Please pass the potatoes ....

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May I just say you guys are the best!  You really know how to make a new gal feel welcome here in blogland.  I've loved reading all of your thoughtful comments, of which I do not deserve!  Thank you!  And, I have to give a special "shout out" to Cindy at <a href="http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2010/01/mi4m-highlights.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CottageInstincts+%28cottage+instincts%29">Cottage Instincts</a> (for highlighting my humble guest "loo" redo), Beth at <a href="http://bethcrabtreehunter.blogspot.com/2010/01/mantel-party-3-review.html">The Stories of A to Z</a> (for sharing my fireplace/mantle tranformation) and Kim at <a href="http://kimsdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2010/01/do-you-suffer-from-this.html">My Domestic Bliss </a>(for mentioning, and relating to, my admission of my ADD (Attention <strong>Decorating</strong> Disorder)! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you feel like staying for a bit, I'd love to show you our breakfast area, highlighting a few changes we made to it.  As always, feel free to enlarge the pics by clicking on them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>BEFORE</strong>: Imagine a big ol' red wall (RL Stadium Red) ... try (AND try) as we did, nothing seemed to work.  ANYthing we put there seemed to get swallowed by the tall wall with vaulted ceiling.  And, as the kitchen cabinets share the same wall (I'll take you there soon), symmetry and balance went by the wayside, which drove me ker-azy!  Sorry this isn't a better pic:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmPvYrvvs21ukUcMCewKyf_MO-Ygt5t7GRs5SCr8Sxl2aHCyqbsolbsyjwV8qMwNCeNCuaw8RtvdZwyFb0wz8Eu290KIMlrh7eV63NRzNyvDwZgcn7MiO_y8ez-UVZTfDFzhee20QUA/s1600-h/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmPvYrvvs21ukUcMCewKyf_MO-Ygt5t7GRs5SCr8Sxl2aHCyqbsolbsyjwV8qMwNCeNCuaw8RtvdZwyFb0wz8Eu290KIMlrh7eV63NRzNyvDwZgcn7MiO_y8ez-UVZTfDFzhee20QUA/s400/076.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>AFTER:</strong>  Welcome dry bar (magically built by our friend, Paul)!  We're super pleased with how it turned out ... love how it fills the space.  We wanted it to have a few different features than the kitchen cabs, so we chose rope-accented molding, legs and feet ... a metallic backsplash ... black countertop and glass accent doors.  I love that the center cab is shorter and bumps out (Paul's idea). </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASfAUf7YH9e5G4CRFz9mHpqJP75SZD6N3CFELuJBjfJUomj4xYz3zQQF661bC0WzEIO9iT1ycdIZuFPUWiqTN1siJ_9yqtjNc-MK0anBIR8GtzSwIz0mBUn0tzSq5ZFFwwZ-cD0I4nw/s1600-h/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASfAUf7YH9e5G4CRFz9mHpqJP75SZD6N3CFELuJBjfJUomj4xYz3zQQF661bC0WzEIO9iT1ycdIZuFPUWiqTN1siJ_9yqtjNc-MK0anBIR8GtzSwIz0mBUn0tzSq5ZFFwwZ-cD0I4nw/s400/071.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We really enjoy the convenience of the wine cooler ... Chardonnay? Shiraz? Champagne? Sparkling Cider? What can I get ya'?</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpWpCEqjDpeXVXauh4OzE4jrb3bGSsP_FuKSnwKNx5XK9xreCZSpudATc68hH-5Duiy5dofp_Yp_9RvMwXnri6NKSmzE7oXweG8MNUMhgUz-_Pf_1gmFUNeIS6uBBmUlwa3Zglu-JUg/s1600-h/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpWpCEqjDpeXVXauh4OzE4jrb3bGSsP_FuKSnwKNx5XK9xreCZSpudATc68hH-5Duiy5dofp_Yp_9RvMwXnri6NKSmzE7oXweG8MNUMhgUz-_Pf_1gmFUNeIS6uBBmUlwa3Zglu-JUg/s400/061.JPG" width="278" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did a not-so-great job of adding the metallic backsplash (from Lowe's), hoping for a bit of pizazz.  And, when the budget allows, we plan on changing out the counter to Golden Beach granite, which would then match our kitchen countertops:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUBxXWVHokLBMJOtha4sfIf6K4mwHoI6eWYMPJHu3aHn53m6rpBZ4j9Q8KlWz3CRgLXPkTVfkwRq_49uCttrp2u5Nzs4vpPFLPPeFAbzDjVyacBUBtUMHbfJuTuoY-qy7osdNBYD0kQ/s1600-h/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUBxXWVHokLBMJOtha4sfIf6K4mwHoI6eWYMPJHu3aHn53m6rpBZ4j9Q8KlWz3CRgLXPkTVfkwRq_49uCttrp2u5Nzs4vpPFLPPeFAbzDjVyacBUBtUMHbfJuTuoY-qy7osdNBYD0kQ/s400/057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I cannot tell you how much I've loved having the extra storage, too !!