break can prevent the "summer slide" that occurs at the start of each new school year. After participating in the school's math & reading challenge for several years, we created our own last summer, when the school decided to drop the program. I posted about it at the beginning of the summer & am happy to announce that the challenge was successful! The weekend before school started, they were able to open up that sparkly envelope for a fun weekend away. The system was easy to maintain & the mystery prize was motivating for the kids.</div>
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<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/05/making-special-memories-on-last-day-of.html" target="_blank">Making Special Memories on the Last Day of School</a></div>
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One of the all-time, most popular posts on my blog was written about how we celebrate the last day of school. (You can see that post <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2012/06/schools-out-for-summer.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) I find it amazing that without publicizing it at all, it is one of the top three posts I have ever written. Anyway, since that time, we have made some changes to our last day of school fun (we have to keep our kids on their toes!) & I shared about them in the above post. </div>
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If you missed any of these posts, I hope you'll check them out & find some inspiration from them!</div>
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-59542356696376129792016-01-06T10:06:00.000-05:002016-01-06T10:07:51.746-05:00Favorite Posts from 2015Now that 2016 is in full swing, it's time to take a look back & see what posts were most enjoyed in 2015. Without further adieu...<br />
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10. <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/01/home-tour-study.html" target="_blank">Home Tour: The Study</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PG0wfPihvUU/VKrT-NBXBBI/AAAAAAAAFtM/9Ng87REaFto/DSC_0488_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PG0wfPihvUU/VKrT-NBXBBI/AAAAAAAAFtM/9Ng87REaFto/DSC_0488_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started out the year with an updated home tour & the study was one of the most liked rooms on the tour. It has been a little over two years since I made this room over & I still love it just as much as I did when I first finished it. It is such a cheerful, happy spot to work!</div>
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9. <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-furnishings.html" target="_blank">Girl's Bedroom Makeover: The Furnishings</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IwtN9tzbksU/VSRsVUepbgI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/4z83GRiiBzU/DSC_0898_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IwtN9tzbksU/VSRsVUepbgI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/4z83GRiiBzU/DSC_0898_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" /></a></div>
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The One Room Challenge is serious motivation for me to get moving on projects, so for the spring challenge, I made over my daughter's room. Many of the posts for her room were among the most popular (as you will see) including one on the inexpensive furnishings I purchased for her room.</div>
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8. <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-pictures-plans.html" target="_blank">Girl's Bedroom Makeover: Pictures & Plans</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9thwB_GrNk/VRW1pHykU3I/AAAAAAAAGLY/3baQe4MNoY0/OB-Elie%252527s%252520Room_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9thwB_GrNk/VRW1pHykU3I/AAAAAAAAGLY/3baQe4MNoY0/OB-Elie%252527s%252520Room_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></div>
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The plans for Eliana's room topped the list of popular posts at number eight. If you want to see how bad her previously cute room had become, you can click on the link!</div>
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7. <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/morning-room-challenge-painting.html" target="_blank">Morning Room Challenge: Painting the Secretary</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-dFrAp55N9b9L73ly-XJE5JGaCzb6Hy96ZDJg9_qO5-MKWK7NjIUT3PTkLTBol0QwvpnCAw-2jwBvJXOT5xmeqXxOZeNKEanrCRlCTAWjQcyYBbRRGkQ46Ru4RSmh6emrK8xVYnmTwgP/s640/DSC_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-dFrAp55N9b9L73ly-XJE5JGaCzb6Hy96ZDJg9_qO5-MKWK7NjIUT3PTkLTBol0QwvpnCAw-2jwBvJXOT5xmeqXxOZeNKEanrCRlCTAWjQcyYBbRRGkQ46Ru4RSmh6emrK8xVYnmTwgP/s640/DSC_0722.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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I painted this oak secretary desk as part of the fall One Room Challenge. I really love the way it looks & am so happy I was able to style it using things I had around the house & a little creativity!</div>
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6. <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-free-art.html" target="_blank">Girl's Bedroom Makeover: Free Art</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWbvUvCRUQM/VS16XGsM9rI/AAAAAAAAGTs/3apEooNrOyU/DSC_0996_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWbvUvCRUQM/VS16XGsM9rI/AAAAAAAAGTs/3apEooNrOyU/DSC_0996_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" /></a></div>
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I created a gallery wall of free art for my daughter's bedroom makeover. I used some rocks & shells from her collection, as well as some awesome free printable art I found online. Don't you just love it when talented people share their art for free???</div>
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5. <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-paint-paint-paint.html" target="_blank">Girl's Bedroom Makeover: Paint, Paint, Paint</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvXEjdeOAzM/VSMEl4shc6I/AAAAAAAAGNY/gfeagxjtssk/DSC_0877_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvXEjdeOAzM/VSMEl4shc6I/AAAAAAAAGNY/gfeagxjtssk/DSC_0877_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a pretty boring picture, but one of the top five posts from my blog this year (um...does that say something about me?). I loved the color I painted the family room so much that I used it in my daughter's room as well!</div>
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4. <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/11/morning-room-challenge-big-reveal.html" target="_blank">Morning Room Challenge: The Big Reveal</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vOFlnrSs4gPHiiS5Xe2LfmsAYU835iZlFor_y9FBMokWgA2BLNxIBbtxCSPjPsKAHdgnaeaYjdfaY8H7CHi_CoaRZvRi1oCf1oLeMR1j9Qm0zTpZtUiSEtoUgm7OJsEqsGBPO-p0z0qk/s640/DSC_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vOFlnrSs4gPHiiS5Xe2LfmsAYU835iZlFor_y9FBMokWgA2BLNxIBbtxCSPjPsKAHdgnaeaYjdfaY8H7CHi_CoaRZvRi1oCf1oLeMR1j9Qm0zTpZtUiSEtoUgm7OJsEqsGBPO-p0z0qk/s640/DSC_0863.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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This room went from drab to fab in the fall & now works with the rest of our main floor. I do see a few changes coming to it in the near future, so I will update pictures when that happens.</div>
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3. <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/02/home-tour-bathrooms.html" target="_blank">Home Tour: The Bathrooms</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBuqSW5d4ss/VLQ8uhYr0nI/AAAAAAAAF_M/7KkTz0FNyTk/DSC_0619_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBuqSW5d4ss/VLQ8uhYr0nI/AAAAAAAAF_M/7KkTz0FNyTk/DSC_0619_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></div>
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Okay, so this feels like cheating again! For the past three years, this bathroom has made my popular posts. I still really love it, so I don't mind, but I haven't done a thing but take pictures of it since I decorated it in 2013.</div>
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2. <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-third-times-charm.html" target="_blank">Girl's Bedroom Makeover: Third Time's a Charm!</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JzPf_mG6F3I/VT59hhpcMDI/AAAAAAAAGWU/kfMYTAGnrd0/DSC_1019_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JzPf_mG6F3I/VT59hhpcMDI/AAAAAAAAGWU/kfMYTAGnrd0/DSC_1019_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></div>
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It took me three tries to find the perfect shade of pink curtains for my daughter's room & you'll never guess how I achieved it. Well, unless you read the original post!</div>
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1. <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/05/girls-bedroom-makeover-reveal.html" target="_blank">Girl's Bedroom Makeover: The Reveal</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlE-yM_miP4/VUfGZ5BXGGI/AAAAAAAAGYc/b38A7f_5YFU/DSC_1061_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlE-yM_miP4/VUfGZ5BXGGI/AAAAAAAAGYc/b38A7f_5YFU/DSC_1061_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></div>
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Three rooms in our home received makeovers this year, but my daughter's room was the reader favorite. It has already had some slight changes, so it might be time for more pictures. I will just need motivation to iron that duvet cover, so don't plan on it until at least 2017!</div>
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So, there you have it! What are your favorites from the list? I would love to hear! I will be back in a few days to share some of my favorite posts from this year. </div>
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Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-68259202008036464092015-11-12T05:00:00.000-05:002015-11-12T17:07:30.231-05:00Morning Room Challenge: The Big Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Six weeks ago, myself & 177 others, set out to makeover a room, thanks to some motivation from Linda at <a href="http://callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Calling It Home</a>. I chose to make over one of the few drab spaces left in our home, the morning room. If you would like to get caught up, here is what I have been up to the past few weeks:<br />
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Week One: <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-morning-room.html" target="_blank">Before Pictures & a Plan</a><br />
Week Two: <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/morning-room-challenge-painting.html" target="_blank">Painting the Secretary</a><br />
Week Three: <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/morning-room-challenge-how-to-trim.html" target="_blank">Adding Trim to an Arched Window</a><br />
Week Five: <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/11/morning-room-challenge-curtains-chairs.html" target="_blank">Dining Chair Makeover</a><br />
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We have quickly arrived at week six & after some weekend table drama (that I'm not quite ready to talk about), I am happy to say the room is finished! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vOFlnrSs4gPHiiS5Xe2LfmsAYU835iZlFor_y9FBMokWgA2BLNxIBbtxCSPjPsKAHdgnaeaYjdfaY8H7CHi_CoaRZvRi1oCf1oLeMR1j9Qm0zTpZtUiSEtoUgm7OJsEqsGBPO-p0z0qk/s1600/DSC_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vOFlnrSs4gPHiiS5Xe2LfmsAYU835iZlFor_y9FBMokWgA2BLNxIBbtxCSPjPsKAHdgnaeaYjdfaY8H7CHi_CoaRZvRi1oCf1oLeMR1j9Qm0zTpZtUiSEtoUgm7OJsEqsGBPO-p0z0qk/s640/DSC_0863.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Let's start on the back wall with the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50214555/" target="_blank">Ikea Malm dresser</a>. Maybe someday it will have pretty gold handles & a pair of beautiful lamps, but I couldn't quite justify spending money on those items, especially since I know the lamps would never get turned on! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiUItxyVZ8f9nykN6t9xVIsYlIJ2pyUD6WlZ69DDYLuBinA7lf3_zhOhIJvpXCmxrYwzm3wMPIuapByBHyI9SX2JSkAwGs70eOvOGdyNjN5ZzA4RKCkToT-VeeRzcEeAfv2WTINL01HPT/s1600/DSC_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiUItxyVZ8f9nykN6t9xVIsYlIJ2pyUD6WlZ69DDYLuBinA7lf3_zhOhIJvpXCmxrYwzm3wMPIuapByBHyI9SX2JSkAwGs70eOvOGdyNjN5ZzA4RKCkToT-VeeRzcEeAfv2WTINL01HPT/s640/DSC_0853.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I needed some pops of color on the back wall, so I painted my own artwork on a piece of poster board & placed it in a black poster frame from Wal-Mart. I'm pretty sure my husband is laughing behind my back about my masterpiece! Ha!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimp4SqH10aFsGqA1SRrcxRKD0gDSrsfr6Z0Gg3Xi8CdljlNhm-OtWW-R9sEZlg3VqFu9kEiuUB7K7WvU8s6Eox1RuqXKik6E3je1fd3Q9Ul_3pIxf0YpnKdsQDYGCt8EClEAjjI2GHQbaP/s1600/DSC_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimp4SqH10aFsGqA1SRrcxRKD0gDSrsfr6Z0Gg3Xi8CdljlNhm-OtWW-R9sEZlg3VqFu9kEiuUB7K7WvU8s6Eox1RuqXKik6E3je1fd3Q9Ul_3pIxf0YpnKdsQDYGCt8EClEAjjI2GHQbaP/s640/DSC_0866.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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I picked up the black tray from Hobby Lobby. (It originally had a navy & white pattern.) I added a few books we occasionally use at dinner & some question cards in a small bowl from Target. My kids love to take turns asking & answering these questions during dinnertime & I love that it keeps us all at the table a bit longer. #momwin<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytRi6M4aYtBvkxDMMHMQ18-iJkCNy4XDq7d7-1KQfkM8u_BAmCNwuvnBGzpdGzXZiiAyw_sC1PzKHDIsfNjxzqO3OkwGTmbj4O31lySRw5VUHbZ5ryGoz-61Ic3_Pufv7hJugsxTszqiC/s1600/DSC_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytRi6M4aYtBvkxDMMHMQ18-iJkCNy4XDq7d7-1KQfkM8u_BAmCNwuvnBGzpdGzXZiiAyw_sC1PzKHDIsfNjxzqO3OkwGTmbj4O31lySRw5VUHbZ5ryGoz-61Ic3_Pufv7hJugsxTszqiC/s640/DSC_0867.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The light was an Overstock purchase when we first bought the house. And can we all just pretend that plant isn't shedding yellow leaves? (I'm sure they are just changing colors for fall!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaHkgHW3UmaDrGolxXPykb3_baK554RdIVqQzebwOY_fticef_xVeAwYSgQoSE09YJFAYjshrpERybn_o33vZZJxwmganpBWyRJ1AQoBr5aWXkR8LmHpa9N1Cv-VD2ZqgGksnwx4oHNcE/s1600/DSC_0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaHkgHW3UmaDrGolxXPykb3_baK554RdIVqQzebwOY_fticef_xVeAwYSgQoSE09YJFAYjshrpERybn_o33vZZJxwmganpBWyRJ1AQoBr5aWXkR8LmHpa9N1Cv-VD2ZqgGksnwx4oHNcE/s640/DSC_0816.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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The table & chair makeovers were the stuff of nightmares! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVkf7AuKwPcpyHxeRDSl_n3JCECHgp6PoTPSLFS5BB_d5IvhqNjWaYHkMMbr6F00Pf39SvVg4efQ5a4dZie98O_bc42eKQ5uoHhiXUWFXqw9_Dyw2HBFghTjgSUM1Hps4rtOYL_mvu9to/s1600/DSC_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVkf7AuKwPcpyHxeRDSl_n3JCECHgp6PoTPSLFS5BB_d5IvhqNjWaYHkMMbr6F00Pf39SvVg4efQ5a4dZie98O_bc42eKQ5uoHhiXUWFXqw9_Dyw2HBFghTjgSUM1Hps4rtOYL_mvu9to/s640/DSC_0846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found the six wooden chairs on Craigslist, painted them cream & recovered the seats in a cream leather. Those seat cushions... After working on those I am pretty convinced my brain has left the building! Thank goodness Mark was helping me figure out where we needed to staple.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGliv59-cVFGtyDOwkVYFIvTqiXjr_vDmgLiN57BE3f0oKgZG_MzfYl9dlT12ZVei0_Vvaw1mkevX36aMjLnjf326rveTLRqXuCPMf5OY2qyNBNqvchsWBeFUfW19z7yqJ96vyw3-7sd-J/s1600/DSC_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGliv59-cVFGtyDOwkVYFIvTqiXjr_vDmgLiN57BE3f0oKgZG_MzfYl9dlT12ZVei0_Vvaw1mkevX36aMjLnjf326rveTLRqXuCPMf5OY2qyNBNqvchsWBeFUfW19z7yqJ96vyw3-7sd-J/s640/DSC_0869.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I purchased the <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Loire-Cream-Leather-Nailhead-Dining-Chairs-Set-of-2/6531680/product.html?utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pin_button" target="_blank">end chairs</a> on Overstock & love the way all the chairs look together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tYUPUiV4Ve-Wv2UI70vLa8-PxPHkseAZHJoxOaZqnfTW5T6GO6R1Y_vyh_xVxYNQkzySnk_T8ez3b0x1zDDjHJmSHaUcOFAziyww6watwJ11M6snxw5mQsybVg4QH_iWSggiBjUm8AOT/s1600/DSC_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tYUPUiV4Ve-Wv2UI70vLa8-PxPHkseAZHJoxOaZqnfTW5T6GO6R1Y_vyh_xVxYNQkzySnk_T8ez3b0x1zDDjHJmSHaUcOFAziyww6watwJ11M6snxw5mQsybVg4QH_iWSggiBjUm8AOT/s640/DSC_0872.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I am so glad my polyshades table nightmare is over! (sand, stain, strip, sand, stain, polyurethane...) I do love the way it turned out though. This table was in my dad's childhood home & was also the table I grew up eating at, so it is definitely dear to my heart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_tu7AwiptbmkOcDxIhL-6eLa1-RRz0l66-xNmEyC49mQqY6-muKhK55kSROoUBdMkOl-5ZdFGxgEO5OVcuU1aOzvbA0emZtoWlon9gXfKkvIWTUtr5nNLQHDYt3fDaSLK4iJbm_wEBxG/s1600/DSC_0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_tu7AwiptbmkOcDxIhL-6eLa1-RRz0l66-xNmEyC49mQqY6-muKhK55kSROoUBdMkOl-5ZdFGxgEO5OVcuU1aOzvbA0emZtoWlon9gXfKkvIWTUtr5nNLQHDYt3fDaSLK4iJbm_wEBxG/s640/DSC_0861.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Aren't we so fancy with our <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30258913/" target="_blank">89 cent Ikea plates</a> & mismatched silverware? I think the white plates & chairs contrast nicely with the dark wood table. You are welcome to eat with us now that we have seating for eight at the table! (I don't recommend it though. We are having eggs tonight... My <a href="http://www.forkheartkentucky.com/" target="_blank">sister</a> is the chef in the family!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1DJe8XhyEIC7dgMVcCszvqBSI9vPtICV5tA1VRJU2u3sXPDHWGhyTL_OleLW38ZP7ajDt7nXRgOJd5ti4DcAZyfoonS162t4EX0ysl7dFpmyNVWOrDwsoVkIo-hkG98OSokSjmzDze9g/s1600/DSC_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1DJe8XhyEIC7dgMVcCszvqBSI9vPtICV5tA1VRJU2u3sXPDHWGhyTL_OleLW38ZP7ajDt7nXRgOJd5ti4DcAZyfoonS162t4EX0ysl7dFpmyNVWOrDwsoVkIo-hkG98OSokSjmzDze9g/s640/DSC_0844.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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I'd say now would be a great time to discuss those<a href="http://www.bellacor.com/productdetail/half-price-drapes-prct-d07-84-martinique-taupe-84-x-50-inch-printed-cotton-curtain-single-pan-1641119.htm" target="_blank"> curtains</a>. Remember how I saved about $20 a panel by buying curtains that were too short & ripping the seams out to give me 3- 4 extra inches? Let's just pretend that's because I'm a genius, & not because I can't measure. Mkay?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDwEFlvRFOfgoT0JAqsvVz8BwMiUx49iqh3L_8_676AZ5aZIkeLxjdFjHzykjRsATqnJTfjtIlxbpSTm_sHHWqkXgzrFMfDWGO8NBq-gVB0anJhCMNljVzd_Bs7rgLCr8TB2XpUWFWntP/s1600/DSC_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDwEFlvRFOfgoT0JAqsvVz8BwMiUx49iqh3L_8_676AZ5aZIkeLxjdFjHzykjRsATqnJTfjtIlxbpSTm_sHHWqkXgzrFMfDWGO8NBq-gVB0anJhCMNljVzd_Bs7rgLCr8TB2XpUWFWntP/s640/DSC_0854.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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The pattern is a great modern print, much better than the floral curtains I had in the room previously. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cpbS9ICrTpltsd29RtXpII2UgA1PrfY0Sco8SXkl0wHjZhyxpEcxotQOfksiKFK6AYoGJgsWVEX-Vm_bBM7HPPu_3pf_Tp8UVBs8XCfylKlF5zY42jue38y0vXEYAtI7Ev2AKdlSH-cy/s1600/DSC_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cpbS9ICrTpltsd29RtXpII2UgA1PrfY0Sco8SXkl0wHjZhyxpEcxotQOfksiKFK6AYoGJgsWVEX-Vm_bBM7HPPu_3pf_Tp8UVBs8XCfylKlF5zY42jue38y0vXEYAtI7Ev2AKdlSH-cy/s640/DSC_0827.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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The secretary looks so much prettier in it's little black dress! The orange-y oak made this piece look dated, but the black paint gives it a more modern feel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoL_HI-Re0W8_RwnKbS5OoPkaIgKpKmXAwGoTSAphKi9rwEB51APRqh3fmzj-sbHsA3OwtCU4zxdzL6gPPuigdDbLH4HP_AWinv-z35UV46pSSMSCfOHAo1IifNsj5POwvKB3_QK0KKQF/s1600/DSC_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoL_HI-Re0W8_RwnKbS5OoPkaIgKpKmXAwGoTSAphKi9rwEB51APRqh3fmzj-sbHsA3OwtCU4zxdzL6gPPuigdDbLH4HP_AWinv-z35UV46pSSMSCfOHAo1IifNsj5POwvKB3_QK0KKQF/s640/DSC_0834.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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You can find all the details on how I styled it for free, as well as the links to some free printables <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/morning-room-challenge-painting.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Now for the fun part! Let's see how far we've come.<br />
