bedroom chair

Many years ago, my husband gave me this blue chair as a birthday gift.

We had seen it at Storehouse Furniture in New Orleans, and I must have commented about it.

And, of course, I was thrilled to receive it as a gift.  It was certainly a gift I wouldn't have talked myself into.

Anyway, it's kind of been the inspiration for our master bedroom for the past 6 years or more.  I mean, it's not the kind of chair you just stick in any room and hope it fits!

But now, the light blue decor is being moved to the guest room, in order to have a more glamorous master bedroom.  {I posted some ideas here.}

And the blue chair might not make the move.  Although the new guest room hasn't even begun construction, I can tell that it might just be too small for a chair in the corner.

 So here is my idea for keeping the blue chair in the master bedroom....a slipcover.

 Not typically my style, but I think it might work.

 Now, only to decide to attempt it myself, or get an expert involved?

Paint Chips

Look at the creativity of some people just using paint swatches from the hardware store.

 I saw a invite like this online, and since I have a little experience designing stationery, I thought I'd try my hand at making my own moving cards.

I have a bookcase full of envelopes left over from the time I sold custom stationery, so I think I'll print these up and send them out when the time comes.

On The Market {UPDATED}

Our home is officially on the market.

For. Sale.

{I hope it doesn't last long.}

Because, it's HARD to keep a house in sellable shape all the time.  Especially with a 4 and 5 year old under foot.  So I'm all for quick tips that will help speed things up when I have to get the house clean for a showing, and overall tips that will make a house attractive to a buyer.

You know, learn something new that I don't already know from HGTV.

A quick search on the internet turned up these gems.  They are perfect advice. 

• Say to yourself, "This is not my home; it is a house -- a product to be sold much like a box of cereal on the grocery store shelf. (If only it was that easy, and that cheap)
• Clean out any musty smelling areas.  (Does this count spray painting furniture in the basement as a no-no?  My husband does.  Good thing he's out of town)
• Say goodbye to every room. (oh my)
• Don't look backwards -- look toward the future. (or you might just see that you overlooked cleaning that corner!)
• Remove all books from bookcases. (I just don't understand.  Then why did I spend so much time styling those bookcases?)
• Alphabetize spice jars.
• Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.  (Ahhh, yes)
• Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside?  (Yes.  I live in Colorado.  It's COLD outside.)
• Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. (I had no idea.  Who knew yellow flowers would sell my home!)
• If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. (Like my Restoration Hardware silk blinds in the living/dining room)  If a buyer never sees it, she won't want it. Once you tell a buyer she can't have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.  (I am starting to agree.  I think my "curtains up but coming with me" may have blown a deal already!)

Check back tomorrow and my house will be SOLD!

UPDATED:  No joke.  We really got an offer the day after I posted this.  And I did have to fight for my RH silk curtains, but it was worth it!

We're moving!

We're moving...and it's OK!

(most people ask, so they know how to react.  We're excited)

We've been on a quick trip to Pennsylvania, and have decided to build a house!  Lots to decide and get ready before the move, but here's what's pretty much finalized right now...

The house will be this floor plan, and look lots like this:

And we'll be putting said house on lot 321.

(at the bottom of the circle.  We like the lot because it has open space beside and across the street.  It also back to a wooded area.  It gives John a little more privacy, but still a neighborhood for the kiddos.  And REALLY close to John's new office!)