Playful Decor

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T15:26:00.000-05:00

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I will return after the holidays.

Enjoy!

Tuesday's Nursery Ideas Hop

2011-12-06T00:26:00.003-05:00

As promised, I used this party as a goal to work on my kids' bathroom and YAY! we have progress! Here is the full post. Or scroll down below. I'm hoping to be done or mostly done by our next party, January 3rd.

Here's a look back at the previous party:

Jenn from The Real Housewives of Riverton received the most clicks when she asked for help in her boys' room:

(Jenn, do you have an update on your decision?)

Kristine from The Painted Hive showed us her stunning nursery reveal:

Laura from Corner House Blog made these bunkbeds - read her tutorial:

Sally from Love of Homes redesigned her tween daughter's room with lots of DIY ideas:

Please go visit these awesome ladies and give them some comment love!

If you are .....

* Planning a nursery

* Updating a tot, tween or teen room

* Making products for kids' rooms

* Creating a DIY knock-off item

* STUCK and REALLY NEED HELP

.... this is the place for you!

You may link up a new or older post of ideas for planning a nursery, teen room painting progress, awesome items you've found for a big boy room, before & after photos or especially, if you need help. Just write "Need help with...." in the name section for the linky.

Playful rules:

1. Read description above.

2. Follow this blog. (or please stumble, tweet or like this blog!)

3. Add text link or button to anywhere on your blog.

4. Visit your linky neighbors - that's what this is all about right?

Kids Beach & Sea Bath Progress

2011-11-29T13:28:00.015-05:00

I've been working on the kids' bathroom to create a beach and sea theme. First... I am NOT an artist, so please be kind in evaluating what you see! But, overall I think it will turn out ok.

Before from previous owners:

YOWSA!!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Week in Review - Ups & Downs

2011-11-07T22:09:00.001-05:00

So how are you all doing? Working on projects while tackling real life? I hear you sista! I want to share a few personal things that keeps our life here hectic, crazy and cute!

First, a serious medical situation that I hope will save you from tons of pain if you should ever experience it. Kidney stones. Yup, I recently had one so LISTEN UP -

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Tuesday's Nursery Ideas Hop

2011-11-01T11:14:00.004-04:00

Well, welcome back to Tuesday's Nursery everyone! Can you believe it's November 1st already? I hope everyone had a great Halloween and have caught up on room decor.

With the holidays close upon us, let's make a big push to start, progress or finish those rooms we've been dragging on. I'll show you minimal progress on our kids' bathroom and hope to have it complete by the next Tuesday's Nursery Hop, December 6th. What challenge will you give yourselves? Tell me in a comment. Now a look back at the previous linky....

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

#CouponCabinHop 25 Crazy Dayz Giveaway: Playful Decor's Super Prize Package - over $100!

2011-10-31T23:41:00.004-04:00

As promised, here is the other huge giveaway! Enter below in the rafflecopter for Playful Decor's $100+ prize and then visit other blogs in the linky at the end to enter more. And of course, go to one of the three hosts to enter the biggy!

Welcome to CouponCabin's 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Pinterest Playrooms

2011-10-31T10:43:00.004-04:00

Let your imagination roll: some are over-the-top, some are realistic and some are super cool! Enjoy!

What to do with a basement.....

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Halloween Giveaway - Win Cash!

2011-10-24T23:17:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Monster Mash Cash Bash, a sweepstakes that is full of ghoulishly good prizes! This event is being hosted by Crunchy Frugalista and Money Savvy Michelle to ensure you have a howlingly good Halloween this year!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Re-Upholstering A Chaise

2011-10-21T20:44:00.008-04:00

Well, hi everyone! I hope you all have had a good week; busy I'm sure! This week was focused on organizing for winter and scouting Craigslist for awesome frugal finds!

I needed a chair - a relaxing chair - for my new office and another storage cabinet or two and doors for the closet and room door. I found four glass-pane doors so two will go on the closet - it's 48 inches wide and had mirrored bi-folds before. I'll use the other two for other closets.

Here's my super duper $15 frugal find:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Decorating With Maps

2011-10-16T13:31:00.001-04:00

I've seen a trend happening - everyone wants to travel! Or pretend to travel. Or show where they have traveled. Let's look at some creative ways to decorate with maps.....

by Feathered Nest Interiors, LLC

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Kool Kids' Playhouse & Decor On Sale!

2011-10-15T09:17:00.004-04:00

This is neat and I thought some of you would like to know. There's only one day left to buy this reversible playhouse that you & the kids can decorate!