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aside from the dry bar, we traded the blinds and panels for roman shades (done in a whimsical polk dot fabric) to add a bit of fun coordination to the cornice (both treatments were done by my great friend and neighbor, Christy). </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejcKoLQ6ZgWqNMEW_yR6nQLfGoYXFd-Wm2i8XgdBxqLh5Jc2R9gPEjwYCccJs2apAGIDf4sHJh_Mo6Hj7memZAdVlMZLk1YHKijvS1AM1lPQDX7Q4PQZec_ZgWchTrytNS_pRKUc3vQ/s1600-h/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejcKoLQ6ZgWqNMEW_yR6nQLfGoYXFd-Wm2i8XgdBxqLh5Jc2R9gPEjwYCccJs2apAGIDf4sHJh_Mo6Hj7memZAdVlMZLk1YHKijvS1AM1lPQDX7Q4PQZec_ZgWchTrytNS_pRKUc3vQ/s400/086.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I recently grabbed this accent table at Kirklands, which I'm still "futzing" with:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bjauLXwbHjO07lNeeiS2QJ2c1BA_1q5eN8-OPZH_1pThqLfH8caZLVja4Fl23GirhHUG1lqM1BpU_lXRowL4YAm7nUEcPFkel2TX1kskhbNMrBrxkoj9wsOO5ruXm2DgItFyVZB6Gw/s1600-h/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bjauLXwbHjO07lNeeiS2QJ2c1BA_1q5eN8-OPZH_1pThqLfH8caZLVja4Fl23GirhHUG1lqM1BpU_lXRowL4YAm7nUEcPFkel2TX1kskhbNMrBrxkoj9wsOO5ruXm2DgItFyVZB6Gw/s400/065.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, lastly, I'm lovin' the oversized lazy susan I recently scored at Tuesday Morning ... really like how it resembles the top of a wine barrel and is the perfect fit for our kitchen table. I'm testing out my Southern Living tray on there (which I filled with faux grapes, wine corks and wine glasses, one of which is filled with a small votive *melted* candle).</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_Yk-RBm67gimPuBhCCf-U6ECsd0j-hTOTJYPEkdP0FCF2cpb2QCWqkYG60-3IbKko7HnJAbpjypOCTRsxdDZfOVG6KCEKTfi9HRPbUNn38jSlQYL60qCzLST_h1cNqYYohC2-G6m4A/s1600-h/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_Yk-RBm67gimPuBhCCf-U6ECsd0j-hTOTJYPEkdP0FCF2cpb2QCWqkYG60-3IbKko7HnJAbpjypOCTRsxdDZfOVG6KCEKTfi9HRPbUNn38jSlQYL60qCzLST_h1cNqYYohC2-G6m4A/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, that's all for now ... it's almost time for football and a hot bowl of white chicken chili, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and Scoops ... yummy !!  </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjscSgBdCAtL6sI3bZN8PoOiYCWDU0wHZtpL_ar232DfL-mmwy8jDJ7e1WhGwufy1aspMr_m3zg-j8iBp4-sjGQI9i_eLzuETHNl2ev96WNOJvQ4SABJbw3jeoRbFbqoNgBFQQlj3mA/s1600-h/140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjscSgBdCAtL6sI3bZN8PoOiYCWDU0wHZtpL_ar232DfL-mmwy8jDJ7e1WhGwufy1aspMr_m3zg-j8iBp4-sjGQI9i_eLzuETHNl2ev96WNOJvQ4SABJbw3jeoRbFbqoNgBFQQlj3mA/s400/140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Stay warm and be safe if you are one of the many surrounded by snow and icy roads !!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm linking up with:</span></div><br /><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/01/before-and-after-party-tv-cabinet-redo.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Susan at Between Naps on the Porch</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://twiceremembered.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-your-monday-week-11-add-your-link.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make Your Monday at Twice Remembered</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://thepersimmonperch.blogspot.com/2010/01/made-it-monday-13110.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Made It Monday @ Persimmon Porch</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sillylittlesparrow.com/2010/02/toot-your-horn-tuesday-paint-snow.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toot your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://asoftplace.net/2010/02/diy-day-with-the-rusted-chain/?"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do It Yourself Day at A Soft Place to Land</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://mybackyardeden.blogspot.com/2010/02/make-it-yours-day.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make it Yours Day at My Backyard Eden</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/02/sns-16-brings-you-rusted-chain-glamour.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Funky Junk's Saturday Nite Special</span></a>