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The Before: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJltklDLHP0dG5FyNYWKcSNhMCppcQDAEo3htGOXkDLXZNOPUxWi3ZO1QsVVIqEnVTIv0JlWWOKqjxoplxoj836ebzB6XOod-vWheYFoC5xj2EDjRr_XCFuHFGfToAHjRx124nYqt9HaH/s640/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJltklDLHP0dG5FyNYWKcSNhMCppcQDAEo3htGOXkDLXZNOPUxWi3ZO1QsVVIqEnVTIv0JlWWOKqjxoplxoj836ebzB6XOod-vWheYFoC5xj2EDjRr_XCFuHFGfToAHjRx124nYqt9HaH/s640/IMG_3568.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTpcAGzB2MDiRPlATGxjTE31bsbNg23CLrYNhlgXArCU-DcRE3k9rAInNyzDFZEKfXVd4vyJliUT2eE9nOQvnyERgtRw3GDyWtvQdv5t-8Q3HiFvk4BeIXXT3xqpQ9C_MgKeD9INK-h5I/s1600/DSC_0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTpcAGzB2MDiRPlATGxjTE31bsbNg23CLrYNhlgXArCU-DcRE3k9rAInNyzDFZEKfXVd4vyJliUT2eE9nOQvnyERgtRw3GDyWtvQdv5t-8Q3HiFvk4BeIXXT3xqpQ9C_MgKeD9INK-h5I/s640/DSC_0814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnRB-xTOmXghkYb7XiIfEeh6dSUPZJY4AM9Ty539acOCQ0gT4KSwQ-AVhjjz3O1NAntJPzTxsmXPvkHaxa9eMiUKu8WGPKnD3NHt8qgfeq5ZzfenT5Uqy43i5IRgX1f-xjmNHxa7IkP9m/s640/IMG_3573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnRB-xTOmXghkYb7XiIfEeh6dSUPZJY4AM9Ty539acOCQ0gT4KSwQ-AVhjjz3O1NAntJPzTxsmXPvkHaxa9eMiUKu8WGPKnD3NHt8qgfeq5ZzfenT5Uqy43i5IRgX1f-xjmNHxa7IkP9m/s640/IMG_3573.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The Plan:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJOrLFzXGJJQO4jzDlRbL93ZpPQ290VdOiC5LxEArZbRCnJFPoS6kCy0KjEX28Qn6dKOps5fjVUfJ7ggpR2n5suzY1oCga2aYxb_cRuEoR3OL9lSMECJ8fsI4Nc7Xn_2c3rUAKw1MQ35i/s640/OB-Morning+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJOrLFzXGJJQO4jzDlRbL93ZpPQ290VdOiC5LxEArZbRCnJFPoS6kCy0KjEX28Qn6dKOps5fjVUfJ7ggpR2n5suzY1oCga2aYxb_cRuEoR3OL9lSMECJ8fsI4Nc7Xn_2c3rUAKw1MQ35i/s640/OB-Morning+Room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I would love to hear your thoughts on the space, but please don't ask me if my kids made the artwork. If you do, I will probably answer with, "Why yes they did!".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RvaHQj2BMG3g73UBjymiEiOhfWXppJas-XRqDM6oM2PSBCXVZAedltTzQIOYfi0-51juRuXIh0TT0Aaumq7JcwyqKq8XUqsINgkZWA5gXGYZIEyqEuwJJczcw8mUhKEJIEBwa7okos1c/s1600/DSC_0862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RvaHQj2BMG3g73UBjymiEiOhfWXppJas-XRqDM6oM2PSBCXVZAedltTzQIOYfi0-51juRuXIh0TT0Aaumq7JcwyqKq8XUqsINgkZWA5gXGYZIEyqEuwJJczcw8mUhKEJIEBwa7okos1c/s640/DSC_0862.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to check out all the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a> makeovers. There should be plenty of inspiration to last you for days!</div>
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You can check out all the other spaces I've made over through the One Room Challenge <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-morning-room.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-5882871919942164052015-11-10T05:00:00.000-05:002015-11-10T05:00:00.335-05:00Easy Fall Girls' Night Out <br />
Every month the ladies in my small group have a girls' night out. I was responsible for planning the September night, which happened to be the day after the fall equinox. I decided to host a dinner/craft/movie night in celebration of everything fall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJlfmnlbWXbwwuGqORkN0I2odceT__N7G7OVV7fcSVhHidLPpCab-hCCx0XtGEJA11WYoPW7CH_LEQvg520P_gsb2ShnOUIOPigE_MJpAnL7C4y2dxd4WHk1gwnSAr7gnjExtZHEk20pU/s1600/DSC_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJlfmnlbWXbwwuGqORkN0I2odceT__N7G7OVV7fcSVhHidLPpCab-hCCx0XtGEJA11WYoPW7CH_LEQvg520P_gsb2ShnOUIOPigE_MJpAnL7C4y2dxd4WHk1gwnSAr7gnjExtZHEk20pU/s640/DSC_0694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I didn't have enough formal dinnerware for the party, so I stopped by Ikea & picked up some of their 89 cent white plates & bowls & used some iced tea glasses we got for our wedding. The only cloth napkins I own are the ones seen here. I think the black & white buffalo/gingham print is perfect to use year round (pair them with red for Christmas & hot pink during the spring & summer). </div>
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Since I was purchasing all the food & supplies for the gathering, I decided to keep the table decor very cheap. I kept the centerpieces that are always on the table & just added a couple of mini pumpkins to be festive. </div>
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I wanted to make my friends feel extra special for the evening, so I put a "favor" at each place setting. I filled a clear goody bag with brown shredded paper & a $1 fall scented candle & tied the bag closed with some twine.<br />
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For dinner I served a simple dinner of white chicken chili (in the crock pot) along with salad & bread. Dessert was a mix of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin muffins, & caramel apples. </div>
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After dinner we sat around the island snacking on dessert & used watercolors to make some fall art. I created two different prints for the ladies to paint (the other was a pumpkin). I'm not sure anyone actually used theirs as decor, but if nothing else, it was a fun, relaxing activity.<br />
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We finished off the evening watching the movie <i>You've Got Mail</i> (since it makes a reference about fall!).<br />
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Overall, I think the evening was a success! I just hope my friends feel the same way!<br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-83777164291177612752015-11-05T05:00:00.000-05:002015-11-05T05:00:01.342-05:00Morning Room Challenge: Curtains & Chairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yikes! We have quickly come to week five of the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2015/09/one-room-challenge-fall-2015.html" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a> hosted by Linda of <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Calling It Home</a>. I have just one more week to finish up a few projects in the morning room & reveal it on the blog. Here's what happened so far:</div>
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<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-morning-room.html" target="_blank">Week One: Before Pictures & Plans</a></div>
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<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/morning-room-challenge-painting.html" target="_blank">Week Two: Painting the Secretary Desk</a></div>
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<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/morning-room-challenge-how-to-trim.html" target="_blank">Week Three: How We Trimmed the Arched Window</a></div>
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Last week the room saw no progress, as I took a break to work on these:</div>
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My kids have been plotting this "happy meal" theme for almost a year! Evie, my youngest, desperately wanted to be princess Anna, so she became the happy meal toy (although several friends thought she was representing "Wendy's").</div>
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Anywho, this week did see some progress, although not as much as I had hoped for...</div>
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I removed the bottom seams from the curtains to lengthen them, since they were several inches too short & then we hung them up.</div>
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You can tell by the crease in the above picture just how much extra length ripping the seams gave me. It was probably a good three inches!</div>
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On Sunday, I started the painstaking process of refinishing 6 chairs I found on Craigslist. You may not be able to tell from the pictures, but they were disgusting! The foam in the seats had totally disintegrated & they sprinkled yellow dust whenever they were touched. </div>
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They look much better after sanding & painting them & replacing the seats cushions. </div>
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The great thing about these chairs is that they are less bulky than our old ones, allowing us to fit six chairs along the sides. I also appreciate the lower profile of the chair backs, since the taller backs on the old chairs hindered the view out the windows.<br />
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As you can see from the list below (or the picture above), I still have one pretty big project to complete for the room-- refinishing the table. Blech! I am not looking forward to that one! </div>
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<u>The Plans</u></div>
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<strike>1. Replace the small "buffet" with a white Ikea Malm dresser.</strike></div>
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<strike>2. Add trim around the windows. </strike></div>
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<strike>3. Replace the curtains.</strike></div>
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4. Re-finish the table in a darker stain to minimize the "orange-y oak" look.</div>
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<strike>5. Replace the chairs with two different styles. </strike></div>
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<strike>6. Give the secretary a makeover in the form of black paint.</strike></div>
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7. DIY artwork <strike><br /></strike></div>
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8. Add new lamps & accessories to provide cheerful pops of color.</div>
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Be sure to visit the rest of the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a> Makeovers! </div>
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-37081634578737123742015-10-22T05:00:00.000-04:002015-10-22T05:00:05.320-04:00Morning Room Challenge: How to Trim an Arched Window<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome back to week three of the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2015/09/one-room-challenge-fall-2015.html" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a>, in which I am updating the look of our morning room! You can see the before pictures & plan<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-morning-room.html" target="_blank"> here</a> & last week's progress <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/morning-room-challenge-painting.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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This week we added trim to our windows. Okay, technically we did that a few weeks ago, with the exception of the half circle window, since the online tutorial for slicing the trim lengthwise into bendable pieces did not in fact turn the trim into bendable pieces.<br />
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After trimming the outer two windows, we turned to the window below the arch. The bottom window was slightly smaller than the arched window. We easily solved that issue by adding these decorative square pieces to each end of the trim. Then, we finished off the sides & the bottom of the window.<br />
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In order to frame the arch, we had to special order flexible moulding from Lowes' window department. This is more expensive than regular moulding, but also cheaper than having custom moulding made & installed.<br />
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The product we used is by Carter Flex & cost around $120 for 11 feet. We were able to find the exact profile of the moulding we used on the other windows.<br />
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It's a rubber-like super flexible material that easily trimmed out our window.<br />
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Once the trim was installed & all the gaps were caulked, it got a few coats of crisp, white paint.<br />
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It's not a huge difference, but we really love the way it looks, & it's definitely a step above "builder-grade" windows that are only trimmed along the bottom, as you can see below...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYKNEAB78qOpLngfXFhSpQ-P_hsOIbdeG4TSZExAG3WgDlYkHHylr9ioHoa8ARkECT75l5qUXenIJqjuMpOiv91G053AX3RNSBcTOsaYbdGzkpss-9knNIW4quZPHsm8UqDVAMcY5vomP/s640/IMG_2976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYKNEAB78qOpLngfXFhSpQ-P_hsOIbdeG4TSZExAG3WgDlYkHHylr9ioHoa8ARkECT75l5qUXenIJqjuMpOiv91G053AX3RNSBcTOsaYbdGzkpss-9knNIW4quZPHsm8UqDVAMcY5vomP/s640/IMG_2976.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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While I was at it, I also gave the door & baseboards a fresh coat of white paint and touched up some of the wall paint. <br />
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The end chairs I ordered from Overstock arrived...</div>
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I was waiting on them to arrive so I could match the leather to paint samples for the side chairs I need to make over.<br />
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The Ikea Malm dresser is installed & I just ordered some lamps to sit on top of it. I went the budget-friendly route & ordered the lamps in "off white" instead of the more expensive turquoise option. I am saving about $20 per lamp & plan on painting them turquoise myself. Hopefully, that will turn out well... <br />
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I ordered the curtains around labor day & just opened the box yesterday! I thought I could make the 84" curtain length work, but when we hung them up, they were <i>really </i>short. Looks like I will be spending some time with a seam ripper this weekend!<br />
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I do really love the color & pattern in the curtains though!<br />
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<u>The Plans</u></div>
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<strike>1. Replace the small "buffet" with a white Ikea Malm dresser.</strike></div>
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<strike>2. Add trim around the windows. </strike></div>
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3. Replace the curtains.</div>
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4. Re-finish the table in a darker stain to minimize the "orange-y oak" look.</div>
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5. Replace the chairs with two different styles. </div>
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<strike>6. Give the secretary a makeover in the form of black paint.</strike></div>
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7. DIY artwork <strike><br /></strike></div>
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8. Add new lamps & accessories to provide cheerful pops of color.</div>
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Now, to balance making 5 Halloween costumes, hanging curtains, & painting & staining furniture...</div>
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Be sure to visit <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Calling It Home</a> to see all the other One Room Challenge makeovers!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgav2n5BPQZSPxovyJgd-6bWGbajQAz_F8K0Dh_ckwZqKvC3TbjqTrID0wKq6tRlSvhsq52hB-75R82swnFd81r3mKKz7CxzrflOPpxUEF8N_LRavdAxSpNIP_YlueBS6a5Ii3948NagYk/s1600/Blue+ORC+Guest+transparent.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgav2n5BPQZSPxovyJgd-6bWGbajQAz_F8K0Dh_ckwZqKvC3TbjqTrID0wKq6tRlSvhsq52hB-75R82swnFd81r3mKKz7CxzrflOPpxUEF8N_LRavdAxSpNIP_YlueBS6a5Ii3948NagYk/s1600/Blue+ORC+Guest+transparent.png" /></a></div>
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Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-22456331047530677752015-10-15T05:00:00.000-04:002015-10-15T09:10:17.387-04:00Morning Room Challenge: Painting the Secretary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Week two of the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2015/09/one-room-challenge-fall-2015.html" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a> is officially in the books! I didn't get as much finished as I wanted, but we did make some headway. The main project for the week was to paint the secretary desk that I bought a while back. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ir0j2oGDbis/U076R_eX0YI/AAAAAAAAEj8/AgLGP3EUGpM/20140326_140515_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ir0j2oGDbis/U076R_eX0YI/AAAAAAAAEj8/AgLGP3EUGpM/20140326_140515_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" /></a></div>
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I really loved the clean lines & the fretwork in the glass, but wasn't a fan of the orange-y oak look. I decided to paint it black to update the look. </div>
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I painted it Olympic Paints' Black Magic in a semi-gloss finish. It's reading pretty gray in the pictures, but it is actually darker than it appears. I love that it is more of a soft black, so it doesn't look harsh with the light colored walls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65LQQCsN99kaqdDX_18yFr68e-VK030RGm7P-K4X5kGTRciVzp3iqsCA5NTVw2yuEBSWMnnWKsu0mfzaCc7V32DLCN5pqzdACd4sHEww0AQGTfppAYVKRvtHq0mRQojxgRE6FgSUoZT0k/s1600/DSC_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65LQQCsN99kaqdDX_18yFr68e-VK030RGm7P-K4X5kGTRciVzp3iqsCA5NTVw2yuEBSWMnnWKsu0mfzaCc7V32DLCN5pqzdACd4sHEww0AQGTfppAYVKRvtHq0mRQojxgRE6FgSUoZT0k/s640/DSC_0706.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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My UH-OH MOMENT: In order to create less mess when painting the fretwork, I stuck paper underneath it (& on top of the glass). What I didn't realize is that the paint went underneath the fretwork & glued the paper to the back of it. I ended up having to use a knife & some rough sandpaper to remove all the paper stuck on the back of the grids, & ended up scratching some of the glass. Grrr... Now to find a solution for all the scratches...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeZ7YUtwM7Mz_OkM4N8CLUMwByeEr0QNvFOK_XbQC3_lPwpPJ8aBpyf-R6JIwYZLaLykBS1Ypaoaq04hV3HyqI0li9MwLFohJ-2dDzsVmg3ra8_0VFlnQYGU-w2bMzwyq3gPSa00phtYr/s1600/DSC_0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeZ7YUtwM7Mz_OkM4N8CLUMwByeEr0QNvFOK_XbQC3_lPwpPJ8aBpyf-R6JIwYZLaLykBS1Ypaoaq04hV3HyqI0li9MwLFohJ-2dDzsVmg3ra8_0VFlnQYGU-w2bMzwyq3gPSa00phtYr/s640/DSC_0716.JPG" width="424" /> </a></div>