I think it would be great for a Christmas present - if you can wait that long - or get it now for those cold blustery November days just ahead. Available from OpenSky.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Office Update - New Carpeting!

2011-10-14T09:30:00.007-04:00

Yes, I have new carpeting in the office! My apologies for the lack of kids' decor this week as we focus on trying to finish the office, open my light biz and then I can start working on re-doing my guys' rooms and bath.

I'm still working on furniture and decor for the office, but here is the update:

old black carpet comes out:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Tuesday Notes

2011-10-11T10:57:00.005-04:00

Well, did you all have a great long weekend? We did! We had fun family days including the local corn maze, getting a piano, an excursion and a boat tour in a city and hosted a neighborhood party. Lots of fun!

A bit of a change here,
I'm moving Tuesday's Nursery to the FIRST Tuesday

of the month. The next time I'll see all your wonderful kids' decor will be

Tuesday, November 1st.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

5 Tips For Starting A Business & A Winner!

2011-10-07T00:54:00.005-04:00

I am so pleased to introduce you to Tracy from Mama-press. Tracy is my guest blogger today and brings a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in starting a business - and for those who have a business, this is a great checklist.

Why talk about business on a children's decor blog? A high percentage of bloggers are blogging as a business, to complement a business or have an etsy shop. I, too, will be opening my children's lighting business shortly, as well as hold a firm belief that business is everywhere and whatever interests one has at some point they will use business skills. Here's Tracy:

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Fab Slipcover Giveaway Reminder!

2011-10-06T14:05:00.002-04:00

How's everyone doing? Just a note note today to remind you about the really great giveaway I have going on - and today is the LAST DAY.

Seriously, who doesn't want a new sofa WHENEVER you want? Many of us redecorate once per decade (if that) and I'm sure that if we could change the furniture in a cheaper way, we'd re-do more frequently!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Tuesday's Nursery Ideas & Hop #5

2011-10-03T19:10:00.003-04:00

Well, hello everyone! Another week quickly passes and here we are ready to look at all your super-cute nursery and children's decor! And ladies, please pass this on so we can have a great resource all in one place. Grab the button and stick it in your sidebar so your readers know where to find all your awesome kids' decor ideas!

Let's have a look back....

Laurie from Little Blue Chairs shared her tutorial on this amazing lamp:
CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Why It Takes Us A Month To Install A Storm Door

2011-10-02T22:14:00.003-04:00

...Or longer.

I don't know how your home renovations go, but ours are chaotic and incomplete. A month ago I posted about working on our entry door here.

We did get the outside painted, mostly, seen here, but still no storm door. We've been on a trip lately around the house.....

We discovered mold in the basement as the hub was going in and out of there to cut wood....

the bumps have been there, but now there are white spores growing that you can't see in this photo.

This is the outside of the above photo....

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Featured Designer & DIY Slipcover Giveaway!

2011-09-29T20:41:00.005-04:00

As my regular readers know, I've been in a sofa dilemma for some time now. They were perfect at our old house, but we moved last year and I left my old decor palette behind! I'm done with the green, red & gold and unfortunately, the sofa print has red flowers. I love the rest of the qualities - big, sturdy, semi-dark - all needed for boys & dog!
These are the sofas:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Tuesday's Nursery Ideas & Hop

2011-09-26T18:04:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the 4th week of Tuesday's Nursery!

I'm so pleased with the turnout and little by little we'll grow this party together! Please keep spreading the word by grabbing a button, tweeting, liking and stumbling.

And now to showcase the awesome links from past weeks....

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Decorating Kids' Bedrooms With Shapes!

2011-09-24T22:53:00.002-04:00

Here are several great ideas for giving children's bedrooms a cohesive
look without using a typical theme. From nurseries to teen rooms,
shapes can offer a fun style!

by Amy Lau Design

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

5 Tips For Selling On Craigslist

2011-09-23T00:39:00.001-04:00

I'm pleased to introduce you to today's guest blogger, Tina, from Moms Like Me. Tina read a previous post on buying off craigslist and offered that she has sold many items through that site. Here are her 5 tips....

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Tuesday's Nursery Decor Ideas & Hop

2011-09-19T13:26:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Tuesday's Nursery!

Enjoy this weeks featured links and please visit these ladies!

Follow the link below to enter your cool kids' decor in the linky.

This is a stunning big-girl bedroom by Tiffany at Living Savvy:

I just love the combination of the purple and soft yellow.

Next is an awesome DIY Doggy Bookcase by Rachelle at Adventures in Creating:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Co-Hosting Blog Party Hop with Homemaker On A Dime!

