A Little Mental Cleaning

So over my little breakity-break from the bloggity-blog world I did a some mental cleaning. Part of the reason I stepped away (beyond stress at work) was that I knew my head wasn’t in the right place as far as the blog was concerned. I started this here blog just for the plain fun of it – just because I love decorating and love sharing my ideas and love of decor with you. But somewhere along the line my competitive nature took the wheel and I wasn’t happy anymore. I was constantly comparing myself to others and beating myself up for not being as creative, inventive, blah blah blah as others. Crazy, right?!

I only share this with you because I know if I felt this way, many of you out there have to be feeling the same thing. Let me share one of my favorite quotes with you:

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.

from The Life and Work of Martha Graham

In a nutshell – we all have worth; We all have value; We all have something to contribute to this world that nobody else can ever contribute. That’s true whether it’s with your family, your friends, your career…or yes, even your blog. You don’t have to be “perfect” you just have to be 100% authentically you, and share the fabulousness that God blessed you with with others.

xoxo

A Few Things I Learned from My Mother

• Just about any problem can be fixed with a good meal and a new outfit
• A good color sense and some paint are the only tools you really need
• Thinking inside the box is highly overrated
• Eating a donut for breakfast is totally acceptable
• Wisdom is earned through gracefully weathering the fierce storms of life
• Patience is a virtue and a little selflessness can move mountains and touch hearts
• After taking that first sip of a perfect Diet Coke you should say “Ahhhh” and then smack you lips and say “Mmm that’s a good one”
• With a little strength, creativity, prayer and perseverance you can accomplish just about anything
• God’s love is displayed through mothers

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the amazing mothers out there. And I’d also like to thank and celebrate the many non-mothers out there that inspire me daily.

XOXO

Hitches are a Witch

So, I showed you my new upholstered headboard yesterday, and alluded to a “blooper reel” I’d be sharing with you. Here’s the thing, I’ve never, not even once, not just one teensy weensy time, been able to get through a project without some unexpected hitch showing its nasty little face. Some hitches are worse than others, and some just seem to multiply within a project, but I’ve come to just expect the little buggers. I now know that at some point whilst working away on a project, a hitch is going to appear.

For example, when I was working on my headboard I originally started using individual upholstery tacks. I traced a straight line in pencil so I would know exactly where to nail each tack. I focused, and squinted my eyes in deep concentration using all of my physical and mental powers to create a straight line with the upholstery tacks. And this is what I got…

Blast! Gaah!!! Flumpity bumpity!!!

I finally gave in and realized that despite my best efforts, the individual upholstery tacks just weren’t gonna happen. So I got online and ordered upholstery tacks in a strip from this Ebay store…and then summoned all of my miniscule stores of patience while I waited for the tacks to arrive.

Yes, they finally arrived and I was able to finish the project, but my point is…expect the hitch and don’t be afraid of it. Wait for it; watch for it; recognize it when its ugly little head pops up. And then be willing to adapt and change directions to finish the project. But whatever you do, don’t get overly frustrated and give up (or GHASP! never attempt a project again). I promise you it will be worth it in the end to adapt and endure.

What Are You Afraid Of?

How many times do you think “I really want to (paint woodwork or brick, change a faucet, change a light fixture, paint ugly laminate countertops, put up wainscoting, use a power saw, etc.) in my home, but I could never do it. I wish I was that brave. Maybe someday.” I can relate to this fear. Really, I can.

With each project I tackle, there’s always a little fear lingering in the room with me. Fear usually hangs out in the corner, smoking a stinky cigar and saying discouraging things to me like “You’re going to ruin your house, ya know.”, or “Your project is going to look (silly, awful, amateurish) and nobody will ever want to buy your house from you.” You know…sweet things like that.

Honestly though, Fear is wrong 99% of the time. And even when it turns out that Fear had a pretty good point and something does look a little stupid or “off”, I can always fix it, and learn valuable lessons along the way.

Can I tell you how many times I’ve painted a room and hated the color? I could do an hour long Power Point presentation on the modern history of paint colors in my home. Those who have been reading my blog a while know this to be true. For instance see where my bedroom started 2 years ago: It had its good points but it was waaay too dark…for me) and by continuing to experiment with ideas, it’s now someplace I LOVE.