Please pass the potatoes ....

May I just say you guys are the best!  You really know how to make a new gal feel welcome here in blogland.  I've loved reading all of your thoughtful comments, of which I do not deserve!  Thank you!  And, I have to give a special "shout out" to Cindy at Cottage Instincts (for highlighting my humble…

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Skip to my loo ...

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the guest loo, that is.  Between 1) the creative bathroom re-dos I've been drooling over here in Bloggerville; 2) Rhoda (at Southern Hospitality) chatting about the return of wallpaper (click <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wallpaper-is-back/">here</a> to read her great post); and 3) my current love affair with brown, I thought I'd share our guest bath.  I've always been a little scared of wallpaper ... as one who likes to change things around a bazillion times, its simply too much of a commitment for me. LOL. HowEVER, when I spotted this lovely brown paper, dressed with large, gold decorative circles and apple green accents, I just HAD to have it.  I was ready to walk down the aisle and say "I do" to it.  So, I did.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't have a before picture of this little room (just imagine *builder-white* paint ev.er.ree.where.), but </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here it is, all dressed up.  Yippee.  I love the mix of the brown, gold and green.  (Feel free to click on any pic to enlarge.)</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4MCd9-X_gCiFJXBzdEwPZVRrcfw7lL1XI_gw5Eb6g4wozKmdBJUiJVZN9gNfkU4Qj161EwN5IVgtpd6E3OjX-XYfYvk14zXSRilwGA72Re5OGYF5Ye5ZMW-yTk_TxpAqDa5VTpLLAw/s1600-h/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4MCd9-X_gCiFJXBzdEwPZVRrcfw7lL1XI_gw5Eb6g4wozKmdBJUiJVZN9gNfkU4Qj161EwN5IVgtpd6E3OjX-XYfYvk14zXSRilwGA72Re5OGYF5Ye5ZMW-yTk_TxpAqDa5VTpLLAw/s400/070.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We added the glass shelving unit and went with accessories in creams and golds ... thought they might bounce nicely off of the wallpaper.  And, while I am in NO way "crafty-creative," it was super easy to make the "B" initial by enlarging a font (Monotype Corsiva) up to, I believe, 240 pt, and then framing it.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2qmDYbAq3Lsq46EQ3rQFYtjifCKT59mIukl-0WeO6vM4ciIeaKi8GjQ9JXkDBgz271B-fGLCG2S45rjvyKZWkNw2YFocnlCs0Yw6OdoWlc5V9sz0caIl01DSPNTPaU3ZdSsOByCLmw/s1600-h/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2qmDYbAq3Lsq46EQ3rQFYtjifCKT59mIukl-0WeO6vM4ciIeaKi8GjQ9JXkDBgz271B-fGLCG2S45rjvyKZWkNw2YFocnlCs0Yw6OdoWlc5V9sz0caIl01DSPNTPaU3ZdSsOByCLmw/s400/050.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I chose a gold, metallic shower curtain to "bling" the room up a bit and added the apple green textured fabric above to give the room more height (pulled out the ol' glue gun to adhere the tassle fringe).  </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38OsRyxId6uIUXJUHbW4kOTgWL_pD53Bizvw_HfJS0vVYcUNeC5F2GNeOlMqzEOVNZpcu-mzuXpR5jojeRQ6S-rLjKZf0Jdfm4YX1dxeOrBOcMWSEyOf6YoymXeVEJpv1bd3-uB9blg/s1600-h/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38OsRyxId6uIUXJUHbW4kOTgWL_pD53Bizvw_HfJS0vVYcUNeC5F2GNeOlMqzEOVNZpcu-mzuXpR5jojeRQ6S-rLjKZf0Jdfm4YX1dxeOrBOcMWSEyOf6YoymXeVEJpv1bd3-uB9blg/s400/059.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Towels courtesy of SteinMart ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGqpKfXsAmkVdB9_ia_CW2MILoCxh21jxWf1RDcoNBqKzY2XHFEtN1Pr0JwiGfNiOdVDeoasu5subwdR46g_DmjXRJGeh-5bwtYrkF8MMO8omjvjznHbHC_k8FNgpgZKayQge_MTTFA/s1600-h/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGqpKfXsAmkVdB9_ia_CW2MILoCxh21jxWf1RDcoNBqKzY2XHFEtN1Pr0JwiGfNiOdVDeoasu5subwdR46g_DmjXRJGeh-5bwtYrkF8MMO8omjvjznHbHC_k8FNgpgZKayQge_MTTFA/s400/063.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We also added crown molding and painted the ceiling Ralph Lauren Metallics/Golden Candlesticks. (I kid you not ... the ceiling in every room of our house is going to end up being painted this color!!)