2011-09-18T19:45:00.002-04:00

Hey, it's Sunday! That means it's time for the
Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop!

I'm co-hosting with SJ, the one and only "Homemaker On A Dime!"

SJ is the brains behind her successful blog, combining creative DIY decor on-the-cheap. Just hand her a sad piece of furniture, a bucket of paint and she will make it awesome! You can see one of her creations I recently featured here. She also has a link-up for giveaways and businesses and a new series called, "Blogging For Dollars," that guest bloggers describe how they started making money in the blogging world.

If you're familiar with this hop join in, if not, here are the basic rules:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Carousel Knock-Off Nursery

2011-09-17T09:34:00.009-04:00

This is not Carousel.....

...this is the creative work of Jennifer from Scissors & Spatula.

Isn't it fabulous? I mean F-A-B!!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

5 Tips For Putting Your Child To Bed With Love

2011-09-15T21:39:00.007-04:00

I'm so happy to introduce you to Rosann from Christian Super Mom! When I came across her blog about a month ago, it was so uplifting, inspiring and realistic. She also had written a post on putting your kids to bed.....with love. That's the key. Our bedtime tends to fall apart as much as I try to keep it calm. So Rosann agreed to offer 5 great tips as my guest blogger today! After you read, please go give her some comment love!

Here's Rosann:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Tuesday's Nursery

2011-09-13T22:52:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Tuesday's Nursery Party & Helping Hop!

If you are...

* Planning a nursery

* Updating to a tot room

* Making products for nurseries

* Creating a diy knock-off item

* Stuck and really need help

... this is the place for you!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Painted Entry Door

2011-09-13T10:46:00.002-04:00

In our quest to SIMPLY install a storm door, we are now into week 2 as
described in this post. We painted the outside of the entry door white
late yesterday and I'm so pleased with the difference!

BEFORE:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Installing A Storm Door - Week 1 of 2

2011-09-11T14:27:00.004-04:00

Fixing the bones of a house isn't fun DIY or glamorous, but a necessity, so please jump for joy as we make progress in our 20 year fix up!

Our old storm door was green and the latch was broken so we finally gave it away and ordered a new one. I'm all about Craigslist and searched for months for a new-but-don't-need door and couldn't find one. So we went to Home Depot for a new one!

We ordered this one:

Awesome.
It came in less than 2 weeks!

We picked it up 5 days ago and my hub said he'd put it on right away.

This is the old door:

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Where Were You?

2011-09-11T00:42:00.001-04:00

We were on our honeymoon and were to fly home that day.

I had wanted a weaved basket so we went to the local market first thing in the morning. A local man approached us and said asked if we were Americans. He said a plane flew into the World Trade Center. We did not believe him.

We returned to our hotel room and turned on the tv while we prepared to leave. We were

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Gender Neutral Nurseries

2011-09-10T21:59:00.001-04:00

These nursery ideas are perfect if you're waiting to be surprised!

by Wendinteriors

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5 Tips For Parenting

2011-09-08T21:47:00.000-04:00

Well, here it is Friday again - wow this week has flown by! Of course, my days and timing on everything were completely thrown off by the holiday weekend. But today, I'm happy to introduce you to Amber from Confessions From Boys Town as my guest blogger!

Amber has 3 boys so believe me, she knows how to handle kids. She also has a great sense of humor so I know you will enjoy her post! Amber, take it away.....

5 Tips to Make Parenting Easier

With so many 'Self Help' books out there on How NOT to Screw Up Your Child, you must be asking yourself "How could this completely imperfect mom give me tips on anything? I've read her blog- she's a loon! I mean, really now- if she's now considered an expert, we're all doomed to failure."

Hold on, now.

Did you just say that you read my blog?

Awesome!

But I digress. you should listen to my sage advice because I'm just that- a crazy mom of 3 boys that has survived thus far without having been committed to an insane asylum. Those are credentials you can't buy, folks. Those are badges of honor- with war wounds to show for it- earned on the battlefield of the Motherland.

So, let's get on with the freak show, shall we?

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Tuesday's Nursery

2011-09-06T12:09:00.004-04:00

We have a great start to Tuesday's Nursery, my new weekly blog party, and I want to thank everyone and high-light a few of the fab links. I'm so impressed with all the creativity!

A beautiful couture nursery by LaDyLaDuke:

Courtney's custom curtains are the perfect finishing touch to a super

stylish nursery! Courtney also has a mommy hangout

at Mommy LaDy Club so go check it out!