 

And yes, spending hours painting a room only to end up hating the color is incredibly frustrating. The good thing? It is soooo easy to remedy. A $20 can of paint and an afternoon is all it takes to get closer to finding a color you’ll truly love. And isn’t that better than spending years with a color you despise…or at least really, really dislike?

Need another example? Remember when I changed my bathroom faucets and warned you to reconnect the hot and cold hoses to the right valves? Um yeah…turns out I failed to do that on one of the sinks. After shaking my fists in the air and letting out a big “Gaah!”, I spent 5 minutes with a wrench and fixed the problem – and now I have lovely faucets that make me smile each time I see them.

And my most recent example?: my beautifully framed bathroom mirror. I love the concept. I love how it looks in pictures (or from a distance), but my cuts on the small trim pieces were a little off and the wood grain on the frame was bothering me. So did I tell myself “I’m a huge DIY failure and I should never attempt another project”? No. I learned from my mistakes and spent a little time fixing them. I took of the small (poorly cut) trim pieces, and made better cuts on a new ($3) piece of trim. I also got out my handy palm sander, gave the mirror frame a good sanding, and then skimmed the surface with a layer of spackle…followed by another light sanding by hand.

Note: Reflection grayed out to hide top secret bathroom projects underway.

The result? A more “professional” finish, and the satisfaction of knowing I did a job well all by my little self. And if I ever frame out a mirror like that again, I know to buy a smoother wood and/or sand/patch before painting.

The point is, do NOT let your fear of making a mistake keep you from creating a home you love. Do your research, plan ahead, but be kind to yourself if the results are less than perfect. Just pull up those big girl pants (or big boy pants if you’re a boy who’s reading this) and keep trying until you have that room you’ve been dreaming of. With a little trial, error and persistence you will get there.

What project have you been procrastinating because you’re too nervous to try?

Carpe Diem

This morning I was about to heat up my bagel in the microwave on a paper towel (because I didn’t want to get a dish dirty), and I thought “No, you deserve to eat on a real plate”. As I was about to reach for our slightly beat up everyday dishes, a little picture of the plate I really wanted to use snuck into my head. I instantly thought “No, you can’t use those. You keep them in the china cabinet so they won’t get chipped.”

I then did a mental double take. “What?! What do you mean I can’t use those dishes. I love them and their mine. If I don’t use them now when will I use them?” I then strode into the dining room, pulled out the shiny red plate and threw my bagel (sesame with swiss cheese) on it with determination and a satisfaction. The moral of this story? We only live once. Why set silly rules and limitation on what we can and can’t do? What little opportunity for happiness are you not “carpe-ing” this diem?

Happy New Year!!!

It’s me! I’m still alive and well. As you can tell, I fully unplugged over the holidays. It was fab, and much needed. Thanks so much for your patience. In fact I unplugged so much I didn’t even make it to Ikea or Anthropologie this time! I know…I’m as stunned as you are. Instead here’s a montage of odd photos from my trip.

Me in my Christmas jammies on Christmas Eve. Excuse the split in my bangs – nobody (uh hum…my son…or poodle) bothered to alert me.

Hot cocoa and cinnamon rolls..yum…

A mix CD from my son. It says “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my Mother. - Lincoln”. Doesn't that make you want to cry?!

Can you say “beautiful”?!!!

The best chimichanga I’ve eaten in months. Mmm, makes me want another one right.now.

A living room set I wanted to take home with me at Pottery Barn.

Loved this display too.

A mannequin with its pants down. Of course I had to take a picture…and share it with y’all.

The last night in town. Me and my boy.

I’ll be back tomorrow with something a tad more interesting…and decorating related.

Have a great Monday!

Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner? Take a Deep Breath

Are you hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year? Are you feeling a little frazzled and stressed out right about now? This little post will be my attempt at calming you down.

I've watched my dear, sweet, wonderful, angelic mother host holiday dinners year after year – and I swear the poor thing gains a grey hair or two every time she does it (although, you'd never know it from looking at her). My sweet little mama sets impossibly high standards for herself, stresses out beyond the max about how she’ll be able to reach those standards, and then feels guilty if she feels like she’s fallen short.

Does this sound familiar to any of you? Have a seat, grab a cup of cocoa and listen to me, okay?