</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3J-q_U20nlYdb9laiWf594QfNLj2aJamtAE9NTseiPkZHz4gXZslpT-cGpwfjKsHh8g5csQMhWznMZUuxXM7ALDKjpLQuPLvuqAjA3GuY0b0icDaq1B2YJY_IZGnO4dHMmxHMiTSD1A/s1600-h/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3J-q_U20nlYdb9laiWf594QfNLj2aJamtAE9NTseiPkZHz4gXZslpT-cGpwfjKsHh8g5csQMhWznMZUuxXM7ALDKjpLQuPLvuqAjA3GuY0b0icDaq1B2YJY_IZGnO4dHMmxHMiTSD1A/s400/067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Annnnd, just pretend that I've already added molding (painted Golden Candlesticks) around the mirror to dress it up and tie in with the ceiling paint.  Alas, I'm also going to be adding a bronzey-gold faucet ... I'm *this* close to <strike>knocking that out myself</strike> calling a plumber to do the switcharoo for me.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTAvz4oStvhS4IygdRgJAz9kr1TLLYE64usrX1Pch3m29oJAQ6kGv_0T-6rILLn9cG1Upnwm8_1LzVxpf5_OTuDdEIe2H2kgafVhiqcyD4cpMWVaUItVqQ0gTu2pO-jyGkvr9XRhEzA/s1600-h/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTAvz4oStvhS4IygdRgJAz9kr1TLLYE64usrX1Pch3m29oJAQ6kGv_0T-6rILLn9cG1Upnwm8_1LzVxpf5_OTuDdEIe2H2kgafVhiqcyD4cpMWVaUItVqQ0gTu2pO-jyGkvr9XRhEzA/s400/025.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, if you're still with me, I sincerely thank you for stopping by my little guest bath ... can't wait to post pics when I complete the finishing touches (and work on my photography skills).  As always, I'm open to any ideas on how to improve !!  And, I'm also working on redoing our master bath (currently repainting and re-accessorizing) ... imagine that !!  Hello, my name is Becca, and I have a problem !!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm linking up with:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://twiceremembered.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-your-monday-week-10-add-your-link.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+twicerememberedcottage+%28Twice+Remembered+%29?"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make your Monday at Twice Remembered</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-it-for-monday-9.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make it for Monday at Cottage Instincts</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://thepersimmonperch.blogspot.com/2010/01/made-it-monday-12410.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Made it Monday at The Persimmons Perch</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/2010/01/making-world-cuter-monday-january-25.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making the World Cuter Monday</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://itssoverycheri.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-so-very-creative.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's So Very Creative at Cheri's</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sillylittlesparrow.com/2010/01/toot-your-horn-tuesday-yet-another.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toot Your Horn Tuesdays</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://asoftplace.net/2010/01/diy-day-with-kelleigh-ratzlaff-designs/?"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do it Yourself Tuesday at a Soft Place to Land</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/01/transformation-thursday.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Transformation Thursday at the Shabby Chic Cottage</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2010/01/show-and-tell-friday_28.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://decormamma.blogspot.com/2010/01/frugalicious-fridayand-giveaway.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/01/sns-15-brings-you-weeks-worth-of.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday Night Special at Funky Junk</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Fondly, </span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>