Next is this awesome thrifty makeover by Homemaker On A Dime:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Featured Designer: Kiersten Hathcock from Mod Mom Furniture

2011-09-03T09:25:00.006-04:00

There's something special about this table....

can you guess?

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5 Tips For Growing A Garden Easily!

2011-09-01T19:34:00.010-04:00

This is our first garden and I can't believe how easy it was!
We only did 5 things to help it grow.

Really!

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Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T07:39:00.002-04:00

First day of school

Kindergarten & First Grade!

Miracle Makeover Appreciation

2011-08-28T23:12:00.001-04:00

I want to take a brief moment to thank the following people for leaving a comment for the Miracle Makeover Fundraising drive posted earlier this month. You can read about it here.

Kelee Katillac from Design Gives Back is the mastermind behind Miracle Makeovers. Your comments here combined with thousands at several other blogs, including Between Naps On The Porch, helped raise $5503. These funds will be split evenly to Friends of Kids with Cancer and to the materials fund for the next Miracle Makeover. So a BIG THANK YOU to my Playful Decor readers!! This award goes to all of you!!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Wall Decor Trees

2011-08-28T18:20:00.003-04:00

I love trees on walls!
My favorite are the birch or poplars, but any tree will do.

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Seeing the Light at Ikea

2011-08-26T21:30:00.002-04:00

I must be the last person on earth to go into Ikea. It's like knowing Google is around but using a different search engine. I had seen the minimalist Poang chairs before and honestly don't care for them so I guessed all their furniture was like that. So wrong! Here are my picks that will someday soon be in my house....

I want new sofas and given the prices I will now consider these, but for those of you who have these sofas, how well do Ikea's slip covered sofas hold their shape?

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

5 Tips For A Successful Yard Sale

2011-08-26T10:45:00.001-04:00

You've got the junk. Now what?

Hosting a garage or yard sale can be both a fun and daunting task. Fun that you meet new people, chat with your neighbors and yet you spend the prior days pricing and then an entire day(s) waiting for people to come and buy everything so you can make money. Anyone will tell you it's a lot of work and they did 'ok' making money, but they didn't sell as much as they thought they would.

Is it worth your time and effort?

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Decorating For Different Aged Boys

2011-08-24T19:12:00.002-04:00

This has to be the ultimate for a decorating dilemma!

How can you decorate a shared bedroom for two boys with a larger age gap? Possible? Yes! Even if they have different interests, which they likely will, there is always a way to combine or at least meld the two into a seamless theme.

courtesy of Molly at Just A Little Creativity

If you're decorating for one teen boy, this post will be helpful.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Recent Frugal Finds

2011-08-22T22:35:00.003-04:00

I found this old decorating book as I was going through my grandmother's belongings. I haven't read it yet, but I'd like to see what the experts were advising back then.

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Decorating For A Teen Boy?

2011-08-19T16:17:00.003-04:00

Absolutely!

Decorating a bedroom for a teen-aged boy could be an oxymoron, but not in my book! Teen boy rooms will just be approached differently. When kids are young, we do the "super cute" thing, then we do the big boy or big girl tween rooms. Still cute, but a little more refined. I recently had a comment from a reader who needs ideas for a 15 year old boy whose hobbies include camping, hiking and water skiing.

Johnny Collison completes climbing the Seven Summits

January 2011.

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5 Tips For Choosing Paint Color

2011-08-19T09:11:00.001-04:00

How long does it take you to choose a paint color?

I admit that, for me, sometimes it is very quick and correct. Other times it takes a while and I still don't get it right. So I've come up with a fool proof plan that works for me and hopefully it will work for you. And this works best for the lighter colors. I don't know why but I've spent more time trying to get to right lighter shade then choosing a stronger color.

for my new office!

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Miracle Makeovers By Design Gives Back - Comments For Cancer Drive!

2011-08-14T23:44:00.002-04:00

I'm so pleased to introduce you to the Miracle Makeover Program by Design Gives Back! Kelee Katillac is an Interior Designer and founded the makeover program to brighten the lives of cancer patients. Each year she, along with a truckload of volunteers, creates knock-out, fun and inspiring bedroom re-do's.

PLEASE pass this on via all your social networks -
we have ONLY 4 DAYS to help!

Your comments raise funds for the next makeover!

Charlie!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

5 Tips For Buying On Craigslist

2011-08-12T11:21:00.001-04:00

Have you been cheated or royally burned by a craigslist seller?

I have. I paid too much for the desk below and bought a scale-covered sink because I forgot to remember simple things. But thanks to many transactions, I now have a checklist of must-do's before I buy. It's not going to be foolproof, but it helps when my mommy-brain is turned on.