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I couldn't wait to add some pops of bold color against the black & I think it turned out pretty great using accessories we already had around the house. The "hustle" & "You make all things new" printables were free. You can find them <a href="http://www.designlovefest.com/2014/08/dress-your-tech-62/#more-35536" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://jenwoodhouse.com/restoration-print-free-printable/" target="_blank">here</a>. The other artwork was done by my daughter & the origami swan was made by yours truly! Proof that decorating doesn't have to cost lots of money!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-dFrAp55N9b9L73ly-XJE5JGaCzb6Hy96ZDJg9_qO5-MKWK7NjIUT3PTkLTBol0QwvpnCAw-2jwBvJXOT5xmeqXxOZeNKEanrCRlCTAWjQcyYBbRRGkQ46Ru4RSmh6emrK8xVYnmTwgP/s1600/DSC_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-dFrAp55N9b9L73ly-XJE5JGaCzb6Hy96ZDJg9_qO5-MKWK7NjIUT3PTkLTBol0QwvpnCAw-2jwBvJXOT5xmeqXxOZeNKEanrCRlCTAWjQcyYBbRRGkQ46Ru4RSmh6emrK8xVYnmTwgP/s640/DSC_0722.JPG" width="424" /> </a></div>
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<u>The Plans</u></div>
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<strike>1. Replace the small "buffet" with a white Ikea Malm dresser.</strike></div>
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2. Add trim around the windows. </div>
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3. Replace the curtains.</div>
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4. Re-finish the table in a darker stain to minimize the "orange-y oak" look.</div>
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5. Replace the chairs with two different styles. </div>
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<strike>6. Give the secretary a makeover in the form of black paint.</strike></div>
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7. DIY artwork <strike><br /></strike></div>
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8. Add new lamps & accessories to provide cheerful pops of color.</div>
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You can see the before pictures & plans <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-morning-room.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Be sure to check out all the other makeover madness at <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Calling It Home</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgav2n5BPQZSPxovyJgd-6bWGbajQAz_F8K0Dh_ckwZqKvC3TbjqTrID0wKq6tRlSvhsq52hB-75R82swnFd81r3mKKz7CxzrflOPpxUEF8N_LRavdAxSpNIP_YlueBS6a5Ii3948NagYk/s1600/Blue+ORC+Guest+transparent.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgav2n5BPQZSPxovyJgd-6bWGbajQAz_F8K0Dh_ckwZqKvC3TbjqTrID0wKq6tRlSvhsq52hB-75R82swnFd81r3mKKz7CxzrflOPpxUEF8N_LRavdAxSpNIP_YlueBS6a5Ii3948NagYk/s1600/Blue+ORC+Guest+transparent.png" /> </a></div>
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Also sharing <a href="http://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/2015/10/pretty-preppy-party-october/" target="_blank">here</a>: </div>
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<a href="http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Less-Than-Perfect Life of Bliss"><img alt="Less-Than-Perfect Life of Bliss" src="http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad324/lessthanperfectlife/2e35c640-f6aa-43f4-a9b1-13578cfef054.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-6454654081031042952015-10-08T05:00:00.000-04:002015-10-15T09:09:02.926-04:00One Room Challenge: The Morning Room<br />
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Hey there! Remember me? Sorry for the blogging absence, but I'm back! Nothing brings me out of a blogging hiatus like the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-fall-2015-week-1.html" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmxU6Veye66lFfSf-Fp8eXb2AYXNrVfGwXmxismycDF0BzfsSOgOuRBhtZjfym1qpcDXnpTwNSdB96EesncZwy3FM-yqz5WEuX0SML-6BYzDxVI-H27TbLm6BKn7lOdNGWigJE6AQUMI/s1600/ORC+Guest+Blue.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmxU6Veye66lFfSf-Fp8eXb2AYXNrVfGwXmxismycDF0BzfsSOgOuRBhtZjfym1qpcDXnpTwNSdB96EesncZwy3FM-yqz5WEuX0SML-6BYzDxVI-H27TbLm6BKn7lOdNGWigJE6AQUMI/s1600/ORC+Guest+Blue.png" /></a></div>
If you are unfamiliar with the idea, basically, it was dreamed up by Linda from <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Calling It Home</a>, as a way to motivate herself & others to finish a room in their homes in six weeks time. Every Wednesday, Linda has invited 20 blogging & designing professionals to give updates on their spaces. Then, on Thursday, everyone else can join in the challenge in the form of a link party. This is always just the kick I need to get my spaces in order! Here are the three other spaces I have completed, all thanks to the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2015/09/one-room-challenge-fall-2015.html" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a>:<br />
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Shared kids' bathroom before:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oCrjC8QKLc/UObxA9vXvbI/AAAAAAAACKU/DPcM3F6AogY/IMG_3293_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oCrjC8QKLc/UObxA9vXvbI/AAAAAAAACKU/DPcM3F6AogY/IMG_3293_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /> </a></div>
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...and after: <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBuqSW5d4ss/VLQ8uhYr0nI/AAAAAAAAF_M/7KkTz0FNyTk/DSC_0619_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBuqSW5d4ss/VLQ8uhYr0nI/AAAAAAAAF_M/7KkTz0FNyTk/DSC_0619_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the reveal <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2013/11/neutral-gray-kids-shared-bathroom.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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The family room before: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSfSYWsGvQP-brg3UfHSrjv7EPj0sEOiw6RXJ583wuoFep22BF8KJoqoaSUOSzuwpHbCz-cIW462XQMO60RGVPMzri87cV3H1SEaiTfmWUUqrZeDmCMT_JjJHb5Pt8xBHxNV_mbiBfJxW/s640/IMG_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSfSYWsGvQP-brg3UfHSrjv7EPj0sEOiw6RXJ583wuoFep22BF8KJoqoaSUOSzuwpHbCz-cIW462XQMO60RGVPMzri87cV3H1SEaiTfmWUUqrZeDmCMT_JjJHb5Pt8xBHxNV_mbiBfJxW/s640/IMG_2693.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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...and 6 weeks later: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nITOrKffHaQ/VKsM-8CCcVI/AAAAAAAAF50/z7YhGYQm9WU/DSC_0588_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nITOrKffHaQ/VKsM-8CCcVI/AAAAAAAAF50/z7YhGYQm9WU/DSC_0588_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the full reveal <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-family-room-challenge-reveal.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My daughter's bedroom before:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBvUX5jgJZA/VRW1nAKPcAI/AAAAAAAAGLI/ginGS4ZWnao/DSC_0854_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBvUX5jgJZA/VRW1nAKPcAI/AAAAAAAAGLI/ginGS4ZWnao/DSC_0854_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /> </a></div>
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...and after:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JwRkZ1bb6o/VUfG2x-V1II/AAAAAAAAGcc/tfzhrT0P4tA/DSC_0016_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JwRkZ1bb6o/VUfG2x-V1II/AAAAAAAAGcc/tfzhrT0P4tA/DSC_0016_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the reveal <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/05/girls-bedroom-makeover-reveal.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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You may have noticed from the photos above that my style tends to gravitate towards neutral spaces with pops of cheerful colors & a mix of modern & traditional elements. Almost all of the public spaces on our main floor meet these requirements, with the exception of two- the kitchen & the morning room. We are not quite ready to take on a kitchen renovation, so I have decided to make some changes in the morning room for this challenge. Let's take a look at it's current state:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJltklDLHP0dG5FyNYWKcSNhMCppcQDAEo3htGOXkDLXZNOPUxWi3ZO1QsVVIqEnVTIv0JlWWOKqjxoplxoj836ebzB6XOod-vWheYFoC5xj2EDjRr_XCFuHFGfToAHjRx124nYqt9HaH/s640/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJltklDLHP0dG5FyNYWKcSNhMCppcQDAEo3htGOXkDLXZNOPUxWi3ZO1QsVVIqEnVTIv0JlWWOKqjxoplxoj836ebzB6XOod-vWheYFoC5xj2EDjRr_XCFuHFGfToAHjRx124nYqt9HaH/s640/IMG_3568.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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Not 100% awful, but there is only one item in the space I would qualify as modern (the light) & there are NO pops of cheerful colors. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnRB-xTOmXghkYb7XiIfEeh6dSUPZJY4AM9Ty539acOCQ0gT4KSwQ-AVhjjz3O1NAntJPzTxsmXPvkHaxa9eMiUKu8WGPKnD3NHt8qgfeq5ZzfenT5Uqy43i5IRgX1f-xjmNHxa7IkP9m/s640/IMG_3573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnRB-xTOmXghkYb7XiIfEeh6dSUPZJY4AM9Ty539acOCQ0gT4KSwQ-AVhjjz3O1NAntJPzTxsmXPvkHaxa9eMiUKu8WGPKnD3NHt8qgfeq5ZzfenT5Uqy43i5IRgX1f-xjmNHxa7IkP9m/s640/IMG_3573.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Obviously, these are older pictures as evidenced by the family room in the background, & there have been a few slight changes over the year (painted picture frames, new vase for the table, & a new secretary). But, the fact remains, this room needs help. It really does look like such a sad space in our home with the lack of cheerful pops of color.</div>
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So, here are my plans to liven this room up on a seriously tight budget... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJOrLFzXGJJQO4jzDlRbL93ZpPQ290VdOiC5LxEArZbRCnJFPoS6kCy0KjEX28Qn6dKOps5fjVUfJ7ggpR2n5suzY1oCga2aYxb_cRuEoR3OL9lSMECJ8fsI4Nc7Xn_2c3rUAKw1MQ35i/s1600/OB-Morning+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJOrLFzXGJJQO4jzDlRbL93ZpPQ290VdOiC5LxEArZbRCnJFPoS6kCy0KjEX28Qn6dKOps5fjVUfJ7ggpR2n5suzY1oCga2aYxb_cRuEoR3OL9lSMECJ8fsI4Nc7Xn_2c3rUAKw1MQ35i/s640/OB-Morning+Room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>The Plans</u></div>
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1. The paint color (Toasted Almond by Olympic) & light will stay the same. Everything else will change in some way.</div>
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2. Replace the small "buffet" with a white Ikea Malm dresser.</div>
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3. Add trim around the windows. (We are still trying to figure out how to frame an arched window. Any ideas?)</div>
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4. Replace the curtains with the ones above, which are neutral, but bring in a fun pattern. (Hopefully I like these because I ordered them over labor day & still haven't opened the box!)</div>
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5. Re-finish the table in a darker stain to minimize the "orange-y oak" look.</div>
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6. Replace the chairs with two different styles. (I just picked up the side chairs yesterday. They are different than the ones above & are going to need a lot of love!)</div>
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7. Give the secretary a makeover in the form of black paint.</div>
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8. I still plan on keeping the cake eating pictures, but plan on DIY-ing some food art to fill up more wall space.</div>
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9. New lamps & accessories to provide cheerful pops of color.</div>
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So, what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts... and while you're here, be sure to check out my <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/p/home-tour.html" target="_blank">home tour</a>.</div>
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Don't forget to snoop on all the other One Room Challenge Guest Participants <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmxU6Veye66lFfSf-Fp8eXb2AYXNrVfGwXmxismycDF0BzfsSOgOuRBhtZjfym1qpcDXnpTwNSdB96EesncZwy3FM-yqz5WEuX0SML-6BYzDxVI-H27TbLm6BKn7lOdNGWigJE6AQUMI/s1600/ORC+Guest+Blue.png" /> </div>
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Also sharing <a href="http://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/2015/10/pretty-preppy-party-october/" target="_blank">here</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Less-Than-Perfect Life of Bliss"><img alt="Less-Than-Perfect Life of Bliss" src="http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad324/lessthanperfectlife/2e35c640-f6aa-43f4-a9b1-13578cfef054.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-11088145133892664732015-08-03T05:00:00.000-04:002015-08-03T05:00:03.917-04:00Tween Boy's Bedroom Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I mentioned last week, my son's room is finally finished!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocSaAKZp1JSbjCJX5cMLTXroaRAz_D3jw1gkfm-iKiuM5r0EqqWXjS8GG-qzYkalbL_RtYIyQIAnfGZC-jEzhoAfzQ6jGhtPETQua5qc7s_BpVMURqzTmoUyqP9AC75fEO0Df08ogDQk8/s1600/DSC_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocSaAKZp1JSbjCJX5cMLTXroaRAz_D3jw1gkfm-iKiuM5r0EqqWXjS8GG-qzYkalbL_RtYIyQIAnfGZC-jEzhoAfzQ6jGhtPETQua5qc7s_BpVMURqzTmoUyqP9AC75fEO0Df08ogDQk8/s640/DSC_0551.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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In my <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/01/from-back-to-future.html" target="_blank">goal</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">s for the year</a>, I was hoping to re-decorate my older kids' bedrooms. After upgrading our growing boy to a full-sized bed, the design was no longer working.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LAs3acZHfw/VK7O5tNfrOI/AAAAAAAAF6s/sRhQYaFk9hY/DSC_0592_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LAs3acZHfw/VK7O5tNfrOI/AAAAAAAAF6s/sRhQYaFk9hY/DSC_0592_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" /></a></div>
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My goal was to create a lighter, brighter, more functional room with plenty of storage for all Zeke's collections, as well as a place for him to get away from his two younger sisters to read or study. I began the process on my son's room right after his eleventh birthday at the beginning of February, by first coming up with a <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/02/boys-bedroom-makeover-plans.html" target="_blank">plan</a> & creating a mood board to help me picture the end result.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aO5X3Hnirl4/VK7O3nAdQfI/AAAAAAAAF6c/nzU5B1v8KBQ/OB-Zeke%252527s%252520Room_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aO5X3Hnirl4/VK7O3nAdQfI/AAAAAAAAF6c/nzU5B1v8KBQ/OB-Zeke%252527s%252520Room_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></div>
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Other than the desk & chair, I would say the final product is a good reflection of the original plan. We got started by removing the chair rail & <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/02/tips-to-speed-up-painting-process.html" target="_blank">painted</a> over the dark, orange walls with a much lighter, reflective paint color, Toasted Almond.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC_H95v9su6e2R60GApKYakreU_FZdh1mYlba5c1v3TU49xuwTDkv9PFonsCLOTivrqOS6s18wuXxicXPW4g0YkWs6o-r8AOZzej3LXi3_8oA3Iic_thT07llrIkv8UwTSYrglO5LY4sE/s1600/DSC_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC_H95v9su6e2R60GApKYakreU_FZdh1mYlba5c1v3TU49xuwTDkv9PFonsCLOTivrqOS6s18wuXxicXPW4g0YkWs6o-r8AOZzej3LXi3_8oA3Iic_thT07llrIkv8UwTSYrglO5LY4sE/s1600/DSC_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC_H95v9su6e2R60GApKYakreU_FZdh1mYlba5c1v3TU49xuwTDkv9PFonsCLOTivrqOS6s18wuXxicXPW4g0YkWs6o-r8AOZzej3LXi3_8oA3Iic_thT07llrIkv8UwTSYrglO5LY4sE/s400/DSC_0555.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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The dresser was a Craigslist find that I found a few years ago. I was trying to re-do this room on a very tight budget, so we ended up building the mirror above it, since I couldn't find one big enough in my price range.</div>
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<img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHCBlR4KLzTrkNLheNMgkleT72DVZ1uvLrmDwGBQ1RWrd_MQOOjWc_G1DUxDYpHN6z2NqeYY-HIejWqeI2yJzdvMJZWq4Mniuz4d2I_ZKDjajOI4pd3YwFtvGK7GZGp75hltzq8C0ZGOC/s400/DSC_0556.JPG" width="400" /> </div>
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I topped the dresser with a cheap tray from Hobby Lobby & some free printables I found online. </div>
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In the corner, I placed a Craigslist chair (the pillow is from Ikea) & we made the <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/03/curtains-pillows-letter-z.html" target="_blank">letter Z marquee</a> & the <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/03/curtains-pillows-letter-z.html" target="_blank">faux Roman blinds</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkY6CtmqL7PY6EOXae5-bdT8rJSyS-ESBTN6LzYiiRSVsFq9gu1bhfuAt2-g39B2Eva4cTr1Fv_1km0-p8dhtBsY-dZTuR9r8jczPZwnd_lwX-zO_w1G2kqEz5EmE1XXni1GPmSsmfcTZk/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkY6CtmqL7PY6EOXae5-bdT8rJSyS-ESBTN6LzYiiRSVsFq9gu1bhfuAt2-g39B2Eva4cTr1Fv_1km0-p8dhtBsY-dZTuR9r8jczPZwnd_lwX-zO_w1G2kqEz5EmE1XXni1GPmSsmfcTZk/s640/DSC_0559.JPG" width="424" /> </a></div>
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To the left of the window, I created a <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/03/turning-kid-collections-into-decor.html" target="_blank">unique gallery wall</a>, featuring a lot of my son's collections (shark teeth, state quarters, rocks, & shells) along with a couple of printables & an owl he made in art class.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcAxlV8Ldr-CWEPRexCb4epxBxwzCy-aW8RPcPb5hnj8KZsC7lAScnRgikNzrxfXzt3iWbRP4OWoQc3LpUElgtVZmwLv3W1i4VAu-Sa78TAOqodbU_tG0nA5gNnM0m1L1cYYfUpmTTI7T/s1600/DSC_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcAxlV8Ldr-CWEPRexCb4epxBxwzCy-aW8RPcPb5hnj8KZsC7lAScnRgikNzrxfXzt3iWbRP4OWoQc3LpUElgtVZmwLv3W1i4VAu-Sa78TAOqodbU_tG0nA5gNnM0m1L1cYYfUpmTTI7T/s640/DSC_0552.JPG" width="424" /> </a></div>