Skip to my loo ...

the guest loo, that is.  Between 1) the creative bathroom re-dos I've been drooling over here in Bloggerville; 2) Rhoda (at Southern Hospitality) chatting about the return of wallpaper (click here to read her great post); and 3) my current love affair with brown, I thought I'd share our guest bath. …

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Dining Room ... take 10 !!

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, so if the good ol' folks at Merriam Webster (or whoever sits on the word creation committee) ever decided to add "ADD" (Attention <strong>Decorating</strong> Disorder) to the dictionary, there would be my pitiful picture, staring you in the face, with a glazed over look in my eye from changing things around in my home over.and over.and over.again!  I seriously have to laugh at myself sometimes when that uncontrollable urge kicks in to paint SOMEthing ... shift SOMEthing ... or change SOMEthing in a room that I've just recently redone.  Someone, please explain!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Case in point ... our dining room.  When we moved here just a few <strong>short</strong> years ago, the dining room was LA Gold 3.  Well, of COURSE I had to add a red accent wall (Ralph Lauren Stadium Red), along with tropical accents.  Great ... loved it ... but did I?!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOzbVPpNQX3Ae1jmX9sp2vRLCGGSWFhI0jkggpPhfSnuHjFi1vidBhR_RLnrJK3YSB6LfNm707H2UKZhHBmXYMJ9Scs-91JoOaEWYn9BFBrq9K3Pkb5dvM3a3I5-vs4WozVUb-WnJ-g/s1600-h/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOzbVPpNQX3Ae1jmX9sp2vRLCGGSWFhI0jkggpPhfSnuHjFi1vidBhR_RLnrJK3YSB6LfNm707H2UKZhHBmXYMJ9Scs-91JoOaEWYn9BFBrq9K3Pkb5dvM3a3I5-vs4WozVUb-WnJ-g/s400/098.JPG" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">... obviously, not.  Because, I then painted the red wall back to LA Gold 3 and traded the palm prints for floral/traditional ones. (Oh, and changed out the china in the cabinet.)  Then, oops, decided all of the walls needed to be a richer, deeper gold (don't even remember the name of the paint).  That didn't last more than two months.  Are you kidding me?  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This brings me to its current look ... since we painted our sitting room the Ralph Lauren Metallics Lush Brown, I decided that the dining room should be the same color since the rooms are across from each other.  I also bought another rug from Lowes JUST like the one in the sitting room annnnnd painted the ceiling the same RL Metallics Golden Candlesticks that is also in the sitting room. (Yes, I'm also admitting my obsession with symmetry, too ... folks, I'se got *issuezzz*!)  I also rearranged the seating to simplify a bit and open the space up: (feel free to click on pics to enlarge them)</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICsEvSLw9Pj4oC5ht9A-qqPOyK7U0XfxEW59u1LZv04TJ5emswIbdP_p74DZQXHMy64y553wEIqjIAz5pcwM4zTk9MZvV8Os8T5BUNy8sg64UxZ-9MG1_LZBvYv7kmYwL5h0ZlLtZug/s1600-h/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICsEvSLw9Pj4oC5ht9A-qqPOyK7U0XfxEW59u1LZv04TJ5emswIbdP_p74DZQXHMy64y553wEIqjIAz5pcwM4zTk9MZvV8Os8T5BUNy8sg64UxZ-9MG1_LZBvYv7kmYwL5h0ZlLtZug/s400/078.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhNM96Di3sUJz91Zf6uCoSzpYqVsbyP1Y6wKhmeF4A4er3QGd2HCXULrMumtZypXGzTIj6WV-TM_2XOlX5YNAWPevF2IcT3lbptocq0I9JwnJO709NZaj6LFTV08mzrM47IxzmTp_JQ/s1600-h/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhNM96Di3sUJz91Zf6uCoSzpYqVsbyP1Y6wKhmeF4A4er3QGd2HCXULrMumtZypXGzTIj6WV-TM_2XOlX5YNAWPevF2IcT3lbptocq0I9JwnJO709NZaj6LFTV08mzrM47IxzmTp_JQ/s400/036.