I paid $120. I Should have paid $80.

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Bunk Beds!

2011-08-08T14:38:00.019-04:00

By Witt Construction

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Painting Tips & Pinterest Drips

2011-08-07T12:09:00.003-04:00

Do you have a set formula for choosing paint color?

Are you methodical or scattered? A little of both?

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5 Tips For A Safe Garage Sale

2011-08-05T06:30:00.005-04:00

I love garage sales!

I prefer to go to them rather than host them, but I've done both enough times that I've learned some things and hopefully you will to. Frequently, when I go to one I find myself critiquing what the host did well or not so well; and how they could have sold more to me or made it safer.

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Striped Wall Nursery

2011-08-02T20:24:00.005-04:00

WOW.

I just love that striped wall!

It makes a statement without shouting.

This nursery is the creation of Sarah, a friend of Amanda at Kuzak's Closet.

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Office: Target Furniture & Painting Update!

2011-08-01T10:51:00.005-04:00

I've made some progress in the past several days in my soon-to-be workspace. Yesterday, I ordered the desk above. It is the Naples Executive Desk from Target. No, I don't consider myself "executive" and I did not go searching for it but instead made a quick decision on a craigslist desk!

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Lambs & Ivy Sale!

2011-07-30T16:14:00.001-04:00

Hurry! This sale ends Aug 2nd!

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Featured Designer: Trisha Atkinson

2011-07-25T08:45:00.006-04:00

Check. this. out:

A beautiful piece of furniture, right?

Perfect for a girl's room.

Any guesses as to what it WAS used for?

Fab before & after designer Trisha Atkinson, of TDA Interiors,

created this kid's armoire out of this:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Best & Fast Sting Cure! (with update!)

2011-07-25T08:03:00.002-04:00

I MUST share this with you all, especially since we're in summer and high time for bites & stings. The other day I got stung, not a bee but a round black insect. I have no idea what it was but it was a sting, not a bite and it did not look like a bee with wings.

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Pink Scalloped Nursery

2011-07-22T16:34:00.007-04:00

Here is a darling nursery by Heather from Life As We Know It;

aka, TwinkieTotMom.

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Office: Painting Progress

2011-07-20T10:34:00.010-04:00

This is not really pretty.....yet.... but I'm making progress on my soon-to-be-workspace! Please be excited - or at least pretend to be excited - that the walls are white!

Before:

These walls are with black carpet, black fan & mirrored doors!

Yikes!

...they forgot the disco ball!

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Things I've Learned About Organics

2011-07-09T10:13:00.003-04:00

My journey into the organic world has been enlightening and educational to say the least. I've been doing lots of reading and research so now I feel fairly knowledgeable in the choices I've made thus far.

When I buy a new product, I look for the USDA seal. The seal means that 95% of the ingredients are indeed organic.

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Built-in Beds

2011-07-04T14:06:00.001-04:00

by Soorikian Architecture

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DIY: A Valuable Skill Or A Curse?

2011-06-28T15:20:00.034-04:00

The Do It Yourself craze is alive and well, and most likely here to stay. With HGTV and the original "Trading Spaces" on TLC fueling our inner creativity, the blogging world is ablaze with diy project ideas, Pottery Barn knock-offs and the frugal frenzy.

There is a never-ending desire to fulfill the "what can I create from nothing?" Or from this worn out, peeling paint, half rotten...thing? Every week we take our latest garage sale purchase, grab the camera and go nuts to our hearts desire! Sand, click...paint, click....glue, click.... and then post our creations on several weekly diy show-off blog parties. Definitely lots of skill!

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Melissa & Doug Toy Sale!

2011-06-25T11:51:00.001-04:00

At Joss & Main !

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New Windows In My World!

2011-06-21T14:21:00.001-04:00

(siding will be yellow or gray)

Well, we finally have new windows! We did half this year and will do the rest next year. No, not so glamorous like new lighting or furniture. But I can't tell you the satisfaction of going from old dark, sticky, drafty wood windows to new whites!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Child's Handprint Art

2011-06-18T13:23:00.004-04:00

If you have a baby or if your child is under five, this is a MUST-DO!

Randi at Dukes and Duchesses, shared this "growing handprints" keepsake and
wall art. It's a treasured idea she found in the Martha Stewart archives.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Recent Frugal Finds

2011-06-17T11:07:00.004-04:00

Here is a collection of great items I found recently at yard sales and a festival:

I LOVE this vase!

