TRAINING

I realized that I didn't post about my new hardware and curtains/drapes in the bedroom. Here is a peek

Looking at this photo reminds me that I was suppose to have painted the inside of the window (frame/box?), so now I have to go back and do that.

I purchased the hardware from J C Penney and they are by Cindy Crawford. I also purchased the bamboo blinds from JCP at a pretty good price ($20 each). I like the layered look.

I'm currently training the curtains! What am I talking about you ask? Check out this post by Janell and find out! I hope mine turn out half as good as hers!!!

I'll talk more about the curtains in an upcoming post. Have you ever "trained" your curtains before?!

DRESSER PROGRESS PART 3

The next time I show you this dresser, I promise it will be in my bedroom! I wanted to do a quick update on how the hardware turned out. In my last post, I mentioned that I wanted the hardware to be shiny. Then you guys said that I should see how it looks as is so I did

What do you think? Honestly, I do like the hardware in its current state.

but the problem is, I've already (somewhat) shined one

So, I decided to go ahead and "somewhat" shine the rest. I made sure that I didn't over do it so some of the grime remained

You can tell that the pull on the bottom right has more shine than the rest, but I doubt you'll notice once it's in the room!

Let's see the before again shall we

I can't wait until "she" take the place of this chest of drawer


****Edited to add the picture of the dresser in the bedroom*****


I'm linking this up to Thrifty Decor Chicks Before and After Party!

DRESSER PROGRESS PART 2

I wanted to show you how the dresser look after I applied some wipe on poly.

Here is the before (flat paint):

I love flat paint. I mean really, NO BRUSH MARKS AT ALL!!!

And here "she" is after being "wiped down"

(the drawers are not closed all the way do to lack of hardware!)

I planned to use the original hardware, but I'm having a hard time getting them clean to a nice shine.
As you can see in this photo

the pulls are full of grime. So I purchased this

The label promised that it cleans to a shine!

ummm....No, not a good enough shine to me! Do you recommend another product or should I keep trying to clean them with Brasso? By the way, this stuff is STRONG! I almost passed out from inhaling the fumes...

DRESSER MAKEOVER PROGRESS

Here is a quick update of the dresser that I'm using in my Master bedroom


I sanded "her" down about a week ago



I originally planned to use this color paint (an oops paint from Lowe's)

But, I decided to use another oops paint I found which is a more "moody"/teal blue.

I chose this color because it's out of my comfort zone and I think it looks nice against the brown walls



What do you think? What color would you have used?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME....AND THE WINNERS!

As you know, today is my birthday! I don't plan on doing much. Getting rid of the kids for the day (thanks to my in laws!). And more than likely finishing this

with this color

for this room

(I sure wish this room look like this on a regular basis)
After that, my husband is taking me to his favorite restaurant (no typo there!).

On to better news!

The winners of the giveaways are:

For the platter

Mrs. Chic! from Chic little house

And for the Stella and Dot $50 gift certificate

Anne Loyd from the Loyd Collection

Congrats Ladies!

Mrs Chic, email me your information so I can ship your item.

Anne, please email Janell ~janell (at) isabellaandmax (dot) com~ after you've browsed her stella & dot boutique and found your jewels!

Have a great day everyone!

AN ETSY SHOP, A BIRTHDAY, AND A GIVEAWAY.....OR TWO!

Brace yourself because this post is full of great things! First off, my good friend/fellow blogger Dayka has opened an Etsy Shop filled with great vintage finds!

Don't you just love vintage treasures?! I've already made my first purchase and I look forward to shopping with her in the future! Check out what should be on their way to my house soon (right Dayka?!)


Did I mention that I am so happy for her?! While putting this post together, I realized that I have made it to 100 followers (Thanks Lisa!), so to celebrate I figured I'd do a giveaway from Dayka's Etsy store! One lucky person will win this

wouldn't this 3-tiered platter be great for your next social gathering!

But wait, that's not all!

My birthday is Saturday (Feb.6) and the lovely and oh so talented Janell Beals has agreed to give away any item from her Stella & Dot E-boutique valuing up to $50!

Look at all of the goodies I've been drooling over





I mean really people, is today a good day or what?! To enter both giveaways, simply leave a comment with the phrase "TODAY IS A GOOD DAY" in the comment section of this post.

The winners (2) will chosen by random and announced on my birthday February 6th, 2010!

GOOD LUCK!
For more information on Stella & Dot, please contact Janell Beals of Isabella and Max Rooms!

DON'T FEEL LIKE A CAVE TO ME!

Someone made a comment suggesting that dark brown walls make a room feel cave-like. Well, in my opinion, it made my room feel "cozy". Every time I walk up my stairs and see the brown as I get closer to my room I get excited. Maybe it's the brown itself. I don't know, but I do know that is DOES NOT feel like a CAVE!!!

So I decided to let you guys be the judge! What do you think about the color of my room? It's okay to be honest!







A few things that I have planned for the weekend include:
pick up my window hardware from JCP
hang drapes
start on my dresser for the room
attach headboard to the bed