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB65eIim_iplkaeW3728RStkSCbUWQyGOmBvZY2MPM25QCe0D4u08BCtGb3DlU6jGx97foo7YUGh1_zn6TPadqt7eJULOlBs8G3LRQkKWoQlnKAU8p7ra6nleuaLWDryg9wvD-lnjk7Q/s1600-h/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB65eIim_iplkaeW3728RStkSCbUWQyGOmBvZY2MPM25QCe0D4u08BCtGb3DlU6jGx97foo7YUGh1_zn6TPadqt7eJULOlBs8G3LRQkKWoQlnKAU8p7ra6nleuaLWDryg9wvD-lnjk7Q/s400/086.JPG" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I bought some new greenery from Kirklands and added some red/green/gold flowers to "poof" it up.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uWOH4dOGqPYQCGbESfTHO1hbDMoUyM3epcjHfyb-Fu-DK-hWzN0cAzCKdAiliykFeeXqyyZYmDwpZIHnqQCjWvVzpSqjxYhedwyp5T1xkIlpnEnRi9qzmq0ETVXd22PeinnkVhY0aA/s1600-h/122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uWOH4dOGqPYQCGbESfTHO1hbDMoUyM3epcjHfyb-Fu-DK-hWzN0cAzCKdAiliykFeeXqyyZYmDwpZIHnqQCjWvVzpSqjxYhedwyp5T1xkIlpnEnRi9qzmq0ETVXd22PeinnkVhY0aA/s400/122.JPG" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Annnnnd, found some pretty floral plates at my beloved HomeGoods, too!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRaY4sS7Jo6r35Ug5Ba3ysUOdgd6jVJfoYBLnf_O4avvLI5SRfKpktAK0QEgm_7VcGJLwf9-xcj2MRkNTpH3HwnxAiBRJCj7jj_LelijMcabKh90LJ65v-MAMV_ztik2YtxxTwKnnPQ/s1600-h/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRaY4sS7Jo6r35Ug5Ba3ysUOdgd6jVJfoYBLnf_O4avvLI5SRfKpktAK0QEgm_7VcGJLwf9-xcj2MRkNTpH3HwnxAiBRJCj7jj_LelijMcabKh90LJ65v-MAMV_ztik2YtxxTwKnnPQ/s640/037.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreZSyrQu-MbMvGGPoEZdc85IHmAu6ZNrL3kwk52dRPNYnHFQnPZVs-oAAvMIgT0eyDTXo9iykw-xIc4054uYfIxHTGqfb6wz0G89IT3Ilu-oj0IA9uh0W05HmmtJHOLxkaFoNBklxWg/s1600-h/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreZSyrQu-MbMvGGPoEZdc85IHmAu6ZNrL3kwk52dRPNYnHFQnPZVs-oAAvMIgT0eyDTXo9iykw-xIc4054uYfIxHTGqfb6wz0G89IT3Ilu-oj0IA9uh0W05HmmtJHOLxkaFoNBklxWg/s640/075.JPG" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh, and we added a new chandie, too.  Again, I know you're starting to see a trend here with me, aren't ya?</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVwKSA2PjDn-AgjmN2EcjVqnc7BZk8_s5RiSNll9rmTTDbU5BlGKCzyJWK1gVY8Bskymm4FEneoMraEsow2Y1ef7BEOg-n8I7p6_roPx84O5G91CVvaVU6IT20vTxXxGrmZUYPzXiFA/s1600-h/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVwKSA2PjDn-AgjmN2EcjVqnc7BZk8_s5RiSNll9rmTTDbU5BlGKCzyJWK1gVY8Bskymm4FEneoMraEsow2Y1ef7BEOg-n8I7p6_roPx84O5G91CVvaVU6IT20vTxXxGrmZUYPzXiFA/s400/120.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, I'm truly enjoying our metallic lush chocolate brown dining room for now.  Anyone care to share when they think my love affair with it will end? LOL</span><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for stopping by !!</span><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm sharing my issues with:</span><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x908CSKJhI4/SanMadHBA_I/AAAAAAAAFn0/qe6qcaF9MaA/s400/Pic+for+Body+of+Blog3.jpg">Between Naps on the Porch/Metamorphosis Monday</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://twiceremembered.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-your-monday-week-9-add-your-link.html">Make Your Monday at Twice Remembered:</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-it-for-monday-8.html">Make It For Monday at Cottage Instincts</a><br /><br /><a href="http://thepersimmonperch.blogspot.com/2010/01/made-it-monday-butterfly-decorations.html">Made it Monday at the Persimmon Perch</a><br /><br /><a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/2010/01/making-world-cuter-monday-january-18.html">Making the World Cuter Monday</a><br /><br /><a href="http://itssoverycheri.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-pb-knock-off-and-i-love-it.html">It's So Very Creative at It's So Very Cheri</a><br /><br /><a href="http://theherberfamily.blogspot.com/2010/01/talented-tuesday-links-january-19th.html">Talented Tuesday at My Frugal Family</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/01/transformation-thursday-ticket-to-paris.html">Transformation Thursday at the Shabby Chic Cottage</a><br /></div>