And nothing to do with it costing 50cents!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Good Year Blimp Landing!

2011-06-16T10:25:00.001-04:00

We had a surprise visit from the GoodYear Blimp recently! I'm sure many of you
have seen it in person at sporting events. I have only seen it on tv, so this
was another once in a lifetime event!

If you've seen it in person, you probably didn't see it like this - with little
else around, few people and it only 200ft away! And remember, this is special
event #2 in one day! (The other was the Osprey Nest.)

Quite a nose-dive coming in for landing!

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Osprey Bird & Nest

2011-06-14T18:09:00.003-04:00

This is way off topic, but so worthy of posting. There is an Osprey nest nearby and I was fortunate to get these photos. I have never seen an Osprey bird or its incredibly huge nest and I may never again!

A once in a lifetime event!

Osprey nests typically are found on telephone poles and other elevated places.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS POST....

Featured Designer: Diane Henkler

2011-06-14T09:09:00.003-04:00

Isn't this fan a delight?

Seriously, why have those boring brown blades and brass casing?

Fan manufacturers could learn something here....

This colorful fan is the genius work of Interior Designer Diane Henkler. If you're not familiar with Diane's work, you MUST visit her blog, In My Own Style.

I am always so impressed with the creative ideas Diane comes up with! She is the queen of diy projects - yes, she even cuts her own wood with her table saw! And as you see below, she takes a typical diy project and adds flair...

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Kids Playroom Ideas!

2011-06-12T18:30:00.004-04:00

by Grace Blu Designs, Inc.

by Leire Sol Asch

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BIG Things Thursday!

2011-06-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

10 - by - 10!
That's 10,000 page views by June 10th!!

Please spread the word TODAY so I hit 10,000 page views by end of the day TODAY!
Help Me.
Help me help you.
HELP ME HELP YOU!
(Jerry Maguire...)

And more BIG news:

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Ribbon Nursery Mobile

2011-06-08T13:26:00.002-04:00

Is this not the cutest. thing. ever????

Mrs. J, as she affectionately calls herself, at Modern Wivelyhood created this super cute mobile.

I love the colors and how it is facing the baby in the crib. Is it me or have you also noticed that most mobiles are not designed for the baby to look at from the crib? This is genius! But we must give credit where it's due.... Mrs. J designed this from a Pottery Barn mobile she saw.

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Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T10:05:00.000-04:00

Nostalgic Big Boy Room

2011-06-06T14:16:00.001-04:00

This big boy room is by Amy from Tulip and Turnip. She decorated this room
using things from the present and things from the past to create
a "camping" theme.

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Little Girly-Girl Rooms

2011-06-04T10:30:00.001-04:00

Super cute creative ideas for your little girl's room!

source

Adding a cornice over the closet makes this room unique!

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Creative Bloggers' Party

2011-05-29T19:17:00.001-04:00

Today I'm very pleased to be co-hosting the Creative Bloggers' Party with SJ from Homemaker On A Dime! Even though I'm fairly new to blogging, I have bopped around a bit and have to say SJ is a force to be reckoned with!

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Craigslist Considerations

2011-05-29T14:12:00.001-04:00

I've noticed several of my designing blogger buddies frequent their local thrift
stores, antique stores and flea markets. With my kiddos, I just don't have the
freedom to wander aimlessly as much as I'd like to. So, I admit, I'm a craigslist
junkie. My hub is too! I look at home things and he looks at tractors.

Tonight, I'm thinking about casual seating for the family room and anything for
my new workspace.

I found this!

It would be great in my office or even the living room. New fabric would be fairly easy with the almost straight lines.

And then I saw this - could go in my office -

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Tile Flooring: Yay or Nay?

2011-05-26T23:23:00.001-04:00

You're confused, right? How could I even fathom questioning the preference of tile? Well, I can. I'm very practical and realistic when purchasing products and occassionally, like now, tend to buck the popular trend. Hear me out...

by Maureen Fiori, AKBD, Allied Member ASID, CAPS

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Nurseries!

2011-05-26T21:39:00.002-04:00

Baby on the way?

Here is a mix of traditional and contemporary nurseries

that you're sure to get some great ideas from.

by Amy Lambert Lee

Did you notice the mirrored dresser?

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Batter Up!

2011-05-26T13:51:00.001-04:00

Notice anything different about this table?

Tonya at Love of Family & Home is so creative, she was able to take
two entirely different objects and put them together for a
one of a kind masterpiece!

Once upon a time she picked up an old baseball bat....

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Flower Bed Re-do!

2011-05-23T10:43:00.001-04:00

There is nothing more pleasing to the eye than new flowers!