Does it really matter if the pumpkin pie is from Costco instead of your Aunt Ruth’s recipe that requires 5 different spices imported from the Amazon and 10 hours of intensive labor? Yes, it’s a tradition. Yes, it kind of matters, but does it really matter?

Will anyone’s day be ruined because you didn’t hand carve a mini replica of the Mayflower out of yellow squash…and make matching name cards out of baby pumpkins?

Will the world come to a crashing halt if the food isn’t quite ready when everyone arrives, or if the turkey is a little dry? Will it…really?

I know we all want to please. I know we want to put our best faces forward when we entertain, but remember what people REALLY care about. They care about spending time with you. They care about catching up on what they’ve missed since they last saw you. They care about laughing about that one time, when they were 16 and they accidentally knocked over a trash can by the side of the road with their car because you were a brand new driver (that was my friend Betsy by the way).

Let people pitch in and help you cook. Let go of expecting everything to be perfect…it doesn’t have to be. Enjoy spending time with your guests. Enjoy your food…even if the gravy isn’t as "perfect" as the gravy your mom used to make.

Take a deep breath and enjoy the memories that are being made.

Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. Please don't throw mashed potatoes at me. I'm just the messenger :-).

What Are You Thankful For?

I gave Christmas the spotlight Monday, so I thought I ought to give Thanksgiving its due time today. I like Thanksgiving. It's not as sexy as Christmas, what with all those sparkly decorations and so forth, but it does have great food (my son once asked if I was going to cook a "big chicken" for Thanksgiving...he meant "turkey"...oh, I miss those days).

Anyway, what I really love about Thanksgiving is that it's an entire holiday dedicated to remembering and acknowledging all of the things we're thankful for. I'm a big believer in always counting your blessings, but Thanksgiving provides a unique kick in the pants to give some thought to all of those things you're grateful for. Here are a few things on my list (I apologize for the sappyness of this post):

1) My Son: He's, hands down, the greatest blessing I've received in my entire 33 years. And he does his own laundry.

2) My Parents: They're always there for me. Always. Even though they're 1200 miles away.

3) Our Home: I'm grateful for the safe haven it is for us, and the decorating playground it is for me.

4) Friends/My Adopted Oklahoma Family: Those of you living away from "home" know what I mean. There's nothing like a friend who will watch your dog, share carpool duties, rescue you when your car breaks down, and laugh with you when it's all over.

(Um, I'm a tad chubby in this photo...but I think it was taken 2 months post divorce (and in the midst of my Oreo obsession). Oh, I'm grateful for weight loss...)

5) Choclate, flea markets, thrift stores, TJ Maxx, paint...oh yes, paint!, the internet to teach me how to fix a toilet, fabric sales, homemade lattes, good tv, the best poodle in the world, hot showers, diet pepsi, Mexican food, pedicures, micro fleece...and good music...and the fact that there are people out there who can sing better than I can.

6) Finally, I'm thankful for YOU. Honestly...I'm not sucking up to the crowd here. I am truly, humbly, deeply grateful for all of you and the joy you bring into my life.

What are you thankful for? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I would challenge you to write out your own list.

Have a great weekend!

6 Easy Ways to Like Your Home More Today

Photo Credit: My Home Ideas

6 EASY WAYS TO LIKE YOUR HOME MORE TODAY

1) CLEAN SOMETHING: You don’t have to clean the whole house, just pick one area (i.e. a shelf, the floors in the living room) and clean it. Or set the clock for 15 or 30 minutes and see how much you can get done before the timer goes off. You’ll instantly feel better.

2) FIX ONE THING: Is there a light bulb that’s been out for a while? A piece of trim that needs 30 seconds with a glue gun? A button that needs to be sewn on? Choose one thing and do it.

3) MAKE YOUR HOUSE SMELL GOOD: Open a window (unless it’s 30 degrees outside), light a scented candle, spray some Febreeze on the upholstery (…and in your teenage son’s bedroom), bake cookies (well…you know…those pre-made ones from the deli case…I’m not asking you to clean AND bake real cookies!)

4) SHAKE IT UP BY SHOPPING THE HOUSE: Could the throw pillows on the sofa look nice on your bed?…or vice versa? Would that vase on your dresser be the perfect solution for your mantel with a handful of branches in it? Take a few minutes and experiment.