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The most recent addition to Zeke's bedroom was the DIY rustic, upholstered headboard we built. I didn't take any pictures of the process, so I will quickly describe it. Basically, we cut a piece of 3/4 plywood to size (27"x58") & layered 2 pieces of a foam mattress pad on top of it (a couple of inches smaller than the plywood). Then, we covered it with a canvas drop cloth by stapling it in the back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW-YLhxDmiyYjdJZYyUnjfeZ-uDSPw2v37biUljrm1G1J4JeGGgAoays-Gf_dPHR0_ceowgqUrAgirZEi2td69iK532_u5_r4FXTm4xsFzSPpOXNsJiG2jWyx3LxghEewbiZN032eKc8D/s1600/DSC_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW-YLhxDmiyYjdJZYyUnjfeZ-uDSPw2v37biUljrm1G1J4JeGGgAoays-Gf_dPHR0_ceowgqUrAgirZEi2td69iK532_u5_r4FXTm4xsFzSPpOXNsJiG2jWyx3LxghEewbiZN032eKc8D/s640/DSC_0563.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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I stained 3" pine boards Early American color by minwax & we nailed them to the upholstered plywood, flush with the sides. We made the two side pieces 48" long, so they would screw into the bed frame. We also reinforced the pine boards by screwing them in from the back of the headboard.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlWQXcFwiWTBWJLYDDwdzXLaSBpYfm-wiI98R4cRUyfsMOUJ_mTs3b4XavWfmf-2eyQftO-nsLyCOMAU1BduwQEhnQVxhoh2euzswErRcEZ5h2MI9T0dq0tnQ1vl4CXhsoE4XYdQhFUiE/s1600/DSC_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlWQXcFwiWTBWJLYDDwdzXLaSBpYfm-wiI98R4cRUyfsMOUJ_mTs3b4XavWfmf-2eyQftO-nsLyCOMAU1BduwQEhnQVxhoh2euzswErRcEZ5h2MI9T0dq0tnQ1vl4CXhsoE4XYdQhFUiE/s400/DSC_0566.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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The entire process only took a couple of hours & turned out quite nicely if I do say so myself!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlLkiI6t0Ne_Sbx68h8uwO_gRmVk8YrTz7nmvyaRNYnQyQ3lEvrVldMLkthICt7wWX4lat6M6xzmlciqSI_haIs0OoutJBSF1WH1uXGImw_yr1vqla2NeUwl1RTc3JkMQt3cgJNxBV-wh/s1600/DSC_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlLkiI6t0Ne_Sbx68h8uwO_gRmVk8YrTz7nmvyaRNYnQyQ3lEvrVldMLkthICt7wWX4lat6M6xzmlciqSI_haIs0OoutJBSF1WH1uXGImw_yr1vqla2NeUwl1RTc3JkMQt3cgJNxBV-wh/s400/DSC_0562.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Above the bed, we hung a vintage roll-down map I found a few years ago on a local auction site. We flanked it with two <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/03/boys-bedroom-makeover-part-three.html" target="_blank">Ikea Rast dressers</a>. Links to the bedding can also be found <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/03/boys-bedroom-makeover-part-three.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The green pillow fabric came from JoAnn's-- I'm not sure what it's called.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDZ7gqaXgvrzE-2dy2XlC0FTXeYXSvPY-bGwTMXlZPROwqh66JPI7p0P_v6mGtBRvXZkWUDR_sPc1BRte3S-RtwVZ7qfvko-mG9yufT2wbOzl4R7a1mEkv4MLFcwGgDm9aoaJuYZ-mq_2/s1600/DSC_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDZ7gqaXgvrzE-2dy2XlC0FTXeYXSvPY-bGwTMXlZPROwqh66JPI7p0P_v6mGtBRvXZkWUDR_sPc1BRte3S-RtwVZ7qfvko-mG9yufT2wbOzl4R7a1mEkv4MLFcwGgDm9aoaJuYZ-mq_2/s400/DSC_0585.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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We made use of the small wall between the two doors by adding some shelves to hold more of Zeke's things.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQSp2wBFtqxHzoC2uDDkiPLXnMbfNjtbMLbQKRptS2lDIEs4zvSAZNRZeFp8v3Mxa6sP8cDTU2pjXDQZG9kYjsgsv5__27BHxBWlNaC2vAE9Aa1ag-9-jZKsXOK7Ix02pH04GcHULw7VS/s1600/DSC_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQSp2wBFtqxHzoC2uDDkiPLXnMbfNjtbMLbQKRptS2lDIEs4zvSAZNRZeFp8v3Mxa6sP8cDTU2pjXDQZG9kYjsgsv5__27BHxBWlNaC2vAE9Aa1ag-9-jZKsXOK7Ix02pH04GcHULw7VS/s400/DSC_0570.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Because of the tight space, we built a pull-down desk and an upholstered stool below the shelves.</div>
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It's not the prettiest thing to look at, but I love how much space it saves & it's functionality.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSrEfvzagy-Np6fIQl22R_kRzVz-f68gXBeVosCCHIShbb7rtyoWkddLnvY7hJiVOgSsXzhdrMxZmzA0BYjM7BoMBbbtAlHTyP1OF3ucaD7fWXL8WhtqnYA9qXwwoEb79HvtqKzKORftv/s1600/DSC_0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSrEfvzagy-Np6fIQl22R_kRzVz-f68gXBeVosCCHIShbb7rtyoWkddLnvY7hJiVOgSsXzhdrMxZmzA0BYjM7BoMBbbtAlHTyP1OF3ucaD7fWXL8WhtqnYA9qXwwoEb79HvtqKzKORftv/s640/DSC_0592.JPG" width="424" /> </a></div>
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Overall, this space is much better suited for Zeke. It offers plenty of storage & fits his personality well, since most of the decor consists of his collections & artwork. Hopefully, it will last him a long time! <br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-32368763506809410892015-07-27T05:00:00.000-04:002015-07-27T05:00:07.719-04:00DIY Pull-Down Wall DeskSeven months ago, I decided it was time to re-decorate my eleven-year-old son's room & immediately sold his metal desk with hopes of replacing it with an X base desk. Once we installed his full-sized bed, it became obvious I needed to come up with a different solution. I decided to put my own spin on the <a href="http://ana-white.com/2011/09/flip-down-wall-art-desk-0" target="_blank">Ana White Flip Down Art Desk</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Vb3jBBs4IH8xoejynDveQWojEPcCQy8TrBFfI5zP5OXHGyJciAczY8dlcnyB0dOb7o9_0raVz7E1VZKANXmVpVBMIMaTpvLrsRRPIJCEAGGw4dsAYi2QHNh6vJdRXFfSz6O3CJfZ4ptJ/s1600/DSC_0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Vb3jBBs4IH8xoejynDveQWojEPcCQy8TrBFfI5zP5OXHGyJciAczY8dlcnyB0dOb7o9_0raVz7E1VZKANXmVpVBMIMaTpvLrsRRPIJCEAGGw4dsAYi2QHNh6vJdRXFfSz6O3CJfZ4ptJ/s640/DSC_0574.JPG" width="424" /> </a></div>
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We made ours 30" wide by 18" tall and opted for a magnetic board instead of a chalkboard on the front. We found the sheet metal for about $10 at Lowe's (it was in with the H-vac/conduit stuff).</div>
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I would have rather stained all the wood, but we were using leftover<span style="color: #0000ee;">s</span> & only had painted trim, so I covered it in black paint. (To be completely honest, I'm not really loving the look...)<br />
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We divided the inside in half & added a chain across the left side to hold some of Zeke's notebooks & magazines. On the right side, we added a shelf about 10 inches high to hold smaller items & the bottom shelf holds pencils, chalk, & crayons. I decided to paint the desktop in chalkboard paint for any notes Zeke may need to make.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7HkMtco6WzCz56ImI7gINlx1j5azL2uQ8YaC6NUMZ1F1SFDDZNE4xmh742uVSux2vHby-wOL1c3AOUCp95UIFQVJI3urA3x5xGrPeeLvjgri9DnDRUgCXxIBimRvj_U3e9WT2_YWS1Qv/s1600/DSC_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7HkMtco6WzCz56ImI7gINlx1j5azL2uQ8YaC6NUMZ1F1SFDDZNE4xmh742uVSux2vHby-wOL1c3AOUCp95UIFQVJI3urA3x5xGrPeeLvjgri9DnDRUgCXxIBimRvj_U3e9WT2_YWS1Qv/s640/DSC_0593.JPG" width="424" /> </a></div>
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We used two different types of hinges to keep the desktop at a sturdy 90 degree angle. This was definitely the biggest struggle in the building process, which may have been user error!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsRUN2gLwRh10RZIE2gwKZOU2jx7C3-vOSk8wWYacHtNTimX27MdnijPmlizuJW0D0ny0orezgVwNgcVvX83XmOxL1D0q5CLQy_-sqkKVyvrQbRh84PKhHnaA5O3o-tOXzBJ75KS8UnGT/s1600/DSC_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsRUN2gLwRh10RZIE2gwKZOU2jx7C3-vOSk8wWYacHtNTimX27MdnijPmlizuJW0D0ny0orezgVwNgcVvX83XmOxL1D0q5CLQy_-sqkKVyvrQbRh84PKhHnaA5O3o-tOXzBJ75KS8UnGT/s640/DSC_0595.JPG" width="424" /> </a> </div>
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The <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Liberty-Double-Roller-Catch-with-Spear-Strike-C08820C-UC-P/100208367" target="_blank">roller catch</a> we used keeps the desktop closed securely when not in use. (You can see the strike on the desktop in the picture above & the catch is on the underside of the top part of the wall piece.) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxCSf-bkXF0i1M5scUPOb3M_Z93xan3vIZ0iFY2VRwKNwrHIzlZmazCZzD9SZWeorxBOux3VdBbOnm4AwSFBMcfWs5hCtPPgqUI4QKsMMy3S4IgFjJ3TX6dZEshSv4LSISz3TXuZxjat9/s1600/DSC_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxCSf-bkXF0i1M5scUPOb3M_Z93xan3vIZ0iFY2VRwKNwrHIzlZmazCZzD9SZWeorxBOux3VdBbOnm4AwSFBMcfWs5hCtPPgqUI4QKsMMy3S4IgFjJ3TX6dZEshSv4LSISz3TXuZxjat9/s400/DSC_0597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We secured the desk to the wall by using small L-brackets in each corner, making sure to get some of them into the studs.<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFsjzk2fxNh6oO-ZyuKMlmK5xaG-bOOx_jrSX3IHktHusBtDIcx-umZPCPDmjgB1U6JGjwkJqiwSup2TM-RATpiOhOnHolM9Qn4_W8UBx42WGWT3c43xJDrhyB8LablfOqGS5Xskk2MPG/s640/DSC_0592.JPG" width="424" /><br />
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Since we weren't able to give Zeke the X-based desk, we gave him an X-based stool instead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi548MjeVeaPGncPrIMjNiE1ByznucQRQW5z-0oFce-WX9S6C3EV2vcs3MAPzHM_-LxwdMj8eRdufr1p2_23BWhjXOByVa2QiTgPBTlePTc0hgDU3QhGpcBEmTCrshx1VVUZ_U234HcCsCj/s1600/DSC_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi548MjeVeaPGncPrIMjNiE1ByznucQRQW5z-0oFce-WX9S6C3EV2vcs3MAPzHM_-LxwdMj8eRdufr1p2_23BWhjXOByVa2QiTgPBTlePTc0hgDU3QhGpcBEmTCrshx1VVUZ_U234HcCsCj/s400/DSC_0581.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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We used these instructions for building the stool, but changed the size of ours to 19" wide by 12 3/4" deep by 19 1/2" tall (including cushion). We decided to put the wood on all four sides under the cushion, unlike the tutorial which only has it on the sides. I stained the wood in Minwax Early American & cut two pieces of an old foam mattress topper to cushion the stool, along with some leftover fabric from Zeke's pillows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jKuULgu8fmzRmv2ZR3ELIrYihyphenhyphengn5f4j-CSoQxnBjfhdV36AuC7OYzMtI9El-pJkyaDEw2UbGuCl4mmWy5m4ZBEdNibrg2X41vpsj-NJhdeKsGlNDGfwUqYNBTN4EaBb6P34DIxNCiXG/s1600/DSC_0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jKuULgu8fmzRmv2ZR3ELIrYihyphenhyphengn5f4j-CSoQxnBjfhdV36AuC7OYzMtI9El-pJkyaDEw2UbGuCl4mmWy5m4ZBEdNibrg2X41vpsj-NJhdeKsGlNDGfwUqYNBTN4EaBb6P34DIxNCiXG/s640/DSC_0567.JPG" width="424" /></a> </div>
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After seven months, I am glad to finally have all of Zeke's stuff off the floor & back in his desk! Although I don't really love the aesthetics of this desk, I really do like it's function & space saving design. Surprisingly, it holds more than my daughter's one-drawer parsons desk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4ipVRPrBKZUOna6kJ0tR2531MrV9SgCxd8WKVdhNR-63LQ5RltctaArGae0p7a42k0L5v2zBe-Hl10Hw5mCpscFi0S4kj8lTM-Em5tJcDEC_ZJnGda9WyUCNVvPZ0hY9jvtQIfxasJmG/s1600/DSC_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4ipVRPrBKZUOna6kJ0tR2531MrV9SgCxd8WKVdhNR-63LQ5RltctaArGae0p7a42k0L5v2zBe-Hl10Hw5mCpscFi0S4kj8lTM-Em5tJcDEC_ZJnGda9WyUCNVvPZ0hY9jvtQIfxasJmG/s640/DSC_0590.JPG" width="424" /></a><br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-86294351727991129972015-06-08T11:23:00.001-04:002015-06-08T11:23:44.643-04:00A Project in Print!I am so excited to share with you that one of my projects was featured in the July issue of Parents Magazine! In February, I was contacted by one of the editors, asking if they could use some of my garage storage projects for an upcoming issue on organization. Um...yes! The July 2015 issue of Parents Magazine is on newsstands now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU3h0vQG9qA8i4m9xGp2NpphRlbEFflZMnG9irnOVrFwmnlPJY2pszwhj3PKkFDURtAWGCYtigeQVW7rEJRAvNczmzQNmrBybRU_4BE-3Ix5l5b7MEoitavbMPCWnIA5dn8Rmq2s33w2A/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU3h0vQG9qA8i4m9xGp2NpphRlbEFflZMnG9irnOVrFwmnlPJY2pszwhj3PKkFDURtAWGCYtigeQVW7rEJRAvNczmzQNmrBybRU_4BE-3Ix5l5b7MEoitavbMPCWnIA5dn8Rmq2s33w2A/s640/DSC_0190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are visiting as a result of the article, welcome! You can find the full garage storage posts <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2011/08/making-use-of-some-studs.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2012/09/garage-organization.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I would love for you to stick around! You can read my latest posts by subscribing via email (below my picture on the right side) or through your favorite blog reading service.</div>
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While I'm on the topic of garage features, I would also like to thank the following websites for featuring parts of our garage as well:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/garage-organization-ideas/48117-make-room-for-the-car-7-easy-diy-garage-organizers/slideshows#.VNTrl53F-FI" target="_blank">Bob Vila</a><br /><a href="http://www.babble.com/crafts-activities/10-ways-to-organize-the-garage/?pid=12974" target="_blank">Babble</a><br /><a href="http://porch.com/advice/10-cheap-easy-home-organization-hacks/" target="_blank">Porch</a><br /><a href="http://www.listotic.com/brilliant-garage-organization-ideas/8/" target="_blank">Listolic</a><br /><a href="http://www.diyncrafts.com/2932/organization/49-brilliant-garage-organization-ideas-tips-and-diy-projects/3" target="_blank">DIY N Crafts</a><br /><a href="http://www.mixer2mower.com/home-storage-solutions-ideas.html/7" target="_blank">Mixer 2 Mower</a></span></div>
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Thanks for reading! I hope your week is off to a great start!</div>
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-20810804953463174712015-06-04T12:05:00.000-04:002015-06-04T12:05:06.986-04:00Summer Learning ChallengeSeveral years ago, I tried with no success to have my kids do school work over the summer. I bought some of those grade level workbooks & planned on having my son do a few pages a day plus some reading. I wasn't the greatest at following through with this plan & gave up a week or so into summer!<br />
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Then, I got lucky! The summer after my son's third grade year, the school put out a summer reading & math challenge. Although it was voluntary, it was much easier to get my kids to do it, since it was coming from their teachers, & the school was offering prizes for everyone that completed the work. My kids didn't exactly love doing the work, but they did it without much arguing, which is a win in my books! <br />
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After a summer of keeping up his math & reading skills, my son returned to fourth grade & no longer needed reading tutoring. Not only that, but his grades & test scores improved tremendously! I give all the credit for his educational gains to the summer reading & math challenge. <br />
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Since I am now a big proponent for preventing the "summer slide" through reading & math programs, I was disappointed when I found out his school was ending these programs after two summers. Wanting to continue what we had been doing the last few summers, I decided to create my own "Summer Learning Challenge". <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU8Ntq0ZPI8nq971SYdzjMchke_T12TmRojoVs3_Rr4vhwKFB24Kwi9U3MqjfgBFFt7r1oNEOsIVr50NaJF1DEwfftPyB4dsnPtI9sldy3TSb7zGoq6CmV_sdjDvl_Va8SJzgahQISOsx/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU8Ntq0ZPI8nq971SYdzjMchke_T12TmRojoVs3_Rr4vhwKFB24Kwi9U3MqjfgBFFt7r1oNEOsIVr50NaJF1DEwfftPyB4dsnPtI9sldy3TSb7zGoq6CmV_sdjDvl_Va8SJzgahQISOsx/s640/DSC_0165.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This past school year, my kids had been given math homework through the online program, <a href="https://www.tenmarks.com/login" target="_blank">TenMarks</a>. Since they were used to doing this, I was excited to see they were offering a <a href="https://www.tenmarks.com/consumer/signup" target="_blank">FREE summer math program</a>. Once you sign your child up, the computer creates an assesment for them for the grade level they just completed. Then, it will create assignments customized for them, based on the results. Parents can create prizes that appear when they complete a certain amount of assignments (determined by the parent). I set my kids rewards for every 5 assignments they complete scoring a 70% or higher. Since my kids only get <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2013/06/keeping-kids-busy-during-summer-break.html" target="_blank">2 hours of screen time per week</a>, I made the rewards 30 extra minutes of screen time, plus ice cream after completing about half of the assignments. (The kids can also unlock math games after completing 6 assignments.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXemkb4HHN3r5YcY38YnXAca2n9HECWxXu2ej6WXIwAuuuSSq78WAKykFD-rE8zqY9dg1Cg2YI8snUAPPPqZgdSBA6FA9N9eCenx7bMcA4dSvcJVfLgZAjY12Yk0li_wbFMejrc-qz1EnD/s1600/DSC_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXemkb4HHN3r5YcY38YnXAca2n9HECWxXu2ej6WXIwAuuuSSq78WAKykFD-rE8zqY9dg1Cg2YI8snUAPPPqZgdSBA6FA9N9eCenx7bMcA4dSvcJVfLgZAjY12Yk0li_wbFMejrc-qz1EnD/s640/DSC_0185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In addition to the online math program, I am also having the kids read for at least 15 minutes per day. I have signed them up for free reading programs through the local library, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570/" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, & <a href="https://www.hpb.com/fyb/pdfs/FYBReadingLog.pdf" target="_blank">Half Price Books</a>, which will hopefully earn them a few rewards once they fill out the reading logs. Then, once a week, I have them write for about 15 minutes. I have come up with twelve writing prompts that should last the summer:<br />
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Week 1- What do you want to do over summer break? Tell me all your plans!<br />
Week 2- If you could have any pet (even a giraffe) what would it be? Why would you choose it?<br />
Week 3- Write a letter to your grandparents.<br />
Week 4- If you could wish for anything, what would it be? Why?<br />
Week 5- Write a review of the last book you finished. How many stars would you rate it? (5 stars = a great book)<br />
Week 6- Write a letter to your aunt.<br />
Week 7- What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?<br />
Week 8- Write a story about finding a buried treasure in our backyard. Where was it? What was it? Did you tell anyone or keep it a secret?<br />
Week 9- If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why would you choose it? What would you use it for?<br />
Week 10- We watched several movies this summer. Which one was your favorite? Why? How many stars would you rate it? (5 stars= a great movie)<br />
Week 11- Write a letter to your cousins.<br />
Week 12- What was your favorite part of summer break? Tell me about it.<br />
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Once they finish their reading, math, & writing they check it off of their summer learning chart (first picture). We keep these, along with the writing prompts & mystery envelope on the refrigerator.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuYWZ8e2viEFBs9UjBgAW4o3kWxkuxorqxLp7uDU8r6-GGJ5IKA4Hzl1X2YqZcD5i-7bSyhr5KTJ-XXVdv9ljF1zeiW_ejBFf1-SAd9TfhyAyB4vCVl5mzzzEZoZlvgAyVYKwoJilRm7L/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuYWZ8e2viEFBs9UjBgAW4o3kWxkuxorqxLp7uDU8r6-GGJ5IKA4Hzl1X2YqZcD5i-7bSyhr5KTJ-XXVdv9ljF1zeiW_ejBFf1-SAd9TfhyAyB4vCVl5mzzzEZoZlvgAyVYKwoJilRm7L/s640/DSC_0183.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What is the mystery envelope, you ask? It contains the big reward my kids get when they check off their daily math & reading & weekly writing for the entire summer! They don't know what the reward is, which makes it even more exciting. Since they don't read this blog, I'll share the contents of the envelope! It is a hotel stay in Dayton, Ohio, about an hour away from us in Cincinnati. The plan is to go to to several museums & a working 1800's farm. I think one of the big differences between my first attempt at summer learning & now is that my kids have something special to work towards!</div>
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In addition to the above, I tore out the unused pages from their school math workbooks & handwriting books (for my daughter) & put them in a drawer in the kitchen. Then, they are given 5 minutes of screen time for each page they complete. </div>
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So, have you attempted a summer learning challenge? I'd love to hear how it went!</div>
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-68641736250461607492015-05-28T17:41:00.000-04:002015-05-28T17:42:18.015-04:00Making Special Memories on the Last Day of SchoolA few special memories I have of my childhood were the fun things my parents
did to celebrate the last day of school. One year they put together an entire
awards ceremony just for my sister & I! I remember my sister getting a can
of hair mousse & the reward had to do with how much time she spent fixing
her hair in the morning! (I wish I could remember the other awards…) Other
years it was just a silly string fight on the back patio & one year we got
new bikes (if your kids need bikes, may as well make it count for something…).