About a month ago we removed old, overgrown and half dead Arborvitae bushes as seen in the post,

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Pretty in Pink Bathroom

2011-05-22T10:22:00.002-04:00

Isn't this bathroom darling?

Once again, Judy from DIY by Design shows her attention to detail: notice
the ribbon on the mirror, flowers on the window and what appears to be
a wallpaper border is hand painted!

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Healthy Blueberry Waffle Recipe!

2011-05-21T12:11:00.001-04:00

I don't normally post recipes and told myself I would not stray too far from children's decor ideas; however, I HAD to share this recipe with you! In our quest for a healthier lifestyle, including organics, I've stopped buying pre-made waffle and pancake mixes. The natural and organic ones are expensive and it's something we can certainly make from scratch at home.

(sorry there's only one, but we had devoured them all before I got the camera!)

Healthy, Fluffy & Crispy!

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Precious Pink Bedroom

2011-05-20T22:21:00.002-04:00

Perfectly Precious Pink!

If you haven't visited DIY by Design, you're really missing out. Judy's makeover
projects are stunning! I think she should re-name her blog DDD - for DIY by
Design Details - as she takes extra care in her attention to detail!

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Removing Wallpaper

2011-05-18T09:57:00.003-04:00

For anyone who just moved into a previously owned older house, they are probably faced with at least one room of wallpaper needing to be removed. In the late 90's wallpaper was 'in' and recently it has been booted out the door. There are rumblings of wallpaper making a comeback - not the typical leaves & flowers, but more contemporary and dramatic styles - even putting it on ceilings!

by Simply Grove

In the right space, it can work, as above.

So if you are faced with unsightly walls - or ceilings - I'm sure you've heard the heavy sighs when you tell your friends and family that you will be removing it. Yes, it is a tedious job, but it's really not too bad and it can even be therapeutic! There is nothing more satisfying - and even rebellious! - than grabbing a corner a pulling!

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Nautical Boys Rooms

2011-05-16T13:08:00.002-04:00

If you're considering a nautical styled room for your little boy,
here is some inspiration! I'll be doing a nautical bathroom so I'm going to
steal some of these great ideas!

by Jennifer Reynolds Interiors

Just look at the fabulous artistry on these next two....

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DIY Play Mat

2011-05-15T12:13:00.001-04:00

Make your own felt play mat!

This is a great idea and the possibilities are endless. Krista at

While He Was Napping created a fun, cheap and easy play mat with little

more than felt and a glue gun.

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Organic Bedrooms

2011-05-14T22:38:00.001-04:00

In my latest obsession of converting my family to organics, I found information on organic bedding, paints and furniture so I thought I'd share it with you. And I promise to get back to sharing regular kids decor!

Organic pillows from Lifekind

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Amity Home Kids Bedding Sale

2011-05-03T12:33:00.001-04:00

I just received this notification!

Amity Home children's bedding is on sale through One King's Lane.

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Homemade Baby Wipes

2011-05-01T13:31:00.001-04:00

Well, I jumped on the bandwagon of making disposable baby wipes. In this house we all use them so the amount of chemicals and the waste has bothered me for a long time. I'm trying to move away from as many chemicals as possible and make our house more green.

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Driving Towards A Green Light

2011-05-01T12:45:00.001-04:00

I've always subscribed to the recycle-reuse philosophy, even before recycle was a household word. My mother always reused things until there were holes in them. Back then she darned holey socks until she truly got tired of re-darning 2 or 3 times!

Recycling has gone far beyond darning socks to catching rain water, installing low-use toilets and faucets. Our goal is to install many of these, as well as buy organic foods and start a garden. Switching to organic foods is something I've dabbled in, a box of crackers here, cereal there. But recently, I made a bigger jump to purposely buy as much organic as possible. Our fabulous FDA is still dragging their feet on artificial colors & flavors while European countries have banned those chemicals for decades.

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How to go organic

2011-05-01T12:29:00.005-04:00

Recently, hubs & I made the decision to switch to mostly organic foods & personal items. While I've thought about it for years and dabbled with various products, reading one more article on all the chemicals our bodies ingest - and watching the efforts of Jamie Oliver's food makeovers - tipped the scale and the decision was made swiftly.

So how do you all of a sudden buy organic? Seems almost like learning another language. Or that's what it used to feel like. For us, it was easy. We made the decision to get greener and on my next shopping trip I skipped all the other foods and looked for organics.