5) FIND SOMETHING TO PAINT!: Can you breathe new life into that old frame?, those ugly candlesticks?, or those boring oak stools? Think about it, and remember that a quart of paint or a can of spray paint is CHEAP.

6) DO SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY: Listen to music while you cook, light a few candles and “dine” over mac n’ cheese, eat on the good plates (that doesn’t have to include your 3 year old). Doing something out of the ordinary instantly makes things feel special.

Live in Your Dream HOME Right Now

One of the things I try to do on this little blog is to give you hope that you can improve your surroundings and create a place that feels like home. Whether you live in a dated house or an apartment where you can't touch the walls (with paint...that would be weird if you could never actually touch the walls), you can step out of the box and create an environment that makes you happy.


I haven't always had a house of my own. Back when I was a young single mom with a toddler (as opposed to the ancient 33 year old I am now...joking) I dreamed, and begged, and prayed every day that someday my son and I would have our own home. That dream wouldn't be realized for years, but I made the most out of what I had - which for a while was 2 bedrooms in my parent's house (sorry...I hope that isn't an overshare...just keeping it real here).


Even with those two little bedrooms I made an effort to create a home for us. My son's bedroom had a little loveseat in it where we could read together, or watch movies and munch on popcorn on our Friday night "date night". I would dim the lights and we would pretend it was a movie theater. I chose cute curtains and bedding for both rooms, and I even put up a Christmas tree in my bedroom each year that my son and I would decorate...sometimes with "ornaments" made from pine cones we collected in the backyard.



My point in sharing this is, we all dream of granite countertops, farmhouse sinks, and shiny hardwood floors....but don't get so wrapped up in looking to the future that you neglect the home you have right here, right now.

Guests Coming? Let's Have a Reality Check

You know that old saying “There’s nothing like the impending arrival of guests to make you get your butt in gear and clean/organize your house.” Okay, perhaps that’s not an actual a “saying”, but it’s true nonetheless (can I get an “Amen”?).

I am out-of-my-mind excited that my Dad and Step-Mom are coming to visit this weekend!



…and I was initially in deer-in-the-headlights-panic-mode over the list of procrastinated projects and cleaning that need to be done before they arrive.



I created a to-do list that would rival the list of to-do items for the 100+ staff members of Buckingham Palace to tackle before the Queen of England arrives.....And then I came to my senses.


There's a difference between cleaning up a bit, and going out of your mind - tearing your hair out like a loony person to make things "perfect". And honestly...who's really comfortable in a "perfect house". Personally, I'm most comfortable in homes that don't take themselves too seriously...where it's more about making the guests feel at home than obsessing about what's "imperfect".



Most people are relieved and most comfortable in a home that doesn't take itself too seriously...in a home that is lived in and filled with love....a home that has a personality and reflects the family that lives there. There's nothing worse than a host that's nervous the entire time you're there...worried and apologizing about everything that's "wrong" with the house.


In a nutshell...relax and focus on what's important....like spending quality time with your guests. Reality checks are a wonderful thing :).

Wonder Woman's Got Nothing on Us

Some of you may have seen a post I published yesterday evening in which I outlined a mountain of projects I was considering thinking of possibly trying to attempt over the weekend. Well..I deleted the post because I felt like I published it before really thinking it through fully.

I felt like it left the impression that I really am some sort of crazy Wonder Woman wannabe that repairs toilets, paints rooms, and hold garage sales (while juggling chainsaws…on fire) every weekend. That is soooo not the case, and I definitely don’t want anyone feeling like I’m a super go getter and they’re not “doing enough” because the chainsaws they juggle aren’t on fire.

In reality, I have a huge list I hope to accomplish every weekend…and then I usually get home after grocery shopping Saturday morning and say… “Whew I’m tuckered out. I think I’ll flop down on the couch and watch HGTV and Bravo. And maybe feed my son a PB&J sandwich….maybe.”

Wonder Woman was really cute, she had a great outfit (and figure) and she could jump really high (I always thought that was cool), but she didn’t have to deal with half of the responsibilities we have in real life….and I never once saw her juggle chainsaws while grocery shopping, cooking dinner, and creating a beautiful, loving home for her family :) .

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Happy Mother's Day!

Disclaimer: I'm taking liberties today to write an incredibly sappy post that has nothing to do with decorating. Hate me... :-).