Dining Room ... take 10 !!

Okay, so if the good ol' folks at Merriam Webster (or whoever sits on the word creation committee) ever decided to add "ADD" (Attention Decorating Disorder) to the dictionary, there would be my pitiful picture, staring you in the face, with a glazed over look in my eye from changing things around in…

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Step into the *Pah-lah* ...

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Monday, everyone !!  So, it's a balmy 80 degrees here in Myrtle Beach, and I'm on my way out the door for a day of fun in the sand and surf.  NOT, but oh how I wish!  Actually, we're still being poisoned by these fer-eeeezing temps that just don't want to leave us.  I really shouldn't complain though as the arctic weather has forced me to stay inside and decorate.  The shame !!  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, since there are a few "before and after" (and winter decorating) parties,  going on again in blogland this week, I thought I'd, once again, crash the get togethers and subject you to more of my recent ADD. See my sidebar for a link to Susan's BNOTP and also join Melissa over at the <a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2010/01/08/winter-home-tips-utilize-transition-pieces/">The Inspired Room</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, welcome to our sitting room (the room that seems to have no purpose and no activity, except when I walk by and move something around).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">BEFORE: This room has had many different looks since we moved here.  This was the most recent ... it was *okay,* but I didn't care for the "principal's office" feel to it ... seemed off balance ... the rug was too small ... the paint was the same as the other common areas ... blah blah blah.  </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9P1OkrltIHR4KjiTPROWc2eZ-Hps2Mq4nYA1KddhE1MkW32xZAFfkZ-d8ffiQy0-9U6ICn0W2qS2CbwcmR7UVzStpEN4_RLuVTx6ixEMB2RUaeSKGrc_eZTeDczrcVb4JK06XVlx2g/s1600-h/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9P1OkrltIHR4KjiTPROWc2eZ-Hps2Mq4nYA1KddhE1MkW32xZAFfkZ-d8ffiQy0-9U6ICn0W2qS2CbwcmR7UVzStpEN4_RLuVTx6ixEMB2RUaeSKGrc_eZTeDczrcVb4JK06XVlx2g/s400/096.JPG" /></span></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, I went with Ralph Lauren Metallics Paint/Lush Brown for the walls:</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEHDsTKjBhy7zP3ZmB66EWVhPRRXgOqwI631C5WgU0cCWPDLBzevwQGXttf7gpTZ0rjD9gQSeAjKlsGOo7JyBrdWV89Kji3oLYfPcihZ_-46tYvBiFnAMD1jfrpj8aCuA0EiMcQTdmw/s1600-h/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEHDsTKjBhy7zP3ZmB66EWVhPRRXgOqwI631C5WgU0cCWPDLBzevwQGXttf7gpTZ0rjD9gQSeAjKlsGOo7JyBrdWV89Kji3oLYfPcihZ_-46tYvBiFnAMD1jfrpj8aCuA0EiMcQTdmw/s400/018.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Painted the ceiling Ralph Lauren Metallics/Golden Candlesticks:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fT50K-x7O8gL-Z2pAFJYmJ9JDj-neI19XGNdvqE84vmocKWbG2GWoYae5hVI26tzqSnWydcJFgqQgh7bRs-nVh7cikL5fmgG-sEDN71QriPWlHxXXhprSb1AW6iwCQFfzUl54JIBDA/s1600-h/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fT50K-x7O8gL-Z2pAFJYmJ9JDj-neI19XGNdvqE84vmocKWbG2GWoYae5hVI26tzqSnWydcJFgqQgh7bRs-nVh7cikL5fmgG-sEDN71QriPWlHxXXhprSb1AW6iwCQFfzUl54JIBDA/s640/032.JPG" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Added panels to the existing valance; a large, rich rug (Lowes + clearance = score!) and a small, leather ottoman (thank you, HomeGoods):</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJM_qwtezU29ZPkaUkBvtyLzN6C2fD8mfxg81JVfUDoLrV9ljKA9lGRVOPZZ6SF_zBOQ_i7JTqdVrw9u3DR538ksEVTY5xrqgVKxfxqQATrae3tjyn5HkXefIkOPUtEB4uk094SDIQA/s1600-h/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJM_qwtezU29ZPkaUkBvtyLzN6C2fD8mfxg81JVfUDoLrV9ljKA9lGRVOPZZ6SF_zBOQ_i7JTqdVrw9u3DR538ksEVTY5xrqgVKxfxqQATrae3tjyn5HkXefIkOPUtEB4uk094SDIQA/s640/026.JPG" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Found an accent table from good ol' Kirklands, hoping it'd work in that spot, along with a super soft and cozy animal print blanket to warm the room up for the winter:  </span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Yf_jt9jslV4YHUShqJrzSyoNFZzbFNPTXrirTw3UNwzUkBk6nA0QtrrfouCAZ1ZLNlDfaHiGxijG84HeoYp1eCiWwFkz5dU7tDNYZdTpOORiiWv3sdbB7LNEdjY1pqV6GwUDhbpyKg/s1600-h/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Yf_jt9jslV4YHUShqJrzSyoNFZzbFNPTXrirTw3UNwzUkBk6nA0QtrrfouCAZ1ZLNlDfaHiGxijG84HeoYp1eCiWwFkz5dU7tDNYZdTpOORiiWv3sdbB7LNEdjY1pqV6GwUDhbpyKg/s640/025.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Added more "knick knacks" to the bookshelf, which I'll never be satisfied with:</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYt62avmN7pA1OHHQBCQAbJcarlTV4u5utgT5umltUBZ3gHkEUKFw13HelDI8rfzTe8foFiG1lUDdVwoJhsLFFI9WoyFenPlmtOBNME-lh9hVQsqfWPSzXAESv75Ujcl353leqiiDfw/s1600-h/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYt62avmN7pA1OHHQBCQAbJcarlTV4u5utgT5umltUBZ3gHkEUKFw13HelDI8rfzTe8foFiG1lUDdVwoJhsLFFI9WoyFenPlmtOBNME-lh9hVQsqfWPSzXAESv75Ujcl353leqiiDfw/s400/010.JPG" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And, finally, had to complete the room with a gift to my son from my parents ... a baby (literally) grand piano.  Here's Linus (a/k/a my sweet dinosaur covered Jax) banging away on it.  Oh how I wish we had room for a real one !!  </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02No9T4Afo0fOFAvz2nSZ4wHc5utISGGZ86Q_NOQVSuVAE3KX77kZaUPSEh-Nbrr4VsRb00Mz8WJzyJwdaxUpZYmEjnwfU6-NKRIx_Ctoxv4SJx6_eHq4AsSdkTDm6bzZIEjwbIA7mg/s1600-h/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02No9T4Afo0fOFAvz2nSZ4wHc5utISGGZ86Q_NOQVSuVAE3KX77kZaUPSEh-Nbrr4VsRb00Mz8WJzyJwdaxUpZYmEjnwfU6-NKRIx_Ctoxv4SJx6_eHq4AsSdkTDm6bzZIEjwbIA7mg/s640/069.JPG" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Okay, lemme have it ... how'd I do?  Even though it will, unfortunately, still remain an unused and unappreciated room (except by our cat, Eden), does the (hopefully) cozy feel make you want to retire to one of the wing chairs after dinner with a classic novel in one hand and perhaps a brandy in the other, while dawning your favorite Snuggie?  Or, maybe engage in a sophisticated game of chess?  If so, FANTASTIC !!  If not, where did I fail?  As for John, me and our gang, we're heading out to the man cave (a/k/a garage dedicated to all things NY Yankees) to act like the unsophisticated crazies that we truly are !!  I'll take you there soon.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks again for stopping by !!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>

Step into the *Pah-lah* ...