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Good-bye April Showers

2011-04-30T16:34:00.001-04:00

Well, I don't know about all of you, but I'm very done with April! It has been a non-stop roller coaster which I'm hoping has come to an end. Not a fun ride. This past week especially sums up the whole month. Like this picture - disappointment in the snow and beauty in the bird.

From the devastation and sadness of the tornadoes to the joy and stunning beauty of the royal wedding. This parallels the highs and lows of my week and month with frustration of selling our house to resolution(!) and feeling like a queen while I enjoyed a spa day yesterday, thanks to my awesome hub!

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Featured Designer: Decorating Is Bliss

2011-04-24T12:33:00.003-04:00

Tween Room by Sharon

If you haven't discovered Decorating Is Bliss, you are missing out! I just love the colors Sharon uses and her posts feature so many great products, ideas and advice. And if you arrive to her blog a bit grumpy, Sharon's smiling face will jump right out and make you happy!

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Dino Rug & Wall Art

2011-04-21T13:28:00.003-04:00

Michell at Girl In Air, is so talented with her crafts!

She saw this PB idea and created her own.

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Finding A New Sofa

2011-04-18T11:03:00.002-04:00

As previously mentioned, I have changed my decorating palette colors from the jewel-toned dark green, red & gold to soothing-spa colors of aqua blue and lighter greens. However, I was really stuck in our living room since our sofas are those exact colors I don't want anymore:

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More Great Finds!

2011-04-17T14:17:00.010-04:00

So a few days ago, I had another shopping excursion for various decor pieces.

My last Mom's Day Out was a fun, nutty and exhilarating day! This shopping

day was as productive, but a bit less nutty. Though I did still have great old

rock & roll playing in the car!

I hit my usuals: Target, TJMaxx and Bed, Bath & Beyond. I picked up

new towels at BB&B to go with our Master Bath Makeover.

Lusciously soft aqua blue and seafoam green:

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A Flower Bed Haircut!

2011-04-16T20:08:00.001-04:00

In my quest to continue turning this new-to-us house into an updated and colorful home, we recently did some outside yard work. Here we are clearing the overgrown bushes in the front flower bed.

And here they go.....

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Project Simplify - Laundry Room

2011-04-08T12:17:00.001-04:00

Well, it's the last installment of Simple Mom's Project Simplify. This week we could choose our own spot for clearing out. I chose our laundry room. Someday, I hope it will be bright and colorful, use your imagination!

Nice and clean!

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Decor Blog Therapy

2011-04-07T14:39:00.002-04:00

Over the past 36 hours we've been consumed by house selling hell. So today I'm just focusing on things that I like, that are pretty, that make me happy. I've missed looking at all the great blogs out there! And I'm really behind in comment follow-up, so sorry, will catch up soon!

I love the style of our old house

The past weekend was full of 5 Minutes For Mom's Ultimate Blog Party getting to know you's, hopping, following & tweeting. Such fun making the connections - I'm still recovering from the twitter party that left me with computer-eyes!

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So Sweet Nursery

2011-04-05T10:04:00.000-04:00

Super sweet nursery by La Donna

I love the serene-ness of this nursery. It's colorful in a quiet way.

La Donna at Santa Beso created this for her daughter.

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Ultimate Blog Party!

2011-04-02T14:30:00.003-04:00

I am joining the Ultimate Blog Party hosted by Susan & Janice at 5 Minutes For Mom. This party is an annual HUGE HOP-FEST lasting an entire week from April 1-8, 2011! So join me and hop, follow, tweet and like the tons of new blogger friends you're sure to meet! Oh, and you might win some awesome prizes, too!

Like a $50 Home Depot card sponsored by 'yours truly!'

You need to be at the Twitter party on Monday.

Remember these events:

Twitter Party - Monday, April 4th - 9-10:30pm est

Follow @5minutesformom and hashtag #UBP11

And look for me too @PlayfulDecor

Live Simulcast - Thursday, April 7th - 9-11pm est

UBP Live

While you're at it, don't forget to Like Playful Decor on Facebook and Follow me
here and on Twitter! And leave a comment - I love comments and if you have
recently decorated a nursery or kid's room or made a super cute bedroom
accessory do tell! I'll check it out and add it to my gallery!
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Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T00:31:00.004-04:00

Tahoe snow covers ski lift!

176 inches in 7 days...
plus several more feet!

What Is Your Color Palette?

2011-03-29T13:34:00.006-04:00

(another new find from TJX)

As I walk around our "new-to us" house, I see bits and pieces of the old colors used at our previous house. Four years ago when we moved into that house, it screamed to keep the green, red and gold going and I did.
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