Diggin Up The Yard

A big patch of weeds in our backyard went to the great composter in the sky a few weeks ago.  We decided to take a chance at planting some spring grass in the space.  We tilled and then raked.  Very exciting!

 

Tilling it up, instagram style.

Paint it Green

This ugly monstrosity has been sitting on our backyard for the two years we've owned the house. It's actually useful, despite the caving-in floor. We keep random garden stuff and our lawnmower in it.  And with no budget to replace it, let's just paint it!

But dang, why did someone use what appears to be DUCT TAPE on it? Why? It left ugly rusty marks.

A half gallon of exterior paint and primer later, we've got this:

It's still an ugly, but it isn't the hideous eyesore it was before. Now, to fix the caving-in floor so I don't break an ankle.

(I'll admit, we didn't paint the back or other side yet.  No one will see it so it's falling to the bottom of the to-do list.)

Blue Grasscloth Wallpaper

I've got a wallpaperin' fever. Of course I have pricey tastes when it comes to wallpaper and of course the blue grasscloth sample I received and fell in love with is over $80/roll. And I will need just over 1 roll. So I'm looking at at least $160 for the paper alone. But I think it will be really awesome:

I ordered a silvery/gray sample, too, but it's not quite right.  I think the dark blue will be dramatic.  Paper installer is coming this week to give me an estimate and then it's off to the races!

DIY Starburst Mirror

Inspired by some great DIY tutorials online, I figured I could make one myself. I wanted a big piece for the open wall in my dining room and I didn't want to spend much.

I started with a round mirror from HomeGoods that I already had and a bundle of bamboo from Michael's purchased for about $5 using a 50% coupon. A cheapo hot glue gun affixed the bamboo to the back of the frame.  I just free handed the whole thing.  Plan?  Me? Never!

I ended up with this.  It's enormous - at least 5' in diameter. I didn't really measure my bamboo, just eyeballed it and it was pretty uneven:

 

I took my plant trimmers to the ends and tried to even it out the best I could:

The glaring difference between the gold mirror and the polished nickel light fixture is pretty obvious from this angle. I'm thinking of spray painting it a glossy navy blue. I'll live with this for a few weeks and then decide what to do.

Blue and Coral

I'm digging this color combo right now. It feels fresh and playful.

Ashley Whittaker

DecorPod.com

Angie Hranowsky

Here's my take in my hall bath that's not yet finished:

My hall bath is still a work in progress. I framed a napkin and embroidered an $8 clearance shower curtain from Target. I'm thinking of grasscloth wallpaper in here because the walls aren't in the best shape. Samples are on their way.  I'm learning towards a darker blue:

This bath has no windows.  Will a rich wallpaper be too dark?

More Additions to Guest Bedroom

My embroidered shams came back this week!  I had C, J and the last initial T done even though that's not my last name!  I retained my maiden name when I married but it felt weird putting my own initials. Apparently, that's OK. Soft goods can have a maiden name, according to the embroiderer.  It harkens back to the olden days when girls prepared linens for their future, far before they knew who they'd marry.

I also moved the starburst mirror in here from the master BR.  It's hanging a little high, though. Will have to adjust.

I also added the remaining chandelier shades to the light fixture.  Yay!

Nothing's really changed on the other side of the room.  I should probably polish up the hardware on the chest.

I moved my little lady chair back in here because the cat was clawing it death in the master BR.  Bob the cactus hangs out in this room during the winter.

Lighting at Lowes

I was pleasantly surprised by the Lowes lighting section during my last spin through the store. Sure, they still have tons of McMansion style stuff, but there are some really decent options to be had at reasonable prices, too.

Cool, Moroccan-ish pendant:

$99 Chandelier.  Would be cute in a closet or bath.

Not a fan of the black/white flocked drum item below but I do like the nickel chandy with the 3 drum shades next to it.

An other neat glass pendant:

But YIKES to the 80's style square glass number for $158. WHO would pay for that when those are a dime a dozen at the thrifts?

The other home improvement mega-chain, Home Depot, has a cruddy selection of lighting, though. What gives? Martha, you gots some pull there, design some nice looking lamps for the little people.