We have started a few traditions on the last day of school that my kids really
seem to enjoy. You know it’s special to them when they start asking about it a
few weeks before school gets out for fear of disappointment! <br />
<br />
I always try to make sure my kids look decent on the last day of school,
since I like to take pictures to commemorate their last day of ____ grade (fill
in the blank) & we usually take pictures of them with their teachers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb_jkd50_nWZtDOhudhnspJOLe9PMQTLaxVsxNO3LnQ6gSyJtEOrFljVYAFo3dHsdfKrAkkPXDyDlqFgFzG0m7lhyphenhyphenX3u7CKMPn9H3VYUQp6kIY4MR4LExpP2d8R6GTSi1T4rlrtiIvdwV/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb_jkd50_nWZtDOhudhnspJOLe9PMQTLaxVsxNO3LnQ6gSyJtEOrFljVYAFo3dHsdfKrAkkPXDyDlqFgFzG0m7lhyphenhyphenX3u7CKMPn9H3VYUQp6kIY4MR4LExpP2d8R6GTSi1T4rlrtiIvdwV/s640/DSC_0126.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Speaking of teachers, the last few years we have made them these candygram
letters using mainly school supplies. We added a Dairy Queen gift card at the
bottom this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDLK84QSSeq5SuIRNvge_CFy6cVAMY5DwoLYOcw0BGGhqpTSn9hDPLlbJsm0ktJpCrshATe3kJkXCXqT1nuOQx2JykhK0XhTgqQH85dey3wJzkMH_JCsR8WYSr75dMc7dEVq-FLPxl3Sd/s1600/DSC_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDLK84QSSeq5SuIRNvge_CFy6cVAMY5DwoLYOcw0BGGhqpTSn9hDPLlbJsm0ktJpCrshATe3kJkXCXqT1nuOQx2JykhK0XhTgqQH85dey3wJzkMH_JCsR8WYSr75dMc7dEVq-FLPxl3Sd/s640/DSC_0123.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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It says:<br />
<br />
“Dear Mrs. B, <br />
I just wanted to send a quick (note- we used post-it notes) to say how much
you (mint) to me this year! There are too many things to (highlight-
highlighter) from our year, but they made a (permanent mark- permanent marker)
on me that can’t be (erased- eraser). You are an (extra- gum) special teacher
& I am a (smartie) because of you!<br />
Love,<br />
Elie<br />
P.S. Celebrate the end of a great school year with some (DQ- gift card)!”<br />
<br />
Even though this is a pretty inexpensive gift, the teachers really do seem to
get a kick out of it. My son’s teacher teared up & said she wasn't going to
take anything off of it & that she would glue the gift card back on after
she used it!<br />
<br />
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I like to make their lunch extra special on the last day, so I have started
wrapping it like a present! The past couple of years I have just purchased
Lunchables, because they are easy to wrap & are also a special treat for the
kids on the last day. I had an epiphany this year & decided this would also
be a great idea for when my kids’ birthdays fall on a school day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9dtOhJ6X6Cbs0R0GijuGw_IiFZvrmhXM5p8csEe66sUi7vZVmjVifB0AJ9yN85dL82mp7e9pxkmkmQeFu9GhfEB1zZ4dUj3XuYqFUPG7O2wYWQUgT8AYwyqinQFYi1iclK_FJ983nGg7/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9dtOhJ6X6Cbs0R0GijuGw_IiFZvrmhXM5p8csEe66sUi7vZVmjVifB0AJ9yN85dL82mp7e9pxkmkmQeFu9GhfEB1zZ4dUj3XuYqFUPG7O2wYWQUgT8AYwyqinQFYi1iclK_FJ983nGg7/s640/DSC_0121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The fun celebrations begin once school is out & they return home. In the
past, we have hidden behind the house with water guns, water balloons, &
even the hose & soaked them as they come in. We try to change it up a
little each year, so this year we locked the garage door & all the doors to
the house. </div>
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We posted this note on the front door:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOumcDwft_juyvOILaTIGmurVVIL6Pp2FrFKaL6tdK4V3pEUHuAN7UqtS9megztBQHPO_oX63KkkaBseOh7GINRyBBUBSiipC1GLsHLq5rDteUoOH55EUcsVxO512jBznJUf_JCT4iAJ7/s1600/school+note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOumcDwft_juyvOILaTIGmurVVIL6Pp2FrFKaL6tdK4V3pEUHuAN7UqtS9megztBQHPO_oX63KkkaBseOh7GINRyBBUBSiipC1GLsHLq5rDteUoOH55EUcsVxO512jBznJUf_JCT4iAJ7/s640/school+note.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It reads:<br />
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Dear (Zeke) & (Elie),<br />
We are so proud of the (Smarties) you have become this school year & are
(bursting- starbursts) with happiness to have some (Extra- gum) time with you
over summer break! We can’t wait to enjoy (popsicles) on the back deck, family
(game- You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me!) night, (movies- Redbox codes), &
relaxing over the (glow- glow sticks) of the fire pit. There are sure to be
lots of (Snickers- candy bar)! We love you to (pieces- Reese’s Pieces)!<br />
Love,<br />
(Mommy & Daddy)<br />
<br />
<em>(I left extra goodies in a gift bag inside, so my kids would each have
their own, except for the Redbox codes & the game & the rest of the
popsicles were in the freezer so they could enjoy them right away!)</em><br />
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We stood right inside the door & waited for them to come to the front
door to read the sign. Then, we opened the front door & covered them in
silly string! After a few years of getting soaked with water, I definitely
don’t think they were expecting that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq49TunlNT-i7VcWq86EGa3FfOvzu_XATa9JxGbTS4rfvO0uvh7spoR1rLdKUzTvseRPIWkxwoM3msn8xQI19tJoaVG8c7FBYnBda2XO62EeYNHpVydi_aQOIJvqcv44x_zR313d7jA6ZK/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq49TunlNT-i7VcWq86EGa3FfOvzu_XATa9JxGbTS4rfvO0uvh7spoR1rLdKUzTvseRPIWkxwoM3msn8xQI19tJoaVG8c7FBYnBda2XO62EeYNHpVydi_aQOIJvqcv44x_zR313d7jA6ZK/s640/DSC_0148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also try to take the kids out for some family fun on the last day of school.
We have gone to Kings Island Amusement Park, Laser Tag, & this year we
played mini golf. (Can you believe we have never taken our kids to a legitimate
miniature golf place?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktGX6aJL7JszLC4a3t4JO0BSpuGuNvOtx2wOu6LKzDyZ4qJe8mDqeCZvzRx9X1tydeJnVbDoSX1YMz0151vxi0jGVU-iaq09koH_kndSabLMf2iLDY9eBNbmeNKurOnhCUtfRy4HSr82H/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktGX6aJL7JszLC4a3t4JO0BSpuGuNvOtx2wOu6LKzDyZ4qJe8mDqeCZvzRx9X1tydeJnVbDoSX1YMz0151vxi0jGVU-iaq09koH_kndSabLMf2iLDY9eBNbmeNKurOnhCUtfRy4HSr82H/s640/DSC_0153.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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I know some parents dread the last day of school, but I do really enjoy having
my kids home for the summer. Here are our plans for making the most of our time
together:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TSW2wAUiJ151mPf0HsHwB68O4JvE1zpwDUgMzw6oUv8G8dR4avu18bYGdw3m1b1oPRxO_Nrm4Hah412raL85_lw3zT5o8_Wn7VqvsnxxFbE-p_v8j2DO9wz6GjqeGZvA8Ggy3Y07A5cI/s1600/DSC_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TSW2wAUiJ151mPf0HsHwB68O4JvE1zpwDUgMzw6oUv8G8dR4avu18bYGdw3m1b1oPRxO_Nrm4Hah412raL85_lw3zT5o8_Wn7VqvsnxxFbE-p_v8j2DO9wz6GjqeGZvA8Ggy3Y07A5cI/s640/DSC_0171.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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I’ll be back next week to explain how we plan on preventing summer learning
loss, while making it fun & rewarding for the kiddos!</div>
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Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-88038311899693812002015-05-07T05:00:00.000-04:002015-05-21T08:29:34.054-04:00Girl’s Bedroom Makeover: The RevealSix weeks ago I set out on a mission to completely make-over my eight-year-old daughter’s bedroom, thanks to a linking challenge put out by Linda of <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Calling It Home</a>. In the past, the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/search/label/one%20room%20challenge%20linking%20event" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a> has been great at motivating me to finish up some spaces in our home. First, I made over our <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/02/home-tour-bathrooms.html" target="_blank">kids’ bathroom</a> and this past fall, I gave our <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-family-room-challenge-reveal.html" target="_blank">family room</a> an update. This time around, my daughter’s <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2011/05/pretty-in-pink.html" target="_blank">formerly cute bedroom</a> had become too much for me to handle! It was DRIVING ME CRAZY! It was time to add more storage and make space for all those collections kids seem to hoard. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dq3OR04VOaQ/VUfGWbNwRgI/AAAAAAAAGYE/MdHy9uE0R6E/s1600-h/DSC_1072%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Brass Bed" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xYphyIPfiWI/VUfGXz_31iI/AAAAAAAAGYM/kT0hbxEJ1Oc/DSC_1072_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="Brass Bed" width="319" /></a><br />
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Let’s first take a look at the before so you can truly see how far this room has come:<br />
<br />
<img alt="Girl's Bedroom Before" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NBvUX5jgJZA/VRW1nAKPcAI/AAAAAAAAGLI/ginGS4ZWnao/DSC_0854_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" title="Girl's Bedroom Before" /><br />
<br />
After coming up with a <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-pictures-plans.html" target="_blank">plan</a>, I set to work <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-paint-paint-paint.html" target="_blank">painting the walls</a> Cosmic Rays by Olympic.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o2DUWLW8O1I/VUfGY5VcpLI/AAAAAAAAGYU/FlJaDitdiW8/s1600-h/DSC_1061%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Tween Girl Bedroom Decor & Ideas" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hlE-yM_miP4/VUfGZ5BXGGI/AAAAAAAAGYc/b38A7f_5YFU/DSC_1061_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="Tween Girl Bedroom Decor & Ideas" width="640" /></a><br />
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Next, I brought in the <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-furnishings.html" target="_blank">furnishings</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1HBLNCYOB5Y/VUfGbNtFqdI/AAAAAAAAGYk/rgQAh6JLtE0/s1600-h/DSC_1064%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Parsons Desk & Ghost Chair" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7qrmnJFtulg/VUfGcKn9BhI/AAAAAAAAGYs/riWSzjAZGC4/DSC_1064_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="Parsons Desk & Ghost Chair" width="319" /></a><br />
<br />
I got the Lucite ghost chair from a local auction website for $25. The parsons desk is from <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Altra-Furniture-Parsons-Writing-Desk-with-Drawer-9178-HQZ1152.html" target="_blank">Wayfair</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BiIejbrER58/VUfGdxTLhPI/AAAAAAAAGY0/57Z7_qMLubU/s1600-h/DSC_1065%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Tween Desk" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PhNPxLmwf6g/VUfGe7es4mI/AAAAAAAAGY8/lNvB-nxljrE/DSC_1065_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="Tween Desk" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The lamp was a thrift store purchase that was sitting in the basement. I gave it a quick coat of “spring green” paint (Elie’s favorite color) & a new lampshade from Wal-Mart. I made a DIY bulletin board from some purple foam insulation, leftover fabric, & ribbon. Eliana also loves the peace sign so I thought this <a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/black-peace-sign-hand-jewelry-holder-567669/" target="_blank">peace sign hand</a> from Hobby Lobby would be a great addition to her desk. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I2tjPjqnB4c/VUfGf92T6dI/AAAAAAAAGZE/GNTVLgacGZg/s1600-h/DSC_1069%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="White & Gold Shelves" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jBPwAVvtrDE/VUfGgrfUjMI/AAAAAAAAGZM/vMhbjfyGjeA/DSC_1069_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="White and Gold Shelves" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
We added some white shelves above the desk to contain more of her collections & as a place to display some <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-free-art.html" target="_blank">printable artwork</a>. I neatly corralled her jewelry (in the “spring green” wooden box), rocks, weathered glass, books, coins, & Pokemon cards.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NTwFKBWZZls/VUfGhbDTBPI/AAAAAAAAGZU/XuSuhD4FYP0/s1600-h/DSC_1068%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Free Printables" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DQJNC0QOa_0/VUfGiJAoPsI/AAAAAAAAGZc/7jnR3PIDeQE/DSC_1068_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="Free Printables" width="319" /></a><br />
<br />
I copied this giraffe (Elie’s favorite animal) trinket dish from <a href="http://www.thegatheredhome.com/anthropologie-knockoff-giraffe-trinket-dish/" target="_blank">A Gathered Home</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WNgKL0k0fqU/VUfGjCVqo2I/AAAAAAAAGZk/SCeLZ1_rkfY/s1600-h/DSC_0014%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Girl's Bedding Ideas" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ox49xG5_mAk/VUfGkN_5qDI/AAAAAAAAGZs/lNIQ8I7nQTY/DSC_0014_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="Girl's Bedding Ideas" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The headboard has been sitting in my basement for three years, just waiting to be cleaned up & added to Elie’s room. I love the way it looks in this space after a few coats of gold spray paint. I grabbed the <a href="http://www.target.com/p/xhilaration-mini-star-sheet-set-turquoise/-/A-15089433#prodSlot=large_1_12" target="_blank">sheets</a> from Target and the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20154096/" target="_blank">white duvet & pillow covers</a> are from Ikea. I made the dust ruffle/bed skirt (Which do you prefer to call it???) with the extra <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-third-times-charm.html" target="_blank">curtain panel I dyed</a>. If you use pinking shears (to prevent fraying) to cut the short end first & then cut up the middle of the long side you can easily make a full-sized bed skirt from a 57” by 98” curtain panel. I attached it to the box spring with mattress pins & just folded the two unfinished edges inward.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BAzc9f6Nh_c/VUfGklnTAsI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/oJoUNKjNujg/s1600-h/DSC_1071%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY Sunburst Mirror" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ohaco-7SiWY/VUfGlv2gsPI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/cC6BX0CK054/DSC_1071_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DIY Sunburst Mirror" width="319" /></a><br />
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I made the pink flower/sunburst mirror above the bed using <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2011/01/how-to-make-a-sunburst-mirror.html" target="_blank">The Nesters</a> tutorial with pink cardboard & a $10 mirror from Hobby Lobby. I love the way the <a href="https://www.onlinefabricstore.net/braemore-emperors-garden-blossom-fabric-.htm" target="_blank">Braemore Emperor’s Garden Blossom fabric</a> ties the whole room together. I made the pillow cover using <a href="http://www.target.com/p/my-little-pony-body-pillow/-/A-15666133#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=my+little+pony+pillow" target="_blank">this 36” pillow</a> from Target.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cUt6mETwo-Y/VUfGmk9-FJI/AAAAAAAAGaE/KaeJYLpPuT4/s1600-h/DSC_1073%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Braemore Emperor's Garden Blossom Fabric" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cR2al9iqmF4/VUfGndAjMnI/AAAAAAAAGaM/LJOzNLoWPp0/DSC_1073_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="Braemore Emperor's Garden Blossom Fabric" width="319" /></a><br />
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The night stand is an <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/75305709/" target="_blank">Ikea Rast</a> I painted white. You can see how I made the handles <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-furnishings.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I made my own version of some “X & 0” artwork I saw at Hobby Lobby using items I already owned. I really love her <a href="http://www.target.com/p/rca-dual-alarm-clock-radio-with-fashion-wraps-multicolor-rcr8622/-/A-14727243" target="_blank">white alarm clock</a> too. It was a cheapie from Target that comes with fun “fashion wraps”. The kids love the wraps, but I really love the plain white, so I removed them!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XzjVV9mXLsk/VUfGoUw55UI/AAAAAAAAGaU/UaPv8RfGrII/s1600-h/DSC_1075%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Ikea Rast Nightstand" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZxLYGXlHxf0/VUfGpJdCgEI/AAAAAAAAGac/v4wxTGXxec4/DSC_1075_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="Ikea Rast Nightstand" width="308" /></a><br />
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You can learn all about my experience dying Ikea Ritva curtains in <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-third-times-charm.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BCEk6PQhuqY/VUfGqJW46cI/AAAAAAAAGak/rTLPFsB2oKg/s1600-h/DSC_1061%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cheerful Tween Girl's Bedroom " src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZVpVrsg1M4U/VUfGqyFtezI/AAAAAAAAGas/at2cULZoDno/DSC_1061_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="Cheerful Tween Girl's Bedroom" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here is a view of the wall opposite the bed:<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KLRpOa_wBCM/VUfGr-8kyzI/AAAAAAAAGa0/uCBJTEw9y4I/s1600-h/DSC_1081%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cool Tween Bedroom" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VDpPljjaXu0/VUfGs9JaVNI/AAAAAAAAGa8/kJ35eCkgWZw/DSC_1081_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="Cool Tween Bedroom" width="640" /></a><br />
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Six weeks ago it looked like this:<br />
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<img alt="Girl's Bedroom Before" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mg17zZqaTs4/VRW1tHTYYyI/AAAAAAAAGL4/xlM_52wveh4/DSC_0856_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" title="Girl's Bedroom Before" /><br />
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Elie now has a <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40038303/" target="_blank">comfy chair</a> in place of the 1970’s Barbie house. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zGJ-t1dusyE/VUfGuHVSJhI/AAAAAAAAGbE/AqvyCG35pm4/s1600-h/DSC_1077%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Tullsta Chair" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aMRNiGKJemY/VUfGujxi7NI/AAAAAAAAGbM/qTDh4aNkj14/DSC_1077_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="Tullsta Chair" width="319" /></a><br />
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My husband made the peace sign marquee & I gave it a coat of spring green paint. (Remember, peace signs & spring green are two of Elie’s favorites!) I’m still working on a way to hide the plug/cord situation & will hopefully be able to explain the process of how we created this light up peace sign soon.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E87EbS8lJU8/VUfGvbH4dGI/AAAAAAAAGbU/r789tIL_U-o/s1600-h/DSC_1080%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY Peace Sign Marquee" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_aTkqjft9Tw/VUfGwWXg0WI/AAAAAAAAGbc/Ty7ykLKyTxo/DSC_1080_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DIY Peace Sign Marquee" width="640" /></a><br />
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The water color pillow was another DIY that I will have to explain another day. Let’s just say there were quite a few failures before this beauty came to be!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MEyudqeGnFM/VUfGxncaXjI/AAAAAAAAGbk/sZV-O8GkGfI/s1600-h/DSC_1079%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY Watercolor Pillow" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8jsmiEAwDs/VUfGySj1PWI/AAAAAAAAGbs/2Q8_qteVXrQ/DSC_1079_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DIY Watercolor Pillow" width="319" /></a><br />