Happy Monday, everyone !!  So, it's a balmy 80 degrees here in Myrtle Beach, and I'm on my way out the door for a day of fun in the sand and surf.  NOT, but oh how I wish!  Actually, we're still being poisoned by these fer-eeeezing temps that just don't want to leave us.  I really shouldn't complain…

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Fireplace Transformation

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy New Year !!  I hope everyone had a fun-filled holiday season with family, friends and food and is now forging ahead into the new year with your resolution(s) list in hand and decorating projects lined up !!  Of course, the wheels are spinning out of control in my head with dreams of projects I'd like to conquer in 2010 ... my poor husband.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I'm new to blogging, I don't have a recap of the projects the hubs and I tackled in 2009, but will definitely share them shortly !!  But, since Sarah over at <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/01/before-and-after-party.html">Thrifty Decor Chick</a>, Rhoda at <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/top-projects-of-2009-party/">Southern Hospitality</a> and Susan at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/01/welcome-to-51st-metamorphosis-monday.html">Between Naps on the Porch</a> are all hosting weekly Before and After parties, I thought I'd start by sharing one of our recent projects - our humble fireplace's transformation.  I'm also linking up to a new party ... <a href="http://bethcrabtreehunter.blogspot.com/2010/01/mantel-party-3.html?">The Mantel Party</a> at "Stories from A 2 Z!"  I'm sure there's lots of eye candy !!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I liked our fireplace/mantle, but I didn't *love* it.  I tried painting the inset *too* many different colors and placing many different pieces of art in it, but nothing ever worked.  It was missing something (okay, a LOT) to truly be the focal point of our great room !!  </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Before (Yawn) ...</span><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QIGNbosnm5rFTlf7iaOQqyQklvWEHUKwbWn77lZJHyb02W57iEMc-nQx5ZMsWyS3042ooM3Z63OPasniRyPGBQgdgSenIosbQSro9RzbDGJFrOmU9GkeeVg4SUE3L4ZRYjp-ih1RXw/s1600-h/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QIGNbosnm5rFTlf7iaOQqyQklvWEHUKwbWn77lZJHyb02W57iEMc-nQx5ZMsWyS3042ooM3Z63OPasniRyPGBQgdgSenIosbQSro9RzbDGJFrOmU9GkeeVg4SUE3L4ZRYjp-ih1RXw/s640/064.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, after perusing the internet forEVAH, I found an inspiration picture and then poorly sketched what we wanted.  Then, my husband and I got to work and totally did the work all by ourselves ... NOT (sorry, everyone, I don't have the do-it-yourself factor on this one) !!  Actually, our contractor, Todd, was able to exactly duplicate what we wanted ... he truly did an amazing job with MDF and inexpensive molding !!</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">After (YAY) !!</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloDzlAs5UYqCfOu3Bzg1InwJKgo3rH5sQmnpliUroinUGLCyJMqm8LIHHPBENx-IQJbewhjtbYbo2XdSXMXJgYzofXxL27LZ376xVnmntkBDw7YnhBOOlmJxZlu_gjlYJxDnTvmGs3A/s1600-h/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloDzlAs5UYqCfOu3Bzg1InwJKgo3rH5sQmnpliUroinUGLCyJMqm8LIHHPBENx-IQJbewhjtbYbo2XdSXMXJgYzofXxL27LZ376xVnmntkBDw7YnhBOOlmJxZlu_gjlYJxDnTvmGs3A/s640/032.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love it ... everything about it ... the traditional look ... how the crisp, white paint pops against our wall paint ... the taller mantle ... the ledge up top and the detailed molding ... LOVE it all !!  It truly gives our room a brand new look.  And, rather than paying an electrician too much money (that we don't have) to add electric, our contractor hid extension cords inside the legs on the left side so that I can add lamps to the mantle and illuminate the top ledge and the alcoves above that.  </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt2G06uRNxuYi0uz3N1Jlgkjmh24dgyZ4uEMi-RLuLZSV4weOTlTe1jd3_8iLN6BZLeHEpby9WaT-A2nLPbnOv2Aq_zdEchnb-TOd0MsZFZNW1bn-0BNkBKM8r50m4N9FNlI3SQJgGg/s1600-h/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt2G06uRNxuYi0uz3N1Jlgkjmh24dgyZ4uEMi-RLuLZSV4weOTlTe1jd3_8iLN6BZLeHEpby9WaT-A2nLPbnOv2Aq_zdEchnb-TOd0MsZFZNW1bn-0BNkBKM8r50m4N9FNlI3SQJgGg/s640/034.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've truly had fun futzing (is that a word?) with the accessories on it and will continue to futz a bazillion more times before I'm satisfied !!  YAY !!</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ckxrf8ZRo5bZkEHsLmxeeDwIfoxz0yCVTFpmJDu2VQrnhhuHwQJfO6s__sIIhCEbfjrENBZ8RNvBrG1XibO-eK4GbgQCOzLesW8wNBWUH2WgU_M89l_Ha5Hgi11Q2MBinFy9Bbl1UQ/s1600-h/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ckxrf8ZRo5bZkEHsLmxeeDwIfoxz0yCVTFpmJDu2VQrnhhuHwQJfO6s__sIIhCEbfjrENBZ8RNvBrG1XibO-eK4GbgQCOzLesW8wNBWUH2WgU_M89l_Ha5Hgi11Q2MBinFy9Bbl1UQ/s640/035.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I look forward to seeing everyone else's "before and afters."</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by,</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>

Fireplace Transformation

Happy New Year !!  I hope everyone had a fun-filled holiday season with family, friends and food and is now forging ahead into the new year with your resolution(s) list in hand and decorating projects lined up !!  Of course, the wheels are spinning out of control in my head with dreams of projects I…

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