I love Mother's Day....not so much for myself, but because it gives us a chance to recognize all of the fabulous mothers out there and the monumental contributions they make to our lives.

First, I am so inspired by each of you. I love seeing your never ending creativity, your love for your children and families, your imperfections which help me to know that it's ok to be imperfect myself. I learn from you and I am constantly fueled by each of you and your examples. So thank you, and Happy Mother's Day (and if you're not a mother, I wish you a Happy Woman's Day).

I also have to tell you that I have the best mom in the entire world. I really do. She's one of a kind, and I can't tell you how grateful I am to have a mom that would do almost anything for me. She's literally my best friend. I can tell her almost anything and I know she won't judge me or think I'm crazy. She'll listen to me rant for hours about anything from which wall color I should pick, to junk about work, to "Oh so this lady at the grocery store said this...and then I said this...". You know what I mean? How many people in your lives are you really able to do that with.

Thanks mom! I wouldn't be the person I am today without you.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

IDHTBPTBB - An Ode to The Nester

Head on over to the Nesting Place today and you can sign up to receive both a (somewhat) regular newsletter and the Nester's own ebook.



I try not to talk about the Nester too much because I don't want to seem like a crazy stalker or (even worse) a wannabe...I am my own person after all. But I have to tell you how much I love her and her philosophy of It Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful (also known as IDHTBPTBB...you know, for funzies).

Until I discovered the Nester I didn't realize how much I stressed out about making things look "perfect"...and then kicking myself because I couldn't make my house look as fab as the latest spread in Cottage Living or the Pottery Barn catalogue. The Nester opened my eyes and freed me from that crazy, irrational stress, and she allowed me to embrace my slightly imperfect home.

I really wish I'd had found this enlightenment years ago. For instance, here's the fireplace in the house I used to live in.

I hated it. It's dark rusty brick loomed over me and gave me a stomach ache every time I walked in the living room (and we won't even talk about the fact that this room was totally devoid of my personality...nope won't even go there).

I played with the idea of painting it and building a cool mantle about 20 billion times, but I never did it because I was afraid. I was afraid of what people would think; I was afraid of how it would affect resale; I was just plain afraid. The thing was, the lady that ended up buying the house loved everything else I had done, including painting my kitchen cabinets. In reality, she probably would have been grateful not to have to look at that overwhelming rusty wall o'brick.

The point of all this? Follow your instincts...honor your instincts. Take a risk. If you don't like the outcome you can always try again. There's no shame in painting a room several times until you find that color that makes you smile every time you walk in.

Your home should be a reflection of you and your family. It should make you happy, and at peace. That doesn't take money...that takes a change in your mindset and a willingness to take chances.

Have a great Monday!
~AnNicole

The Pottery Barn Lifestyle

Oh Pottery Barn...you wiley little temptress. As much as I resist, you get me every time.

I sometimes tell myself I can't like Pottery Barn because it's too commercial, not original enough, too expensive (it IS too expensive by the way...you listening Pottery Barn?), but I'm still entranced every time they come out with a new collection.

The thing is, I think Pottery Barn is genius at selling a lifestyle...and, I don't know about you, but sometimes I kind of want that lifestyle. It's kind of like how I secretly want a J. Crew boyfriend...but that's another story .

I really want to go outside on a sunny Saturday morning and soak in some rays on these outdoor sofas.


And then later in the day I really want to have a summer evening dinner party that looks like this (and yes, a built in grill would be great).

"Cold drink anyone?"

"Oh wait, I'll bring it to you on this adorable galvanized tray."

"What?! You brought me a present. Oh you shouldn't have. I'll set it right here on my perfectly organized and accessorized desk."

"Where did the guys go? Oh, you say they're inside watching the game on our ginormous 60 inch flatscreen? Oh...those silly guys...."

"What do you say we take our stemless glassware inside?..."

"...And sit and chat by the fire?"

"Oh the game's over already? Thanks everyone. That was a great night. I'm off to take a soak in my tub..."

" ...And then curl up in my incredibly fluffy and inviting bed."

Um...is anyone still reading? Please say you'll keep reading my blog :)....

I love my imperfectly perfect life and I wouldn't change a thing about it, but it is kind of fun to pretend sometimes, isn't it?

Oh, and if you know my J. Crew boyfriend give him my email address...HA! Seriously, don't start giving strange men my email address. I was totally kidding about that.