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I spotted this mirror (peek-a-boo!) at <a href="http://www.athome.com/" target="_blank">At Home</a> (the former Garden Ridge) & knew I had to have it for this room. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QLEngkK40Bc/VUfGy2opOVI/AAAAAAAAGb0/IHbzY09WpL4/s1600-h/DSC_1083%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1083" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IEZ9f_oYVuc/VUfGzlHgTII/AAAAAAAAGb8/abJF9Wn-KSc/DSC_1083_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_1083" width="319" /></a><br />
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I <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-paint-paint-paint.html" target="_blank">painted the existing dresser</a> (Aqua Bay by Olympic Paints) & added a faux orchid (also from At Home) & a few pictures to top it.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gp1lzZqqKa8/VUfG0v9ny6I/AAAAAAAAGcE/h4aC1XZ0PsE/s1600-h/DSC_0010%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Tween Room Decor" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6VGrG_LvKJU/VUfG1GS1E5I/AAAAAAAAGcM/uX3EudqixsQ/DSC_0010_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="Tween Room Decor" width="640" /></a><br />
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The final wall in Elie’s room has two doors on it. Since the actual wall space is pretty small, I decided to create a gallery wall using items she has collected & created, as well as some inspiring messages.<br />
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<img alt="Free Printable Gallery Wall" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pWbvUvCRUQM/VS16XGsM9rI/AAAAAAAAGTs/3apEooNrOyU/DSC_0996_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" title="Free Printable Gallery Wall" /><br />
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You can find the links to all the free printables I used (yes, they were all FREE!) <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-free-art.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> as well as how I created the rock & shell art.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cfZ9xclub7Y/VUfG2Pdet9I/AAAAAAAAGcU/Xkym1pLQUwY/s1600-h/DSC_0016%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Fun & Colorful Girl's Bedroom " src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_JwRkZ1bb6o/VUfG2x-V1II/AAAAAAAAGcc/tfzhrT0P4tA/DSC_0016_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="Fun & Colorful Girl's Bedroom" width="640" /></a><br />
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I have thirty minutes before Eliana gets home. I think I’ll go revel in her cute & clean bedroom, because I know it won’t look this good tomorrow!<br />
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Here is a look at my plan for the space & the links for each week of the One Room Challenge:<br />
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<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k9thwB_GrNk/VRW1pHykU3I/AAAAAAAAGLY/3baQe4MNoY0/OB-Elie%252527s%252520Room_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /><br />
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<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-pictures-plans.html" target="_blank">Week One- Pictures & a Plan</a><br />
<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-paint-paint-paint.html" target="_blank">Week Two- Paint, Paint, Paint</a><br />
<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-furnishings.html" target="_blank">Week Three- Furnishings</a><br />
<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-free-art.html" target="_blank">Week Four- Gallery Wall of Free Art</a><br />
<a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-third-times-charm.html" target="_blank">Week Five- Third Time’s a Charm: Dying Curtains</a><br />
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I hope you will head over to <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Linda’s blog</a> to check out all the wonderful room makeovers! I fully intend to spend the weekend looking at every single one! <br />
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<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/search/label/one%20room%20challenge%20linking%20event" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7oocfjolCenURhGxy8nGpR3OZR0Mont9kehSIHaLxLpcc1vAX29d-lOuqvT5wPv_QLSVBAoFrJQEwQmhpxsnYvqj30JZxKEyiykmle1QR5bsGba4G4gCIfE1mGMpKUvwJ8l084pyeug/s1600/ORC-LP-Blue-250x183.png" /></a><br />
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Sharing <a href="http://www.joyinourhome.com/" target="_blank">Your Turn to Shine link party at Joy in Our Home</a> too!<br />
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<a href="http://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/2015/05/pretty-preppy-party-may/" target="_blank">Joining the Pretty Preppy Party</a>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-61420501361155787952015-04-30T05:00:00.000-04:002015-06-04T09:22:51.569-04:00Girl’s Bedroom Makeover: Third Time’s a CharmThey say the third time’s a charm, & it certainly worked for the curtain dilemma I had gotten myself into for the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/search/label/one%20room%20challenge%20linking%20event" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a> (although I really wish I could say, “first time’s a charm”). (Click to catch up on weeks <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-pictures-plans.html" target="_blank">one</a>, <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-paint-paint-paint.html" target="_blank">two</a>, <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-furnishings.html" target="_blank">three</a>, & <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-free-art.html" target="_blank">four</a>.)<br />
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When I posted my <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-pictures-plans.html" target="_blank">plan</a> for my eight-year-old daughter’s room, I mentioned possibly using <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30293921/" target="_blank">Ikea Vivan curtains</a>. I checked them out in the store & thought they would be a great choice since the color was very close to the curtains on my mood board & they matched one of the three shades of pink in the pillow fabric I was using, plus they were only $10 a pair. Then, I got home, ironed them all, & hung them in the room.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wCB2QsgzmAI/VT59WRmQO6I/AAAAAAAAGVM/SE1_DmYs6bw/s1600-h/DSC_1004%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Ikea Vivan Pink Curtains" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i83vNnvxEPg/VT59YK3NRxI/AAAAAAAAGVU/Q-kijcx1SG4/DSC_1004_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="Ikea Vivan Pink Curtains" width="640" /></a><br />
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Once hung, the curtains felt completely wrong for the space. The color was too bold & I just did not like the way they looked. I decided to leave them up for a while to see if they grew on me, but after a couple of weeks, I decided they needed to go & made another trip to Ikea, this time to buy <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80063833/#/40111992" target="_blank">Ritva curtains</a> to dye pink. (Totally copied this idea from <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/07/diy-yellow-curtains-for-playroom.html" target="_blank">Little Green Notebook</a>.) I picked up a bottle of Cherry Red Rit Dye, poured half of it in 12 gallons of water (I used a plastic storage tub) & put my wet curtains in the water. I let the curtains soak for about seven minutes before checking them, since the Rit website said to let the fabric soak for 10- 20 minutes or until the desired color was achieved. I thought the 10 minutes was a minimum time, to allow the color to soak in. After washing & drying them, I realized they were the exact same color as the curtains I didn’t like! (Can you tell which is which in the photo below?)<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jLUWLDowYbI/VT59Z8I3F2I/AAAAAAAAGVc/-hZqrM95uhs/s1600-h/DSC_1007%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dyed Curtains" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u3rGJoqgUPU/VT59bdOFFgI/AAAAAAAAGVk/C56x6ETz3Tk/DSC_1007_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="Dyed Curtains" width="640" /></a><br />
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I spent the next 24 hours trying to remove the color from the curtains using Rit Color Remover. I poured a package in seven gallons of water & soaked one curtain panel. After a few hours the curtain was a very faint shade of pink. Wanting to save time, I decided to use the washing machine method for the other two. After an hour long cycle the curtains were unchanged. I put them in the plastic tub that I had used for the first panel & after soaking for about 24 hours they looked like this:<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ngqiCqXIRPU/VT59ct_a5mI/AAAAAAAAGVs/QE8dxpGSDss/s1600-h/DSC_1023%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Color Remover" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uVcP-dzOmYk/VT59dvS1FwI/AAAAAAAAGV0/XN1y_s1oEYs/DSC_1023_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="Color Remover" width="640" /></a><br />
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Looking at these now I probably should have just tried to dye them again, but instead, I went back to Ikea for the third time & bought two more sets of Ritva curtains. This time, I used the same mixture 4oz. cherry red rit dye with 12 gallons of water. We basically dipped the curtains in & immediately pulled them out of the water, rinsed them, & washed them with detergent. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XtAsCYWjuHc/VT59eparkmI/AAAAAAAAGV8/DkkX6v_Ev54/s1600-h/DSC_1015%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY Pink Dyed Curtains" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-do3KUPq3Wxc/VT59f3kpouI/AAAAAAAAGWE/vJNJ3xMeAGU/DSC_1015_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DIY Pink Dyed Curtains" width="640" /></a><br />
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It’s not a perfect match, but this shade of pink goes with the room much better.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O1Dcx94UETk/VT59g0N52eI/AAAAAAAAGWM/aLuX7Juj6q0/s1600-h/DSC_1019%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Pink, Green, & Turquoise" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JzPf_mG6F3I/VT59hhpcMDI/AAAAAAAAGWU/kfMYTAGnrd0/DSC_1019_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="Pink, Green, & Turquoise" width="640" /></a><br />
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I just have one more project to complete before I am finished with Elie’s room! Please hop on over to <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Linda’s blog</a> & check out the other makeovers in progress.<br />
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<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/search/label/one%20room%20challenge%20linking%20event" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD5O2YRH-zYLE7p1yA4pitdHByTwdYBdChqu3VRJqaSQLLLVTOsD5NTvCxM29SPpNvAteMeo2USSBvSr1uOPuIB5f_TGKgo9a2oK6XzunXTfcD48E6eRhekUorp7aIzhYbA1g_Er0O6A/s1600/ORC-LP-Blue-250x183.png" /></a><br />
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Also sharing at <a href="http://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/" target="_blank">Life on Virginia Street</a> as part of <a href="http://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/2015/06/diy-summer-school-ikea-hack/" target="_blank">DIY Summer School</a>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-19923114710308821162015-04-23T05:00:00.000-04:002015-04-24T15:20:09.878-04:00Girl’s Bedroom Makeover: Free ArtI am more than halfway through the One Room Challenge, where I am trying to make over my daughter’s bedroom in just six short weeks! My <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-pictures-plans.html" target="_blank">plan</a> is coming to fruition with <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-paint-paint-paint.html" target="_blank">paint on the walls</a> & the <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-furnishings.html" target="_blank">furnishings installed</a>. Most of the remaining work is sewing & zhushing. I am <strike>avoiding painting the bedframe</strike> getting a little ahead of myself styling the room, but couldn't wait to get started framing some free prints I found while perusing the internet. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wex36vb-U4g/VS16J4EHDBI/AAAAAAAAGRU/dKwHXgYbbnM/s1600-h/DSC_0981%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0981" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dnl99DfN0p0/VS16KcxnIGI/AAAAAAAAGRc/4LaTf_whY3A/DSC_0981_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0981" width="319" /></a><br />
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I thought this <a href="http://www.belindaselene.com/2014/10/free-gorgeous-printable-covers-for-erin.html" target="_blank">“She believed”</a> print was so adorable, I knew I had to find a place for it in my daughter’s room. It is filling up some vertical space on her bookshelves, along with this knockoff Anthropologie trinket dish I copied from <a href="http://www.thegatheredhome.com/2014/08/anthropologie-knockoff-giraffe-trinket-dish.html" target="_blank">A Gathered Home</a>. When I originally saw it on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/designedtodwell/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, I knew I needed to include it in Elie’s room, since giraffes are her favorite animal.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OEILW-wmkcM/VS16LGoeJ1I/AAAAAAAAGRk/K-hUBe5AJUY/s1600-h/DSC_0982%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0982" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nEBiwtlXuIw/VS16L4zXUDI/AAAAAAAAGRs/ocXDj6VsPIw/DSC_0982_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0982" width="640" /></a><br />
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My husband & I are hoping this quote about <a href="http://clubnarwhal.blogspot.com/2013/04/quotes-about-hard-work.html" target="_blank">“Difficult things”</a> will inspire our daughter to persevere through difficult tasks & circumstances. The circles print behind it can be found <a href="https://www.behance.net/gallery/FREE-Watercolor-textures/6889685" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6oxTUvqkrnc/VS16MjcPRbI/AAAAAAAAGR0/k95UImHauyc/s1600-h/DSC_0994%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0994" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7SPecRkzcek/VS16NW-3cgI/AAAAAAAAGR8/UwP-cD10o7g/DSC_0994_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0994" width="396" /></a><br />
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I chose this <a href="http://plumprettysugar.blogspot.com/2014/05/floral-pretty-wallpaper-free-download.html" target="_blank">“Be lovely”</a> print to hang as part of a gallery wall between the two doors in Elie’s room. I love the faint colors in it. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r1jw0lBs8jU/VS16OMApBWI/AAAAAAAAGSE/4Nlp7Ko_sww/s1600-h/DSC_0990%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0990" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VL4QWhcOQEw/VS16OlZ_AbI/AAAAAAAAGSM/QJ4zYyqJyEY/DSC_0990_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0990" width="640" /></a><br />
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This <a href="http://www.designlovefest.com/2014/07/dress-your-tech-57/" target="_blank">floral one</a> is probably my favorite. I taped it to a piece of black poster board with some gold washi tape. (Sorry for the crazy angle—it’s hard to photograph these without glares, since they are directly across from windows.)<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LAi6iHikC0o/VS16PshD60I/AAAAAAAAGSU/Usz6pgqYzkc/s1600-h/DSC_0988%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0988" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AYsO52Y8U9w/VS16QWW3IoI/AAAAAAAAGSc/8vl3rA46izU/DSC_0988_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0988" width="319" /></a><br />
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I liked the vibrant colors in this <a href="http://what-a-beautiful-mess.blogspot.com/2013/04/scraps-of-elegance.html?utm_source=feedly" target="_blank">butterfly print</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e67FDbDyAoU/VS16Q95i8sI/AAAAAAAAGSk/lgmt-KqCazs/s1600-h/DSC_0989%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0989" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nhilUosssnw/VS16RvYuDSI/AAAAAAAAGSs/vsrDq4fzezU/DSC_0989_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0989" width="319" /></a><br />
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Just a pretty reminder that being herself is <a href="http://www.welivedhappilyeverafter.com/2014/05/timelessly-trendy-free-watercolor.html?m=1" target="_blank">beautiful</a>! My husband doesn’t get this one, but I think it’s cute & I like the message.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XA3XBLJQEl0/VS16SJEkdbI/AAAAAAAAGS0/xwZoJn_GROc/s1600-h/DSC_0972%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0972" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hoLAtmJBKx8/VS16THj-c1I/AAAAAAAAGS8/9C-o9LfamSU/DSC_0972_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0972" width="319" /></a><br />
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I saw a print just like this at Hobby Lobby & replicated it for free! I already had an old white frame, mat, & chartreuse paint at home. It is the perfect art to sit on Elie’s nightstand & remind her how much her family loves her.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ziJiGhM8mP4/VS16Tniz2AI/AAAAAAAAGTE/oL7nuzQ-JWM/s1600-h/DSC_0984%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0984" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4yuuuq-RMnY/VS16UU3tx3I/AAAAAAAAGTM/j3-vyvIJcMg/DSC_0984_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0984" width="319" /></a><br />
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I framed some of Elie’s polished stones & shells (not pictured) in an acrylic box frame.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GCA_8zTDGFM/VS16VK5dbuI/AAAAAAAAGTU/w76lNvrUPdE/s1600-h/DSC_0986%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0986" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HVjNUr3lUw4/VS16Vh_rfYI/AAAAAAAAGTc/YTBDcbH6yDM/DSC_0986_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0986" width="319" /></a><br />
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I also framed some of her pretty rocks. I wrapped some wire around them & poked it through a piece of black poster board for mounting.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hHPakQtOTtM/VS16WRpQMqI/AAAAAAAAGTk/qIBO8gbVc1I/s1600-h/DSC_0996%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0996" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pWbvUvCRUQM/VS16XGsM9rI/AAAAAAAAGTs/3apEooNrOyU/DSC_0996_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0996" width="250" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.mrprintables.com/printable-constellation-map-summer.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is a link to the constellation printable on the bottom row. I couldn't get a good picture of it on it’s own. <br />
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You can find some other cute printables on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/designedtodwell/eliana/" target="_blank">board for Elie’s room</a> and my board for <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/designedtodwell/printable-art/" target="_blank">printable art</a>. <br />
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Now, I’m off to check out all the good projects going on at Linda’s for the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBzEdDURYg5NBTP36qbbY4RUmHIcHTugJBQR2mpxttM0eEOl0-f81qUFBQG___GcAg_dTZnMkB3XnI2nJ6A5q4xVV7eobJCXuH8as-Q6nJtBkQX2s5_wNCanCGyHIdxg7TXyCu2ovbZs/s1600/ORC-LP-250x183.png" /></a><br />
<br />
Also sharing at the <a href="http://www.drivenbydecor.com/2015/04/april-2015-best-of-the-nest.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=drivenbydecor" target="_blank">Best of the Nest</a> party.
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I am really hoping this room turns out looking good, but I’m starting to have my doubts. Spoiler alert—we hung some curtains & I think they are all wrong. Time will tell! I’m hoping they look better once we get the bedding & accessories in place.So, back to this week—Basically, I spent my time assembling, painting, & top coating the main furniture pieces for the room. <br />
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I took a trip to Ikea with my three-year-old & eight-year-old & picked up this <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60100879/#/40038303" target="_blank">Tullsta chair</a>. It’s actually a pretty light-weight chair, but I felt like tough stuff carrying it up the stairs myself!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RWY2A_V1KOc/VSRsQEHet4I/AAAAAAAAGP0/e0TG00qDwPU/s1600-h/DSC_0885%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0885" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZS2_VFmrrAM/VSRsQ4miJnI/AAAAAAAAGP4/K8jNfbX35r8/DSC_0885_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0885" width="319" /></a><br />
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Another empowering moment for me…assembling this <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/75305709/" target="_blank">Rast dresser</a> (after painting & polycrylic-ing it). Usually I leave all the assembling up to my husband, but he was out of town & I was anxious to make use of the storage this provides. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X3PSY6OCsoI/VSRsRu7HpJI/AAAAAAAAGQE/BDbm7mVey4Q/s1600-h/DSC_0895%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0895" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QBzc7hutQO4/VSRsSeuN7OI/AAAAAAAAGQM/Vetg4bNpATs/DSC_0895_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0895" width="319" /></a><br />
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I absolutely love using these as nightstands in kids rooms. They are a good size & provide a good deal of storage. The top drawer holds randoms, the middle drawer holds socks & undies, & the bottom drawer contains pajamas. Yay for more storage in Elie’s dresser!<br />
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Those gold ring pulls were a DIY inspired by <a href="http://sarahmdorseydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/07/sofa-table-happiness.html" target="_blank">Sarah M. Dorsey</a>. I already had an extra set of Ikea curtain rings I wasn’t going to use, so I used them instead of the rings from the original tutorial. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HwBVnfyCWKE/VSRsS9o-dwI/AAAAAAAAGQU/enO_uSiHTxg/s1600-h/DIY%252520Ring%252520Pulls%2525202%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY Ring Pulls 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GJ3VgZkcsr4/VSRsTdqDlXI/AAAAAAAAGQc/7Ap5697C0uM/DIY%252520Ring%252520Pulls%2525202_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="213" style="display: inline;" title="DIY Ring Pulls 2" width="640" /></a><br />
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I ordered this <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Altra-Furniture-Parsons-Writing-Desk-with-Drawer-9178-HQZ1152.html" target="_blank">parson’s desk</a> from Wayfair on Friday night around 5 pm & it was at my house by 3 pm the next day with FREE shipping! (It must have been on sale when I ordered it because it was only $52.)<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yre7FtkVGos/VSRsT-u7kAI/AAAAAAAAGQk/7HqKa4DW2H0/s1600-h/DSC_0888%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0888" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6PHxYMJuNr0/VSRsUWUedwI/AAAAAAAAGQo/i6D9kskoNM8/DSC_0888_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0888" width="319" /></a><br />
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I got another great deal on the lucite ghost chair that I won on a local auction site for $25! I’m kind of jealous of my daughter for getting it! I have at least three more places in my home I would love to have one of these chairs… Maybe I will get lucky again!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ra-Cnx0xr6c/VSRsU-OdvlI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/4lIsP4AmCQY/s1600-h/DSC_0898%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0898" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IwtN9tzbksU/VSRsVUepbgI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/4z83GRiiBzU/DSC_0898_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0898" width="319" /></a><br />
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When my husband got home, I was ready for him to hang some shelves above the desk. I have been working on styling them, but need to get some more accessories to fill them up.<br />
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To sum up today’s post, three important things to include when making over a kid’s space are: storage (bookshelves/nightstand), a comfy place to read, & a place to study—among other things, like a place to sleep, but we’ll get to that next week (I hope)!<br />
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Be sure to check out all the awesome room makeovers happening as part of the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBzEdDURYg5NBTP36qbbY4RUmHIcHTugJBQR2mpxttM0eEOl0-f81qUFBQG___GcAg_dTZnMkB3XnI2nJ6A5q4xVV7eobJCXuH8as-Q6nJtBkQX2s5_wNCanCGyHIdxg7TXyCu2ovbZs/s1600/ORC-LP-250x183.png" /></a>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kr5-un8clsY/VSMElEncVdI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/TFUYp2pozks/s1600-h/DSC_0877%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0877" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FvXEjdeOAzM/VSMEl4shc6I/AAAAAAAAGNY/gfeagxjtssk/DSC_0877_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0877" width="640" /></a><br />
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Elie chose Cosmic Rays paint (by Olympic) for the wall color. It is the same color we used in our <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/02/home-tour-family-room.html" target="_blank">family room</a>. (For some reason it is reading as a light lavender in the pictures, but it is actually a light blue-ish gray color.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YAMEk-miN8c/VSMEmevcdWI/AAAAAAAAGNg/WiwklvcMj5I/s1600-h/DSC_0876%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0876" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IJlnMWNPDEc/VSMEnQEfK7I/AAAAAAAAGNo/Zucf5gHUD04/DSC_0876_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0876" width="640" /></a><br />
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I also painted the doors & trim in her room.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q-EGsdtNG-E/VSMEoaeP_JI/AAAAAAAAGNs/mL-dRo-7PkQ/s1600-h/DSC_0956%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0956" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OMyNqA858P0/VSMEo9lt7VI/AAAAAAAAGN4/4zeRI6GXW6o/DSC_0956_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0956" width="319" /></a><br />
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Speaking of trim, my husband added some around her windows.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z0VJwC0ZATA/VSMEppbp4VI/AAAAAAAAGOA/MIpb3GiXcEc/s1600-h/DSC_0878%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0878" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b-5Q0HkKGS0/VSMEqWklU6I/AAAAAAAAGOI/IrhpymbnLlk/DSC_0878_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0878" width="640" /></a><br />
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I also painted her dresser turquoise (Aqua Bay by Olympic). We used this color on the Tarva chest in the family room. I really love the color in there, but I’m not really liking it on this dresser. Maybe it’s the pink knobs or the lines at the bottom of the dresser that are throwing it off for me. Hopefully, it will work out, because I really don’t want to re-paint it!<br />
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As for the upcoming week, boxes are starting to arrive & I did make the trek to Ikea, which means furniture assembly & painting await me! Be sure to check back in for more progress next week! You can see my plans for the space <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/04/girls-bedroom-makeover-pictures-plans.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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If you are looking for some inspiration, be sure to check out all the other linking participants taking on the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a>. In just four more weeks, there are sure to be some amazing spaces thanks to Linda’s motivation!<br />
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<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBzEdDURYg5NBTP36qbbY4RUmHIcHTugJBQR2mpxttM0eEOl0-f81qUFBQG___GcAg_dTZnMkB3XnI2nJ6A5q4xVV7eobJCXuH8as-Q6nJtBkQX2s5_wNCanCGyHIdxg7TXyCu2ovbZs/s1600/ORC-LP-250x183.png" /></a>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cZXPzJeyJIg/VRW1l2BCe2I/AAAAAAAAGLA/heacUGqlXVA/s1600-h/DSC_0854%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0854" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NBvUX5jgJZA/VRW1nAKPcAI/AAAAAAAAGLI/ginGS4ZWnao/DSC_0854_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0854" width="640" /></a><br />
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It may not be obvious from the pictures, but the bedding is too small (& ripped & stained), there are only two working light bulbs in that fixture, & her nightstand is overflowing! It is high time to address this mess!<br />
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Here are my plans:<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tmVylnDUs6g/VRW1n5dLdxI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/6SVYmNL2FkM/s1600-h/OB-Elie%252527s%252520Room%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="OB-Elie's Room" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k9thwB_GrNk/VRW1pHykU3I/AAAAAAAAGLY/3baQe4MNoY0/OB-Elie%252527s%252520Room_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="540" style="display: inline;" title="OB-Elie's Room" width="640" /></a><br />
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The light fixture, bed, & dresser are staying. Pretty much everything else is going. The walls will be painted (probably Cosmic Rays or Honesty by Olympic Paints). I plan on using a brass headboard I’ve had in the basement for a few years, along with plain white bedding & pillows that will bring in Elie’s favorite color, spring green. The bed will be flanked with an Ikea Rast dresser (for added storage) & a white parsons desk & lucite chair. We will add a couple of white shelves above the desk for even more storage.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xn3rOwcnfRU/VRW1qWnCA3I/AAAAAAAAGLg/hGKIIZ3Mf9c/s1600-h/DSC_0855%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0855" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-87mL-Qgazfc/VRW1rSgHCFI/AAAAAAAAGLo/QaJVFTyTN_M/DSC_0855_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0855" width="640" /></a><br />
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The windows will be dressed in pink curtains (Ikea Vivan perhaps?) & in the corner between the window & dresser will be a Tullsta chair. We will test our DIY skills with a peace sign marquee above it. Her dresser will get a makeover in a happy turquoise color & I may change out the mirror for one that can be hung vertically.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yYWPQMINHkM/VRW1sTZWAsI/AAAAAAAAGLw/7TqObFc4s38/s1600-h/DSC_0856%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0856" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mg17zZqaTs4/VRW1tHTYYyI/AAAAAAAAGL4/xlM_52wveh4/DSC_0856_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0856" width="640" /></a><br />
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The space between the two doors will be a gallery wall of special treasures & artwork.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--rdcJYsEJP4/VRW1t6B11WI/AAAAAAAAGMA/0zgfOv2vPLs/s1600-h/DSC_0857%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0857" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6C6zsuy6h1w/VRW1u2YS1AI/AAAAAAAAGMI/zNRkVJ2WKXQ/DSC_0857_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0857" width="640" /></a><br />
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And it will all be finished in less than six weeks, thanks to the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">One Room Challenge Link Party</a>, hosted by Linda from Calling It Home.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBzEdDURYg5NBTP36qbbY4RUmHIcHTugJBQR2mpxttM0eEOl0-f81qUFBQG___GcAg_dTZnMkB3XnI2nJ6A5q4xVV7eobJCXuH8as-Q6nJtBkQX2s5_wNCanCGyHIdxg7TXyCu2ovbZs/s1600/ORC-LP-250x183.png" /><br />
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This will be my third time participating in the linking party. I'm hoping to have the same success this time as I did with my <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/02/home-tour-bathrooms.html" target="_blank">kids' bathroom</a>...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBuqSW5d4ss/VLQ8uhYr0nI/AAAAAAAAF_M/7KkTz0FNyTk/DSC_0619_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBuqSW5d4ss/VLQ8uhYr0nI/AAAAAAAAF_M/7KkTz0FNyTk/DSC_0619_thumb%255B4%255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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and <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-family-room-challenge-reveal.html" target="_blank">family room</a>.</div>
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Be sure to stop back next week for an update. I hope to get a lot of shopping & painting finished this week! You can see some of my inspiration as well as sources on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/designedtodwell/eliana/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a>.<br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-89715538244190408462015-03-31T05:00:00.000-04:002015-04-16T14:43:34.101-04:00Curtains, Pillows, & the Letter Z<br />
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Every time I decorate a room, there comes a point where I’m not sure it’s turning out exactly how I had envisioned it. That is how I had been feeling about my son’s room, until we hung the gallery wall & made a few other additions. The game changer?<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lwZZGRIzrKU/VRWrnYUbMvI/AAAAAAAAGJI/Jf_leari4hg/s1600-h/DSC_0866%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0866" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1QQUjfmtQ40/VRWroGaveqI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/iKaUwvvQQR8/DSC_0866_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0866" width="380" /></a><br />
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This marquee letter Z my husband made! I love the way this corner now boasts green, blue, & orange.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Mx_EFQFCL64/VRWro0LUSsI/AAAAAAAAGJY/HfQwMqjFFc0/s1600-h/DSC_0840%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0840" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LTn_13exYQo/VRWrpmNHwyI/AAAAAAAAGJg/haViHXkYBWo/DSC_0840_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0840" width="319" /></a><br />
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Basically, it’s a 2x4 cut at crazy angles with holes drilled in it & filled with patio lights. Still working on how to hide the cord…<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zjjTaqHhHOQ/VRWrqTz5g0I/AAAAAAAAGJo/M_gWcJ9czfw/s1600-h/DSC_0867%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0867" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7hqOIO0R-kQ/VRWrq5H5lBI/AAAAAAAAGJw/K8ygQIMeyCc/DSC_0867_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0867" width="640" /></a><br />
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I also made a faux roman shade, which was another near disaster! (It was completely crooked! Luckily re-attaching it at the top straightened it out. I would not have been shocked if it had really been crooked, since I’m horrible at taking measurements!)<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CycZGUmX_SQ/VRWrry4GSqI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/Q5tHC7Vc8M8/s1600-h/DSC_0865%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0865" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OH7DG7PMuJQ/VRWrsrAyU3I/AAAAAAAAGKA/7oG4AUtZXWk/DSC_0865_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0865" width="640" /></a><br />
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I made a couple of pillows for the bed. The fabric reminds me of the game Space Invaders. Anyone remember that game? Not sure why it brings back that memory, but it made me think it would be great for my video game loving boy’s room.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bLH4T0T3UvA/VRWrtiFqznI/AAAAAAAAGKI/nCq45rVMD8E/s1600-h/DSC_0863%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0863" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5JPUzc7QxdQ/VRWrukO2JOI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/k0hdOx8IZ78/DSC_0863_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0863" width="640" /></a><br />
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We framed out some mirrored glass too, so now Zeke can make sure he is put together in the morning, or maybe just check out his guns!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UpwAKl9E504/VRWrvgRBKlI/AAAAAAAAGKY/1D_RrQ4Z3BE/s1600-h/DSC_0866%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0866" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TYAE-Itsh-I/VRWrwnFhVLI/AAAAAAAAGKg/u5bRm2ysxFg/DSC_0866_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0866" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fdVVDScGMRw/VRWrxWw_zrI/AAAAAAAAGKo/VWLpJcl8SSQ/s1600-h/DSC_0869%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0869" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w73rVvu_VOU/VRWryQ8_hXI/AAAAAAAAGKw/D4CrGGTb6E4/DSC_0869_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0869" width="640" /></a><br />
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Only three more things to do before this room is considered “finished”…<br />
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<li>Build a headboard</li>
<li>Build a pull-down desk</li>
<li>Build a bench</li>
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You can check out the plan for the room <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/02/boys-bedroom-makeover-plans.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Since his room looks mostly finished (with the exception of the pile of junk where his desk should be), I am going to be taking a little break from Zeke’s room to whip my daughter’s room into shape. I will be participating in Linda’s (from Calling It Home) <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">One Room Challenge Linking Party</a>. I guess I am just a sucker for a challenge!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-n7E79Z-C5PC_Q7R2s4cp3B9lyH98Vpl9PTFhGqkr8qR5sfTSVLBbj1jXJQgzjoG_AWFv4HwALPJvtrLKpT6ZHP3Nnr1U1MOpHv9PNvdEMPgij4_0iiLy3m5O_pqMuUawYt4A0AHqXI/s1600/ORC-LP-Blue-250x183.png" /><br />
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I will be back Thursday with the plans!<br />
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Sharing at the <a href="http://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/2015/04/pretty-preppy-party-april/" target="_blank">Pretty Preppy Party</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/PPP-Thumbnail-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/PPP-Thumbnail-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="TDC Before and After"><img alt="TDC Before and After" src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-73488958202143715412015-03-27T05:00:00.001-04:002015-03-27T15:13:19.488-04:00Turning Kid Collections into DecorI believe we have exactly two free weekends between the end of basketball & the beginning of spring soccer! This past weekend was one of them, so we decided to make the most of it by knocking a few items off the list. <br />
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As I have mentioned previously, my son is a collector. Until recently, some of his cool collections were just sitting in his closet. In order to inject more of his interests into his bedroom décor, I decided to use those collections as artwork for his walls.<br />
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First, I hot glued his collection of shark teeth onto a piece of black cardstock & framed it in a shadow box. (I surrounded it with a couple of free printables found <a href="http://www.irocksowhat.com/2013/06/free-adventure-printable.html" target="_blank">here</a> & <a href="http://blog.lisarupp.com/2013/01/you-are-outta-this-world-free-valentine.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nLchzrycjKo/VRSHvPtyweI/AAAAAAAAGHc/XRcZuY8Awx0/s1600-h/DSC_0842%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0842" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AiFN06pJIoo/VRSHv4grRFI/AAAAAAAAGHk/C52tfpY8cUs/DSC_0842_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0842" width="640" /></a><br />
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Next, we used a couple of nails to mount his collection of state quarters. (Just a few more to find…)<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UEiSyZXOWdo/VRSHw9gDHgI/AAAAAAAAGHs/7XmTa07QZFs/s1600-h/DSC_0844%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0844" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9tyHAbl5MUY/VRSHxgOlyyI/AAAAAAAAGH0/Eh2_cKFtt80/DSC_0844_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0844" width="640" /></a><br />
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My husband built two display boxes for some of his most special rocks. (This was a lesson in patience for both of us! Who would have thought making these would have been so frustrating! Black paint & wood filler are hiding a multitude of problems!) He made the ceramic owl in school art class.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jOvp-84gI_w/VRSHyT6r0nI/AAAAAAAAGH8/U5CV8qWrGa0/s1600-h/DSC_0846%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0846" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FcVSyHcXdE0/VRSHzBdfB8I/AAAAAAAAGIE/kNK4z2ZvzwQ/DSC_0846_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="276" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0846" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EfSVadE5t74/VRSHzpAFwJI/AAAAAAAAGIM/okBk1ZfaafQ/s1600-h/DSC_0847%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0847" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u8_LMSB5V6I/VRSH1CejliI/AAAAAAAAGIU/b1uAeA6hXAk/DSC_0847_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0847" width="508" /></a><br />
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Lastly, I framed a rock, two shells, & a postcard of rocks we got at a “rock mining” tourist trap.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-si3sg1MvJmE/VRSH1zFazWI/AAAAAAAAGIc/SlvraOjFMVI/s1600-h/DSC_0849%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0849" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rEJE63fVqms/VRSH2ryHZXI/AAAAAAAAGIk/BnN8z06s7RE/DSC_0849_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0849" width="640" /></a><br />
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Who would have thought all those things stashed in his closet could look so cool up on his wall!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ixVSz2Vw31c/VRSH4oHK9ZI/AAAAAAAAGIs/biWwpU5J-m0/s1600-h/DSC_0850%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0850" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V1_8TY8tTLQ/VRSH56bjjLI/AAAAAAAAGI0/dBZK8ZSm_0c/DSC_0850_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0850" width="273" /></a>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-83064963637349251712015-03-27T05:00:00.000-04:002015-03-27T05:00:06.031-04:00Pink Pony Party How can it be that my baby just turned three? We celebrated a few weeks ago by having a horse themed birthday, per her request. She actually asked for a horse & dog party, but since we did the dog theme last year I decided to just stick with horses. <br />
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I’ll let most of the pictures do the talking…<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-noCmiZgoVlc/VRR-IRkab1I/AAAAAAAAGFE/7LJ3u4K-UTg/s1600-h/DSC_0738%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0738" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dzUeiDVkvA0/VRR-JFEAbGI/AAAAAAAAGFM/2FcNMOqrvmY/DSC_0738_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0738" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ldVZoiykR4o/VRR-J0oE9GI/AAAAAAAAGFU/n31--voELgs/s1600-h/DSC_0740%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0740" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NJmlLN73epQ/VRR-K1tqPDI/AAAAAAAAGFc/5yD5DVPPwPE/DSC_0740_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0740" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7b_YN00Uto8/VRR-LvlyTrI/AAAAAAAAGFk/fbt_HVgDw4s/s1600-h/DSC_0742%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0742" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oIPiCPW8pFI/VRR-MGrk3iI/AAAAAAAAGFs/Zf3LYuS8u2Q/DSC_0742_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0742" width="640" /></a><br />
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I kept the decorations pretty simple, with some pom pom ribbon (left over from a past project) draped along the mantel.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6fcyGs7D2N8/VRR-M2XUZSI/AAAAAAAAGF0/sh9lIVrt-P8/s1600-h/DSC_0727%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0727" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DNQuLGrLYKY/VRR-NhjDfDI/AAAAAAAAGF8/EK0rde4Y_mE/DSC_0727_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0727" width="640" /></a><br />
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I also made a pink barn & fence to corral the pony favors, which provided a cute backdrop for photos.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CWQQcUMCELs/VRR-OYxN7NI/AAAAAAAAGGE/3UCJeGWdHa4/s1600-h/DSC_0744%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0744" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sfWoC2I0iRI/VRR-Ozqus2I/AAAAAAAAGGM/ggB5l4_PuTI/DSC_0744_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0744" width="319" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x30JNIWEe7s/VRR-PRaDWBI/AAAAAAAAGGU/Bfw_7lsbG90/s1600-h/DSC_0747%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0747" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K8cP243TN74/VRR-P1WkCiI/AAAAAAAAGGc/tQw2bGLKdlQ/DSC_0747_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0747" width="319" /></a><br />
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We brought my husband’s vintage hobby horse from the basement for “pony rides”.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tz7o2oN1R9Y/VRR-QtJsQtI/AAAAAAAAGGk/XqovgYsomAk/s1600-h/DSC_0754%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0754" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-86TYVS2Vo-4/VRR-RNUyDzI/AAAAAAAAGGs/SKToxadnwVQ/DSC_0754_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0754" width="319" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RXAwRAjKg5s/VRR-RxTy_vI/AAAAAAAAGG0/tzSubViIGm8/s1600-h/DSC_0735%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0735" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5gZRWlLqNI4/VRR-SToZAMI/AAAAAAAAGG8/j_Ma9pUJ3TE/DSC_0735_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0735" width="319" /></a><br />
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Seeing as how I had done nothing to prepare for this party until the day before, I think it turned out pretty well!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x1Qmi040PYM/VRR-TI3Hn5I/AAAAAAAAGHE/SHjDG-KuIkQ/s1600-h/DSC_0771%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0771" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7jG5lYB86sM/VRR-Tr5_QdI/AAAAAAAAGHM/vgWhLWAj8uU/DSC_0771_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0771" width="319" /></a><br />
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I’m sure this girl would have been happy with just cupcakes (& presents, of course!).Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-31815160334454267272015-03-19T05:00:00.000-04:002015-03-27T09:24:21.204-04:00Boy’s Bedroom Makeover- Part ThreeIn January, I began making over my 11 year-old son’s bedroom. Progress has been pretty slow moving, but today, I thought I would give an update on what has been accomplished. Let’s look at some pictures, shall we?<br />
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After <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/02/boys-bedroom-makeover-plans.html" target="_blank">planning the space</a> & <a href="http://designedtodwell.blogspot.com/2015/02/tips-to-speed-up-painting-process.html" target="_blank">painting the room</a>, we hung the vintage map that I have been hoarding in my closet for two years! My son wanted to keep it on this map of the US, but he can also flip to a world map or a map of Alaska & Hawaii. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ODXwGkDlfI4/VQncTtsiHfI/AAAAAAAAGC0/1Wu9QkIs3IY/s1600-h/DSC_0820%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0820" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5uPVbevilew/VQncVft09dI/AAAAAAAAGC8/3YHAPGANuCs/DSC_0820_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0820" width="555" /></a><br />
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Since I am only using my monthly spending allowance (plus money I earned through selling things on Craigslist) I had to save up before I could buy a couple of Rast dressers from Ikea. I absolutely LOVE that these are so inexpensive, can be painted/stained to look great, & are a small size, with quite a bit of storage. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v5F1VkbYGCE/VQncWrLuR1I/AAAAAAAAGDE/YEH8_j2n0_A/s1600-h/DSC_0821%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0821" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-43dWzkYFs_g/VQncXuoD6CI/AAAAAAAAGDM/7LdWZnpENF8/DSC_0821_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0821" width="496" /></a><br />
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Before assembling them, I stained the outside pieces (Early American by Minwax) & painted the drawer fronts white. I used the knobs that came with them for a while so I could save up to buy some ring knobs. <br />
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Then, one day I remembered <a href="http://sarahmdorseydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/07/sofa-table-happiness.html" target="_blank">this post from Sarah M. Dorsey Designs</a> showing how she made her own ring knobs. (I also found <a href="http://thecookiewriter.com/2013/12/50-year-old-dresser-and-end-table-remodel-the-reveal.html" target="_blank">this post</a> helpful.) Around the same time I had this recollection, I also remembered that I had two bags of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80224096/" target="_blank">Ikea curtain rings</a>. After assembling a cotter pin around the ring & inserting the cotter pin into a beveled washer, I spray painted them gold & followed up with a couple coats of clear acrylic sealer. Then, my husband pushed the cotter pin through the holes in the drawers & spread them apart with the help of pliers & a hammer (kind of like how you use brass fasteners for kid crafts). (The cotter pins were pretty tough stuff, so my husband had to do all the assembling & putting them in the drawers.) I would say I only spent about $8 for all twelve knobs! (Ignore the wonky one on the middle drawer, I should have straightened it out before taking the picture!)<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_r-u3oJMbqw/VQncY2YoCjI/AAAAAAAAGDU/PL8wqRdfW8w/s1600-h/DSC_0824%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0824" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-grVaQNCFqQI/VQncaGtIQcI/AAAAAAAAGDc/1CbZOHqVcGI/DSC_0824_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0824" width="319" /></a><br />
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Next, I stained & polyurethaned two shelves, cut from an $8 board at Home Depot. We used some “L” brackets for easy shelf installation, which cost another $6 (total). Originally, I wanted three shelves, but it didn't end up working out, since we are planning on building a pull-down desk under the bottom shelf. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GRqUTZ3qjgY/VQncbcMMcOI/AAAAAAAAGDk/bjub2uVOsRI/s1600-h/DSC_0826%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0826" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kc9E6FZTX8I/VQncceXKddI/AAAAAAAAGDs/0YTN1iirkAI/DSC_0826_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0826" width="640" /></a><br />
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My son is a collector, so this gives him a nice place to display some of his rocks, shells, weathered glass, & buckeyes. I’m not sure what I’ll do when these collections grow, since we’re already running out of space!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CUq0RoxGwco/VQncdYD5ZiI/AAAAAAAAGD0/6G4W8bX19aE/s1600-h/DSC_0819%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0819" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iwZyw0KgDJQ/VQncd0qqIyI/AAAAAAAAGD8/0ns8g1Sy38c/DSC_0819_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0819" width="319" /></a><br />
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So far the biggest expense for this makeover has been the bedding. Since we just upgraded Zeke to a full-sized bed, we needed new <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Somerset-Home-Series-1200-Microfiber-Sheet-Set/27534432" target="_blank">sheets</a>, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/tailored-14-bedskirt/-/A-11827843" target="_blank">dust ruffle</a>, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-rugby-comforter/-/A-13992709#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=rugby+striped+comforter" target="_blank">comforter</a>, & <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-reversible-solid-sham/-/A-14416007" target="_blank">pillows</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_nnP7J5PrOQ/VQncevckwrI/AAAAAAAAGEE/XVcRmEYFQ6E/s1600-h/DSC_0827%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0827" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oFI1qez4JdI/VQncfUs0y8I/AAAAAAAAGEM/4zvP6phAdmU/DSC_0827_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0827" width="319" /></a><br />
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I wanted to upgrade Zeke’s director’s chair to a more comfortable chair he could read or hang out in. I was able to get this one on Craigslist for $75. It is in great condition & is very comfortable.<br />
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Here is a look at most of the things that we still have to do in the room. Oh, shoot… forgot to add headboard in there… We have to do that too!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c-7baLl0Gog/VQncgNSBn7I/AAAAAAAAGEU/EuRZdTUFlXE/s1600-h/Z%252520room%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Z room" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-giOzWidbDrM/VQncg9_NYiI/AAAAAAAAGEc/UflMcHoAuGw/Z%252520room_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="425" style="display: inline;" title="Z room" width="640" /></a><br />
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We also need to build a pull-out desk & bench below the bookshelves, but PicMonkey was giving me a hard time, so I’m not going to bother labeling another picture!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C_wkM9V_18s/VQnch42xmLI/AAAAAAAAGEk/XNK7W8KPsvY/s1600-h/DSC_0830%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0830" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZaUMGEF0Jao/VQnci-wPfOI/AAAAAAAAGEs/EWfMtyykJmk/DSC_0830_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0830" width="323" /></a><br />
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So, slowly, but surely we are getting things accomplished in this room. I’m hoping that we can work on a few things this weekend. I would love to have this room finished in the next couple of weeks so I can get started on my daughter’s. (I'm picking up something for her space tomorrow, which has me excited about her room makeover!) Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7062672857519396520.post-53501258702915290702015-02-12T05:00:00.000-05:002015-02-12T05:00:01.129-05:00Tips to Speed Up the Painting ProcessThis past weekend I painted Zeke’s room. Since the after pictures aren’t anything amazing, I thought I would share a few tips I use to speed up the painting process, since I am anything but patient!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EolHRsxetDY/VNUXzXC9lbI/AAAAAAAAGBE/2Xu8zGWoyK0/s1600-h/Paint%252520Stuff%2525202%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Paint Stuff 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-THd4hHjHakY/VNUX0NUr7nI/AAAAAAAAGBM/-UI1QRbqHT4/Paint%252520Stuff%2525202_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="382" style="display: inline;" title="Paint Stuff 2" width="640" /></a><br />
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Please use these tips with caution & remember that I am not a professional painter (in fact, I’m quite a lazy painter, hence this post!).<br />
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If you don’t already own a ladder, consider purchasing one with a molded paint can hanger. I hang my paint can on the ladder & don’t bother removing it as I pull the ladder around the room. I’m sure this saves a few minutes of time from having to climb down the ladder, grab the paint can, set it down, move the ladder to the next spot, grab the paint can again, etc. Ours also has a handy spot to place your paintbrush too. I couldn't find our exact model, but <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_98195-287-FS108_0__?productId=1115315&Ntt=ladders&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dladders&facetInfo=" target="_blank">here</a> is the link to the one in the picture.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XRvhqRc5e4w/VNUX0tlZ93I/AAAAAAAAGBU/YwLxuSmGTDQ/s1600-h/DSC_0693%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0693" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-975YvhTxLYk/VNUX1WzVjII/AAAAAAAAGBc/S0qIM7mTktU/DSC_0693_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0693" width="319" /></a><br />
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I would recommend buying a <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_546187-63872-1202GS_4294625957__?productId=50114843&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=" target="_blank">smaller paint can with a handle</a> if you choose the above method. That way, you can pour a small amount of paint in the can, making it easier to cut-in & move the ladder around without spilling a freshly opened can of paint! <br />
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<img src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/085995/085995070108lg.jpg" /><br />
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Another great tool to speed up the cutting-in process is an angled, short handled paint brush. Using <a href="http://www.thepaintstore.com/Wooster_s_Shortcut_Angle_Sash_Brush_p/q3211.htm?1=1&CartID=0" target="_blank">one of these brushes</a> makes cutting in so much easier & precise & saves time, since I no longer have to prep everything with painters tape.<br />
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<img src="http://www.thepaintstore.com/v/vspfiles/photos/Q3211-2T.jpg" /><br />
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The final tip I have is to use an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Long-Arm-7793-Smart-Advantage/dp/B001WAKATS" target="_blank">extension pole for your paint roller</a>. We are able to unscrew the handle from our push broom & use it as an extension for our paint roller. It again, saves me time from having to drag the ladder around the room to paint the top half of the room. Instead, I can paint the whole wall using the long pole.<br />
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<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ItnFJnXcL._SX425_.jpg" /><br />
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I was able to paint my son’s room in just a few hours using these tools & techniques. I hope you will find them helpful too & as always, if you have additional tips, I would love to hear them!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WVqVlnUv_2g/VNUX2PxUbBI/AAAAAAAAGBk/XoRg92SLeDU/s1600-h/DSC_0676%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0676" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6tJU7kBuPP4/VNUX24U1ylI/AAAAAAAAGBs/zo3_7zccIkc/DSC_0676_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0676" width="640" /></a><br />
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Above is a quick peek into my son’s brighter bedroom. We removed the chair rail, trimmed out the window, & painted it Toasted Almond by Olympic Paints. I hope to be able to reveal more of the room next week!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TFUexevXRpo/VNUX3gNdXqI/AAAAAAAAGB0/7hAgUDw6-tU/s1600-h/Paint%252520Stuff%2525202%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Paint Stuff 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zhDB7aW8pcE/VNUX4ZNCixI/AAAAAAAAGB8/nHZQA-BBWxg/Paint%252520Stuff%2525202_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="382" style="display: inline;" title="Paint Stuff 2" width="640" /></a>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258105048807970629noreply@blogger.com